Key Takeaways
- Pennsylvania birth certificates cost $20.00 per copy and can be ordered online through VitalChek, by mail to New Castle PA, or in person at Division of Vital Records offices
- All certified copies include a raised seal required for REAL ID applications and passport applications with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and U.S. State Department
- Records after 1905 are handled by the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Division of Vital Records, while earlier records require contact with the county courthouse where the person was born
- Online ordering is available 24/7 through government websites, but applicants must be 18 or older and provide valid identification
- Birth certificates must include parent names to serve as proof of U.S. citizenship for passport applications and other federal documentation
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Whether you’re applying for a REAL ID passport, or need proof of citizenship, a Pennsylvania birth certificate is often the foundational document you’ll require. The Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Division of Vital Records maintains these essential vital records and provides multiple ways for eligible individuals to obtain certified copies.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining your PA birth certificate, from understanding costs and requirements to navigating the ordering process. Whether you need a birth record for immediate use or are planning ahead for future documentation needs, you’ll find the specific information required to complete your request efficiently.
How to Obtain Your Pennsylvania Birth Certificate
Pennsylvania offers three convenient methods for obtaining your birth certificate: online ordering, mail requests, and in-person visits to Division of Vital Records offices. Each method has specific advantages depending on your timeline and location.
Eligibility Requirements
You can request a Pennsylvania birth certificate if you are the person named on the birth record or an immediate family member. Immediate family includes parents, siblings, spouses, children, grandparents, and grandchildren. All applicants must be at least 16 years old for mail and in-person requests, or 18 years old for online ordering.
Required Documentation
Every birth certificate request requires a completed application form and valid identification. You must provide a legible copy of government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID. If you don’t have photo ID, you can substitute two current documents showing your full name and address, such as utility bills or bank statements.
Family members requesting someone else’s birth certificate must also provide documentation proving their relationship, such as their own birth certificate or marriage license.
Processing Times and Delivery
Processing times vary by method. Online orders typically process faster than mail requests, while in-person visits often provide same-day service. The Division of Vital Records posts current processing times on their website, though actual times may vary during peak periods or when additional verification is needed.
Cost and Fees
Understanding the complete cost structure helps you budget appropriately and choose the most cost-effective ordering method for your situation.
Standard Costs
The standard cost for a Pennsylvania birth certificate is $20.00 per certified copy. This fee applies to all birth records dated after 1905 and remains consistent regardless of whether you order online, by mail, or in person.
Additional Fees
Online ordering through VitalChek involves additional convenience fees beyond the $20.00 state fee. These fees cover processing and can vary based on delivery options you select. Express shipping options will increase your total cost further.
For historical birth records from 1893 to 1905, the Register of Wills Office charges a $5.00 search fee in addition to any copy fees.
Payment Methods
Payment options depend on your ordering method. Online orders accept credit and debit cards through secure government websites. Mail orders require a check or money order payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In-person visits typically accept cash, check, money order, or credit cards, though specific payment policies may vary by office location.
Online Ordering Process
Online ordering provides the most convenient option for many Pennsylvania residents, offering 24/7 access and faster processing than traditional mail requests.
Getting Started
Visit the official Pennsylvania Department of Health website or use the authorized VitalChek.com portal. These are the only legitimate government websites for ordering Pennsylvania vital records online. Avoid unofficial websites that may charge excessive fees or compromise your personal information.
Required Information
You’ll need to provide the full name as it appears on the birth record, complete birth date, and the city and county where the birth occurred. Parent names, including the mother’s maiden name, are typically required and essential if you plan to use the certificate for passport applications.
Application Process
Complete the online application form with all required information. Upload clear, legible copies of your identification documents, which may include your CA driver’s record. The system will guide you through each step and alert you to any missing information before you submit your order.
Payment and Processing
After reviewing your application, proceed to payment using a valid credit or debit card. The system will calculate total fees including state charges and convenience fees. You’ll receive a receipt and confirmation number for tracking your order status.
Delivery typically takes 7-10 business days for standard shipping, with expedited options available for urgent requests.
Mail Ordering Process
Mail ordering remains a reliable option for those who prefer traditional methods or cannot access online services.
Mailing Address
Send your complete application to:
Division of Vital Records
P.O. Box 1528
New Castle, PA 16103-1528
This address handles all mailed birth certificate requests for the entire state of Pennsylvania.
Required Documents
Include a completed birth certificate application form, which you can download from the Pennsylvania Department of Health website. Attach a legible copy of your photo identification and any relationship documentation if requesting someone else’s certificate.
Payment
Include a check or money order for $20.00 per certificate, made payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Do not send cash through the mail, as it cannot be replaced if lost.
Processing and Return Shipping
Mail processing typically takes 2-4 weeks from the date your application is received. This timeframe includes both processing and return shipping via regular mail. The Division of Vital Records will mail your certified copy to the address you provide on your application form.
If there are questions about your request or missing information, processing may take longer while staff contact you for clarification.
Historical Birth Records
Pennsylvania maintains different procedures for accessing older birth records, depending on when the birth occurred.
Records from 1893-1905
Birth certificates from this period are available through the Register of Wills Office in the county where the birth occurred. You’ll need to contact the appropriate county courthouse directly, as these records are not maintained by the state Division of Vital Records.
The search fee for historical records from this period is $5.00, which covers the cost of locating the record in historical archives.
Pre-1893 Records
Birth certificates before 1893 may not exist in official government records, as systematic birth registration was not yet established throughout Pennsylvania. For these early records, check with local historical societies, churches, or family records, as births may have been recorded in religious or community documents rather than government vital records.
Search Process
When requesting historical records, provide as much specific information as possible, including the full name, exact birth date, parents’ names, and the specific city or township where the birth occurred. Historical searches often take longer than modern records due to manual filing systems and the need to search through archived documents.
Contact the Register of Wills Office in the appropriate county for specific procedures, fees, and processing times for historical birth record searches.
Special Situations and Requirements
Certain circumstances require additional steps or considerations when obtaining your Pennsylvania birth certificate.
Adding Father’s Name
If your birth certificate doesn’t include your father’s name and you need it added for passport or other official purposes, call the special assistance line at 800-932-0211. This process typically requires additional documentation proving paternity and may involve court orders or acknowledgment forms.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship Requirements
For passport applications, your Pennsylvania birth certificate must include parent names to serve as acceptable proof of U.S. citizenship. Birth certificates without this information may not meet U.S. Department of State requirements.
REAL ID Compliance
All Pennsylvania birth certificates issued by the Division of Vital Records include the embossed seal required for REAL ID applications. You don’t need to request a special version for REAL ID purposes. The standard certified copy meets Pennsylvania Department of Transportation requirements for identity verification.
Resources for Non-Pennsylvania Births
If you were not born in Pennsylvania, you’ll need to contact the vital records office in your birth state. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains a comprehensive guide called “Where to Write for Vital Records” that provides contact information for all state vital records offices.
Uses for Pennsylvania Birth Certificates
Understanding how you’ll use your birth certificate helps ensure you request the appropriate version and plan adequate processing time.
REAL ID Applications
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation requires certified birth certificates with raised seals for REAL ID applications. Your Pennsylvania birth certificate serves as primary proof of identity and lawful status when upgrading your driver’s license or state identification card.
Passport Applications
The U.S. Department of State accepts Pennsylvania birth certificates as proof of U.S. citizenship for passport applications, provided the certificate includes parent names. This requirement helps verify your citizenship status and family connections.
Identity Verification
Birth certificates serve as foundational identification documents for numerous government and legal processes, including Social Security applications, school enrollment, employment verification, and benefits applications.
Legal and Financial Transactions
Banks, insurance companies, and legal professionals often require certified birth certificates for account openings, policy applications, estate planning, and inheritance proceedings.
Contact Information and Support
Multiple contact options ensure you can get assistance regardless of your preferred communication method.
Primary Contact Numbers
Division of Vital Records: (724) 656-3100
Alternative assistance line: 866-712-8238
Father’s name addition: 800-932-0211\
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Business Hours
Most phone lines operate during standard business hours, Monday through Friday. Call early in the day for shorter wait times, especially during peak periods when many people are requesting documents for REAL ID or travel purposes.
Online Resources
The Pennsylvania Department of Health website provides comprehensive information, downloadable forms, and processing time updates. These government websites offer the most current information about procedures, fees, and any temporary service changes.
In-Person Office Locations
Division of Vital Records maintains several office locations throughout Pennsylvania where you can submit requests in person and often receive same-day service for urgent needs. If you require your documents for international use, it’s important to understand the difference between apostille and authentication for proper legalization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order a birth certificate for someone other than myself?
You can only order birth certificates for immediate family members, including parents, siblings, spouses, children, and grandparents. You must provide documentation proving your relationship and meet all identification requirements.
How long does it take to receive a birth certificate by mail?
Mail processing typically takes 2-4 weeks total, including both processing time and return shipping. This timeframe can extend during busy periods or if your application requires additional verification.
What if my birth certificate doesn’t have my father’s name listed?
Call 800-932-0211 to inquire about adding your father’s name to your birth record. Without parent names, your birth certificate may not be acceptable for passport applications or other federal documentation requiring proof of citizenship.
Are Pennsylvania birth certificates from the 1800s available?
Records from 1893-1905 are available through the Register of Wills Office in the county where the birth occurred, with a $5.00 search fee. Records before 1893 may not exist in official government archives and may require research through historical societies or religious institutions. If you need to authenticate your birth certificate for international use, you may want to explore same-day birth certificate apostille services for fast and reliable document authentication.
Can I use a Pennsylvania birth certificate for international travel?
Yes, Pennsylvania birth certificates that include parent names meet U.S. Department of State requirements for passport applications. The passport then serves as your official travel document for international trips.
