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Birth Certificates
The Division of Vital Records maintains records of births that occurred from 1906 to the present. Certified copies of birth certificates (with a raised seal) are issued and acceptable for various uses, such as:
- Personal identification
- Employment
- Passport application
- Social Security
Frequently Asked Questions:
If I don't have acceptable photo identification, can I still obtain a birth certificate? Yes, you must follow a simple set of instructions in order to obtain a birth certificate.
I have acceptable photo identification, how do I obtain a certified copy of a birth certificate? Please follow the instructions below.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING RIGHT-TO-KNOW LAW: Birth certificates maintained by the Division of Vital Records are not public certificates and, therefore, cannot be released under the provisions of Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know-Law. To determine if you are eligible to apply for a certified copy, please review the following:
**IMPORTANT NOTICE**
Effective April 2, 2012, we are switching to a new computer operating system which will enhance our services to you. During this transition time, pick up times may vary and we may not be able to offer same day service. We appreciate your patience during this conversion process and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.
Thank you for your understanding.
Who May Request a Birth Certificate?
Only certain people can request a birth certificate. You must be:
- Person named on the birth certificate, who is 18 years of age or older (if under 18, immediate family member must apply)
- Legal representative
- Husband / wife
- Parent / step-parent*
- Brother / sister / half-brother / half-sister
- Son / daughter / stepson* / stepdaughter*
- Grandparent / great grandparent (specify maternal or paternal)
- Grandchild / great grandchild
- Power of Attorney (for person named on birth certificate or immediate family member listed above)
If the person named on the birth certificate is deceased, a family member who is not an immediate family member must submit a copy of the death certificate to be eligible to receive a certified copy of the birth certificate.
*A step-parent or step-child is required to submit parents' marriage record supporting their relationship.
Cost
There is a $10 fee for each certified copy. Check or money order should be made payable to Vital Records. This fee may be waived for individuals who served or are currently serving in the Armed Forces or their dependents. The Armed Forces fee waiver does not apply to genealogical requests.
How to Get a Birth Certificate
There are 3 ways to obtain a certified copy of a birth certificate. Be sure to complete all required information on the application form provided within each link:
- Order online
- Request by mail
- In person at a public office (see 6 locations below):
What if the Year of Birth is Unknown?
An applicant may request a multi year birth search .
On December 15, 2011, Governor Tom Corbett approved Senate Bill 361.
Effective February 13, 2012, you may now access Pennsylvania birth and death indices to search for birth records for 1906 and death records from 1906 through 1961. The original birth and death records for these years are located at the Pennsylvania State Archives. Information on searching the indices is available on the Public Records page.
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