What is a stillborn birth certificate?
A stillborn birth certificate is a commemorative document that contains summary information from a fetal death record. The stillborn birth certificate is noncertified and does not serve as official legal documentation. If you need legal documentation surrounding a stillborn birth, please apply for a fetal death certificate.
Our office only issues stillborn birth certificates for fetal deaths that occurred in Pennsylvania since 1950.
How do I apply for a stillborn birth certificate?
For in-person services: You may order a stillborn birth certificate in person (8 am to 4 pm weekdays, excluding state holidays) at one of our six Vital Records Branch Offices. However, all orders are transferred to our New Castle office for processing. Bring along a completed Application for Stillborn Birth Certificate or complete an application upon your arrival. Payment must be made by check or money order payable to "Vital Records". Cash and credit cards are not accepted.
For mail services: You may complete an Application for Stillborn Birth Certificate and mail it to the address listed below. All certificates are mailed using First Class Mail®. Applications should be mailed to the following address:
Division of Vital Records
Special Services Unit
PO Box 1528
New Castle PA, 16103
Who can apply for a stillborn birth certificate?
You must meet the following requirements to receive a stillborn birth certificate.
- You must complete an Application for Stillborn Birth Certificate
- You must provide valid identification.
- You must sign your application.
- You must be the parent of the fetus.
- The initial stillborn birth certificate issued against the record is free. A fee of $20 is required for each subsequent stillborn birth certificate ordered against the record.
How do I name my fetus?
Names of fetuses were not included on the fetal death report until 2006. Therefore, you may list the name you would like to give your fetus on the Application for Stillborn Birth Certificate. You may also list a name for your fetus if the fetal death occurred after 2006 and the fetus was not named at time of delivery.
If the fetal death record lists a name for the fetus, the stillborn birth certificate will show the name listed on the record.
How long does it take to get a stillborn birth certificate?
Stillborn birth certificates take up to 4 weeks to issue once your application is received at our New Castle office.
What is the cost for a stillborn birth certificate?
The first stillborn birth certificate issued for a fetal death is free. The cost for each subsequent stillborn birth certificate is $20 each regardless of the quantity that you order. Payment is deposited upon receipt of your application and is not refundable.
Please submit payment in the form of a check or money order made payable to "VITAL RECORDS". Cash is not accepted.
Where can I get more information?
If you have questions about Pennsylvania birth certificates, contact the Division of Vital Records using one of the following methods:
- Online contact form – Allow two to three business days for a response.
- Call 724-656-3100 or toll-free at 844-228-3516, Mondays through Fridays 7:15 am to 10 pm.