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Official Website

of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

    The .gov means its official.

    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 

    Genealogy

    We maintain birth and death records registered in Pennsylvania from 1906 to the present. Legislation allows public access to birth and death records after a fixed amount of time has passed.

    • Self-search of records housed at the Division of Vital Records (DVR) is not permitted. DVR staff must conduct all searches.
    • Information on birth or death records that occurred prior to 1906 can be obtained by contacting the appropriate Pennsylvania County Courthouse. Visit www.pacourts.us/courts/courts-of-common-pleas/orphans-court-clerks for a list of county courthouses.
    • All certified copies of birth and death records are issued by the Division of Vital Records, regardless if they are public records or not. Refer to the Ordering Information for specific details.
    • The armed forces fee waiver does not apply to genealogical requests.

    Public Access to Records (Non-Certified Copies)

    Certified Copies of Public Records

    • All certified copies of birth and death records are issued by the Division of Vital Records, regardless if they are public records or not. Refer to Ordering Information for specific details.
    • The armed forces fee waiver does not apply to genealogical requests.
    • Be sure to indicate on the Birth Certificate Application or Death Certificate Application that the intended use of the certified copy is for genealogical research. Click Forms to complete online form or print a copy.
    • Applicants may provide additional information not requested on the application form on a separate sheet of paper attached to the application.
    • Searches of multiple years can be requested. Click on Multi-Year Searches for more information.

    Additional Suggestions

    • There are a variety of websites available that offer genealogy resources. Search the Internet for "genealogy."
    • Research material such as wills, deeds, mortgages, marriage and divorce records, tax records, and even military records is available at county courthouses.
    • Some libraries have information available on individual county and state historical societies. Libraries can also house a wide variety of references for genealogical research, including maps for the area of interest.
    • Some foreign countries have agencies that maintain records of interest. Addresses for these agencies can be found in the public library or by searching the Internet.
    • Question family, friends or old neighbors who may be able to provide valuable information. Photographs in family albums could also be a source of information. Family members may be able to identify unknown individuals in the photographs.

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