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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. 

    Processing Times

    Processing times refers to the length of time that it takes Vital Records to process your application from the date we receive your complete application. 

    General processing times are listed below. If your application exceeds the published processing times, you can call us to inquire about the status of your application.

    Processing times may be delayed due to application information issues. Additional processing time may be required for applications that involve items such as the following:  Genealogical requests, subpoenas, court orders, or power of attorneys.

    Application for a Birth Certificate

    • Online orders placed through mycertificates.health.pa.gov: Approximately 2 weeks
    • Paper applications mailed to the Division of Vital Records:  Approximately  2 weeks

    Application for a Death Certificate

    • Online orders placed through mycertificates.health.pa.gov: Approximately 3 weeks
    • Paper applications mailed to the Division of Vital Records:  Approximately 3 weeks

    Adoptee's Application for a Noncertified Copy of Original Birth Record

    • Paper applications mailed to the Division of Vital Records:  Approximately 45 days

    Requests to Modify a Birth Record

    • Requests submitted with complete and accurate information:
      • Infant (Age Less Than 1 Year Old): Approximately 20 weeks
      • Child (Age 1 Year to Less Than 7 Years Old): Approximately 20 weeks
      • Child (Age 7 Years to Less Than 14 Years Old): Approximately 20 weeks
      • Child (Age 14 Years to Less Than 18 Years Old): Approximately 20 weeks
      • Adult (Age 18 Years Old and Above): Approximately 20 weeks
      • Adoption: Approximately 6 weeks
      • Parentage: Approximately 20 weeks

    Requests to Modify a Death Record

    • Requests submitted with complete and accurate information: Approximately 8 weeks
    • Suspension of Requests (due to issues such as eligibility concerns, incomplete or conflicting information, missing signatures or missing documentary evidence):  Approximately 12 Weeks