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Official Website

of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    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. 

    Request a Death Certificate

    Order a death certificate. Death certificates are used to settle estates, close accounts, and claim life insurance.

    Order a Death Certificate
    Find a Vital Records Office

    Overview

    A death certificate is an official document that includes details about someone's death. It's printed on special paper with a seal and used for handling money matters, getting benefits, closing accounts, and more.

    Who Can Order a Death Certificate?

    People who can request a death certicate include: 

    • Spouse
    • Ex-spouse (with proof of direct interest)
    • Parent or step-parent (step-parent needs marriage certificate)
    • Sibling or half-sibling
    • Child
    • Stepchild (with parent's marriage certificate)
    • Grandparent or great-grandparent
    • Grandchild or great-grandchild
    • Power of Attorney
    • Attorney or legal representative of the estate (with additional documents)
    • Representative of the estate (with proof of direct interest)
    • Individual with direct financial interest (with additional documents)
    • Government office handling the estate (with a letter from an official)
    • Extended family (may additional documents)

    What is an Acceptable ID?

    When applying for a certificate you must present an unexpired government-issued photo identification at time of application. If you are requesting that the certificate be mailed to you, you must provide a form of government-issued photo identification that also provides proof of address. View forms of acceptable ID.

    Ways to Order a Death Certificate

    You can order a death certificate online anytime at VitalChek. VitalChek is Pennsylvania's only approved vendor. The cost is $20 for each certificate, payable by credit card, unless you meet the fee waiver requirements for members of the U.S. Armed Forces. When ordering online, you must also pay a $10 service fee. 

    If you use another online vendor and have issues, you will need to contact them directly for help.

    Complete an Application for Death Certificate and bring a form of acceptable ID. Visit the public office page for office locations and hours of operation. The cost for a death certificate is $20 each regardless of the quantity that you order unless you meet the fee waiver requirements for members of the U.S. Armed Forces. 

    Complete an Application for Death Certificate and mail it along with a form of acceptable ID to the address listed below.  All certificates are mailed using First Class Mail.
     
    Division of Vital Records
    Death Certificate Processing Unit
    PO Box 1528
    New Castle, PA 16103
     
    The cost for a death certificate is $20 each regardless of the quantity that you order unless you meet the fee waiver requirements for members of the U.S. Armed Forces. When applying by mail, please submit payment in the form of a check or money order made payable to "VITAL RECORDS".  Cash is not accepted.

    Contact Us

    Email us

    Complete our form to email us a question or concern.

    Contact Us Regarding Birth & Death Certificates

    Call us

    We are available for your call on Mon-Fri from 7:15 a.m. to 10 p.m.

    844-228-3516