State Vital Records in Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Department of Health - Division of Vital Records issues certified copies of death certificates for deaths that occurred in Pennsylvania. Executors and surviving family order certified copies to close accounts, file insurance claims, and transfer titles; the office sets the fees, eligibility rules, and processing times.
Administering agency
Pennsylvania Department of Health - Division of Vital Records
State Vital Records in Pennsylvania: key facts
- Administering office
- Pennsylvania Department of Health - Division of Vital Records.
- Contact
- Phone 724-656-3100.
- Mail orders
- Division of Vital Records, Death Certificate Processing Unit, PO Box 1528, New Castle, PA 16103.
- Certificate fee
- $20 for the first certified copy.
- Processing time
- Approximately 3 weeks (online or mail).
- Who may order
- Immediate family; Legal representative; Person with demonstrable legal interest.
- Filing deadline
- The death certificate must be filed within 4 days.
- Public record
- Death records become public 50 years after the death.
- Records available from
- 1906.
Steps to take when someone dies
- Confirm the death occurred in Pennsylvania — the record belongs to the state where the death occurred, regardless of where the deceased lived.
- Order certified copies through any of the office's channels:
- Online: Order at mycertificates.health.pa.gov ($20 + $10 processing fee)
- By mail: Mail completed Application for Death Certificate with check/money order payable to VITAL RECORDS
- In person: Visit one of six Vital Records Branch Offices for faster service
- Include what the office requires with the order:
- Valid photo ID
- Completed application
- Allow the office's processing time (approximately 3 weeks (online or mail)).
Pennsylvania Department of Health - Division of Vital Records
Phone: 724-656-3100
Visit the agency website →Frequently asked questions
by mail: Mail completed Application for Death Certificate with check/money order payable to VITAL RECORDS. in person: Visit one of six Vital Records Branch Offices for faster service. Mail orders go to Division of Vital Records, Death Certificate Processing Unit, PO Box 1528, New Castle, PA 16103.
The death certificate must be filed within 4 days. The funeral director or person in charge of disposition files the certificate with the state; the family orders certified copies once the record is registered.
Valid photo ID; Completed application. The office also asks for the deceased's full name, date of death, and place of death to locate the record.
The record belongs to the state where the death occurred, not the state of residence. Order from the state of death, following its fees and eligibility rules.
Sources
Data sourced from State Vital Records in Pennsylvania primary sources (1 page reviewed). How we research.
Administering agency
Pennsylvania Department of Health - Division of Vital Records