How Do I Get a Death Certificate in Pennsylvania?

Use our free calculator to determine how many certified death certificates to order based on your specific situation, and see exactly what it will cost in your state.

More than certificates? One checklist for the whole estate.

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Death certificate requirements and fees vary by state and are subject to change. This calculator provides estimates based on publicly available data. Contact your state vital records office for current pricing and availability.Data verified 2026-04-21

Frequently Asked Questions

In Pennsylvania, each certified copy costs $20. Copies ordered together cost less than placing separate orders later. The estate settlement plan outlines each account and institution that typically requires a certified copy.

Death certificates in Pennsylvania are issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Health - Division of Vital Records. Online ordering is available. Most funeral homes also assist families with ordering certificates at the time of death.

Processing times in Pennsylvania vary. Contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health - Division of Vital Records for current turnaround times. Funeral homes typically handle initial certificate orders at the time of death.

In Pennsylvania, death certificates can be requested by: Immediate family, Legal representative, Person with demonstrable legal interest. Requesters typically need to provide Valid photo ID and Completed application.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health - Division of Vital Records has death records from 1906 to present. Records become public 105 years after the date of death.

The number of certified copies depends on the deceased's accounts and assets. Banks, insurance companies, government agencies, and retirement plans each typically require an original certified copy. Most families need between 8 and 15 copies. The Pennsylvania estate settlement plan lists each step of the estate settlement process to help determine the right number.

Death Certificates in Pennsylvania

Most families underestimate how many certified death certificates they need. Banks, insurance companies, government agencies, and financial institutions each typically require an original certified copy with a raised seal. Each copy costs $20 from the Pennsylvania Department of Health - Division of Vital Records.

Estate settlement in Pennsylvania begins with notifying banks, insurers, and government agencies — each requiring a certified copy. The probate timeline starts at 6 months for simple estates, with a 12 months creditor claim window. Delays in obtaining certificates can extend this timeline further.

The Pennsylvania estate settlement plan walks through every step from obtaining death certificates to final distribution. For a full breakdown of probate fees and timeline, see the probate cost calculator.