Vital records office in Pennsylvania
How to obtain certified copies of birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates from Pennsylvania for immigration filings, USCIS evidence, school enrollment, or any other purpose.
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Birth Event: Birth Cost of copy: $20.00 Address: Division of Vital Records P.O. Box 1528 New Castle, PA. 16103-1528 Remarks: State office has records since January 1906. All requests must be submitted on an application form, which requires the signature of individual requesting the certificate and a legible copy of his/her valid government issued photo ID that verifies name and mailing address of the individual requesting the certificate. Application forms, eligibility requirements, fees, and additional information, including how to apply online with a credit card for an additional fee are available via the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Vital Records website . The telephone number is (724) 656-3100. Personal check or money order should be made payable to Vital Records. Pennsylvania birth certificates prior to 1906 can be accessed through the courthouse in the county where the person was born. A list of court houses is available via the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Vital Records website . Death Event: Death Cost of copy: $20.00 Address: Division of Vital Records P.O. Box 1528 New Castle, PA. 16103-1528 Remarks: State office has records since January 1906. All requests must be submitted on an application form, which requires the signature of individual requesting the certificate and a legible copy of his/her valid government issued photo ID that verifies name and mailing address of the individual requesting the certificate. Application forms, eligibility requirements, fees, and additional information, including how to apply online with a credit card for an additional fee are available via the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Vital Records website . The telephone number is (724) 656-3100. Personal check or money order should be made payable to Vital Records. Pennsylvania death certificates prior to 1906 can be accessed through the courthouse in the county where the person died. A list of court houses is available via the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Vital Records website . Marriage Event: Marriage (county) Cost of copy: Varies Remarks: Make application to the Marriage License Clerks, County Court House, in county where license was issued. A list of court houses is available here . Divorce Event: Divorce (county) Cost of copy: Varies Remarks: Make application to the Prothonotary, Court House, in county seat of county where divorce was granted. A list of court houses is available here .
Last Reviewed: January 19, 2018 Source: National Center for Health Statistics
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Pennsylvania vital records office details
- CDC W2W (Where to Write) page: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w/pennsylvania.htm
Why immigrants need certified vital records
USCIS, courts, schools, and many other US agencies require certified vital records (not photocopies) for:
- I-130 family petition — birth certificate proves family relationship
- I-485 adjustment of status — birth certificate of applicant and beneficiaries
- N-400 naturalization — marriage certificate if applying under spouse-of-USC 3-year rule
- Apostille — for use of US documents in foreign countries (your home country may require US apostille)
- School enrollment — proof of date of birth
- Real ID applications — proof of identity
Apostille and authentication
If you need to use a Pennsylvania vital record OUTSIDE the United States (e.g., for use at your home country’s consulate), you typically need an apostille from the Pennsylvania Secretary of State’s office. See /procedures/apostille-document/ for the process.
Related procedural information
- Consulate of your country in the US — your home country’s transcription/legalization of US records
- Translate documents for USCIS — certified-translation standard
- Apostille (document legalization) — for use abroad
- USCIS Form I-130 — family petition — uses vital records as evidence
- USCIS Form N-400 — naturalization — vital records for marriage-based 3-year rule
Last verified: 2026-05-27. General procedural information — not legal advice. Fees and processing times change; verify with the Pennsylvania office.
Order vital records in Pennsylvania
Birth, death, and marriage certificates are issued by each state. Use your state's official guide:
- Pennsylvania — how to order birth, death & marriage certificates (official CDC guide)
Birth certificate copy: about $20.00 (verify current fee)
Frequently asked questions
Where do I get a US birth certificate from Pennsylvania?
How do I get a marriage certificate from Pennsylvania?
What if my certificate is in Spanish or another language?
Can I order vital records for someone else?
The rules change. Hear about it first.
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General information, not legal advice. MigrantUSA is an independent publisher and is not a law firm; using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship, and this content is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney about your specific situation. US federal, state, and local government procedures, fees, and forms change. Always verify current details directly with the relevant agency before acting. For immigration, tax, or other legal matters specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney or BIA-accredited representative.