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Procedures

Birth, marriage, death certificates in Pennsylvania — vital records

How to obtain certified birth, marriage, death certificates in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Department of Health, Vital Records. Fees, processes, timelines. Critical for immigration cases.

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Vital records in Pennsylvania

Official office: Pennsylvania Department of Health, Vital Records

Types of certificates available

Certified Birth Certificate

For:

  • Immigration cases (USCIS petitions, naturalization)
  • US passport
  • Social Security card
  • Driver’s license + DMV
  • School enrollment
  • Employment (I-9 verification)
  • Federal/state benefits

Certified Marriage Certificate

For:

  • Name change
  • I-130 petitions (spouse petition)
  • Social Security benefits
  • Taxes (filing status)
  • Fiancé(e) visa follow-up

Certified Death Certificate

For:

  • Closing estate
  • Collecting life insurance benefits
  • I-360 self-petition (widowed USC)
  • Social Security widow benefits

How to request in Pennsylvania

Option 1: Online

Most states use vendors like VitalChek (vitalchek.com) or state’s Vital Records portal.

  • Credit card required
  • Photo ID required
  • Expedited payment (+$30-$60)
  • FedEx delivery in 3-5 days

Option 2: By mail

  • PDF form from state site
  • Money order or check (NOT cash)
  • Notarized copy of ID
  • 3-6 weeks processing

Option 3: In person

  • Visit Vital Records office of state or county
  • Same day in some cases
  • Bring original ID
  • Pay cash, check, or card

Costs in Pennsylvania

Generally:

  • Certified certificate: $15-$30
  • Additional copies: $5-$15 each
  • Expedited: +$30-$60
  • FedEx shipping: +$20-$25

What to bring when requesting

  1. Photo ID: passport, state ID, driver’s license
  2. Relationship to holder: if requesting someone else’s
  3. Reason: USCIS frequently accepts without specific reason
  4. Payment: card or money order

For immigrants specifically

Your US-born child

If you have a US-born child, the child is automatic US citizen. Their certificate is:

  • Needed for child’s passport
  • Needed for Social Security
  • Useful for I-130 (if petitioning undocumented parent in future)
  • Useful for FAFSA and college scholarships

Without parent status

Parents without immigration status CAN request birth certificate of their USC child. The state issues to whoever appears as parent on original document.

Last verified: 2026-05-25.

General procedures — verify specific steps on official state site before requesting.

Last verified: 2026-05-25.

General procedural information for educational purposes. Not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Laws and fees change — verify with the issuing agency before taking action. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney or other appropriate professional.

Order vital records in Pennsylvania

Birth, death, and marriage certificates are issued by each state. Use your state's official guide:

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an original birth certificate for my immigration case?
USCIS requires CERTIFIED certificate (with seal). Not plain copy, not photo. For USCIS cases need: certified apostilled certificate (if from abroad) or triple-sealed (within US). Request several certified copies — you’ll need one for USCIS, one for court if applicable, one to keep.
How long does it take to get the certificate in Pennsylvania?
Varies: online with credit card express: 1-3 business days plus shipping. By mail: 3-6 weeks. In person: same day (some counties) or 2-3 weeks. For urgent USCIS cases, plan several weeks in advance.
Can undocumented people obtain their US-born certificate?
YES. If you were born in Pennsylvania (regardless of current immigration status or parents’ status), you have RIGHT to your birth certificate. The state issues to people born in their jurisdiction. They do NOT share information with USCIS/ICE.
Can I request someone else's certificate (not my own)?
Only if: you are parent listed on certificate, legal guardian, adult child, deceased spouse. Other relatives may need court order. Minor children: any parent listed can request.

Major federal procedures

Detention and constitutional rights

Finances for immigrants

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.