How to Get a Copy of a Pennsylvania Birth Certificate

Birth certificates are needed for various reasons, such as to register your child for school, to complete employment forms, or to get a passport. If you lose your child's birth certificate, or your own birth certificate, you will need to request a copy from the Office of Vital Statistics. Each state has their own rules about how to do this, and how much will be charged for the service. If you live in Pennsylvania, you need to know the requirements to obtain a copy of a birth certificate.

You will need the following items:

Application
Fee
Photo ID

Follow these steps:

Step 1:
Make sure you are eligible to request the birth certificate. You must either be the individual on the birth certificate, an immediate family member, or have been granted power of attorney over the individual for whom you are seeking the certificate.

Step 2:
Gather together the following information for the person named on the birth certificate: first, middle, and last name, gender, date and county of birth, father's name, mother's maiden name, your relationship to the individual on the birth certificate, reason you are requesting it, and your signature, address, and phone number.

Step 3:
Write a check made payable to "Vital Records" in the amount of $10. You are not allowed to send cash.

Step 4:
Fill out the request online at the Pennsylvania Department of Health's website using the information above.

Note: To utilize this method, you will need a credit card instead of a check.

Step 5:
Complete the Application for Certified Copy of Birth Record and mail the application to:

Division of Vital Records
101 South Mercer Street, Room 401
PO Box 1528
New Castle, PA 16101

You will also need to include a copy of your photo ID along with the application and a $10 check for the fee.

Step 6:
Take your information to one of the following six counties if you do not want to mail an application or use the online system: Erie, Harrisburg, New Castle, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, or Scranton. Office hours are from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Tip:
If you need assistance in obtaining your Pennsylvania birth certificate, call 1-877-PA-HEALTH.

Resources:
Pennsylvania Department of Health: Birth Certificates