Getting a copy of birth certificate in PA is simple, fast, and secure when you use the right method. The Pennsylvania Department of Health runs the only state-approved online portal at mycertificates.health.pa.gov, which accepts requests 24/7—even on weekends and holidays. Most people receive their certified copy within 10–12 business days. The base cost is $20 per certificate, plus a $10 processing fee. You can pay with Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover. After payment, choose First Class Mail® (2–3 business days) or UPS Ground (1–2 business days). Tracking is automatic with UPS. If you need it faster, pay an extra $15 for expedited service. You’ll need a clear photo of a government-issued ID. For third-party requests, include a notarized affidavit or court order.
Official Pennsylvania Birth Certificate Portal – Step-by-Step
The state’s official system lets you request a certified birth certificate from anywhere in the world. Start by visiting mycertificates.health.pa.gov. Click “Order a Birth Certificate” and enter the full legal name, date of birth, city and county of birth, and both parents’ full names as listed on the original record. Upload a color scan or photo of your driver’s license, state ID, or passport. If ordering for someone else, attach a notarized authorization form. Review all details before submitting. Payment is processed through an SSL-secured checkout. Once approved, the document is printed with an official raised seal and mailed to your address. Standard delivery takes 10–12 business days from approval.
Fees and Payment Options for PA Birth Certificates
All certified copies from the Pennsylvania Department of Health cost $20 each. A mandatory $10 processing fee applies to every online order. This covers identity verification, record search, and handling. Expedited service costs an additional $15 and cuts processing time nearly in half. Payments must be made by credit or debit card—no cash, checks, or money orders accepted online. Accepted cards include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. For mail-in or in-person requests, you may pay by check or money order made payable to “PA Department of Health.” Veterans, seniors over 65, and adoptees may qualify for reduced fees or free copies with proper documentation like a DD-214, proof of age, or adoption decree.
How to Request by Mail or In Person
If you prefer not to use the internet, you can apply by mail or visit a local vital records office. Download the Application for Birth Certificate from the Department of Health website or pick one up at any office. Fill it out completely with accurate names, dates, and places. Include a photocopy of your government-issued photo ID. Mail everything to: Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, P.O. Box 1528, New Castle, PA 16103. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment ($20 per copy). In-person visits are accepted Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at offices across the state. Bring your ID, completed form, and exact payment. Processing takes 3–5 business days for walk-ins.
Philadelphia Residents: Special Rules Apply
People born in Philadelphia must follow city-specific rules. The Philadelphia Department of Public Health issues its own birth certificates with a raised seal required for passports and Social Security. To request one, you need a valid PA driver’s license or state ID, a recent utility bill showing your current address, and—if applying for a minor—a notarized parental consent form. You can apply online via the city’s portal, by phone with credit card payment, by mail using a prepaid UPS label, or in person at City Hall, 9th Floor, 1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd. In-person requests are processed in 3–5 business days. Mailed applications take 7–10 business days.
Certified vs. Informational Copies: What’s the Difference?
A certified copy has an official raised or embossed seal and is legally valid for passports, school enrollment, benefits, and legal matters. An informational copy does not have the seal and is only for personal reference—it cannot be used for official purposes. Both cost the same ($20), but only certified copies are accepted by federal agencies. Third-party services like USBirthCertificates.com offer both types. Always ask for a certified copy unless you specifically need an informational one. The seal proves the document came directly from the state’s official records.
What If You Were Born Outside Pennsylvania?
If you were born in another state but need a PA birth certificate (for example, after a legal name change), you must first get a certified copy from your birth state. Then submit that document to the Pennsylvania Department of Health with a notarized request explaining the reason. Include proof of legal name change if applicable. The state will issue a new PA-certified copy only under specific circumstances, such as adoption or court-ordered corrections. Contact the Vital Records Office at 724-656-3100 for guidance.
Common Reasons People Need a Birth Certificate in PA
Most requests are for passports, Social Security enrollment, school registration, marriage licenses, or job applications. Others need it to prove citizenship, apply for benefits, or correct errors on official documents. Seniors often request copies for Medicare or veteran benefits. Parents order them for newborns to enroll in insurance or daycare. Always keep your birth certificate in a safe place—losing it doesn’t mean you lose your identity, but replacing it takes time and effort.
How Long Does It Take to Get a PA Birth Certificate?
Standard processing is 10–12 business days from the date your application is approved. Expedited service reduces this to 5–7 business days for an extra $15. Mail-in requests may take longer due to postal delays. In Philadelphia, in-person requests are ready in 3–5 days. If you haven’t received your certificate after 15 business days, call 724-656-3100 with your confirmation number. Delays usually happen because of missing ID, incomplete forms, or high volume during peak seasons like summer.
Required Documents and Identity Verification
You must prove who you are to prevent fraud. Acceptable IDs include a current driver’s license, state-issued ID card, passport, or military ID. The photo must be clear and readable. If requesting for a child, provide the child’s birth info plus your own ID and proof of relationship (like a custody order). For deceased individuals, submit a death certificate and proof of your legal right to the record (e.g., executor paperwork). All documents are checked against the state database before printing.
Can You Get a Free Birth Certificate in Pennsylvania?
Yes—but only for specific groups. Honorably discharged veterans with a DD-214 form can get one free copy. Pennsylvania residents aged 65 or older qualify for a discount with proof of age. Adoptees may receive a free non-certified copy of their original birth record if they provide an adoption decree. All others pay the standard $20 fee. Some local charities or legal aid offices help low-income individuals cover costs—check with your county assistance office.
Third-Party Services: Are They Worth It?
Websites like USBirthCertificates.com charge the same $20 fee but add convenience for people uncomfortable with government sites. They handle form filling, ID uploads, and tracking. However, they are not faster than the official portal—processing still takes 7–10 days after verification. Avoid sites that charge $50 or more; those are scams. Stick to the state’s site or well-known national services. Never give personal info to unverified sellers.
Correcting Errors on a Pennsylvania Birth Certificate
If your name, date, or parent info is wrong, you can amend it through the Department of Health. Submit a completed Application to Amend a Record, two forms of supporting evidence (like hospital records or baptismal certificates), and a $20 fee. Corrections take 4–6 weeks. For major changes (e.g., parentage), you may need a court order. Contact the Vital Records Office for specific requirements based on your situation.
Replacing a Lost or Damaged Birth Certificate
Losing your birth certificate is stressful, but replacement is straightforward. Use the same process as a first-time request. There’s no penalty or extra fee for lost documents. Just ensure your application includes all required details and ID. If your old certificate was damaged (e.g., water-stained or torn), you can still request a new one—no need to return the damaged copy unless it’s part of a legal case.
Contact Information and Office Hours
The Pennsylvania Department of Health Vital Records Office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., excluding state holidays. Call 724-656-3100 for questions or status updates. For Philadelphia-specific requests, call (215) 685-4520. Visit in person at any regional office—locations are listed on the health.pa.gov website. Always bring ID and your confirmation number if following up on an order.
Official website: https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/certificates/Pages/Birth-Certificates.aspx
Phone: 724-656-3100
Hours: Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Address: Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, P.O. Box 1528, New Castle, PA 16103
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting a Copy of Birth Certificate in PA
Many people have similar concerns when requesting their birth certificate. Below are answers to the most common questions based on current Pennsylvania policies and procedures. These cover timing, eligibility, documentation, and special cases to help you avoid delays and get your certificate quickly and correctly.
Can I order a birth certificate for my grandchild?
Yes, but only if you have legal guardianship or a notarized affidavit from the parent(s). Grandparents cannot request a minor’s birth certificate without proof of legal authority. The form must include the child’s full name, date and place of birth, parents’ names, and your relationship. Attach a copy of your ID and the notarized document. If the child is over 18, they must request it themselves unless you have a power of attorney.
What if my name has changed since birth?
If you’ve legally changed your name (e.g., through marriage or court order), provide both your birth name and current name on the application. Include a copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. The certificate will be issued under your current legal name but will reference your birth name for accuracy. This ensures consistency with other official records.
Is the online portal safe for uploading my ID?
Yes. The state’s portal uses SSL encryption, the same security used by banks and hospitals. Your ID is only viewed by authorized staff and deleted after verification. Never email or text your ID—only upload it through the official site. Avoid third-party sites that ask for sensitive info via unsecured forms. If unsure, call the Department of Health to confirm legitimacy.
Can I track my order status online?
The state portal does not offer real-time tracking, but you’ll receive an email confirmation with a reference number. Use this number when calling 724-656-3100 to check status. UPS shipments include automatic tracking linked to your email. First Class Mail does not provide tracking, so allow extra time. If your order is delayed beyond 15 business days, contact the office immediately.
Do I need a birth certificate for a newborn in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Hospitals automatically file a birth record, but you’ll need a certified copy for passports, insurance, school, and benefits. Request it within 90 days of birth for faster processing. You can apply online, by mail, or in person. Bring the hospital discharge papers and your ID. The fee is $20, but some counties waive it for low-income families—ask your local office.
What happens if my application is rejected?
Common reasons include blurry ID photos, missing parent names, or incorrect birth details. If rejected, you’ll get an email or letter explaining the issue. Correct the error and resubmit—no extra fee unless you’re ordering a new copy. Keep your confirmation number to reference the original submission. Most rejections are resolved within 3–5 business days after resubmission.
Can I use a birth certificate from another country in PA?
No. Only U.S.-issued birth certificates are accepted for federal and state purposes. If you were born abroad to U.S. parents, obtain a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) from the State Department. For immigration-related needs, contact USCIS. Pennsylvania does not recognize foreign birth certificates for driver’s licenses, Social Security, or school enrollment.