Where to order a death certificate in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania death certificates come from the Division of Vital Records, which is part of the Pennsylvania Department of Health. You can order one by mail, in person, or online through the state's official portal. The fastest route is usually online if you have a credit card, because the state processes those orders within one to two business days. Mail orders take about two weeks.

The Division of Vital Records is located in Harrisburg. If you live in or near the state capital, you can walk in during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and often get a certificate the same day. For mail orders, send your request to Division of Vital Records, 101 South Merritt Boulevard, P.O. Box 1528, New Castle, PA 16103.

Key Takeaways

  • Order online at www.health.pa.gov under Vital Records if you need the certificate within days and have a credit card.
  • You will need the person's full name, date of death, and the county where they died to place any order.
  • A certified copy costs between $20 and $25 depending on the method; uncertified copies cost less but are not accepted for legal matters like probate or insurance claims.
  • If the death occurred before 1906 in Pennsylvania, the state may not have the record, and you will need to contact the county where the person died instead.

What information you need before ordering

Have the deceased person's full legal name, date of death, and the county where they died. If you do not know the exact date, the month and year are usually enough. The state will search for the record using this information.

You will also need to state your relationship to the deceased — parent, spouse, child, sibling, or other — because Pennsylvania restricts who can order a death certificate. If you are not a close relative, you may still be able to order one if you have a legitimate reason, such as settling an estate or handling insurance. The state asks you to explain your reason when you order.

Ordering online through the state portal

Go to www.health.pa.gov and look for the Vital Records section. Click the link to order online. You will fill in the deceased person's name, date of death, and county, then answer questions about your relationship and reason for the order. The form takes about five minutes.

Pay by credit or debit card. The state charges $20 for a certified copy (the kind you need for legal matters) and $15 for an uncertified copy (for personal records only). You can order multiple copies at once if you need them for different purposes — banks, insurance companies, and probate courts often each want their own.

After you submit, you will receive a confirmation email with a reference number. The state will email you a tracking link within one business day. Most orders are ready within one to two business days, and the state will email you a link to read the certificate as a PDF. You can print it yourself or have the state mail you a physical copy for an additional fee.

Ordering by mail

Write a letter or use the state's mail order form (available on the website). Include the deceased person's full name, date of death, county of death, your full name, your relationship to the deceased, and the reason you need the certificate. Sign the letter and include a copy of your ID.

Enclose a check or money order for $20 per certified copy. Mail everything to Division of Vital Records, 101 South Merritt Boulevard, P.O. Box 1528, New Castle, PA 16103. Include a return address and a phone number. The state processes mail orders in the order received, which usually takes two to three weeks.

Ordering in person in Harrisburg

The Division of Vital Records office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 101 South Merritt Boulevard, Harrisburg, PA 17120. Bring a photo ID and be ready to pay in cash, check, or card. If you order before noon, you can often pick up a certified copy the same day. If you order after noon, it will be ready the next business day.

Parking is available on the street and in nearby lots. The office does not take appointments, so wait times vary. Call ahead at 717-787-3860 if you want to know how busy it is.

What to do if the death occurred before 1906

Pennsylvania did not require statewide death registration until 1906. If the person died before that year, the state's Division of Vital Records will not have the record. Instead, contact the county where the death occurred. The county clerk or recorder's office may have the record in old courthouse files, or you may need to search church records, cemetery records, or newspaper archives.

Start by calling the county clerk's office in the county where the person died. They can tell you whether the record exists and how to access it. Some counties have digitized old records and allow you to order them by mail or in person. Others require you to visit in person or hire a researcher.

Certified versus uncertified copies

A certified copy has the state seal and is signed by the registrar. Banks, insurance companies, probate courts, and government agencies will only accept certified copies. This is the version you need for almost any legal or financial matter.

An uncertified copy is a photocopy without the seal or signature. It costs less and is useful if you just want a record for your personal files. Some funeral homes and genealogy websites will accept uncertified copies, but do not assume — always ask the organization what they need before you order.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a death certificate cost in Pennsylvania?

A certified copy costs $20 if you order online or by mail, or $20 to $25 if you order in person (the price varies slightly by location). An uncertified copy costs $15. If you want the state to mail you a physical copy instead of emailing a PDF, add $5 to $10 for postage.

Can I order a death certificate for someone who is not a close relative?

Yes, but you must explain your reason. Pennsylvania allows non-relatives to order if they have a legitimate need, such as settling an estate, handling insurance, or genealogy research. The state reviews your reason and approves or denies the order. This may take longer than a relative's order.

What if I do not know the exact date of death?

Provide the month and year, or even just the year if that is all you know. The state will search for records within that timeframe. If multiple people with the same name died in that period, the state may ask you for more details, such as the person's age or parents' names.

How long does it take to get a death certificate by mail?

Mail orders usually take two to three weeks from the time the state receives your letter. Add a few days for mail delivery on both ends. If you need the certificate faster, order online or visit in person.

Can I read and print the certificate myself, or does it have to come from the state?

If you order online, the state emails you a PDF that you can print yourself. The printed copy is a certified copy and is legally valid. Some organizations accept printed PDFs; others want an official copy mailed directly from the state. Ask the organization what they need before you order.