The paperwork · Pennsylvania
Almost everything that comes after a death, from the bank to the life insurance company, asks for a certified copy. Here is what a copy costs in Pennsylvania, where to order it, and how many to get.
Order about 10 certified copies at the start. It costs less to buy them together than to come back for more later, and nearly every office will want an original, not a photocopy.
From the state vital records office
Cost of a certified copy: $20.00
Mail requests to: Division of Vital Records P.O. Box 1528 New Castle, PA. 16103-1528
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.
If the family cannot afford a funeral, call the county burial assistance program before signing anything with a funeral home. Find your county on the Pennsylvania help page, and see what else is owed to you in the first 48 hours checklist.
Questions families ask
The state vital records office lists the cost of a certified copy as: $20.00 Fees can change, so confirm on the official site before you send payment.
Most families need about 10. Banks, life insurance, Social Security, the vehicle title office, retirement accounts, and property transfers each tend to want an original certified copy, and many will not accept a photocopy.
Yes. Funeral homes file the death record for you and can usually order certified copies at the same time. If you are using a county burial program instead, ask the caseworker how copies are ordered.
Eligibility rules are set by Pennsylvania. Spouses, children, parents, and the executor named in the will are commonly eligible, and you may be asked for photo ID and proof of your relationship. The state office confirms the exact rules.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Costs and rules come from the official Pennsylvania vital records listing and can change; confirm with the office before you send payment.
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Reviewed by the Final Steps Help research team.
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