Pennsylvania's vital records office is in New Castle, not the state capital, which surprises many families. Knowing where to go, and the fastest way to order, can save weeks.
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Which Agency Handles Vital Records in Pennsylvania?
Death certificates in Pennsylvania are issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records. The office is located in New Castle, PA (not Harrisburg). Phone: (724) 656-3100, or toll-free (844) 228-3516.
How to Order a Death Certificate in Pennsylvania
- Online: Order through mycertificates.health.pa.gov or VitalChek. Orders are processed in 5 to 7 business days plus shipping; a $10 service fee applies to online orders.
- By mail: Mail a completed application form, a copy of your photo ID, and a check or money order payable to "Vital Records" to: Division of Vital Records, Death Certificate Processing Unit, P.O. Box 1528, New Castle, PA 16103. Allow 4–6 weeks.
- In person: Walk-in service is available at any of six Vital Records Branch Offices statewide, or the main New Castle office. Bring government-issued ID and payment. Same-day or next-day service is often available.
- Through the funeral home: In the first days after a death, the funeral home can file the death registration and order certified copies on your behalf.
How Much Does a Death Certificate Cost in Pennsylvania?
Each certified copy costs $20, and each additional copy ordered at the same time is also $20. Unlike some states, Pennsylvania does not offer a reduced rate for additional copies. Online orders add a $10 service fee.
Pro tip
Order all the copies you need at once, even though the flat $20-per-copy rate costs more than some states. Going back for more copies later means starting the whole wait over again.
What will it cost in Pennsylvania?
- First certified copy
- $20
- Each additional copy
- $20
- Total for 10 copies
- $200
- Typical across all states
- $137Above average
Online orders add a $10 service fee.
Fees come from this guide and can change. Confirm with the issuing office before paying.
Who Is Eligible to Request a Death Certificate in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania allows requests from: the spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, or other next of kin; the executor or administrator of the estate; a licensed attorney representing the estate; government agencies with authorized need; and any person with a "legitimate purpose" (documented). You'll need a copy of your government-issued ID.
How Many Copies Should You Order?
Plan for 8 to 12 certified copies. Pennsylvania also has its own inheritance tax, separate from estate taxes and administered by the PA Department of Revenue. You may need an additional copy for that process, plus copies for banks, insurance, Social Security, and property transfers.
How many copies do I need?
Check each institution you'll need to notify in Pennsylvania.
Check the boxes above for a suggestion. 2 spares are included by default.
Omuna's free checklist tracks all of this for you.
Death certificates are one of 40+ tasks families face after a loss. Omuna's After-Loss Checklist walks you through the rest, including bank accounts, insurance, and subscriptions.
See the full checklist →What If There's an Error on the Certificate?
File an amendment application with the Division of Vital Records. Include supporting documents that back up the correction, such as a birth certificate or marriage license. Corrections to the medical section (cause of death) must come from the certifying physician or coroner, who completes and submits the paperwork. Amendments can take 6 to 10 weeks to process.
What to Do After You Receive Your Death Certificates
Once you have your certified copies, here's what to do next:
- Notify financial institutions. Bring a certified copy to each bank, brokerage, and credit union where the deceased held accounts.
- File life insurance claims. Each insurer needs an original certified copy.
- Contact Social Security. Report the death at (800) 772-1213 or visit your local SSA office.
- Begin probate if the estate requires it. Not every estate does.
- Update property titles. Real estate, vehicles, and other titled assets each need a certified copy.
- Send notifications. Omuna's free notification templates help you draft letters to banks, insurers, and government agencies.
- Create a memorial page. Omuna's memorial editor lets you build a tribute page your family can share.
Pro tip
Omuna's After-Loss Checklist tracks all 40+ post-loss tasks so nothing gets missed.
You're reading about death certificates in Pennsylvania. Here's what else is on the list.
- Notify close family and friends
- Select a funeral home or provider
- Apply for death certificates (Multiple copies)this guide
- Locate the Will and legal documents
- Apply for social security survivor benefits
- Find and close bank accounts
- + 64 more tasks across all four phases
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws in Pennsylvania may change. Consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney for guidance specific to your situation.