Find Pennsylvania Vital Records Online
Are Pennsylvania Vital Records Available to the Public?
Yes. Under the Right to Know law, most Pennsylvania vital records become publicly accessible after a certain period. However, some records remain restricted and can only be accessed by eligible individuals as defined by state statutes. To access restricted records, interested parties must obtain legal authorization from a Pennsylvania-licensed judge.
What Information is Included in Pennsylvania Vital Records?
Pennsylvania vital records contain essential information about significant life events. These records are maintained by government agencies and include:
- Birth certificates
- Death certificates
- Marriage licenses
- Divorce decrees
- Adoption records
These documents are crucial for identification, genealogical research, and legal purposes.
How to Access Pennsylvania Vital Records Online?
Pennsylvania offers various online options for accessing publicly available vital records, including state-operated case information repositories and locally managed alternatives. However, restricted, sealed, or closed records cannot be accessed through these online platforms. To facilitate a search, requesters must provide:
- Full name of the subject
- Place and date of the event
- Case file number (if applicable)
- Names of parents or legal guardians
- Name of the presiding judge
Third-party aggregate sites also offer access to vital records, but their availability may differ from official channels.
What Do I Need to Access Pennsylvania Vital Records?
To obtain Pennsylvania vital records, requestors must meet specific requirements based on the type of record and their eligibility. Typically, informational copies are accessible without additional documentation. However, for certified or restricted records, the following may be required:
- Government-issued photo ID
- Court order from a Pennsylvania-licensed judge
- Proof of relationship to the subject of the record
Records can be requested from the Bureau of Health Statistics and Registries, county health departments, or local court administrative offices.
Certified vs. Informational Copies: Key Differences
Informational copies are used for unofficial purposes such as genealogical research and are available to the public without documentation. Certified copies, however, are notarized, often bear a raised seal, and are used for legal purposes to establish identity. Certified copies are issued only to eligible individuals who demonstrate a tangible interest in the record.
Are Pennsylvania Birth Records Available to the Public?
Yes. Pennsylvania birth records are accessible to individuals who meet the state's eligibility requirements. Eligible persons include:
- Registrants aged 18 or older
- Parents or legal guardians named on the record
- Spouses and descendants of the subject
- Siblings and immediate family members
- Court-approved power of attorney
- Legal representatives of named individuals
- Family members with the registrant's death certificate
- Persons authorized by a court
How to Access Pennsylvania Birth Records?
Pennsylvania birth records can be requested from the local clerk's office in the county where the event occurred or from the Department of Health's central database. Requesters must download and complete a birth certificate search application, sign it, and include:
- A photocopy of a government-issued photo ID
- Payment of $20
The completed package should be submitted in person or via mail to:
Division of Vital Records
Birth Certificate Processing Unit
P.O. Box 1528
New Castle, PA 16103
Are Birth Certificates Public in Pennsylvania?
No. Birth certificates in Pennsylvania are not public records. Access to certified birth records is restricted to individuals who can demonstrate a direct, tangible interest in the document.
Are Pennsylvania Death Records Available to the Public?
Yes. While certified Pennsylvania death records are not accessible to the general public, informational copies are available for genealogical research. Eligible individuals for certified records include:
- Parents or legal guardians of the deceased
- Spouse of the deceased
- Immediate family members with proof of relationship
- Legal representatives of eligible persons
- Persons with a financial interest
- Court-authorized individuals
How to Access Death Records in Pennsylvania?
To access death records, eligible parties must query the state Vital Records Division. The requestor must complete a death certificate search application, providing the deceased’s personal information and the date and place of death. The completed form, along with identification documents and fees, should be submitted in person or via mail to:
Division of Vital Records
Death Certificate Processing Unit
P.O. Box 1528
New Castle, PA 16103
Are Pennsylvania Marriage Records Available to the Public?
Yes. Marriage records in Pennsylvania are public records. However, certified copies are restricted to the individuals named on the record and those authorized by court order.
How to Access Marriage Records in Pennsylvania?
Marriage records are managed by the Marriage Records Division of the courts in various jurisdictions. Interested persons can request records in person or via mail by contacting the courthouse clerk in the county where the license was issued. Required information includes:
- Full names of both spouses (before any name changes)
- Approximate date of the event
- Marriage license number and issuance date
- Location of the marriage
How to Obtain a Marriage Certificate in Pennsylvania
To obtain a marriage certificate, requesters must provide the necessary information and a government-issued ID to prove eligibility. Requests can be made at the Marriage Records Division of the issuing court. Additionally, requestors must cover all copy and certification costs. Required details include:
- Full names of both spouses
- Date and location of the marriage
- Marriage license number
Are Pennsylvania Divorce Records Available to the Public?
Yes. Divorce records in Pennsylvania are public information unless restricted by a court order. Certified copies are issued only to the parties involved or those with legal authority.
How to Get Divorce Records in Pennsylvania?
Divorce records can be obtained from the clerk's office in the county courthouse where the document was issued. Requesters must complete a divorce record request application, providing:
- Full names of the parties involved
- Place and date of the divorce
- Court file number (if known)
Identification documents and applicable fees must accompany the application.
How to Obtain a Certified Divorce Certificate in Pennsylvania
Certified divorce certificates can be obtained from the County Clerk's office. Access to these records is limited, and requesters not named on the record must provide a court order authorizing access. Required documents include:
- Completed request form
- Court order (if applicable)
- Government-issued photo ID
- Payment for copy and certification costs