Ordering PA Death Certificates
If you are in need of certified copies of a Pennsylvania death certificate, we are happy to assist you.
At the time of Death:
At the time of death, we file the original death certificate with the local registrar and obtain certified copies for the family. Each certified copy costs $20.
Certified copies, printed on security paper with the raised state seal, are required for many legal and financial matters, including:
- Estate settlement
- Insurance claims
- Pension or retirement benefits
- Social Security
- Property transfer
- Stocks and bonds
If additional certified copies are needed within 90 days, we can request them through the local registrar. After that time, the certificate is filed with the Pennsylvania Department of Vital Statistics, and copies must be ordered directly from the state.
90 days or more past the time of death:
When ordering certified death certificate copies from the State of Pennsylvania, two options exist:
1. Visit Vital Records in person at a regional office.
In our area, there are two offices and processing times are estimated at 4 weeks.
Pittsburgh
411 7th Avenue
Floor 3
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-565-5113
New Castle
105 Nesbitt Road
New Castle, PA 16105
724-656-3100
2. Order certified death certificate copies online, through PA's third party provider VitalChek.
This is the fastest way to obtain certfied copies, with processing times usually estimated at 2 weeks. Options for standard and expedited shipping are available (with an additional charge). The cost for these certificates is $30, plus any applicable fees for shipping. Payment must be made via a credit card in the name of the requestor.
For your convenience, here’s another link you can use to order Pennsylvania death certificates.
