Search Pennsylvania Birth Records
Pennsylvania birth records document the births of millions of residents and are managed by state, county, and local offices across the commonwealth. Whether you need a certified birth certificate for legal purposes or want to trace your family history, Pennsylvania has resources at every level. The Pennsylvania Department of Health holds birth records from 1906 to the present. County courthouses and the State Archives hold older records dating back to the 1800s. This guide covers where to find Pennsylvania birth records, how to request them, and what you can expect in terms of access and content.
Pennsylvania Birth Records Quick Facts
Where Pennsylvania Birth Records Are Kept
Pennsylvania birth records are held in several different places depending on when the birth occurred. The main custodian for modern records is the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records. This office manages all birth certificates from 1906 through the present day. For older records, you will need to check county courthouses or the Pennsylvania State Archives in Harrisburg.
The official state portal for birth certificate requests is managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records. That office holds over 21 million birth records on file. You can reach their main line at 724-656-3100 or toll-free at 844-228-3516. The mailing address for written requests is PO Box 1528, New Castle, PA 16103-1528. The screenshot below shows the Pennsylvania Department of Health's main birth records page where you can start your search or order a certified copy.
That page links directly to the online ordering system, the downloadable application form, and information about walk-in office locations across the state.
The Department of Health operates six walk-in offices across Pennsylvania. These offices are located in Erie (156 E 14th St), Harrisburg (555 Walnut St), New Castle (105 Nesbitt Rd, by appointment), Philadelphia (110 N 8th St, by appointment), Pittsburgh (411 Seventh Ave, Room 360), and Scranton (100 Lackawanna Ave, Room 112). Same-day service is available at walk-in offices for requests submitted before 2:30 PM. Each office can issue certified birth certificates on the spot during business hours.
The Pennsylvania State Archives in Harrisburg holds original birth certificates from 1906 through 1919. The Archives also holds birth records on microfilm from the 1893 to 1906 county registration period. Researchers can visit in person at 1681 N. Sixth St., Harrisburg, PA 17102. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. You can also reach the Archives by phone at (717) 783-3281 or by email at ra-statearchives@pa.gov.
For county-level records that predate state registration, the Register of Wills or Clerk of Orphans' Court in each county may hold local birth registers from the 1893 to 1906 period. Some counties transferred these records to the State Archives on microfilm. Others maintain them locally. Contact the specific county courthouse for details on what they hold and how to access it.
Note: Birth records created before 1906 at the county level vary widely in completeness. Not all counties registered births consistently during the 1893 to 1906 period.
How to Request Pennsylvania Birth Records Online, by Mail, and in Person
You can request Pennsylvania birth records in three ways: online, by mail, or in person at one of the six walk-in offices. Each method has its own processing timeline and requirements. All requesters must be at least 16 years old to apply, and online requests require applicants to be at least 18.
The online ordering system is available through mycertificates.health.pa.gov, which is powered by VitalChek. The cost for online orders is $20 per certified copy plus a $10 service fee. Payment is accepted by credit card. Online orders are generally processed within about two weeks. The screenshot below shows the Pennsylvania online birth certificate ordering portal.
Using the online portal is the most convenient option for those who do not live near a walk-in office. You will need to create an account and provide identity verification during the ordering process.
To request a birth certificate by mail, complete Application Form H205.102 and mail it with payment to PO Box 1528, New Castle, PA 16103-1528. Mail payments must be a check or money order made payable to "Vital Records." Do not send cash. The standard mail processing time is approximately two weeks from receipt of the completed application. Always include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your mail request to speed up the return of your certificate.
In-person requests at any of the six walk-in offices allow for same-day service when submitted before 2:30 PM. Bring a completed application form and valid photo identification. Payment in person is accepted by credit card or check. The online request portal provides up-to-date guidance on which offices require appointments. Philadelphia and New Castle currently require appointments for in-person visits. The screenshot below shows the Pennsylvania request-a-birth-certificate service page where you can choose your preferred ordering method.
That page walks you through each option and links to the forms and portals you need to complete your request.
Eligible requesters for Pennsylvania birth certificates include the person named on the certificate, their spouse, parents, siblings, children, grandparents, grandchildren, an authorized attorney, and individuals holding a valid power of attorney. Proof of eligibility and identity is required for all requests. Pennsylvania birth certificates are REAL ID compliant and include a raised or embossed seal. Members of the U.S. Armed Forces may qualify for a fee waiver under Act 137 of 2024, which allows up to 10 free certified copies per year.
The forms page on the Pennsylvania Department of Health website provides the most current versions of all vital records applications. The walk-in office locations are also listed on the official public offices page. The screenshot below shows the Department of Health's public offices listing for vital records services.
Check that page before visiting any office, as hours and appointment requirements can change throughout the year.
Note: Bring two forms of identification when visiting a walk-in office in person. Accepted ID types are listed on the Department of Health application form and on their website.
Pennsylvania Birth Records History and Registration Timeline
Pennsylvania has a long history of birth registration, though the system changed significantly over the centuries. Understanding this timeline helps researchers know where to look for records from different eras.
The first attempt at statewide birth registration in Pennsylvania ran from 1852 to 1855. During this period, the Register of Wills in each county was responsible for collecting birth records. The effort was inconsistent. Only 49 of 64 counties at the time submitted any records at all, and even within those counties, coverage was incomplete. These early records survive at Ancestry.com for the period 1852 to 1854 and at the Pennsylvania State Archives. They are worth searching despite their gaps, as they may be the only surviving documentation for some births from that era.
A second registration system began in 1893. From that year through 1906, county courts were required to record births in their jurisdictions. The Clerk of Orphans' Court or Register of Wills handled this work at the county level. While coverage improved over the 1852 to 1855 effort, it remained far from complete, especially in rural areas. These records from 1893 to 1906 are held on microfilm at the Pennsylvania State Archives and in some county offices throughout the state.
In 1906, Pennsylvania established statewide vital registration under the Department of Health. This marked the beginning of consistent, centralized birth record keeping. From 1906 onward, all births in Pennsylvania were required to be reported to the state. The CDC maintains a reference guide for locating vital records by state. The screenshot below shows the CDC page for Pennsylvania birth records, a useful starting point for researchers new to the process.
That CDC page confirms the Department of Health as the primary custodian for birth records from 1906 to the present and outlines the basic steps for requesting a certified copy.
The Pennsylvania State Archives holds original birth certificates from 1906 through 1919 and has made birth indices for 1906 through 1920 available online as PDF files sorted by year and first letter of surname. The screenshot below shows the State Archives vital statistics research page, which provides access to these historical birth records collections.
Researchers can browse these birth indices online to locate specific records before requesting certified copies from the Department of Health or visiting the Archives in person.
What Pennsylvania Birth Certificates Contain by Era
The information found on a Pennsylvania birth certificate depends on when the birth occurred. Older records tend to contain less detail, while modern certificates are quite thorough and standardized.
Birth certificates issued from 1906 onward typically include the child's full name, date of birth, gender, and an indication of multiple births. They also record legitimacy status, the father's full name, race, age, residence, birthplace, and occupation. The mother's full name, maiden name, race, age, residence, birthplace, and occupation are also included. The name of the hospital where the birth occurred, the attending physician, and the registration number appear on certificates from this period. This level of detail makes post-1906 birth certificates among the most informative genealogical records available in Pennsylvania.
Records from the 1893 to 1906 county registration period are less standardized. The fields recorded varied by county and by the individual registrar. Some records include detailed parental information while others contain only the child's name, birth date, and parents' names. These records are most useful when used alongside other sources such as census records, church registers, and newspaper notices.
Early records from 1852 to 1855 are the most sparse. Many consist of only a name and a date. They confirm the existence of a birth but may not provide enough detail for genealogical research on their own.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health's genealogy page provides guidance on using vital records for family history research. The screenshot below shows the Department's genealogy resources page with links to research tools and ordering information for older birth records.
That page explains what information is available for different time periods and links to additional resources for Pennsylvania genealogy research using birth certificates and related records.
Note: Certified copies of Pennsylvania birth certificates are printed on security paper and include a raised seal. Plain photocopies are not accepted for legal purposes such as passports or driver's licenses.
Online Search Resources for Pennsylvania Birth Records and Indexes
Several online databases and indexes make it easier to search Pennsylvania birth records before ordering a certified copy. These tools are especially valuable for genealogical research involving older records.
The Pennsylvania State Archives has published birth indices for 1906 through 1920 as downloadable PDF files. These are available through the State Archives birth indices page and are organized by year and by the first letter of the surname. Each index entry includes the child's name, birth date, county, and a registration number you can use when requesting a certified copy. The screenshot below shows the State Archives online birth indices listing.
These free PDF indices are a great first step for anyone researching a Pennsylvania birth from the early years of state registration, allowing you to confirm a record exists before placing a formal request.
Ancestry.com hosts a collection of Pennsylvania birth certificates covering the years 1906 through 1917. You can search this collection at Ancestry.com's Pennsylvania Birth Certificates 1906-1917 collection page. Pennsylvania residents can access Ancestry.com through the Pennsylvania State Library's online portal at no cost. The screenshot below shows the Ancestry.com Pennsylvania birth certificate collection, which includes digital images of the original handwritten documents.
Digital images on Ancestry.com for this period often include the full original handwritten certificate, which can reveal more detail than the typed summary fields shown in search results.
The Pennsylvania eVitals system manages the electronic registration of all new vital events in the state. As of 2021, it holds over 21 million birth records on file. The screenshot below shows the Pennsylvania eVitals information page, which explains how the system works for healthcare providers and families registering new births.
The eVitals platform is used by hospitals and healthcare providers to register births electronically, ensuring that new birth records are added to the state system quickly and accurately after each birth.
Several free websites also provide access to Pennsylvania birth record indexes and transcriptions. PA-Roots is a volunteer-run site with transcribed records from many Pennsylvania counties. USGenWeb Pennsylvania offers free county-level resources contributed by genealogical volunteers. The Ancestor Hunt maintains an updated list of free Pennsylvania birth record indexes available online. These sites are particularly useful for pre-1906 records that have not yet been digitized by official archives.
The Pennsylvania State Archives online research portal is the central hub for all digitized historical records. The screenshot below shows the PHMC online research portal, which links to birth indices, digitized records, and other vital statistics collections from across the state.
That portal is the main entry point for all online historical records from the Pennsylvania State Archives, including birth indices, death certificates, and other vital statistics materials going back to the 1800s.
The Pennsylvania State Library maintains a detailed genealogy guide covering vital records research. The screenshot below shows that research guide, which provides a well-organized overview of all available Pennsylvania birth record sources both online and in person.
That guide is updated regularly and links to both free and subscription-based databases that index Pennsylvania birth records from all historical periods.
The Library of Congress holds Pennsylvania vital records guides through its local history and genealogy section. The screenshot below shows the Library of Congress page for Pennsylvania vital records, which points researchers toward national and regional collections that complement state-level sources.
Researchers who have exhausted state-level sources will find useful leads on the Library of Congress page, particularly for pre-1906 birth records from county and church sources that were never transferred to state custody.
The Western Pennsylvania Genealogical Society in Pittsburgh is a strong resource for research in the western counties of the state. The screenshot below shows their website, which includes databases and guides specific to western Pennsylvania birth records and genealogy.
The Society's library in Pittsburgh holds microfilm, books, and digital resources that are not available through any other platform, and it is well worth a visit for serious researchers working on western Pennsylvania family histories.
The Bucks County Genealogical Society is an excellent local resource for researchers with family ties to southeastern Pennsylvania. The screenshot below shows their website, which includes research guides and databases specific to Bucks County birth records.
Local genealogical societies like this one often maintain indexes and transcription databases that are not available through state or national platforms, making them an important stop for county-level birth records research.
Note: Many Pennsylvania birth records from 1906 to 1917 are available free to Pennsylvania residents through the State Library's Ancestry.com portal. Check that option before paying for a full subscription.
Pennsylvania Birth Records Privacy Laws and Public Access Rules
Access to Pennsylvania birth records is governed by state law. The key restriction is a 105-year rule that applies to all birth certificates issued after 1906.
Under 35 P.S. Section 450.801, Pennsylvania birth records are restricted for 105 years from the date of the birth. Records older than 105 years become part of the public record and can be accessed without demonstrating a direct family interest. Birth certificates less than 105 years old are restricted to eligible requesters only, which include the person named on the certificate and certain close family members as defined by statute.
The Pennsylvania Vital Statistics Law of 1953, codified at Title 225 of the Pennsylvania Code, established the legal framework for vital record registration and access in the state. This law created the current system of centralized registration and set the standards for who may request certified copies of birth certificates. The screenshot below shows the Pennsylvania Vital Statistics Law page in the Pennsylvania Code and Bulletin system.
Researchers who need to understand the full legal framework for birth record access will find the Vital Statistics Law a thorough reference for both current and historical rules governing Pennsylvania vital records.
Title 28 of the Pennsylvania Code, Chapter 1 contains the administrative regulations governing vital records in Pennsylvania. The screenshot below shows the 28 Pa. Code Chapter 1 table of contents in the Pennsylvania Code and Bulletin. These regulations cover detailed rules for birth certificate requests, corrections, amendments, and delayed registrations. Any person seeking to amend or correct a Pennsylvania birth certificate should review these provisions carefully before submitting a request.
These administrative rules are the operational backbone of the vital records system in Pennsylvania and spell out exactly how requests, amendments, and corrections are handled by the Department of Health.
Act 137 of 2024 created a special provision for members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Under this act, qualifying military personnel can receive up to 10 certified copies of their Pennsylvania birth certificate per year at no cost. This waiver applies to active duty members and certain veterans. Proof of military status is required to claim the waiver when submitting a request to the Department of Health.
Note: Birth records that are 105 years old or more are considered public records in Pennsylvania. You do not need to prove eligibility or family relationship to access these older birth certificates.
Delayed Pennsylvania Birth Records and Pre-1906 Documentation
Many people born before 1906 in Pennsylvania did not have a birth certificate filed at the time of their birth. A delayed registration program ran from 1941 through 1976 to address this gap. Under this program, individuals born before official state registration began could file for a delayed birth certificate using supporting documents such as baptismal records, census entries, school records, and sworn affidavits.
Delayed birth certificates filed under this program are now held by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Researchers can request delayed birth records through the same process as standard birth certificates. These records are especially useful for individuals born in rural areas or in communities where births were not routinely recorded in the early years of the twentieth century. Supporting documents submitted with the delayed registration are typically filed alongside the certificate and may provide valuable genealogical detail about the family and the circumstances of the birth.
For pre-1906 research, the Pennsylvania State Archives holds county birth records from 1893 to 1906 on microfilm. Some of these county records have been partially indexed by genealogical societies and volunteer transcription projects. Church records, particularly from Catholic, Lutheran, Reformed, and Quaker congregations, often contain baptismal entries that can serve as substitutes for birth certificates from this period. Family bible records and published county histories are also useful sources when official records are missing.
Pennsylvania also had a brief registration period from 1852 to 1854. Records from that period are available at the Pennsylvania State Archives and through Ancestry.com. Coverage is limited but worth checking for families with deep Pennsylvania roots. For births that occurred between 1855 and 1893, no official state or county registration system was in place, and researchers must rely entirely on church registers, census records, and other secondary sources to document birth events from that period.
Browse Pennsylvania Birth Records by County
Each of Pennsylvania's 67 counties maintained birth records from 1893 through 1905. Select a county below to find local register of wills contact information and birth record resources.
Pennsylvania Birth Records by City
Major Pennsylvania cities have their own birth records resources. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh maintained birth registers before state records began in 1906.