Pa Birth Certificates Request Form – Official $20 Online Service

pa-birth-certificates-request-form is the official way to get a certified copy of a birth certificate in Pennsylvania. The state uses MyCertificates (mycertificates.health.pa.gov), its only approved online vendor, to handle all requests. You pay $20 for the certificate plus a $10 credit card fee. Upload a clear photo of your PA driver’s license or state ID and fill out the digital form. Choose First-Class Mail® for delivery in 3–5 business days or UPS Ground with tracking for 2–4 days. The system runs 24/7 so you can apply anytime.

How to Use the Official Pennsylvania Birth Certificate Request Form

Start by going to mycertificates.health.pa.gov. Click “Order a Birth Certificate.” Enter your full legal name, date of birth, place of birth, and current address. Upload a color scan or photo of both sides of your government-issued ID. PA accepts only driver’s licenses or state IDs—no passports or out-of-state IDs. Fill every field marked in yellow. Double-check spelling and dates before submitting. After payment, you’ll get an email confirmation with a tracking link if you chose UPS.

Required Documents for the Request Form

• Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license or state ID card (both sides)
• Full legal name as it appears on the birth record
• Exact date of birth (month/day/year)
• City or county where the person was born
• Parents’ full names as listed on the original certificate
• Your relationship to the person named on the certificate

Fees and Payment Options

Only credit or debit cards are accepted online. No cash, checks, or money orders for web orders. If you need to pay by check, use the mail-in form instead.

Mail-In Option: H105.102 REV 0 PDF Form

If you can’t apply online, download the official H105.102 REV 0 form from the Pennsylvania Department of Health website. Print it, fill it by hand in blue or black ink, and sign where indicated. Get the signature notarized—this is required for all mailed requests. Attach a photocopy of your PA ID (both sides). Mail everything to: Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, P.O. Box 1528, New Castle, PA 16103.

What the Mail-In Form Asks For

1. Applicant’s name, address, phone, and email
2. Intended use (e.g., passport, school, Social Security)
3. Person’s full name at birth
4. Date and place of birth
5. Mother’s and father’s full names (including mother’s maiden name)
6. Relationship to the person on the record

Processing takes 10–12 business days after the office receives your package. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want faster return shipping.

Philadelphia Residents: City-Specific Process

People born in Philadelphia must order through the city’s Office of Vital Records, not the state. Go to phila.gov/services/birth-marriage-life-events/birth-adoption-and-parenting/get-a-birth-certificate/. Pay $15 plus a $3 processing fee online. Upload your PA ID and complete the form. Delivery via First-Class Mail takes 4–6 business days. Phone orders cost an extra $1. In-person visits are available at 1101 Market Street, Suite 300, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Why Philadelphia Is Different

Philadelphia maintains its own vital records system separate from the rest of Pennsylvania. If you were born in Philly, even if you now live elsewhere, you must request your certificate through the city. The state portal will reject your application if your birth location is Philadelphia.

Third-Party Services: What You Need to Know

Websites like US Birth Certificates and Vital Records Online are not government agencies. They act as intermediaries that fill out forms for you—for a fee. US Birth Certificates charges $20 plus shipping and requires a color copy of your PA ID. Vital Records Online adds a $5 electronic surcharge and sends certificates via USPS Priority Mail with tracking. These services may be helpful if you’re uncomfortable with government websites, but they cost more than applying directly through MyCertificates.

Risks of Using Third Parties

• Higher total cost due to service fees
• Possible delays if the vendor makes errors
• No guarantee of faster processing
• Risk of data privacy issues

Always verify the site uses HTTPS and has a clear refund policy. Avoid sites that ask for Social Security numbers or bank account details.

Historical Birth Records (1906–1913)

Birth certificates from 1906 to 1913 are archived by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission. These are available for free on Ancestry.com. Create a free account, select “Pennsylvania” under U.S. collections, and search by name, date, or county. If you need an official copy of a historical record not yet digitized, download the Vital Records Request Form from phmc.pa.gov. Mail it with $10 per copy to 350 North Street, Harrisburg, PA 17120-0090.

What’s Included in Historical Records

• Full name at birth
• Date and place of birth
• Parents’ names
• Attending physician (if recorded)
• Registration number

These records are public after 100 years. No ID or notarization is needed for historical requests.

Common Reasons People Request Birth Certificates

Most applicants need a certified copy for legal or administrative purposes. Common uses include applying for a U.S. passport, enrolling in college, obtaining a Social Security card, getting married, or proving citizenship. Employers, schools, and government agencies require the raised seal and registrar signature that only an official certificate provides. Photocopies or hospital records are not accepted.

Who Can Request a Certificate

• The person named on the certificate (if 18 or older)
• A parent or legal guardian
• A grandparent, sibling, or spouse
• An attorney with written authorization
• A government agency for official business

Minors cannot request their own certificates unless emancipated. Proof of relationship (like a marriage license or court order) may be required for non-immediate family.

Tracking Your Order and Handling Delays

After submitting your pa-birth-certificates-request-form online, check your email for a confirmation number. Use this to track status at mycertificates.health.pa.gov. If you chose UPS, you’ll receive a tracking link within 24 hours. First-Class Mail does not include tracking—allow extra time during holidays or bad weather.

What to Do If Your Certificate Doesn’t Arrive

1. Wait at least 7 business days for mail delivery
2. Check your spam folder for updates
3. Contact MyCertificates support at 1-877-459-7888
4. Have your confirmation number and ID ready

If your certificate is lost in the mail, request a free replacement by calling the Department of Health. Do not reapply online—this could cause duplicate charges.

Correcting Errors on a Birth Certificate

If your certificate has a typo, wrong date, or misspelled name, you cannot fix it through the standard request form. You must file an Amendment Application with the Division of Vital Records. This requires notarized affidavits from two people who knew you at birth (like parents or doctors) and possibly a court order for major changes. Fees range from $20 to $50 depending on the correction type.

Examples of Correctable Errors

• Spelling mistakes in names
• Incorrect birth dates (by one or two days)
• Missing middle names
• Wrong hospital or city

Gender marker changes require a physician’s statement. Name changes due to marriage need a marriage certificate.

Fees Waivers and Financial Assistance

Low-income applicants may qualify for a fee waiver if requesting a certificate for government benefits (like Medicaid or SNAP). Submit a completed Fee Waiver Request Form with proof of public assistance. Homeless individuals can request free certificates through social service agencies. Veterans receive expedited processing at no extra cost with a DD-214 form.

How to Apply for a Waiver

1. Download the waiver form from health.pa.gov
2. Attach a benefit letter or agency referral
3. Mail to the Division of Vital Records
4. Allow 15 business days for review

Waivers do not cover processing or shipping fees for third-party services.

Security Features of Official Certificates

All Pennsylvania birth certificates issued after 2003 include anti-fraud features: a raised seal, microprinting, watermarks, and tamper-evident paper. Vital Records Online prints on security-verified stock with embedded fibers. Counterfeit certificates are illegal and can result in fines or jail time. Always verify authenticity by calling the Department of Health with the certificate number.

How to Spot a Fake Certificate

• No raised seal or embossed texture
• Blurry text or pixelated images
• Incorrect font or layout
• Missing registrar signature
• Paper feels thin or glossy

Report suspected fraud to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.

Contact Information for Help

For questions about your pa-birth-certificates-request-form, call the Pennsylvania Department of Health at (717) 783-3281. Phone lines are open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Eastern Time. Email inquiries go through the online contact form at apps.health.pa.gov/dohforms/ContactUsBirthAndDeath.aspx. Responses usually come within one business day.

Mailing Address for Paper Forms

Pennsylvania Department of Health
Division of Vital Records
P.O. Box 1528
New Castle, PA 16103

Walk-In Location (Non-Philadelphia Residents)

605 Health & Welfare Building
625 Forster Street
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many people have similar questions about getting a birth certificate in Pennsylvania. Below are clear answers based on current rules from the Department of Health. If you’re unsure, always check the official website or call the number above.

Can I use a passport instead of a PA ID?

No. Pennsylvania only accepts driver’s licenses or state-issued ID cards for birth certificate requests. Passports, military IDs, or out-of-state licenses will be rejected. This rule applies to both online and mail-in forms. The ID must be current and unexpired. If yours is lost or stolen, get a replacement from PennDOT first.

How long does it take to get a certificate by mail?

Mail-in requests take 10–12 business days after the office receives your package. Add 3–5 days for postal delivery. Online orders are faster: 3–5 days for First-Class Mail or 2–4 days for UPS Ground. Holidays and high volume (like summer) can cause delays. Track UPS shipments online; First-Class Mail has no tracking.

Can I request a certificate for my grandchild?

Yes, but you must prove your relationship. Include a copy of the parent’s birth certificate showing you as the parent, plus the child’s birth certificate listing that parent. If the parent is deceased, provide a death certificate. Grandparents may also need a notarized letter explaining the need. The Department may ask for additional documents.

What if I was adopted in Pennsylvania?

Adopted individuals can request their original birth certificate through the Department of Health. File a “Request for Original Birth Record” form. You’ll need your adoption decree and proof of identity. The biological parents’ names will be redacted unless they’ve consented to release. Processing takes 4–6 weeks. Contact the Adoption Registry for help.

Is the long-form certificate required for passports?

Yes. The U.S. Department of State requires the “long-form” birth certificate that includes hospital details and attending physician. Pennsylvania’s standard certificate meets this requirement. Do not use short forms or abstracts. If your certificate is missing information, request an amendment before applying for a passport.

Can I get a same-day certificate in person?

Only if you apply in Harrisburg or Philadelphia and meet all requirements. Bring your completed form, ID, and payment. Same-day service is not guaranteed—arrive early. Most people still wait 1–2 hours. Walk-ins are processed in order. No appointments needed, but calling ahead saves time.

Why was my application rejected?

Common reasons include: expired or invalid ID, incomplete form fields, unsigned or un-notarized mail-in forms, wrong fee amount, or incorrect birth details. Check your email for a rejection notice explaining the issue. Correct the error and resubmit. Keep copies of everything you send.