General Info

The Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records issues certified copies of birth certificates with a raised seal that are typically acceptable for travel, passport, social security, driver's license, school registration, personal identification, employment and related legal purposes. It also issues certified copies of death certificates that are acceptable for obtaining estate settlement, insurance claims, and death and social security benefits. The division issues records to eligible applicant who is the legal representative of decedent's estate. The Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records is governed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.