How much do death certificates cost in Pennsylvania?
A certified copy costs $20 from the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Online orders include an additional $10 processing fee, bringing the total to $30 per copy when ordering electronically.
Veteran fee waiver: As of January 2025, Pennsylvania expanded its free certificate program. Veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, their spouses or widow(er)s, and dependent children can receive up to 10 free copies. Previously, fee waivers were limited to active service members and honorably discharged veterans.
How to order
Through a funeral home (fastest)
Your funeral director handles the initial batch as part of their services. Copies typically arrive within 2 to 4 weeks.
Online
Order through the Pennsylvania Department of Health portal, which uses VitalChek for processing. You will need a credit card and valid photo ID.
Online processing takes approximately three weeks, not including delivery time.
By mail
Download the application from the PA DOH website. Include a check or money order for $20 per copy payable to "Vital Records." Mail to the Division of Vital Records in New Castle, PA.
Mail processing typically takes 4 to 6 weeks.
In person
Visit a local vital records office. Some county offices offer same-day or next-day service.
Processing times
| Method | Typical timeline |
|---|---|
| Funeral home | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Online (PA DOH portal) | About 3 weeks |
| By mail | 4 to 6 weeks |
| In person | Same day to a few days |
Processing may take longer for genealogical requests, court orders, or power of attorney applications.
Who can order?
Pennsylvania restricts certified copies to:
- Spouse
- Parent, child, or sibling
- The executor or administrator of the estate
- An attorney or legal representative
- Anyone with a court order
You must provide a valid photo ID and state your relationship to the deceased on the application.
What to know about Pennsylvania specifically
The veteran fee waiver is genuinely useful. If you are settling the estate of a veteran, you can get up to 10 free copies. This alone can save $200 or more. Contact the PA DOH directly to confirm eligibility.
The inheritance tax connection. Pennsylvania is one of six states with an inheritance tax, and the tax return is due nine months after death. You will need certified death certificates to file the return and to work with the Register of Wills. Make sure you have enough copies early.
Register of Wills vs. DOH. The Register of Wills handles probate, while the DOH handles vital records. These are separate offices. You will need to interact with both when settling an estate.
For a broader overview of the death certificate process, see our guide on how to get death certificates. If you are handling probate, see our guide on how probate works in Pennsylvania.
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