Philadelphia (PA) Birth Certificate Online

How to Get a Certified Birth Certificate in Philadelphia (PA)

To order an authorized copy of a Philadelphia County, (PA) birth certificate:

• Fill out the birth certificate application (available by clicking the button on this page) with the required information
• Print and sign it
• Mail it to the Pennsylvania vital records office with the necessary requirements, a prepaid self-addressed envelope, and payment (as detailed in the personalized instructions you will receive)

Your certified copy will be issued and sent by mail to the address printed on your self-addressed postage-paid envelope.

From 1906 to present registers, copies of a Philadelphia County (PA) Birth and Death Certificates may be ordered by mailing your application package to the following address:

Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records
ATTN: Birth Unit
P.O. Box 1528
New Castle, PA. 16103-1528

Alternatively, citizens of the rest of Philadelphia County (PA), can also order a certified copy of their birth certificate at the Vital Records Office. Those who prefer to submit their birth certificate application in person, may do so at the following address during walk-in hours.

Philadelphia Vital Records Office
110 N. Eight St., Suite 108
Philadelphia, PA 19107-2412

Please note that As of May 7, 2025, U.S. citizens and residents must have a REAL ID-compliant driving license or ID card to enter federal facilities and board commercial aircrafts. Requirements to obtain a REAL ID may include proof of identity, such as a certified copy of the birth certificate.

Philadelphia birth certificate requirements

To get a certified copy of a Philadelphia County (PA), Pennsylvania birth certificate, you will need to complete the online birth certificate application with your personal data:

• Full name (as it would appear on the certificate)
• Date of birth
• Mother’s name or parent’s name prior to first marriage
• Father’s name or parent’s name prior to first marriage

Citizens applying for a certified copy of a Philadelphia birth certificate need to prove their identity and be over 18 years old.

All those born in the state of Pennsylvania that need to request a certified copy of their birth certificate will need to include a clear photocopy of both sides of one of the forms of photo ID listed below along with a completed application form:

• PA Driver’s License
• PA ID Card
• Driver’s license issued by another U.S. State, jurisdiction or territory state-issued
• Photo State Identification Card issued by another U.S. State, jurisdiction or territory
• Passport

Who is eligible to apply

An official copy of a Philadelphia County (PA) birth certificate can be ordered by:

• The person named on the certificate.
• That person’s mother, father, or legal guardian.
• The husband or wife of person named on certificate.
• The son or daughter of person named on certificate.
• The sister or brother of person named on certificate.
• The legal representative of an authorized person.
• Power of Attorney.

Please note that the documentation that must be presented alongside the Philadelphia birth certificate application may vary depending on the person requesting the vital record.

How to Request an Apostille for a Philadelphia County (PA) Birth Certificate

If you need to use your birth certificate outside the U.S territory, your document should bear an apostille to grant it legal validity abroad.

This can be obtained by mail. Simply send your official birth certificate, together with the apostille fee to the Secretary of State’s office in a self-addressed postage-paid envelope. Make sure to have Certificate of Authentication Request at hand. Certain counties may have additional requirements.

Pennsylvania Authentications Unit address:

Pennsylvania Department of State
Bureau of Commissions, Elections and Legislation
Room 210 North Office Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120-0029

Philadelphia Birth Certificate Cost

Philadelphia (PA) Birth Certificate Processing Times

In most cases, your Philadelphia County birth certificate order will be filled within 3 weeks. However, some vital records may take longer due to peak demand periods.

You will then receive your certified copy of the Philadelphia, Pensylvania (PA) birth certificate by post, delivered right to your door.

Once you have mailed the application, along with a copy of a photo ID and the fees, the vital records office will process your request.

Unfortunately, rush orders are not available for Philadelphia vital records. Therefore, it is advisable to request a copy of your birth certificate ahead of time so as to avoid delays.