Birth Certificates

Additional copies of a birth certificate may be ordered from the Department of Vital Records. An application is required along with a fee. Fees may be waived for members of the armed forces Parties that may request a birth certificate include attorney or legal representative (documentation may be required), spouse, parent or step-parent (must submit marriage record supporting the relationship), grandparent or great-grandparent (specify maternal or paternal), and power of attorney for person named on birth certificate or immediate family member listed above. The following individuals may also submit an application if over age 18: person named on the birth certificate, siblings (including half siblings), children or step-children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Simple changes to a birth certificate can be made by agreement of the parents through the Department of Vital Records as well. Desired corrections can be stated on the back of the birth certificate and must be signed by both parties in the presence of a notary. A change in civil status form is required for a name change on a birth certificate due to the subsequent marriage of the biological parents. An acknowledgment of paternity form must be filed to have the biological father added to a birth certificate where no one was previously listed. The Pennsylvania Department of Vital Records can be reached at (844)228-3516 or at the address below:

Division of Vital Records Attn: Corrections Unit 101 S. Mercer Street, Room 401 PO Box 1528 New Castle, PA 16101