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FAQ for Youth Applicants

1. I'm under 18. How do I get my birth certificate?
Individuals aged 16 years and older may now apply for their own birth certificate in Pennsylvania, using
the standard application process. Proof of identification and the $20 fee per certificate are required.

Fee waivers are available for eligible applicants who are experiencing homelessness, and for young people who are or have been involved in the foster system or juvenile justice system. To obtain the fee wavier, you must apply with the assistance of a qualified advocate. For more information on advocates, see question #4.

2. How do I apply if I'm under 18?
Individuals who are 16 or 17 may apply by mail or in-person:
Mail completed application, with $20 check or money order to:
Division of Vital Records
Birth Certificate Processing Unit
PO Box 1528
New Castle, PA 16103
Walk in to one of the six public offices in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Erie, Scranton, Harrisburg, or New Castle.
 
3. What if I don't have any acceptable ID?
If a youth 16 or 17 years old does not have an acceptable ID but still needs to apply for their own birth certificate on a standard application, they will need a letter from a qualified advocate.  See Who is a Qualified Advocate below. The advocate must submit a letter, on organization letterhead with the organization's verifiable address, which states their relationship to the youth applicant, their affiliation and contact information with a youth advocacy organization, and which attests to their knowledge that the name of the youth is the same name on the application. The advocate must submit their own ID as well. Examples of advocate ID include, but are not limited to: state ID; driver's license; ID issued by the school district, probation, department or county social service agency. The advocate may redact their home address on their driver's license.
 
4. Who is a Qualified Advocate and can make a request with a young person?
Qualified advocates are certain people who work with a person experiencing homelessness, or who works with youth in the foster system or juvenile justice system, or a program director (shelter, advocacy, etc), or any other type of professional that routinely works in youth development. Typical examples are:

  • School principal,  or licensed school therapist (from a school where the youth is currently attending, or recently attended)
  • Social worker / case worker
  • Probation officer / juvenile justice case manager
  • Attorney currently representing the applicant
This list is just examples of who is an advocate, and is not a complete list. Generally, any individual who has a professional responsibility of working with the welfare of the youth, whether paid or not, may be considered a qualified advocate.
The advocate must submit a letter, on organization letterhead with the organization's verifiable address, which states their relationship to the youth applicant, their affiliation and contact information with a youth advocacy organization, and which attests to their knowledge that the name of the youth is the same name on the application. The advocate must submit their own ID as well. Examples of advocate ID include, but are not limited to: state ID; driver's license; ID issued by the school district, probation, department or county social service agency. The advocate may redact their home address on their driver's license.
 
5. What happens if the young person does not have all the information requested in application, like their county of birth or the full name of their parents?
Applicants should fill out the form to the best of their ability and submit it even if they do not have access to all requested information. Under "Part 2: Birth Certificate Being Requested" applicants should provide as much information as possible, to aid Vital Records in locating the birth record.
 
6. I'm with a Youth Advocacy Agency assisting youth with various circumstances. Will the Department of Health work with me?
The Bureau of Health Statistics and Registries (BHSR) wants to help the youth of Pennsylvania and is more than willing to work with any youth advocacy organization or individual working on the youth's behalf. The Bureau can also work with all county Child and Youth Services, and county Orphans' Courts to answer any questions and to find solutions.

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