Multi-Year Search Information

Birth Certificate Multi-Year Search

How do I apply for a multi-year search for a birth record?

If you are uncertain about the year of birth for the birth certificate you are requesting, you will need to submit an Application for a Multi-Year Search of a Birth Record. To aid in our search, we require that you know the individual’s first and last name, and county of birth (if possible).  Any additional names or variances to the name require a separate application.  

When applying for a multi-year search, you must meet all eligibility requirements associated with obtaining a birth certificate.

Fee

The base cost associated with a multi-year search is $45 to search a 10-year period. Pay close attention when designating this 10-year period.  For example, 1955 through 1965 is an 11-year period. If you are requesting a 10-year search, you must choose 1956 through 1965 or 1954 through 1963. Each additional 10-year period costs $25.

If you are requesting a birth record that is at least 105 years old and you only need a noncertified copy, you may be able to obtain this record from the Pennsylvania State Archives. Download our Genealogy Fact Sheet for more details.

How long does it take to get a birth certificate under a multi-year search?

See our Processing Times page for current processing times.  Multi-year searches generally take 2 to 4 weeks longer than the times posted due to the comprehensive search across multiple years that is required under the multi-year application.

Death Certificate Multi-Year Search

How do I apply for a multi-year search for a death record?

If you are uncertain about the year of death for the death certificate you are requesting, you will need to submit an Application for a Multi-Year Search of a Death Record. To aid in our search, we require that you know the individual’s first and last name, and county of death (if possible).  Any additional names or variances to the name require a separate application.  

When applying for a multi-year search, you must meet all eligibility requirements associated with obtaining a death certificate.

Fee

The base cost associated with a multi-year search is $45 to search a 10-year period. Pay close attention when designating this 10-year period.  For example, 1955 through 1965 is an 11-year period. If you are requesting a 10-year search, you must choose 1956 through 1965 or 1954 through 1963. Each additional 10-year period costs $25.

If you are requesting a death record that is at least 50 years old and you only need a noncertified copy, you may be able to obtain this record from the Pennsylvania State Archives. Download our Genealogy Fact Sheet for more details.

How long does it take to get a death certificate under a multi-year search?

See our Processing Times page for current processing times.  Multi-year searches generally take 2 to 4 weeks longer than the times posted due to the comprehensive search across multiple years that is required under the multi-year application.