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Processing Times

Processing times refers to the length of time that it takes Vital Records to process your application from the date we receive your complete application. General processing times are listed below. If your application exceeds the published processing times, you can call us to inquire about the status of your application.

Processing times may be delayed due to application information issues. Additional processing time may be required for applications that involve items such as the following:  Genealogical requests, subpoenas, court orders, or power of attorneys.

Application for a Birth Certificate

  • Online orders placed through mycertificates.health.pa.gov: Approximately 2 weeks
  • Paper applications mailed to the Division of Vital Records:  Approximately  2 weeks

Application for a Death Certificate

  • Online orders placed through mycertificates.health.pa.gov: Approximately 3 weeks
  • Paper applications mailed to the Division of Vital Records:  Approximately 3 weeks

Adoptee's Application for a Noncertified Copy of Original Birth Record

  • Paper applications mailed to the Division of Vital Records:  Approximately 45 days

Requests to Modify a Birth Record

  • Requests submitted with complete and accurate information:
    • Infant (Age Less Than 1 Year Old): Approximately 15 weeks
    • Child (Age 1 Year to Less Than 7 Years Old): Approximately 16 weeks
    • Child (Age 7 Years to Less Than 14 Years Old): Approximately 18 weeks
    • Child (Age 14 Years to Less Than 18 Years Old): Approximately 19 weeks
    • Adult (Age 18 Years Old and Above): Approximately 28 weeks
    • Adoption: Approximately 3 weeks
    • Parentage: Approximately 16 weeks
  • Suspension of Requests (due to issues such as eligibility concerns, incomplete or conflicting information, missing signatures, missing documentary evidence, and/or lack of payment):
    • Infant (Age Less Than 1 Year Old): Approximately 34 weeks
    • Child (Age 1 Year to Less Than 7 Years Old): Approximately 34 weeks
    • Child (Age 7 Years to Less Than 14 Years Old): Approximately 32 weeks
    • Child (Age 14 Years to Less Than 18 Years Old): Approximately 34 weeks
    • Adult (Age 18 Years Old and Above): Approximately 40 weeks
    • Adoption: Approximately 9 weeks
    • Parentage: Approximately 36 weeks

Requests to Modify a Death Record

  • Requests submitted with complete and accurate information: Approximately 8 weeks
  • Suspension of Requests (due to issues such as eligibility concerns, incomplete or conflicting information, missing signatures or missing documentary evidence):  Approximately 12 Weeks