In Philadelphia, PA & Nationwide
Pennsylvania Birth Certificate Apostille
Fast, professional apostille processing for Pennsylvania birth certificates. We physically deliver your documents to Harrisburg — 2 to 4 business day turnaround.
Birth certificate Apostille Process
Pennsylvania birth certificates are among our most requested documents. Our process is straightforward — no guesswork, no delays.
Long Form vs Short Form Birth.
Long Form Certificate (Highly Recommended)
This is the version most countries require for apostille and international use.
Includes full parental details, including age and place of birth for both parents
Required by most Latin American and South American countries
Can be apostilled in Pennsylvania (must include the State Registrar’s signature)
Helps prevent rejection by foreign authorities
Accepted for immigration, dual citizenship, and golden visa applications
Short Form Certificate (Limited Use)
This version has limited information and is often not accepted internationally.
Does not include parental age or place of birth
Can be apostilled in Pennsylvania (must include the State Registrar’s signature)
Frequently rejected, especially by Latin American countries
Not suitable for most immigration or citizenship applications
May be accepted for domestic use or in select countries only
Important Note
It’s important to choose the correct document before starting the apostille process.
Both long form and short form certificates can be apostilled in Pennsylvania
Requirements vary by country, so verification is critical before submitting
Choosing the wrong version can lead to delays or rejection
We strongly recommend using the long form to avoid issues
How To Order Your Birth Certificate
OPTION 1 - Visit Pennsylvania Vital Records
The Pennsylvania Department of Health Division of Vital Records is the official state repository for all birth, death, and marriage records.
Visit a Vital Records office in person
Submit an application by mail
Request the long form specifically
Allow standard state processing time
OPTION 2 - Order Online - Vital Check
VitalChek is Pennsylvania's authorized online ordering partner for official vital records, including birth certificates.
Order online at VitalChek.com
Expedited processing options available
Specify long form at checkout
Delivered directly to your address
We Process Birth Certificates From All 50 States
While Pennsylvania is our specialty, we handle apostilles and document authentication for birth certificates from every state in the nation. The same long form vs. short form requirements apply nationwide. Contact us to confirm what your specific destination country requires.
Birth Certificate Apostille Questions
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Yes, as long as it is issued by Pennsylvania Vital Records and includes the State Registrar’s signature. Both long form and short form can be apostilled, but the long form is preferred.
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Yes, in most cases the long form is strongly recommended. Many countries require full parental details, and using a short form can lead to rejection.
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Yes, we personally deliver your documents to the Pennsylvania Secretary of State in Harrisburg. This helps avoid delays and ensures everything is submitted correctly.
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Processing times can vary, but we offer both standard and expedited options. We’ll give you a clear timeline based on your situation.
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Using the wrong version—especially a short form—can result in rejection by the receiving country. We review your documents before submission to prevent this.
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No, Pennsylvania birth certificates issued by Vital Records do not need to be notarized before getting an apostille.
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Yes, you can either schedule a local appointment or send your documents by mail. We handle the entire process from there.
Out of state Birth Certificate Apostille Questions
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Yes, we handle apostille services for all 50 states. Each state has its own process, and we manage the requirements for you.
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No, apostilles must be issued by the state where the document was created. We coordinate directly with the correct state office to complete the process.
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Yes, in most cases the original certified copy issued by that state is required. We’ll confirm exactly what’s needed before you send anything.
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Processing times vary depending on the state. We’ll give you an accurate timeline and offer expedited options when available.
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Yes, we can guide you on how to order a new certified copy that meets apostille requirements. This helps avoid delays or rejection during processing.
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Yes, in most cases New York documents must first be certified by the County Clerk before they can receive an apostille. This extra step is required before submission to the New York Department of State.
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Yes, we manage the full New York process, including obtaining the County Clerk certification when required. This ensures your documents are properly prepared before the apostille is issued.
Clients Outside the U.S. – Apostille FAQs
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Yes, we regularly work with clients living abroad. You can send your documents to us, and we handle the entire apostille process in Pennsylvania on your behalf.
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You can ship your document using an international courier like DHL, FedEx, or UPS. We’ll provide the exact shipping instructions to make sure it arrives safely and without delays.
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Yes, in most cases a certified original issued by Pennsylvania Vital Records is required. If you don’t have one, we can help you order the correct long-form version before starting.
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Yes, we ship completed documents worldwide using reliable carriers. Tracking is provided so you know exactly when your documents will arrive.
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Timing depends on processing speed and shipping, but we’ll give you a clear estimate upfront. Expedited options are available to help reduce turnaround time.
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We accept secure online payments, making it easy to pay from anywhere in the world. Payment details are provided before we begin.