In Philadelphia, PA & Nationwide

Pennsylvania Death Certificate Apostille

Pennsylvania death certificate apostilles done for you, with direct state processing and quick turnaround.

Book Appointment
Send Us Your Death Certificate

Death certificate Apostille Process

We handle Pennsylvania birth certificates every day. Our process is simple, reliable, and built to avoid delays from the start.

Local Certificates vs State Death Birth.

Local Death Certificates (City/County Issued) - GREEN VERSION

  • Issued by a local authority (city or county vital records office), not directly by the state

  • Typically not eligible for apostille unless signed by the State Registrar

  • Some jurisdictions provide a “green version” that includes the required state signature

  • If unsigned by the state, they must be replaced with a state-issued certificate before apostille

State-Issued Death Certificates - BLUE VERSION

  • Issued directly by the State Department of Health or Vital Records

  • Signed by the State Registrar, making them apostille-ready

  • Often referred to as the “blue version” in many states

  • Accepted for apostille without additional certification steps

How To Order Your Death 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 death 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Yes, we personally deliver your documents to the Pennsylvania Secretary of State in Harrisburg. This helps avoid delays and ensures everything is submitted correctly.

  • Processing times can vary, but we offer both standard and expedited options. We’ll give you a clear timeline based on your situation.

  • 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.

  • No, Pennsylvania birth certificates issued by Vital Records do not need to be notarized before getting an apostille.

  • 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

  • Yes, we handle apostille services for all 50 states. Each state has its own process, and we manage the requirements for you.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Processing times vary depending on the state. We’ll give you an accurate timeline and offer expedited options when available.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Yes, we ship completed documents worldwide using reliable carriers. Tracking is provided so you know exactly when your documents will arrive.

  • 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.

  • We accept secure online payments, making it easy to pay from anywhere in the world. Payment details are provided before we begin.