Overview
Vital records include records of birth, death, and marriage. They capture important information about life events and are key resources for genealogical research.
The Pennsylvania State Archives holds a broad range of vital records. Some records have been digitized and are available online through Ancestry.com and Ancestry Pennsylvania. Other records may be accessed onsite or requested through reference services.
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Birth records
The Commonwealth began to issue birth certificates in 1906. Before then, Pennsylvania births were recorded sporadically by the counties and some cities.
Among other information, the data on a birth record may include:
- Birth name
- Date and place of birth
- Parents’ names
- Parents’ birthplaces
Learn more about researching birth records in Pennsylvania.
Death records
The Commonwealth began to issue death certificates in 1906. Before then, Pennsylvania deaths were only recorded sporadically by the counties and some cities.
Among other information, the data on a death record may include:
- Date and place of death
- Cause of death
- Occupation
- Burial place
- Parents’ names
Learn more about researching death records in Pennsylvania.
Marriage records
Since September 30, 1885, marriage licenses have been issued by the Clerk of Orphans Court at each county courthouse. The original records are still held by the counties. The State Archives holds digitized microfilm copies of marriage records for some counties, along with other marriage-related records.
Among other information, the data on a marriage record may include:
- Registrants’ names
- Registrants’ occupations
- Registrants’ dates and places of birth
- Parents’ names
Learn more about researching marriage records in Pennsylvania.
