How To Get a PA Apostille
2 Way Notary & Apostille is your premier destination for all your apostille needs in Pennsylvania. We specialize in providing efficient and reliable PA apostille services, ensuring your important documents are legally recognized worldwide. Whether you need a Pennsylvania apostille for immigration, education, or business purposes, our team of experts is dedicated to guiding you through the entire process.
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Expertise and Experience: Our team has extensive knowledge of the intricate requirements for obtaining an apostille PA. We stay up-to-date with the latest regulations to ensure your documents are processed accurately and promptly.
Streamlined Process: We simplify the PA apostille process by handling all the paperwork and bureaucratic hurdles. Our efficient system minimizes delays and ensures your documents are returned to you as quickly as possible.
Customer Satisfaction: Your satisfaction is our top priority. We provide personalized service and clear communication throughout the entire process. Our commitment to excellence ensures a hassle-free experience for you.
Don't trust your important documents to just anyone. Choose 2 Way Notary & Apostille for your Pennsylvania apostille needs including an apostille Philadelphia PA. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you.
PA Birth Certificate
Planning to use your PA Birth Certificate abroad? You'll likely need an apostille, a specialized certification that verifies the authenticity of your document for international use. But here's the catch: you can't get an apostille for just any birth certificate. To obtain an apostille from the Pennsylvania Department of State, you must first have a certified copy issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Health's Division of Vital Records.
Why? Because a certified copy bears the official seal and signature of the state registrar, confirming its legitimacy and allowing it to be recognized by foreign authorities. Think of it as the first step in a two-part process:
Certified Copy of Birth Certificate PA: Obtained from the PA State Vital Records Office.
PA Apostille: Obtained from the Pennsylvania Secretary of the Commonwealth office.
Let's break down why this certified copy of a PA birth certificate is so crucial and how you can easily obtain one.
How to Get a Certified Copy of a PA Birth Certificate
To obtain a certified copy of a Pennsylvania birth certificate, you can choose from three primary methods: online, in-person, or by mail.
1. Online:
Visit the official Pennsylvania Department of Health website or VitalChek, the state's authorized vendor. Complete the online application form.
Provide the required information, including the full name on the certificate, date of birth, place of birth, parents' names, and your relationship to the individual.
Upload a copy of your valid, government-issued photo ID.
Pay the associated fees, which typically include the certificate fee and a processing fee.
The certificate will be mailed to you within the specified processing time.
2. In-Person:
Download and complete the Application for Birth Certificate form.
Bring the completed application and a valid, government-issued photo ID to a Pennsylvania Department of Health public office.
Pay the required fees.
You may be able to receive the certificate immediately or within a short processing time.
3. By Mail:
Download and complete the Application for Birth Certificate form.
Include a legible copy of your valid, government-issued photo ID that verifies your name and mailing address.
Mail the completed application, ID copy, and a check or money order for the required fees to the Pennsylvania Department of Health's Vital Records office.
Pennsylvania Department of Health
Division of Vital Records
PO Box 1528
New Castle, PA 16103-1528
The certificate will be mailed to you within the specified processing time.
Additional Information:
The cost of a certified copy of a Pennsylvania birth certificate is $20.
Online orders through VitalChek include an additional processing fee.
Processing times vary depending on the method of application and the volume of requests.
You must provide proof of identity and eligibility to obtain a certified copy of a birth certificate.
If you require expedited service or have specific questions, contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health's Vital Records office directly. Call 724-656-3100 for assistance.
Marriage Certificate PA
Planning to use your PA Marriage Certificate abroad? You'll likely need an apostille, a specialized certification that verifies the authenticity of your document for international use. But here's the catch: you can't get an apostille for just any marriage certificate. To obtain an apostille from the Pennsylvania Department of State, you must first have a certified copy issued by the:
Marriage License Clerk's office in the county where the marriage license was issued - often know as the Orphan's Court
Why? Because a certified copy bears the official seal and signature of the state registrar, confirming its legitimacy and allowing it to be recognized by foreign authorities. Think of it as the first step in a two-part process:
Certified Copy of Marriage Certificate PA: Obtained from the Clerk's office in the county where the marriage license was issued - often know as the Orphan's Court
Apostille Marriage Certificate Pennsylvania: Obtained from the Pennsylvania Secretary of the Commonwealth office.
Let's break down why this certified copy of a PA marriage certificate is so crucial and how you can easily obtain one.
How Do I Get a Certified Copy of Marriage Certificate PA
To obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate in Pennsylvania, you'll need to contact the Marriage License Clerk's office in the county where the marriage license was issued - often know as the Orphan's Court. Here's a general outline of the process:
1. Find the Correct County:
If you know the county: Visit the county's official website or contact their Marriage License Clerk's office directly. Many counties provide online forms, instructions, and fee information.
If you don't know the county: You can try searching online using a search engine like Google with keywords like "[spouse's name] [your name] marriage license Pennsylvania" or use a public records search website.
2. Request the Certificate:
In-Person: This is often the fastest way to get a copy. Visit the Marriage License Clerk's office with a valid government-issued photo ID and pay the required fee. You may be able to receive the certificate immediately.
By Mail: Download the application form from the county's website (if available) or write a request letter including:
- Your full name at the time of marriage
- Your spouse's full name at the time of marriage
- Date of marriage
- Place of marriage (city/town)
- Your current mailing address
- A photocopy of your valid government-issued photo ID
- A check or money order for the required fee (made payable to the county)
- Mail the request to the Marriage License Clerk's office.
Online: Some counties offer online ordering through their websites or through third-party providers. You'll typically need to provide the information mentioned above and pay the fee online using a credit card.
3. Important Notes:
Fees: Fees vary by county, usually ranging from $10 to $20.
Processing Time: In-person requests may be processed immediately, while mail requests can take several weeks.
Who Can Order: Generally, only the individuals named on the marriage certificate, their parents, legal guardians, children, grandchildren, siblings, or legal representatives can order a certified copy.
For marriages before 1885: Contact the Pennsylvania State Archives for assistance.
Remember to check the specific requirements and procedures of the county where your marriage license was issued, as they may have their own forms or processes. You can usually find this information on the county's official website or by contacting the Marriage License Clerk's office directly.
To obtain a certified copy of marriage certificate contact the Orphans Court in the County you were married.
For example: I you were married in Northampton County, PA search online for the “Orphans Court Northampton County PA” Usually the only way to contact them is by phone.
Death Certificate PA
Planning to use your PA Death Certificate abroad? You'll likely need an apostille, a specialized certification that verifies the authenticity of your document for international use. But here's the catch: you can't get an apostille for just any death certificate. To obtain an apostille from the Pennsylvania Department of State, you must first have a certified death certificate issued by the:
- Register of Wills/Orphans' Court in the county where the death occurred
- Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records:
Why? Because a certified death certificate in PA bears the official seal and signature of the state registrar, confirming its legitimacy and allowing it to be recognized by foreign authorities. Think of it as the first step in a two-part process:
Certified Death Certificate in PA: Obtained from the Clerk's office in the county where the marriage license was issued - often know as the Orphan's Court
Apostille Death Certificate: Obtained from the Pennsylvania Secretary of the Commonwealth office.
Let's break down why this certified copy of a PA marriage certificate is so crucial and how you can easily obtain one.
How Do I Get a Certified Death Certificate in PA
1. Online:
VitalChek: This is the only authorized online vendor for Pennsylvania death certificates. You can order online 24/7 and pay with a credit card. Expedited shipping options are available for an additional fee.
Access the VitalChek website here: https://www.vitalchek.com/v/death-certificates/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-vital-records
Fees: $20 per copy.
2. In-Person:
County Register of Wills/Orphans' Court: Visit the Register of Wills/Orphans' Court in the county where the death occurred.
Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records: You can also visit their office in New Castle.
Required: Completed application form and acceptable ID.
Fees: $20 per copy.
3. By Mail:
Download the application form: https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/certificates/Pages/Death-Certificates.aspx
Mail the completed application, a copy of your ID, and the fee to: Pennsylvania Department of Health Division of Vital Records Central Registration P.O. Box 1528 New Castle, PA 16103
Fees: $20 per copy.
4. Important Notes:
Acceptable ID: Unexpired government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, state-issued ID). If mailing your application, your ID must also show your current address.
Eligibility: Only certain individuals are eligible to receive a certified death certificate, including immediate family members, legal representatives, and those with a direct and tangible interest.
Processing Times: Online orders are generally fastest, followed by in-person requests. Mail-in requests may take several weeks.
5. Additional Tips:
If you need a death certificate urgently, consider using the online service or visiting the Department of Health office in person.
For genealogy research, you may be able to obtain a non-certified copy for a lower fee.
If you have any questions, contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records for assistance.