How to Find Pennsylvania Death Records

How to Find United States Deaths  Pennsylvania Deaths

Statewide registration for Pennsylvania deaths began in 1906. Prior to the state keeping death records counties kept death records beginning in 1893.

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Next Step: When did the death occur?

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 * Death Records
 * Choose a time period:


 * Deaths before 1852
 * Deaths 1852-1855
 * Deaths 1856-1892
 * Deaths 1893-1905
 * Deaths 1906-1962
 * Deaths 1963-Present
 * Death year unknown


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Deaths before 1852
Prior to 1852 the state of Pennsylvania did not record deaths statewide. Church and cemetery records are the most important records for determining when an individual died. You must search substitute records to locate your ancestor’s death date and place.

Return to top: Choose another death year

Deaths 1852-1855

 * 1853 - Virginia law required counties to record deaths, although records are incomplete
 * 1863 - West Virginia was created from the state of Virginia
 * 1917 - West Virginia Statewide death registration began

If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases below try searching for death information in other records.

For deaths that exist during the time period, try the following databases. Try each link.

Return to top: Choose another death year

Deaths 1856-1892
The state of West Virginia began recording deaths in January 1917.

STEP ONE: Find Death Information
For deaths that exist during this time period, try the following databases. Try each link.

STEP TWO: Obtain the Certificate
PART A: You know the exact date of death 

If the image was not included in the index entry above, you can order a copy of the death record for a fee from the following locations:

See list of restrictions for ordering death records

If you do not want to order the death record, you can search other records with death information.

PART B: You don't know the exact date of death

If you do not know the exact date or place of death: For a fee, the West Virginia Department of Health office will do a 3 year search (click on the death certificates tab).

See list of restrictions for ordering death records

If you do not want to order the death record, you can search other records with death information. Return to top: Choose another death year

Deaths 1893-1905

 * 1853 - Virginia law required counties to record deaths, although records are incomplete
 * 1863 - West Virginia was created from the state of Virginia
 * 1917 - West Virginia Statewide death registration began

If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases below try searching for death information in other records.

For deaths that exist during the time period, try the following databases. Try each link.

Return to top: Choose another death year

Deaths 1906-1962
PART A: You know the exact date of death 

With an exact date (from your records), you can order a copy of the death record for a fee from the following locations:

See list of restrictions for ordering death records

If you do not want to order the death record, you can search other records with death information.

PART B: You don't know the exact date of death

If you do not know the exact date or place of death: For a fee, the West Virginia Department of Health office will do a 3 year search (click on the death certificates tab).

See list of restrictions for ordering death records

If you do not want to order the death record, you can search other records with death information. Return to top: Choose another death year

Deaths 1963-Present
West Virginia did not exist at this time and was known as the state of Virginia.Before 1853, no deaths were recorded by the county or state. You must search substitute records to locate your ancestor’s death date and place.

Return to top: Choose another death year

Restrictions for Obtaining Death Records
Restrictions for persons born who died within the last 50 years: To obtain a copy of the death certificate for those who died within the last 50 years, you must be:


 * The parent or grandparent of the person on the certificate
 * The spouse of the person on the certificate
 * The child or grandchild of the person on the certificate
 * The sibling of the person on the certificate
 * Funeral director
 * Anyone who has legal interest in the certificate
 * NOTE: A copy of the death record cannot be obtained by anyone except those listed above until 50 years have passed from the date of the death.

If you do not want to order the death record, you can search other records with death information. Return to top: Choose another death year

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