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
Pennsylvania did not record deaths, on a state level until 1906. Prior to 1906 some attempts were made to record deaths but these were usually done on the county level and not until about 1893. To determine a date of death for an individual church and cemetery records are the primary records to search. There are also substitute records which can be searched when there is an absence of death records.

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Deaths 1852-1854

 * 1852-1854 - grouped by county and record type, then arranged by certificate number, these records of death were kept by the Register of Wills for each county with returns sent to the Department of State. These returns are available for 49 of the 64 counties existing at that time; however, they are not complete for each county. Digital images of the records along with a search capability are available at www.ancestry.com.

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.

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Deaths 1856-1892
Prior to 1852 the state of Pennsylvania did not record statewide deaths. 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.

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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.

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Who May Request a Death Certificate?
Only certain people can request a death certificate. You must be:


 * Legal representative of decedent's estate
 * Immediate family member
 * Extended family member who indicates a direct relationship to the decedent
 * Power of Attorney (Please note that a Power of Attorney document is no longer valid upon the death of the individual)

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