What form is needed for a Pennsylvania apostille?

You need the 'Apostille/Certification Request Form' from the PA Department of State.

How much does a PA apostille cost?

$15.00 per document. Checks or money orders must be payable to 'Commonwealth of Pennsylvania'.

Why are local registrar signatures rejected?

The PA Secretary of State only keeps signatures of the STATE Registrar on file. Birth/death certificates signed by a Local Registrar (city/borough level) cannot be verified and will be rejected.

Where do I mail the PA apostille request?

Mail to: PA Department of State, Bureau of Commissions, Elections and Legislation, 201 North Office Building, 401 North Street, Harrisburg, PA 17120.

Pennsylvania Apostille Request Form

Download the official Apostille/Certification Request Form for Pennsylvania. Includes the latest fee schedule ($15) and critical warnings for birth and death certificates.

Quick Facts

Name

Apostille/Certification Request Form

Office

PA Dept of State, Bureau of Commissions

Fee

$15.00 per document

Payment

Check to "Commonwealth of Pennsylvania"

Mail to

201 North Office Building, 401 North Street, Harrisburg, PA 17120

Walk-In

Same address (Harrisburg). M-F 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM.

Apostille Killer: "Local Registrar" Signatures

Stop & Check Your Document

Pennsylvania REJECTS more documents than almost any other state for one reason:

Signatures from "Local Registrars".

Accepted: State Registrar (PA Dept of Health in New Castle).
Rejected: Local Registrar, City Clerk, or Borough Registrar.

Fill Out the Request Form (Step-by-Step)

Step 1 — Requestor Info

Provide your name, address, phone number, and email. This is for return shipping and questions.

Step 2 — Destination Country

List the country where the document is going. Pennsylvania issues different certificates depending on whether the country is in the Hague Convention.

Step 3 — Fee Calculation

The fee is currently:

$15.00 × Number of Documents

Payable to: "Commonwealth of Pennsylvania" or "Commonwealth of PA".

Mailing Checklist

Package contents:

Request Form — Completed
Your Document(s) — Signed by correct State official
Payment — Check/Money Order ($15 per doc)
Return Envelope — Self-addressed with postage
(Optional) Cover Letter — Explaining specific needs

Common Rejection Reasons (PA-Specific)

Local Registrar — Sending a birth cert signed by a city health officer.
Officiant Signature — Sending a marriage cert signed by a priest (Must be from County Orphans Court).
Deputy Clerk — Court docs signed by a "Deputy" (Must be the Prothonotary or Clerk of Courts).

Where to Mail

PA Department of State
Bureau of Commissions, Elections & Legislation
201 North Office Building
401 North Street
Harrisburg, PA 17120

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my birth certificate is from the State Registrar?

It will usually say "Department of Health" at the top and be issued from New Castle, PA. If it says "City of Philadelphia" or "Allegheny County", it might be a local registrar copy, which is risky.

Can I drive to Harrisburg?

Yes, the North Office Building accepts walk-ins. Arrive early to ensure same-day processing.