Pennsylvania Fetal Death Certificate Apostille
Start with an official PA fetal death certificate on security paper with a raised seal (not a photocopy).
Apostille is issued by the Pennsylvania Department of State — $15 per document, destination country required.
Do not notarize PA vital records (you'll delay the process and risk rejection).
Snapshot: Pennsylvania Fetal Death Certificate Apostille
| Issuing Authority | Pennsylvania Department of Health — Division of Vital Records Order first |
|---|---|
| Apostille Authority | Pennsylvania Department of State — Apostilles & Certifications $15 / doc |
| PA Vital Record Fee | $20 per fetal death certificate (PA DOH) Up to 4 weeks |
| Notarization | Not required (and not recommended) for PA birth/death vital records Avoid delays |
| Hague vs Non-Hague | Hague: Apostille • Non-Hague: Certification + may need embassy legalization Country matters |
Important: This document is not the same as a stillborn birth certificate
Pennsylvania offers both a fetal death certificate and a stillborn birth certificate. Many destinations accept either, but some ask for one specifically—check the exact wording from the receiving agency before you order.
- If your destination says "fetal death certificate," order the fetal death certificate.
- If it says "stillborn birth certificate," order that instead.
- If it just says "vital record," we can help you choose the safer option in a free pre-check.
Timing reality check
The apostille itself can be fast, but most delays happen before that—while waiting for the official certificate to be issued.
- PA fetal death certificates can take up to ~4 weeks to issue after the application is received.
- Plan backwards from your visa/interview date.
- Some countries require recent issuance dates (often 3–6 months).
What the apostille actually certifies
An apostille authenticates the signature/seal on the Pennsylvania public document. It does not "verify the facts" inside the record.
- Your destination country decides whether an apostille is enough.
- For non-Hague countries, you may need further consular legalization.
Common rejection trigger
Photocopies and unofficial prints get rejected. The Department of State expects original public documents with the proper Pennsylvania official signature/seal.
- Don't send scans.
- Don't staple/remove staples yourself after apostille is attached.
- Don't submit the wrong certificate type (fetal death vs stillborn).
Choose the right starting document
Option A — Fetal Death Certificate (PA DOH)
Official PA fetal death certificate printed on security paper with a raised seal. Used for international legal/immigration processes when a fetal death record exists and is registered in Pennsylvania.
Option B — Stillborn Birth Certificate (PA DOH)
Different certificate type. Some agencies request this specifically. If your instructions mention "stillborn birth certificate," don't substitute a fetal death certificate.
Choose the right legalization track
Hague Convention country
You need a Pennsylvania apostille from the PA Department of State. No embassy legalization after the apostille (in most cases).
Non-Hague country
You need a Pennsylvania certification (not an apostille) and may need additional authentication steps (often U.S. Department of State + the destination embassy/consulate).
✅ Accepted
- ✓ Original Pennsylvania fetal death certificate issued by PA Department of Health (security paper + raised seal).
- ✓ Correct request form/cover letter listing the destination country.
- ✓ Payment for PA Department of State apostille/certification ($15 per document).
❌ Not Accepted
- ✗ Photocopies, scans, printouts, or unofficial "informational" copies.
- ✗ A document issued by another state (must be apostilled in the issuing state).
- ✗ A notarized copy in place of the official PA vital record (usually unnecessary and risks confusion).
- ✗ Submission without destination country (can delay or be processed incorrectly).
Requirements Checklist
Must have
-
1
Official PA fetal death certificate
Order from PA Department of Health — Division of Vital Records. The certificate is printed on specialized security paper and includes a raised seal.
-
2
Destination country
You must clearly state where the document will be used so PA can issue an apostille (Hague) or certification (non-Hague).
-
3
PA Department of State request form or cover letter
Include requestor name, contact info, mailing address, and destination country.
-
4
Payment
$15 per document payable to "Commonwealth of Pennsylvania" for the apostille/certification.
-
5
Return shipping
Include a self-addressed stamped envelope or a prepaid air bill. PA has restrictions on return couriers.
Cannot Accept
Pennsylvania requires originals for authentication.
Stillborn birth certificate ≠ fetal death certificate. Don't guess—match what your destination asks for.
This is one of the fastest ways to slow everything down.
For courier returns, you must follow PA's rules (and PA does not accept some couriers for return shipments).
⭐ Free Pre-Check: avoid ordering the wrong certificate
Send us the destination country + a photo of what you have (or what you plan to order). We'll confirm the correct document type (fetal death vs stillborn), the right legalization track (apostille vs certification), and the cleanest submission method.
Start Free Pre-CheckStep-by-Step
Step 1 — Confirm what your destination country actually requires
Look for exact wording: "fetal death certificate" vs "stillborn birth certificate." If it's vague, default to the document explicitly listed by the receiving authority.
Step 2 — Order the official Pennsylvania fetal death certificate
Order from PA Department of Health (Division of Vital Records). PA notes fetal death certificates are issued for registered fetal deaths in PA since 1906, and fetal deaths are not registered if the loss occurred prior to 16 weeks gestation.
Death Certificate Processing Unit
PO Box 1528
New Castle, PA 16103
Step 3 — Don't notarize the vital record
For PA vital records, you generally submit the official certificate directly for apostille/certification. Notarization is not a shortcut and can create avoidable back-and-forth.
Step 4 — Prepare your Pennsylvania apostille/certification request
Include a request form or cover letter with your contact details and the destination country, plus the original certificate and payment.
Step 5 — Choose submission method: in-person, by mail, or drop box
PA Department of State indicates walk-in service is typically processed while you wait (arrive early enough), and you can also mail or use the drop box (drop box processing is typically several business days, plus mailing time).
Apostilles & Certifications (Office of Notaries, Commissions & Legislation)
North Office Building, Room 201
401 North Street
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Step 6 — Return shipping: follow Pennsylvania's courier rules
Include a self-addressed stamped envelope, or a prepaid air bill if you want courier return. Pennsylvania provides specific instructions (and restrictions) for return courier services.
Step 7 — Keep the apostille packet intact
Pennsylvania attaches the apostille/certification by staple. Do not remove staples or separate pages after it's issued.
Eligibility
PA requires a completed application, valid ID, signature, and an eligible applicant category.
Timelines
Ordering the certificate is usually the longest step. Apostille/certification speed depends on submission method.
Addresses
Vital Records (New Castle) is where you order. Dept of State (Harrisburg) is where you apostille.
Prevention
Original certificate only, destination country listed, correct fee, correct return shipping.
Fees & Timing
| Service | Fee | Time |
|---|---|---|
| PA Fetal Death Certificate (issued by PA DOH) | $20 per certificate | Up to ~4 weeks to issue |
| PA Apostille / Certification (PA Department of State) | $15 per document | Varies (in-person fast) |
| Return shipping | Varies | Adds transit time |
FAQ
How do I apostille a Pennsylvania fetal death certificate?
Order the official PA fetal death certificate from the PA Department of Health first, then submit the original to the Pennsylvania Department of State with the destination country, required request details, and the $15 per document fee for an apostille (Hague) or certification (non-Hague).
Is a Pennsylvania fetal death certificate the same as a stillborn birth certificate?
No. Pennsylvania treats these as different certificate types. Your destination may require one specifically—match the document name to the receiving authority's instructions.
Do I need to notarize a Pennsylvania fetal death certificate before apostille?
Typically no. Pennsylvania authenticates official public documents based on the issuing authority's signature/seal. Notarizing a vital record often creates confusion and delays.
What if my destination country is not part of the Hague Apostille Convention?
Pennsylvania will issue a certification instead of an apostille, and the destination may require additional legalization steps (often through the U.S. Department of State and the destination embassy/consulate).
Where do I send the document for apostille in Pennsylvania?
Apostilles/certifications are handled by the Pennsylvania Department of State in Harrisburg. Ordering the vital record itself is handled by the PA Department of Health's Vital Records office (New Castle for mail processing).
Why do documents get rejected?
The big ones: sending a photocopy/scan, using the wrong certificate type, missing the destination country, incorrect fee/payment details, or using a return shipping method that doesn't follow Pennsylvania's rules.