How to Find Pennsylvania Death Records: Difference between revisions
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If you do not want to order the death record, you can search [[Substitute Records For United States Death Information|other records with death information]]. | If you do not want to order the death record, you can search [[Substitute Records For United States Death Information|other records with death information]]. | ||
<center>[[How to Find | <center>[[How to Find Pennsylvania Death Records#Next_Step:_When_did_the_death_occur.3F|Return to top: Choose another death year]]</center> | ||
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Revision as of 16:53, 29 May 2013
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.
Next Step: When did the death occur? [edit | edit source] |
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Deaths before 1852[edit | edit source]
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.
| Records that give death information: | ||
Deaths 1852-1855[edit | edit source]
- 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.
| West Virginia Deaths Databases - Includes Index and Digital Images | ||||
| Try 1st: | ||||
| 1853-1970 - At West Virginia Division of Culture and History | Free; dates vary by county and some only go to 1962; list of database county coverage (right side of the screen)on WV website | |||
| Try 2nd: | ||||
| 1853-1970 - At FamilySearch.org | Free; dates vary by county and some only go to 1962; list of database county coverage (right side of the screen)on WV website; click on "view partner website" to see a copy of the image | |||
| Can't find your ancestor in the online index? | Tips for searching online indexes | |||
| No death record for your ancestor? | Other records with death information | |||
Deaths 1856-1892[edit | edit source]
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.
| Records that give death information: | ||
Deaths 1893-1905[edit | edit source]
- 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.
| West Virginia Deaths Databases - Includes Index and Digital Images | ||||
| Try 1st: | ||||
| 1853-1970 - At West Virginia Division of Culture and History | Free; dates vary by county and some only go to 1962; list of database county coverage (right side of the screen)on WV website | |||
| Try 2nd: | ||||
| 1853-1970 - At FamilySearch.org | Free; dates vary by county and some only go to 1962; list of database county coverage (right side of the screen)on WV website; click on "view partner website" to see a copy of the image | |||
| Can't find your ancestor in the online index? | Tips for searching online indexes | |||
| No death record for your ancestor? | Other records with death information | |||
Deaths 1906-1962[edit | edit source]
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:
| To Order Death Certificates | |||
| From County of Death | From WV Dept. of Health State office | ||
| Pros | Cons | Pros | Cons |
| May be less expensive and faster than ordering from the state | County websites can be more difficult to use | Offers a search of the state index for an additional fee | May be more expensive than ordering from the county |
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.
Deaths 1963-Present[edit | edit source]
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.
| Records that give death information: | ||
Restrictions for Obtaining Death Records[edit | edit source]
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.