Berks County Death Records
Berks County obituary and death records are held by the county Register of Wills for the earliest period and by the Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records for deaths from 1906 forward. Berks County is located in southeastern Pennsylvania with Reading as its county seat. The county was formed in 1752, making it one of the oldest counties in the state. This page explains how to find Berks County death certificates, where to research historical obituaries, and what local offices hold related records.
Berks County Quick Facts
Berks County Register of Wills
The Berks County Register of Wills maintains the earliest local vital records and handles estate proceedings for the county. Historical birth and death records from 1893 to 1906 are available here for genealogical research. The office also holds marriage license records from 1885 to the present. An online search for marriage license applications from 1996 forward is available through the county website. The Register of Wills also serves as Clerk of the Orphans' Court, handling adoptions and guardianships.
The office is located at the Berks County Services Center, 633 Court Street, 4th Floor, Reading, PA 19601. Phone is 610-478-6370. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Written requests are accepted for historical record searches. Fees for certified copies and searches are set by county ordinance. Historical marriage records are available on microfilm. The office can provide information about obtaining state-issued birth and death certificates for records from after 1906.
The image below is from the Pennsylvania Department of Health vital records portal, which handles death certificate requests for Berks County deaths from 1906 through the present day.
The state vital records system processes Berks County death certificate requests and provides access to historical records for genealogical research purposes.
| Office |
Berks County Register of Wills 633 Court Street, 4th Floor Reading, PA 19601 Phone: 610-478-6370 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Records | Birth and death records 1893-1906; marriage licenses 1885-present; estate records |
Note: The Berks County Register of Wills offers online search for marriage license applications from 1996 forward, which is more extensive than most Pennsylvania county offices provide.
Berks County Death Certificate Requests
Deaths in Berks County from 1906 to the present are recorded by the Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records. This requirement comes from 35 P.S. Section 450.101. Certified copies cost $20 each. You can order through VitalChek online or by mail to Division of Vital Records, PO Box 1528, New Castle, PA 16103.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health death certificates page lists the full application process, who can request a record, and what documentation to provide. You will need a valid photo ID and, for records with medical information, proof of relationship to the deceased. Expect about three weeks for mail orders. Check the current processing times before submitting.
For older Berks County death records, the Pennsylvania State Archives maintains historical vital statistics. The Berks County Recorder of Deeds at 633 Court Street, 2nd Floor, Reading, PA 19601, phone 610-478-3380, holds real estate records from 1752, and property transfers that followed a death often require a death certificate for documentation.
Historical Berks County Obituary and Genealogy Records
Berks County was founded in 1752 and has a long German heritage. Reading was once one of the largest German-speaking cities in colonial America. This background means that church records, especially from Lutheran, Reformed, and Mennonite congregations, are often the best sources for death information before official registration began in 1893.
The Historical Society of Berks County at 940 Centre Avenue, Reading, PA 19601, phone 610-375-4375, maintains an extensive archive of obituaries and family papers. The society holds obituary indexes for Reading and other Berks County newspapers, plus manuscripts, historical maps, and photographs. The society can assist with genealogical research inquiries and also offers educational programs on local history.
The Reading Public Library at 100 South Fifth Street, Reading, PA 19602, phone 610-655-6355, holds a strong local history and genealogy collection. The library maintains microfilm of historic Reading newspapers, obituary indexes, and access to Ancestry Library Edition. Reference librarians at the Reading Public Library can help you search Berks County obituary records and navigate the available genealogical databases.
Related Berks County Records and Offices
The Berks County Prothonotary at 633 Court Street, Reading, PA 19601, phone 610-478-6430, handles civil court records including wrongful death filings and estate disputes. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You can search civil dockets online through the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System portal. Certified copies of court documents are available for fees set by the court.
The Orphans' Court division in Berks County handles all estate and probate matters. Estate inventories, accountings, and guardianship proceedings are public records that can contain useful family history information. The Pennsylvania Orphans' Court directory lists contact details for the Berks County clerk. For a full overview of genealogical resources available statewide, the Pennsylvania genealogy vital records page is a good starting point.
Cities in Berks County
No cities from our directory are currently listed for this county.
Nearby Counties
Berks County is located in southeastern Pennsylvania and borders several other counties. Confirm where the death occurred before requesting a record.