On-the-spot birth certificate pilot program launches in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is launching a pilot program that will provide on-the-spot birth certificates to help speed up the process for people seeking new jobs and other opportunities.

The Pennsylvania Departments of Labor & Industry and Health announced the initiative this week. The service will be available at some CareerLink locations later this year.

Gov. Josh Shapiro’s office said the pilot program kicked off at the PA CareerLink in Lancaster County, reinforcing the administration’s investment in “eliminating common barriers to employment, such as a lack of a state-issued birth certificate.”

The service is only available to people born in Pennsylvania.

“Having access to your birth certificate shouldn’t be what holds you back from starting a new job or applying for housing,” said L&I Secretary Nancy Walker. “Initiatives such as this represent how we are removing barriers, expanding opportunity and getting stuff done for Pennsylvanians.”

As of now, Pennsylvanians can obtain a birth certificate through the health department online, through mail or in person at a Vital Records public office.

Pittsburgh’s office is located at 411 Seventh Ave., Room 360, and its hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, according to the state’s website.

The on-the-spot birth certificate service is set to be offered at more PA CareerLink events across Pennsylvania — including PA CareerLink Awareness Days later in the year.

Last year, Southwest Pennsylvania awareness days occurred in Allegheny, Beaver, Fayette, Westmoreland and Greene counties in August and September.