New procedures for issuing copies of birth and death certificates are being put in place to help stop identity theft, Rep. Chuck McIlhinney (R-143) said today.

The new procedures, issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Division of Vital Records, took effect on Feb. 1.

All vital records requests now require that the appropriate application be completed and signed. Photo identification is also required. The division will no longer accept telephone requests.

The Division of Vital Records issues only certified copies of birth with a Commonwealth raised seal that are acceptable for numerous uses, such as passport, Social Security, employment, and personal identification. Each record is issued at a fee of $4. Those who are seeking a copy of a birth certificate must be 18 years of age and be the person named on the birth record, a legal representative, or an immediate family member.

Death certificates are available for all Pennsylvanians who are deceased since 1906 until the present, at a fee of $3. Those seeking a death certificate must be a legal representative of the decedent`s estate or a family member of the decedent.

For more information regarding the new process for distribution of birth and death certificates go to http://webserver.health.state.pa.us/health/cwp/view.asp?a=168&Q=229939" or contact McIlhinney`s office at 199 N. Broad Street, Suite 200, Doylestown, telephone (215) 489-5000.

Rep. Charles T. McIlhinney, Jr. 143rd District Pennsylvania House of Representatives