Learn About The Law
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Current as of January 01, 2025 | Updated by Findlaw Staff
(a) For any child born in a foreign country but adopted in Pennsylvania, whose adopting parents are United States citizens and residents of Pennsylvania, the department shall, upon request, complete and register a birth certificate upon receipt of a certified copy of the decree of adoption, together with proof of the date and place of the child's birth.
(b)(1) Except as provided in clause (2), a birth certificate issued under subsection (a) shall show the new name of the child as specified in the decree of adoption, and such further information concerning the adopting parents as may be necessary to complete the birth certificate. The certificate shall show the true country and date of birth of the child, and that the certificate is not evidence of United States citizenship.
(2) For any foreign-born child who satisfies the requirements of either 8 U.S.C. § 1431 or 1433 and whose parent presents documents from the United States Department of State, United States Department of Justice, Immigration and Naturalization Service, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services of the United States Department of Homeland Security or their successor agencies, including either a certificate of citizenship, a United States passport or other document as specified by the department, verifying the child's United States citizenship, the birth certificate shall show the true country and date of birth but will not contain any notation regarding citizenship of the registrant. For such registration the department shall require proof of parental United States citizenship and of Pennsylvania residence.
(c) Certified copies of such certificates shall be issued upon application and payment of the prescribed fee.
Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Pennsylvania Statutes Title 35 P.S. Health and Safety § 450.604. Change of civil status: Registration of foreign born children adopted in Pennsylvania - last updated January 01, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/pa/title-35-ps-health-and-safety/pa-st-sect-35-450-604/
FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.
A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw’s Learn About the Law.
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Search our directory by legal issue
Enter information in one or both fields (Required)