A typical recent Philadelphia death is a state vital-records copy, not City Archives. Archives keep the 19th-century and early 20th-century city books. Use pa.gov first unless you know the death is in the archival years.
Who may request
Follow Pennsylvania vital-records eligibility on pa.gov. Confirm on the death-certificate request page.
What to bring
Identification as listed on the PA vital-records request. Confirm before you go to a public office or mail.
Where to write or visit
Current certified copies (1906 to present): Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records, including walk-in public offices listed on pa.gov. Online: mycertificates.health.pa.gov. Archival city copies (roughly 1860-1915): Philadelphia City Archives, 548 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123. Those are different desks.
Notes from the desk
Pennsylvania lists $20 for each death certificate this check. Online orders add a service fee. City Archives fees are separate and only for the old archival range. This desk takes no cut.