Find Pennsylvania Public Records

Is Pennsylvania a Public Records State?

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania upholds the principle that government records should be accessible to the public. This principle is enshrined in the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law, which presumes that all government records and information are public unless specifically exempted by law. This law ensures that individuals have the right to request and obtain public records without needing to provide a reason or personal information, unless the records are confidential by statute or court order.

What is Public Information in Pennsylvania?

Under Pennsylvania's public records laws, the following types of records are considered public information:

Court records
Criminal history records
Arrest records
Bankruptcy records
Sex offender information
Marriage and divorce records
Inmate records
Property records

The Pennsylvania Right to Know Law allows for public access to a wide range of documents, including government correspondence and court records. However, personal information about government employees, such as personal phone records or emails, is not considered public information.

How Do I Look Up Public Records in Pennsylvania?

To find public records in Pennsylvania, follow these steps:

Determine the Type of Record and Custodial Agency

Identify the specific record you need and the agency responsible for maintaining it. For instance, court records are typically held by the court where the case was heard, while vital records like marriage and divorce certificates can be found at the county health department or county recorder's office. Criminal records are usually available through the State Police Department or County Sheriff's Office.

Contact the Record Custodian

Government entities are required to appoint a records custodian or Agency Open Records Officer (AORO) to handle public records requests. Contact details for these officials can often be found on the respective agency's website. If not, the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records maintains a database of open records officers.

Submit the Request

Requests can be submitted in person, by mail, fax, or email. It is advisable to use the request form provided by the agency or the standard RTK request form from the Office of Open Records. Include the following information:

A clear description of the requested record
Your full name and address
Contact details
Preferred method of delivery
Date range for the record

While filing a request is free, fees may be charged for viewing or copying records.

Utilizing Third-Party Resources for Pennsylvania Public Records Obtaining

City Records

Third-party websites provide tools for searching public city records. To use these services, you will need to provide:

Name of the subject (must be over 18 or not a juvenile)
Your address
Case or file number (if known)
Location of the document or person involved
Last known or current address of the registrant

Public Records

Third-party sites also offer expansive public records searches. However, users must provide sufficient information, such as the subject's name and last known location. Note that these sites are not government-sponsored, and the availability and accuracy of records may vary.

How To Look Up Public Records in Pennsylvania for Free?

Free public records searches in Pennsylvania are possible, depending on the record type and custodial agency. For instance, many courthouses provide computer terminals for free court record searches. The Pennsylvania judiciary website offers online search tools, and the state operates a sex offender registry and an inmate locator. While viewing records online or in person is usually free, copying fees may apply. Requesting electronic versions via email can help avoid these fees.

Search Public Records in Pennsylvania

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