Pennsylvania Public Records
Pennsylvania public records are open to any resident and any member of the public under state law. These records are created and kept by courts, county offices, and state agencies across all 67 counties. You can search for public records in Pennsylvania online, by mail, or in person at the right office. The records cover court case filings, property and land documents, criminal history reports, voter registration data, vital records such as birth and death certificates, and financial documents from government agencies. This guide covers where to find each type and how to request them.
Pennsylvania Public Records Quick Facts
Pennsylvania Public Records Law
Pennsylvania codified the public's right to access government records in Act 3 of 2008, known as the Right-to-Know Law (RTKL). The law defines a "record" as any information regardless of physical form that documents a transaction or activity of an agency. Records are presumed to be public unless a specific exemption applies. Any person can request records. You do not need to be a Pennsylvania resident or explain why you want them.
The law covers Commonwealth agencies, local agencies, courts, and legislative agencies. All agencies must designate an Agency Open Records Officer (AORO) to receive and respond to requests. Agencies have five business days to respond to a written request. They can extend this by 30 days with written notice. If an agency denies a request or fails to respond, you can file an appeal. The statute is codified at 65 P.S. ยง 67.101 et seq., available through the PA Code and Bulletin.
The Pennsylvania Office of Open Records (OOR) enforces the RTKL statewide. The OOR was created by Act 3 of 2008 and serves as the appeals body for denied requests. It also provides training, resources, and mediation. The OOR's Mediation Program helps resolve disputes between requesters and agencies without a formal appeal decision. Visit openrecords.pa.gov to file an appeal, search past decisions, and access training materials.
The OOR's new mailing address is 555 Walnut Street, Suite 605, Harrisburg PA 17101. You can reach the office at 717-346-9903 or email openrecords@pa.gov. The Appeal E-File Portal allows requesters to submit appeals electronically, which is faster than mail.
The OOR publishes an annual report as required by Section 1310(a)(9) of the Right-to-Know Law, which details its activities, appeal decisions, and findings from across Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Court Records
Court records in Pennsylvania are maintained by the Unified Judicial System, which covers the Supreme Court, Superior Court, Commonwealth Court, and Courts of Common Pleas in all 67 counties. Magisterial district courts also keep records of local cases. All of these can be searched through the Pennsylvania Judiciary Web Portal.
The UJS Portal at ujsportal.pacourts.us gives you free access to public docket sheets for appellate courts, common pleas courts, and magisterial district courts. You can search by case number, participant name, organization name, offense tracking number, or state ID number. The free PAeDocket mobile app also lets you search court cases and dockets from your phone. Search for "PAeDocket" in your app store to download it.
Note: Recent entries made in court filing offices may not immediately appear on docket sheets. Docket information should not be used in place of an official criminal history background check from the Pennsylvania State Police.
For certified copies of court documents, contact the Prothonotary or Clerk of Courts in the county where the case was filed. Each county courthouse keeps the complete case files for civil, criminal, and family court matters. In-person requests allow you to review full files and get certified copies on the same visit to a Pennsylvania courthouse.
Pennsylvania Government Portal and Agencies
The official Pennsylvania state portal at pa.gov is the starting point for accessing records from hundreds of state agencies. The portal links to every state department, board, and commission. It also provides a services directory where residents can find the right agency for any public records request in Pennsylvania.
State government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing personal information, confirm you are on an official state website by looking for the .gov domain and HTTPS encryption. This protects you when submitting records requests in Pennsylvania.
Financial and Audit Records in Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Department of the Auditor General serves as the Commonwealth's fiscal watchdog. The department produces thousands of audits each year and keeps a searchable audit database. Users can search audits by keyword, date range, or browse by county. Visit paauditor.gov to search audits and find financial records tied to your county or municipality in Pennsylvania.
Citizens concerned about state or local spending can file reports with the Auditor General by email or mail. The department also provides information on how to submit a Right-to-Know Law request for its own records. Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor is Pennsylvania's 50th Auditor General, and his office provides detailed financial transparency data to the public.
The Department of Revenue also maintains public financial records. Monthly revenue collection reports, tax statistics, and administrative appeals decisions (with taxpayer information removed) are available through the Department of Revenue. Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program records and filings are accessible there as well.
Pennsylvania Criminal Records
The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) handles criminal history background checks and maintains statewide criminal justice records. PSP is the only agency authorized to provide official criminal history background checks in Pennsylvania. Employers, landlords, and individuals who need a formal criminal history report must obtain it from the State Police, not from court docket searches.
PSP also processes Right-to-Know requests for its own records, manages statewide warrant information, and handles DNA and criminal record expungements. Information about these services is available at the Pennsylvania State Police website. The site also lists station news releases, the 10 Most Wanted list, and cybersecurity incident reporting for Pennsylvania businesses.
Note: Employers who do not follow the Criminal History Record Information Act (18 Pa.C.S. Section 9101 et seq.) may face civil liability under 18 Pa.C.S. Section 9183 when using criminal records for decisions in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Vital Records
The Pennsylvania Department of Health maintains vital records for the entire state. These include birth certificates, death certificates, and related documents. Records are available to eligible requesters and can be ordered online, by mail, or in person at the Harrisburg office. The Division of Vital Records holds records dating back more than a century in Pennsylvania.
Key services from the Department of Health include ordering birth and death certificates, accessing DOH Dashboards with public health statistics, and viewing the Environmental Health information. The department also maintains health inspection records, immunization data, and program statistics. These records are available to the public through standard request procedures in Pennsylvania.
Human Services Records in Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) maintains records related to benefit programs, provider licensing, and state facility operations. Records from DHS are subject to the Right-to-Know Law and can be requested through the agency's Open Records Officer. The department assists Pennsylvanians in leading safe and productive lives through equitable, trauma-informed services.
DHS records include benefit program enrollment and eligibility data, provider licensing and compliance records, state facility inspection reports, and program outcome statistics. Visit the Department of Human Services website for information on submitting a Right-to-Know request to the agency.
Pennsylvania Education Records
The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) oversees 500 public school districts, more than 170 public charter schools, and numerous other educational institutions. PDE maintains records related to teacher certification, school performance data, nutrition program statistics, and institutional compliance. These records are available through standard RTKL requests at the Department of Education.
The State Library of Pennsylvania collects, preserves, and provides access to materials for, by, and about Pennsylvania. Library records and collections provide an important historical archive for public research. The Professional Standards and Practices Commission sets preparation and conduct standards for teachers and keeps related certification records in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Election Records
Election results for Pennsylvania are published through the official Election Returns portal. The system shows vote counts by candidate, percentages, and breakdowns by vote type including Election Day, mail-in, and provisional ballots. Results for primary, general, and special elections are all tracked here. Visit electionreturns.pa.gov to view official results.
The Pennsylvania Department of State oversees voter registration, elections, and campaign finance filings. The department also licenses more than one million business and health professionals and maintains charity registration records. Reports on voting, lobbying disclosure, and campaign finance are all available through the Department of State. These records are public and searchable online in Pennsylvania.
Environmental Records in Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) administers environmental regulations and keeps extensive public records related to air quality, water quality, and waste management. The DEP eLibrary holds departmental publications and reports. ePermitting systems allow tracking of permit applications for various projects in Pennsylvania.
DEP records include oil and gas well mapping and production data, water quality monitoring results, air quality monitoring station readings, inspection reports, and enforcement actions against violators. The SPEED program handles expedited permit reviews for Chapter 102, 105, and Air Quality permits. All of these records are accessible to the public through dep.pa.gov or by filing a RTKL request with the agency.
Tax and Revenue Records
The Department of Revenue publishes monthly revenue collection reports, tax statistics, and regulatory guidance. These documents are public records in Pennsylvania. You can find them at the Department of Revenue website along with forms, publications, and guidance bulletins.
Revenue records available to the public include monthly collections data, tax program statistics, administrative appeals decisions with taxpayer information redacted, and Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program reports. The 2025-26 budget created a new Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit of up to $805 for eligible filers, and records related to this program are also maintained by the department.
Department of Corrections Public Records
The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections maintains an Agency Open Records Officer to respond to Right-to-Know Law requests. All U.S. citizens have the right to request public records from the DOC using its official RTKL form. Records held by DOC include inmate population statistics, facility operations data, program reports, budget documents, contracts, and procurement records.
Submit RTKL requests to the Department of Corrections, Right-to-Know Law Office, Office of Chief Counsel, 1920 Technology Parkway, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050. Full details are at the DOC Right-to-Know page. Some records related to security, individual inmates, and ongoing investigations may be exempt from disclosure under the RTKL.
How to Request Pennsylvania Public Records
RTKL requests must be in writing. No verbal requests are accepted in Pennsylvania. You can submit a request by mail, hand delivery, or fax to the agency that holds the records you want. Requests received after business hours are treated as received the next business day. Most RTKL offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
You can use the statewide standard request form from the OOR or write your own request letter. Include a clear description of the records you want and your contact information. Agencies have five business days to respond, though they can extend this for up to 30 additional days if they provide written notice. If you are denied access or the agency does not respond, you can appeal to the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records at openrecords.pa.gov using the Appeal E-File Portal.
Requesters must be legal residents of the United States. Agencies may ask for proof of residency such as a photo ID. The OOR offers a free Mediation Program to help resolve disputes before reaching a formal appeal decision. This program saves time and often produces a faster outcome for both sides in Pennsylvania.
Note: The RTKL does not require an agency to create a new record. It only requires access to records that already exist in Pennsylvania.
Browse Pennsylvania Public Records by County
Each of Pennsylvania's 67 counties maintains its own public records through the Prothonotary, Clerk of Courts, Recorder of Deeds, Register of Wills, Sheriff's Office, and other elected offices. Select a county below to find local offices, contact information, and records access resources.
Pennsylvania Cities Public Records
Residents of Pennsylvania's major cities access public records through both city government offices and the county courthouse. Select a city below for local records resources and office contact information.