Access Allentown Public Records
Allentown public records are maintained by city departments, the Mayor's Office, City Council, and the Lehigh County government. As the third-largest city in Pennsylvania and the county seat of Lehigh County, Allentown produces a wide range of official documents. Residents can search and request public records from the city and from Lehigh County offices. This page covers how to find Allentown records, which offices hold them, and how to submit a request.
Allentown Quick Facts
Where to Find Allentown Public Records
Allentown city records are held by various departments at Allentown City Hall. The city website at allentownpa.gov lists departments and their contact information. Each city department maintains records related to its function. The City Clerk's office is a good starting point for City Council records, official minutes, and general city documents.
Lehigh County government offices hold records that apply to the whole county, including Allentown. The county courthouse is located in Allentown. Property deeds, court cases, and tax records are filed at the county level even when they involve Allentown addresses or residents. The Lehigh County Prothonotary handles civil court records, and the Clerk of Courts maintains criminal case files.
State agencies hold some records related to Allentown residents. The Pennsylvania Department of Health maintains vital records such as birth and death certificates. State police criminal history checks are handled by the Pennsylvania State Police. For broader state government information, visit pa.gov.
Note: Allentown is both a city and the county seat, so many county records are physically located within city limits at the Lehigh County Courthouse.
Allentown Court Records and Filings
Court records for Allentown cases are filed at the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas. The Prothonotary's office keeps civil court records including judgments, civil complaints, and equity filings. The Clerk of Courts maintains the criminal docket. Both offices are at the Lehigh County Courthouse in Allentown.
You can search Allentown court records online through the Unified Judicial System portal at ujsportal.pacourts.us. This free tool allows searches by name or docket number. It covers civil, criminal, and domestic relations cases filed in Lehigh County. Basic case information including party names, filing dates, and case status is available at no cost through the portal.
Magisterial District Courts in Allentown handle smaller civil matters and summary criminal offenses. Records from these courts are also searchable through the UJS Portal. If you need copies of actual filed documents from any Lehigh County court, contact the Prothonotary or Clerk of Courts directly.
Allentown City Government Records
Allentown city government is led by the Mayor, City Council, and Controller. Each branch produces public records. City Council shapes local policies through ordinances and resolutions. Minutes and agendas from City Council meetings are public records maintained by the City Clerk. The Mayor's Office generates correspondence, executive orders, and administrative records. The Controller oversees financial accountability and produces audit reports and spending data.
The City of Allentown also maintains records related to building and zoning. Permits for new construction, renovations, and demolitions are public records. Zoning board decisions and code enforcement actions are also kept on file. Residents can request these records from the relevant city department.
Other Allentown records include public works contracts, budget documents, election results, and police incident reports. The city budget and financial reports are often posted online without requiring a formal request. For documents not posted publicly, use the Right-to-Know process described below.
Allentown Police Department Records
The Allentown Police Department maintains incident reports, arrest records, and other law enforcement documents. You can learn more about the department at allentownpa.gov/Government/Departments/Police. Incident reports for crimes that occurred in Allentown can be requested through the Police Department's records unit.
Some police records are exempt from public disclosure under Pennsylvania law. Records that would reveal confidential investigative techniques, endanger a person's safety, or compromise an active investigation may be withheld. The Police Department's Open Records Officer makes these determinations on a case-by-case basis.
For statewide criminal history background checks, the Pennsylvania State Police maintains a central repository. These records cover arrests and convictions across all Pennsylvania jurisdictions, not just Allentown.
Note: Arrest records and incident reports that are part of an active criminal investigation may be temporarily withheld until the investigation is complete.
Requesting Allentown Records Under RTKL
Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law gives residents the right to request public records from Allentown city offices. Records are presumed to be public unless a specific legal exemption applies. You do not need to state a reason for your request. The law covers all agencies of the City of Allentown.
To make a request, submit your written request to the Open Records Officer of the department that holds the record you want. You can find department contacts on the city website at allentownpa.gov. The city has five business days to respond. If more time is needed, the city must notify you in writing and explain why. Requests that are denied can be appealed to the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records.
The Office of Open Records provides guidance and appeal forms on its website. Appeals must be filed within 15 business days of a denial. The Office issues a final determination that is binding unless a court overturns it. Allentown residents have used this process successfully to obtain records that were initially denied.
Allentown is in Lehigh County
Allentown serves as the county seat of Lehigh County. Court records, property records, and other county-level documents for Allentown residents are maintained at Lehigh County offices. Visit the Lehigh County public records page for more information.
Nearby Pennsylvania Cities
Other cities in the Lehigh Valley and nearby areas also maintain public records through their local offices and county courts.