Scranton Public Records Database
Scranton public records are created and maintained by the City of Scranton and Lackawanna County government. As the county seat of Lackawanna County, Scranton is home to both city offices and county record-keeping functions. Residents can request public records from Scranton city departments under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law. Court records, property documents, and other official filings are available through city and county offices. This page explains how to find Scranton public records and how to submit a request.
Scranton Quick Facts
Where to Access Scranton Public Records
Scranton city records are held at City Hall and by individual departments throughout city government. The city website at scrantonpa.gov lists all departments and provides contact information. The Mayor's Office of Mayor Paige G. Cognetti generates administrative correspondence and policy documents. The City Clerk maintains official city records including Council minutes and ordinances.
Lackawanna County offices hold county-level records that affect Scranton residents and properties. The county courthouse is located in Scranton, making it easy to access both city and county records in the same general area. The Prothonotary, Clerk of Courts, and Recorder of Deeds are all at the county courthouse. Property deeds, court filings, and tax records involving Scranton addresses are filed at the county level.
State agencies maintain records that are separate from local government. Vital records are issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. State police criminal history records are available through the Pennsylvania State Police. For broader state government information and agency contacts, use pa.gov.
Scranton Court Records in Lackawanna County
Court cases involving Scranton residents are filed at the Lackawanna County Court of Common Pleas. The Prothonotary maintains civil court records. The Clerk of Courts manages criminal case files. Both offices are at the Lackawanna County Courthouse in Scranton. To get copies of court orders, judgments, or filed documents, contact these offices directly or visit in person.
Search Scranton court records for free through the UJS Portal at ujsportal.pacourts.us. The portal covers civil, criminal, and domestic relations cases filed in Lackawanna County. You can search by party name or docket number. Basic case information such as filing dates, case status, and party names is available at no charge. To get document copies, contact the Prothonotary's office.
Magisterial District Courts in the Scranton area handle small claims, landlord-tenant matters, and summary criminal offenses. Their records also appear in the UJS Portal. Appeals from these lower-level courts move to the Lackawanna County Court of Common Pleas.
Note: Scranton's location as the county seat means that many court and county records are accessible in the same downtown area as City Hall.
Scranton City Government Records
Scranton city government generates a wide range of public records. City Council meeting minutes, votes, and ordinances are maintained by the City Clerk and are public records. City Council information is available at scrantonpa.gov/city-council/. Council meetings are open to the public and their records are available for inspection.
The Mayor's Office produces correspondence, executive directives, and administrative records. City budget documents and financial reports are public records showing how Scranton manages public money. Building permits, zoning decisions, and code enforcement records are held by the appropriate city departments. Police incident reports and public works records are also available through formal requests.
Scranton has been awarded federal BRIC Grant Program funding for public safety and resilience projects. Records related to these grants, including applications, awards, and spending reports, are public documents. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding, including $100,000 available for nonprofits serving veterans, is also documented in public records maintained by the city.
How to Request Scranton Public Records
Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law governs access to Scranton public records. All records held by city departments are presumed to be public unless a specific legal exemption applies. You do not need to explain why you want a record when submitting a request to a Scranton city agency.
To make a request, send a written request to the Open Records Officer for the relevant Scranton city department. The department must respond within five business days. If they need additional time, they must tell you in writing. You can find department information at scrantonpa.gov. Denied requests can be appealed within 15 business days to the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records. The Office provides request forms and appeal guidance on its website at openrecords.pa.gov.
The Office of Open Records reviews denials and issues binding determinations. Scranton residents can use the appeal process at no cost and without hiring an attorney. If the Office rules in your favor, the city must provide the requested records or take the dispute to court.
Scranton Property Records and Deeds
Property records for Scranton addresses are filed at the Lackawanna County Recorder of Deeds. Deeds, mortgages, and liens on Scranton properties are public records. The county assessor maintains ownership information, assessed values, and tax history. These records are available by visiting county offices or using the county's online property search tools.
Lackawanna County offers online search tools for property records. You can search by owner name, address, or parcel number. Tax history and assessment data are included in the search results. These searches are free and do not require a formal public records request. For certified copies of deeds or recorded documents, contact the Lackawanna County Recorder of Deeds directly.
Scranton has undergone significant changes in its property landscape over the years. Records of urban redevelopment, tax abatements, and land use decisions are public documents. These records show how city and county governments have managed growth and decline across Scranton's many neighborhoods. Accessing these records can help residents and researchers understand how property policies have shaped the city over time.
Note: Tax lien records on Scranton properties are public and can be searched through Lackawanna County's online systems or at the county office in Scranton.
Scranton is in Lackawanna County
Scranton serves as the county seat of Lackawanna County. Court records, property documents, and other county-level filings for Scranton residents are maintained at the county courthouse. Visit the Lackawanna County public records page to learn more.
Nearby Pennsylvania Cities
Other cities in northeastern Pennsylvania also maintain public records through local offices and county courts.