Allegheny County Public Records
Allegheny County public records are available through a range of county departments and online systems based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With over 1.2 million residents, Allegheny County is one of the largest counties in the state and maintains detailed court records, property records, criminal records, and vital records. This page outlines how to find and request public records from Allegheny County offices and online portals.
Allegheny County Quick Facts
Allegheny County Records Overview
Allegheny County provides extensive public access to government records through its website and in-person offices in Pittsburgh. The county government employs over 6,000 workers across dozens of departments. Major record-keeping offices include the Department of Court Records, the Assessment Office, the Register of Wills, the Office of Property Assessments, and the Elections Division. Each office maintains specific types of records that residents can access under Pennsylvania law.
The Allegheny County website is a comprehensive starting point for any records search. The site provides direct links to online search tools for property records, court dockets, election results, and more. Many Allegheny County records are available online without needing to visit the courthouse in Pittsburgh. The county has invested in technology that allows residents to search and view records from home, which saves time and reduces in-person traffic at county offices.
Allegheny County also provides services such as marriage license applications, passport processing, and election results through county facilities. All of these create records that are maintained as part of the county's official record-keeping system. The county is committed to transparency and complies fully with Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law.
The Pennsylvania UJS Portal is one of the best ways to search Allegheny County court records online. Visit ujsportal.pacourts.us to access dockets and case information for free.
Allegheny County Court Records
The Department of Court Records in Allegheny County receives and maintains all filings from the civil, family, and criminal divisions of the Court of Common Pleas. This department is the central repository for court documents in Allegheny County. Civil and family court records include divorce proceedings, custody cases, child support orders, civil lawsuits, and protection from abuse orders. These records are maintained separately from criminal records but through the same department.
The Civil and Family Court Records division handles documents related to domestic relations and civil disputes filed in Allegheny County. The Criminal Records office maintains all criminal case files from the time charges are filed through the final outcome. Both offices are located in Pittsburgh and are open to the public during business hours. Staff can help you locate case files and provide certified copies of documents when needed.
You can also search Allegheny County court cases through the Pennsylvania UJS Portal at ujsportal.pacourts.us. This free system covers all courts in the Commonwealth and lets you search by name or case number. The PAeDocket mobile app provides the same search capability from your phone. For detailed records and certified documents, contact the Department of Court Records directly in Pittsburgh.
Note: Online docket searches provide general case information only. Certified copies of court documents must be obtained directly from the Allegheny County Department of Court Records.
Allegheny County Property Records
Property records in Allegheny County are available through the Office of Property Assessments and the Recorder of Deeds. The county conducted a comprehensive reassessment in 2012 and maintains current values through regular updates. The Allegheny County property record search system allows anyone to look up ownership history, assessed value, building characteristics, and tax information for any parcel in the county.
The property search tool at propertysearch.alleghenycounty.us is one of the most used public databases in Allegheny County. You can search by owner name, address, or parcel number. Results include the current assessed value, the owner of record, and historical transfer information. This tool is free and available around the clock. Real estate agents, attorneys, researchers, and residents use it regularly to check property details in Pittsburgh and surrounding communities throughout Allegheny County.
The Recorder of Deeds maintains recorded land documents such as deeds, mortgages, and mortgage satisfactions. These records show the legal transfer of property and the existence of liens or encumbrances. Recorded documents for Allegheny County can be searched in person at the Recorder's office in Pittsburgh.
Public Records Requests in Allegheny County
Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law allows anyone to request records from Allegheny County agencies. The county has an Agency Open Records Officer who handles RTKL requests. You must submit your request in writing. The county will respond within five business days. Requests may be granted, denied, or extended. If denied, you may appeal to the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records at openrecords.pa.gov.
Allegheny County maintains records in categories such as meeting minutes, financial documents, contracts, bid records, and personnel records. Most of these are public and available upon request. Some records may be partially exempt from disclosure under specific provisions of the RTKL, such as personal identifying information or records related to ongoing law enforcement investigations. The Open Records Officer can tell you whether a specific record is available before you submit a formal request.
The state portal at pa.gov provides additional guidance on how state agencies in the Pittsburgh area handle public records. Many state agencies have offices in Allegheny County that maintain their own records subject to RTKL requests.
Marriage and Vital Records in Allegheny County
Marriage licenses in Allegheny County are issued by the Register of Wills. Applicants apply in person at the courthouse in Pittsburgh. Both parties must appear to apply. The Register of Wills also handles estate records, wills, letters of administration, and orphans' court matters. These records are public and can be accessed at the office or by submitting a written request.
Birth and death records from Allegheny County are maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The Health Department provides certified copies of these vital records through its Division of Vital Records. You can order these records online or by mail through the Department of Health. The Health Department holds birth and death records from 1906 onward. Older records may be available through genealogical societies or the county's historical archives.
Passports can be processed through Allegheny County facilities as well. This is a federal service offered at county courthouses for the convenience of Pittsburgh-area residents.
Nearby Counties
Allegheny County is surrounded by several other western Pennsylvania counties. Each maintains its own set of public records accessible through county offices and the statewide UJS Portal.