Cambria County Public Records
Cambria County public records are held by county offices located in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania. Residents and researchers can access court records, property documents, land records, and vital records at the Cambria County courthouse or through Pennsylvania's statewide online systems. The courthouse is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This page explains what records Cambria County maintains, how to find them, and how to submit a records request.
Cambria County Quick Facts
Cambria County Records Overview
Cambria County government maintains public records through multiple offices at the county courthouse in Ebensburg. The Prothonotary handles civil court records. The Clerk of Courts manages criminal records. The Recorder of Deeds records property documents. The Register of Wills handles estates and marriages. The Assessment Office maintains property values. Each office is a separate department with specific record-keeping responsibilities under Pennsylvania law.
The official Cambria County website at cambriacountypa.gov provides information about all county departments, including contact details and office hours. The courthouse is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Residents are encouraged to call ahead to confirm what they need to bring and to check whether a specific record is available before making the trip to Ebensburg. One important notice: the Cambria County courthouse no longer provides notary services, so residents needing notarization must arrange it elsewhere.
Cambria County also operates a CodeRED emergency notification system for residents. Records related to emergency management and county services are public and available upon request. The county also maintains records related to Duman Park, procurement bids, veterans services, and other county programs. Commissioner meeting minutes and financial documents are available as public records.
The Cambria County website connects residents with each public records office in Ebensburg and provides essential information for planning a courthouse visit.
Cambria County Court Records
The Prothonotary in Cambria County maintains all civil court records for cases filed in the Court of Common Pleas. These include civil lawsuits, judgments, protection from abuse orders, and other civil matters. All documents filed in each civil case are maintained by the Prothonotary from initial filing to final disposition. The Clerk of Courts maintains criminal case records for all matters filed in the Cambria County Court of Common Pleas. Both offices are open at the Ebensburg courthouse during regular business hours.
You can search Cambria County court records online through the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Portal at ujsportal.pacourts.us. This free statewide tool covers all Pennsylvania courts and allows searches by name or case number. Civil, criminal, and family court cases from Cambria County are all searchable through the portal. Magisterial district court records from Ebensburg and surrounding communities in Cambria County are also included. For full case documents and certified copies, contact the Prothonotary or Clerk of Courts in Ebensburg directly.
Note: The Cambria County courthouse is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Plan your visit accordingly and call ahead to confirm specific office hours and document availability.
Cambria County Recorder of Deeds
The Recorder of Deeds in Cambria County records and maintains all real estate documents filed for properties in the county. Deeds transferring ownership, mortgages, mortgage satisfactions, subdivision plans, and other real property instruments are all recorded and stored by this office. The Recorder's records provide the legal chain of title for every parcel in Cambria County. Researchers, attorneys, and real estate professionals rely on these records to verify property ownership and identify encumbrances.
Information about the Cambria County Recorder of Deeds is available at cambriacountypa.gov/departments/recorder-of-deeds/. Staff maintain an index of recorded documents searchable by grantor and grantee name. Copies of recorded instruments are available for a fee. The office is located at the Ebensburg courthouse and is open during regular county business hours. Title companies and attorneys regularly use Cambria County deed records for due diligence on property transactions throughout the county.
The Cambria County Recorder of Deeds office in Ebensburg maintains the permanent record of all real estate transactions and land documents filed in the county.
Right-to-Know Requests in Cambria County
Cambria County operates in full compliance with Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law. Any U.S. resident may submit a written request for public records to the county's Agency Open Records Officer. The county has five business days to respond by granting access, denying the request with a written explanation, or requesting more time. Most routine government records, including meeting minutes, financial documents, and procurement records, are available without delay.
To request Cambria County public records under the RTKL, use the standard form provided by the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records at openrecords.pa.gov. Submit the completed form to the county's Open Records Officer by mail, fax, or in person at the Ebensburg courthouse. If your request is denied, you may appeal to the OOR within 15 business days. The OOR reviews denials and can order the county to release records if the denial was not supported by law. The mediation program at the OOR is also available to resolve disputes without a formal appeal.
Vital Records and Other Cambria County Records
The Register of Wills in Cambria County issues marriage licenses to couples who appear in person at the Ebensburg courthouse. Both parties must be present at the time of application. The Register also probates wills, grants letters of administration, and maintains all estate and orphans' court records in Cambria County. These records are public and can be viewed at the office. Estate records are useful for heirs, attorneys, and genealogical researchers.
Birth and death records for events that occurred in Cambria County are maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The Health Department holds vital records from 1906 to the present. Certified copies can be ordered through the Department of Health by mail or online. For older historical records, local historical organizations may have additional resources. The Cambria County Sheriff's Office maintains sheriff's sale records, incident reports, and other law enforcement-related public records. These can be requested through the Sheriff's Office in Ebensburg.
The county's veteran services office also maintains records related to local veterans' benefits and programs. These records may be relevant for veterans and their families in Cambria County seeking assistance or benefits information.
Nearby Counties
Cambria County is located in central Pennsylvania. Neighboring counties maintain their own public records offices and court systems.