Chester County Public Records
Chester County public records are available through multiple county departments based in West Chester, Pennsylvania. The county provides broad public access to court records, property records, land documents, financial records, and vital records under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law. Chester County is known for its budget transparency, open space preservation programs, and community services. This page explains how to search Chester County public records online and in person, and how to submit a records request.
Chester County Quick Facts
Chester County Records and Transparency
Chester County provides comprehensive public records access through its website and courthouse offices in West Chester. The county operates a range of departments that maintain public records including the Prothonotary, Clerk of Courts, Recorder of Deeds, Register of Wills, Assessment Office, Election Bureau, and Sheriff's Office. Chester County also publishes open budget and spending data, making financial records easily accessible to residents without a formal records request.
The official Chester County website at chesco.org provides links to each county department, online record search tools, and public resources. The site includes a property search tool, open bid listings, community transit information, and program resources such as Youth Mental Health programs and emergency housing. Open Space Preservation records in Chester County reflect the county's long-standing commitment to protecting farmland and natural areas, a public interest that generates significant land-use records and agreements.
Chester County has also made investments in public transparency through its Open Budget portal and an accessible Spending page. Residents can view how Chester County allocates funds across departments and programs without submitting a formal records request. These records reflect county priorities and financial decisions that affect residents throughout the West Chester area and beyond.
The Chester County official website at chesco.org is the primary gateway for residents searching public records, county services, and open government data in West Chester.
Chester County Court Records
The Prothonotary in Chester County serves as the official clerk for civil cases filed in the Court of Common Pleas. Civil records in Chester County include lawsuits, civil judgments, protection from abuse orders, name change petitions, and other civil proceedings. All documents filed in each case are maintained by the Prothonotary. The Clerk of Courts handles all criminal case records for Chester County. Both offices are located at the courthouse in West Chester and are open during regular business hours.
Chester County court records can be searched online through the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Portal at ujsportal.pacourts.us. This free statewide tool covers all Pennsylvania courts and allows searches by party name or case number. Civil, criminal, and family court records from Chester County are all available through the portal. Magisterial district court records, including small claims and summary cases from West Chester and throughout Chester County, are also searchable. The PAeDocket app lets you search these records on a mobile device. For certified copies or full case documents, visit or contact the Prothonotary or Clerk of Courts in West Chester directly.
Chester County Property Records
Chester County maintains a property search tool that allows residents to look up property information for parcels throughout the county. The Assessment Office keeps records of assessed property values, ownership information, and land characteristics for every parcel in Chester County. These records are used to calculate annual property taxes. Real estate professionals, mortgage lenders, and buyers frequently consult Chester County property records when researching transactions in the West Chester area and surrounding townships.
The Recorder of Deeds in Chester County records all real estate instruments filed in the county, including deeds, mortgages, mortgage satisfactions, easements, and subdivision plans. These documents form the legal chain of title for every property in Chester County. You can find information about the Chester County Recorder of Deeds at chesco.org/departments/recorder-of-deeds/. Staff maintain a searchable index of recorded documents. Title companies and attorneys rely on Chester County deed records for all property transactions in the county.
The Tax Claim Bureau handles delinquent property tax records and sheriff's sale listings in Chester County. These records are public and provide information on properties with unpaid tax obligations. Sheriff's sale records reflect properties offered at auction, and these records are available through the Sheriff's Office.
Note: Chester County also maintains an Open Bids page where residents can view current and past county procurement records. This is another form of financial public record available without a formal RTKL request.
Chester County Open Records Requests
Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law allows any U.S. resident to request public records from Chester County government agencies. Chester County maintains an Open Records process and has designated an Agency Open Records Officer to handle RTKL requests. Find information about submitting requests at chesco.org/departments/OpenRecords. The county must respond within five business days. Most records are available quickly, reflecting the county's commitment to transparency.
Requests to Chester County should be submitted in writing by mail, fax, or in person. The standard RTKL request form is available from the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records at openrecords.pa.gov. The OOR also handles appeals when Chester County denies a request. Appeals must be filed within 15 business days of the denial. The OOR's mediation program can often resolve disputes more quickly than a formal appeal. Chester County records commonly requested include financial documents, meeting minutes, contracts, and election records.
Vital Records in Chester County
The Register of Wills in Chester County issues marriage licenses and maintains estate records. Couples applying for a marriage license must appear in person at the West Chester courthouse. The Register also probates wills, issues letters testamentary, and handles orphans' court matters in Chester County. These records are public and can be searched at the Register of Wills office. Estate records frequently contain family history information useful for genealogical research.
Birth and death records for Chester County are maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Certified copies can be ordered through the Department of Health online or by mail. The Health Department holds vital records from 1906 forward. Chester County's Election Bureau maintains voter registration records and election results that are also public records. Voter registration rolls and election results for Chester County are available to residents upon request, subject to applicable privacy protections under Pennsylvania law.
Nearby Counties
Chester County is located in southeastern Pennsylvania and borders several other counties with their own public records systems and courthouse offices.