Lancaster County Public Records
Lancaster County public records are maintained by offices in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. One of the most populous counties in the state, Lancaster County keeps a large volume of official records covering court cases, property transactions, election filings, tax assessments, estate documents, and government decisions. Residents and researchers can search Lancaster County public records online, visit offices in Lancaster, or submit a right-to-know request to access documents held by the county. This guide explains how to find records in each major category.
Lancaster County Quick Facts
Lancaster County Records and Government
Lancaster County is one of Pennsylvania's oldest and most storied counties, established in 1729. The county seat of Lancaster is a vibrant city surrounded by agricultural communities, including the well-known Amish and Mennonite farming areas that define the region's character. County government in Lancaster County is led by a Board of Commissioners, currently chaired by Ray D'Agostino, with Joshua Parsons serving as Vice Chairman and Alice Yoder as the third commissioner. The Lancaster County official website provides a full directory of county departments and services.
Public records in Lancaster County span a broad range. Property deeds, court filings, tax assessments, estate documents, election records, and meeting minutes are all maintained by county offices. Because Lancaster County is among the most populous in the state, the volume of records generated each year is substantial. The county has invested in online tools to make many records accessible without requiring a visit to offices in Lancaster.
Lancaster County's long history means that its records go back nearly three centuries. Older records are particularly valuable for genealogical research and historical study. The county archives and the Pennsylvania State Archives in Harrisburg both hold documents that can help researchers trace Lancaster County families, land, and events going back to the colonial era.
Note: Lancaster County's online portal provides access to many records and services, so checking the county website first is often the quickest way to find what you need before contacting an office directly.
Lancaster County Court Records
The Court of Common Pleas in Lancaster County handles all civil, criminal, and family law matters for the county. The Prothonotary maintains civil court records including case filings, judgments, and liens. The Clerk of Courts manages criminal records. Both offices are located at the Lancaster County Courthouse in Lancaster.
Lancaster County court records are available online through the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System at ujsportal.pacourts.us. You can search by party name or case number for free. For certified copies or full case files, contact the Prothonotary or Clerk of Courts in Lancaster. Given the volume of cases in Lancaster County, searching the online portal first is the most efficient starting point.
Lancaster County court records include civil complaints, judgments, divorce cases, custody orders, and criminal case dispositions. These are generally public records. Juvenile matters and sealed proceedings are exceptions. The Lancaster County Courthouse is a historic building in the city of Lancaster, and staff there can assist with questions about accessing court documents from Lancaster County.
Lancaster County Property and Deed Records
The Recorder of Deeds in Lancaster County records all real estate documents filed in the county. Deeds, mortgages, liens, and satisfactions are recorded here and maintained as a permanent public record. The Lancaster County Recorder of Deeds provides access to the full history of property transactions in one of Pennsylvania's most active real estate markets. Every transfer of real property in Lancaster County creates a recorded document that is open to the public.
Property records in Lancaster County are searched constantly by title companies, lenders, buyers, and sellers. The agricultural land market in Lancaster County is particularly active, with farmland and rural tracts changing hands regularly. Agricultural easements, conservation easements, and development rights agreements are also recorded with the Recorder and are part of the public land record. These documents affect how land can be used in Lancaster County and are important for buyers and their advisors.
The Lancaster County Assessment Office maintains separate records on the taxable value of properties. Assessment data is public and useful for comparing property values, researching tax history, and planning real estate transactions. Both the Recorder and the Assessment Office can be reached through the county's website at co.lancaster.pa.us.
Lancaster County Election Records
Lancaster County maintains election records through its Elections Office. Records include voter registration data, election results, candidate filings, and campaign finance documents. The Lancaster County Elections Office is responsible for administering elections and keeping official records of each election cycle in the county. Voter registration records are public in Pennsylvania, though some personal details are protected.
Election results for Lancaster County elections are published by the Elections Office after each election. These records document vote totals for each race and are part of the official public record. Campaign finance reports for county-level candidates are also public and show contributions and expenditures made during campaigns. These filings give residents a transparent view of how campaigns in Lancaster County are funded.
Pennsylvania's election records are also maintained at the state level through the Department of State. State-level election results, campaign finance data, and candidate records are available through state government resources in addition to what Lancaster County maintains locally.
Right-to-Know Requests in Lancaster County
Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law applies to all government agencies in Lancaster County. Any person can request public records by submitting a written request to the relevant county office. The agency must respond within five business days. No reason is required and residency is not a factor.
Lancaster County offices process a large number of public records requests each year. If a request is denied, you can appeal to the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records at openrecords.pa.gov. The appeal is free. The Office of Open Records will review the denial and can order the county to provide records if the denial was not legally justified. Most appeals are resolved within 30 days of filing.
Many Lancaster County records are available without a formal request. Court dockets, deed indexes, election results, and property assessment data are examples. A formal Right-to-Know request is most useful for internal agency reports, correspondence, and records not routinely published online. Lancaster County's website is a good first stop for finding what is already available.
Nearby Counties
Lancaster County borders Dauphin, York, Chester, and Lebanon counties. Records tied to properties or events near county lines may involve more than one county office.