Westmoreland County Public Records
Westmoreland County public records are maintained by offices in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. As one of the larger counties in southwestern Pennsylvania, Westmoreland County generates a high volume of court filings, property transactions, land recordings, and government documents. All of these records are open to the public under state law. This guide explains where Westmoreland County public records are held, how to search them online, and how to submit a formal request when needed.
Westmoreland County Quick Facts
Westmoreland County Records and Government
The Westmoreland County government operates from the courthouse in Greensburg. Westmoreland County is one of the larger counties in western Pennsylvania and serves as a gateway to the Laurel Highlands. The county has a diverse economy that includes manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and agriculture. Its public records reflect this diversity. Property records, court filings, business-related documents, and government decisions are all part of Westmoreland County's extensive public record system.
Row offices in Westmoreland County include the Prothonotary, Clerk of Courts, Recorder of Deeds, Register of Wills, Treasurer, Sheriff, and District Attorney. Each maintains distinct records and has its own Open Records Officer. The county website at co.westmoreland.pa.us provides contact information and department details. Many routine searches can be initiated through the website or by calling the relevant office in Greensburg before making an in-person visit.
Note: Westmoreland County processes a significant volume of records requests each year. Providing specific details about the records you need, including date ranges and party names, helps speed up the search process at county offices.
Westmoreland County Court Records
The Westmoreland County Court of Common Pleas handles civil, criminal, family, and orphans' court matters. The Prothonotary maintains civil court records. The Clerk of Courts manages criminal case files. Court records are public unless sealed by a specific court order. With a population of over 350,000, Westmoreland County generates a substantial volume of court filings each year.
The Pennsylvania UJS Portal provides free online access to Westmoreland County court dockets. Search by name or docket number to find cases. The portal shows docket entries, hearing dates, and current case status. For full case documents or certified copies, contact the Prothonotary at the Westmoreland County Courthouse in Greensburg. Staff can search records and provide copies for a per-page fee. Criminal records are also accessible through the UJS Portal. For certified statewide criminal history records, use the Pennsylvania State Police PATCH system at pa.gov/agencies/psp.
Westmoreland County Property and Land Records
The Westmoreland County Recorder of Deeds records all instruments affecting real property in the county. Deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements are filed and indexed at this office. The Recorder's index is the primary tool for title searches and ownership history research in Westmoreland County. Every land transaction in the county passes through this office when it is properly completed and recorded.
Property assessment records in Westmoreland County are maintained by the Assessment Office. With a large and varied real estate market, the county assesses tens of thousands of residential, commercial, agricultural, and industrial parcels. Property owners can review their assessed value and file an appeal through the county's board of assessment appeals. The Tax Claim Bureau manages delinquent accounts and conducts periodic upset tax sales in Westmoreland County. All of these records are public and available at county offices in Greensburg.
Public Records Requests in Westmoreland County
Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law applies to all Westmoreland County government agencies. Any person can submit a written public records request. Agencies must respond within five business days and may extend by up to 30 additional days. Records are presumed public. Any denial must be supported by a specific legal exemption under the law.
To request records from Westmoreland County, identify the department that holds the records and send your written request to their Open Records Officer. The Pennsylvania Office of Open Records provides forms, instructions, and guidance for the process. If Westmoreland County denies your request, you can file a free appeal with the Office of Open Records. The Office reviews denials and issues binding decisions. The Right-to-Know Law at 65 P.S. Section 67.101 is available through the Pennsylvania Code and Bulletin website.
Note: Westmoreland County has designated Open Records Officers in each major department. Sending your request to the correct officer for the relevant office helps avoid delays in processing.
Westmoreland County Vital Records and Other Sources
Birth and death records for Westmoreland County are held by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Certified copies can be ordered online or by mail from the Division of Vital Records. The state holds records from 1906 to the present. Marriage licenses in Westmoreland County are issued by the Register of Wills in Greensburg. After the ceremony and return of the signed license, the record becomes permanent and public. Divorce records are with the Prothonotary and searchable through the UJS Portal.
The Auditor General may audit Westmoreland County government finances periodically. Those reports are public and available on the Auditor General's website. For broader state government resources, visit pa.gov. Researchers interested in Westmoreland County history can also contact the Westmoreland County Historical Society in Greensburg for archival materials that complement the county government's public records collection.
Nearby Counties
Westmoreland County borders several counties in southwestern Pennsylvania and is part of the greater Pittsburgh metropolitan area.