OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS

Because You Need to Know
Pennsylvania Public Records

Use this page to find court records, arrest records, and other public records in Pennsylvania. Each section links to the official agency or online tool that holds the records.

⚡ At a Glance

  • State courts: 67 counties across 60 judicial districts
  • Federal courts: 3 U.S. District Courts (Eastern, Middle, Western)
  • Background checks: Pennsylvania State Police — Criminal Background Check
  • Records law: Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law
How to use this page: Pick the type of record you need below. Court records and arrest records each have their own section with links to the agencies that hold them. Official links go to government websites — not third-party services.

Start here: Choose the type of record you need below, then follow the link to the official source.

What You Can Find Here

⚖️ State and federal court case records
🔍 Arrest records and jail bookings by county
📋 Criminal background checks through PA State Police
🏛️ Property, vital, and other public records
What you will need:
  • Full name of the person or business
  • Case number, if you have one
  • Approximate date or location of the record

Court Records

Pennsylvania has 67 counties across 60 judicial districts. You can search court cases using the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania Web Portal for online case search.

County-level court records include courts of common pleas, magisterial district courts, and municipal courts. The web portal provides statewide access.

Federal Courts

Federal cases in Pennsylvania are handled by three U.S. District Courts:

  • Eastern District — Philadelphia, Allentown, Reading
  • Middle District — Harrisburg, Scranton, Williamsport
  • Western District — Pittsburgh, Erie, Johnstown

Federal court records are available through the PACER system. Some records can be viewed at no cost at federal courthouse public terminals.

⚖️ UJS Web Portal — Pennsylvania Court Records 🏛️ Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Pennsylvania are created and held by the arresting agency. Contact the agency directly for copies.

For statewide criminal history, the Pennsylvania State Police provides criminal background checks through their PATCH system (Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History).

🔍 PA State Police — PATCH Criminal Background Check 📋 Pennsylvania State Police Website

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Other Public Records

Pennsylvania operates under the Right-to-Know Law (65 P.S. §67.101). Any person can request government records in writing. Agencies must respond within 5 business days.

How to file a request: Write to the government body that holds the records. Include your name, contact information, and a clear description of what records you want. Requests can be sent by mail, email, fax, or hand-delivered. No special form is required.

How Records Work in Pennsylvania

Court records are maintained by the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania across 60 judicial districts. Criminal history is centralized through the PA State Police. Arrest records stay with the arresting agency unless submitted to the state system.

Many records are available online for free. Certified copies, background checks, and some older records may require a fee or in-person visit.

Counties in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has 67 counties. Select one below to find local court, arrest, and public records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on publicly available information from Pennsylvania state agencies and federal courts.

How do I search court records in Pennsylvania for free?
Use the UJS Web Portal, the official statewide court records search.
Are arrest records public in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Arrest records are public under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law. Contact the arresting agency directly — city police, county sheriff, or state agency — to request a copy.
How do I run a background check in Pennsylvania?
The PA State Police provides criminal background checks through PATCH (Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History).
What is the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law?
It is the state law that gives the public the right to access government records. Agencies must respond within 5 business days. The Office of Open Records handles appeals.
How many court systems does Pennsylvania have?
Pennsylvania has a unified judicial system with 60 judicial districts: magisterial district courts, courts of common pleas (one per county), the Superior Court, the Commonwealth Court, and the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.
What this page does not show: Not all records are available online. Some require a written request, an in-person visit, or a fee. Court records and arrest data may be incomplete, delayed, or not yet entered into online systems.

This page is a guide to help you find official records — it is not the official database. All information comes from government sources. Verify details directly with the agency that holds the records.

Last updated: April 15, 2026