City Of Philadelphia Court Records provide digital and in-person access to civil, criminal, property, and historical documents through integrated systems managed by the First Judicial District and the Department of Records. The eFiling platform, launched in 2009, supports electronic submission of legal documents with real-time validation, while Public Access Search enables online docket queries for over 920,000 civil cases. Residents can verify jury eligibility, request record copies, and pay fees securely through PAePay. The City Archives preserve manuscripts dating to 1682, supporting legal, genealogical, and academic research. Certified copies are available at designated offices in City Hall and the Juanita Kidd Stout Center, with processing times averaging three to five business days.
How to Search City Of Philadelphia Court Records Online
The Public Access Search system allows users to look up civil case dockets using a docket number, party name, or attorney name. Each search returns the case title, filing date, current status, and a list of docket entries linked to downloadable PDFs. The database updates nightly, ensuring recent filings appear within 24 hours. Only one search field can be used at a time—entering multiple criteria causes errors. For example, searching “Smith, John” returns all cases involving that name, while a docket number like “12345-2023” pulls a single case file. Results show motions, orders, and judgments with timestamps, helping users track case progress without visiting a courthouse.
eFiling System: Submit Legal Documents Electronically
The eFiling platform accepts pleadings, motions, petitions, and exhibits in PDF, DOCX, and TIFF formats. Users must enter a valid docket number and attorney bar ID during upload, which the system checks instantly. In 2023, over 127,000 documents were filed electronically, reducing paper use and speeding up court processing. After submission, filers receive an electronic receipt and can monitor status changes, such as “received,” “under review,” or “filed.” Extensions can be requested directly through the portal. The same login grants access to eJuror, where residents confirm jury duty status, ask for postponements, or download proof of service. All payments go through PAePay, supporting credit cards, ACH transfers, and state e-checks.
Access Criminal Court Records and Arrest Logs
Criminal records, including arrest logs and sentencing documents, are maintained by the Criminal Office of Judicial Records at the Juanita Kidd Stout Center for Criminal Justice, 1301 Filbert Street, Suite 310. This office provides certified copies for legal proceedings, background checks, or personal review. Requests can be made in person or by mail with a completed form, payment, and self-addressed stamped envelope. Processing takes three to five business days. The office also assists with expungement inquiries and provides guidance on record sealing. Phone support is available at (215) 686-6654 during business hours. Note that not all criminal records are available online; some require a formal request due to privacy laws.
Civil Court Records: Judgments, Summons, and Case Files
The Civil Office of Judicial Records, located in City Hall at Broad and Market Streets, Suite 284, handles civil case documents such as summons, complaints, and judgments. This office fulfills around 12,400 requests annually, with electronic deliveries completed in about three business days. Certified copies cost $10 per page plus a $5 certification fee. Users can submit requests online, by mail, or in person. The office also provides docket extracts and proof of service documents. Staff assist with locating case numbers and explaining court procedures. For urgent needs, same-day service may be available for an additional fee. All requests must include the case name, docket number, and requester contact information.
Department of Records: Property Deeds and Real Estate Documents
The Department of Records manages more than one million real estate documents, including deeds, mortgages, and liens dating back to 1682. Each year, it processes roughly 500,000 copy and photo requests for property transactions, title searches, and legal disputes. Users can search recorded documents by property address or owner name through the online portal. Copies cost $10 per page, with certification adding $5. Requests can be submitted in person at City Hall, Room 154, or mailed with payment and a self-addressed envelope. Processing takes three to five business days. The department also offers expedited service for an extra fee. All payments are processed via PAePay, ensuring secure transactions.
City Archives: Historical Manuscripts and Government Records
Established in 1952, the City Archives hold over 8,000 linear feet of municipal records, including city council minutes, mayoral letters, land surveys, and historic maps. These collections support research in urban development, genealogy, and public policy. The reading room at 548 Spring Garden Street is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Researchers can access original documents under supervision. The archives also provide digital scans upon request. Contact the staff at (215) 685-9401 or via the official email for appointment scheduling. Many records are cited in academic publications and documentaries. The archives do not offer certified copies but can provide reference letters for research purposes.
Marriage Records: Certified and Exemplified Copies
Marriage records from 1860 to 1885 are available through the City Archives. Certified copies cost $25 and include the original register entry with an official seal. Exemplified copies, used for international recognition, cost $50 and feature an apostille. Requests require the full names of both parties and the approximate marriage year. Submit applications in person or by mail with a check, money order, or credit card payment. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for mailed requests. Processing takes 10–14 business days. The archives provide a tracking number for mailed submissions. For marriages after 1885, contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
Unified Judicial System: Statewide Court Record Access
Pennsylvania’s Unified Judicial System offers online access to over four million court records, including docket entries, judgments, and sentencing orders. Users can view aggregate data such as annual caseloads, collection totals, and disposition rates through interactive dashboards updated quarterly. Researchers can download bulk data in CSV format for analysis. The system covers all counties, including Philadelphia, and supports keyword searches across jurisdictions. For records not available online, submit a formal request through the state’s public records portal. Fees vary by document type and volume. This resource is ideal for legal professionals, journalists, and academic researchers conducting statewide studies.
Municipal Court Record Search: Tickets and Hearings
The New Philadelphia Municipal Court’s online search tool allows queries by party name, hearing date, case number, filing date, or ticket number. Only one search field can be used per query—entering multiple fields triggers an error. Names must be entered as “Last, First Middle” with a comma and space. Results display the docket number, charge description, hearing schedule, and case status. Users cannot download documents directly but can note details for in-person requests. The court recommends separate searches for each piece of information to ensure accuracy. This tool is useful for checking traffic tickets, code violations, or small claims cases.
Get Certified Copies of Deeds and Recorded Documents
To obtain a certified copy of a deed, mortgage, or other recorded document, visit the Department of Records at City Hall, Room 154, or mail a request to 1400 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19107. Include the property’s exact address, document type, payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Standard copies cost $10 per page; certification adds $5. Processing takes three to five business days. Accepted payment methods include cash, check, money order, or credit card via PAePay. For urgent needs, expedited service may be available. Staff assist with locating documents and explaining fees. All certified copies bear the official seal of the City of Philadelphia.
Contact Information and Office Hours
The Philadelphia Courts – First Judicial District can be reached at (215) 686-6670, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Civil Office of Judicial Records is located at City Hall, Suite 284, and the Criminal Office at the Juanita Kidd Stout Center, Suite 310. Both operate during standard business hours. The Department of Records is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at City Hall, Room 154. The City Archives reading room is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 548 Spring Garden Street. All offices accept phone inquiries and provide downloadable forms on their websites. For technical issues with eFiling, contact the help desk via the court’s official site.
Related Search Terms and Additional Resources
Users searching for City Of Philadelphia Court Records often look for related information such as county jail rosters, death records, and court documents in other Pennsylvania jurisdictions. While this page focuses on Philadelphia-specific systems, external resources may assist with broader searches. For example, Bucks County death records or 72nd District Court filings require separate portals. Always verify the official source before submitting personal information or payments. Avoid third-party sites that charge high fees for public data. Stick to .gov websites for accurate, secure access. Bookmark the official Philadelphia courts and records pages for future reference.
- Philadelphia civil case docket search
- eFiling portal for legal documents
- Certified court record requests
- Property deed lookup in Philadelphia
- City Archives historical research
- Jury duty status and proof of service
- PAePay fee processing system
- Criminal record expungement assistance
Frequently Asked Questions
City Of Philadelphia Court Records support a wide range of legal and personal needs, but users often have specific questions about access, fees, and procedures. Below are detailed answers to the most common inquiries, based on official policies and recent updates from the First Judicial District and Department of Records.
How do I find a civil court case by name in Philadelphia?
Use the Public Access Search tool on the City of Philadelphia’s official services website. Enter the full name of a plaintiff or defendant in the format “Last, First Middle.” The system will return all matching cases with docket numbers, filing dates, and current status. Click on any entry to view detailed docket information and download PDF documents. Only one name can be searched at a time. If you don’t know the exact spelling, try common variations. For assistance, call the help desk at (215) 686-6654. The database includes over 920,000 civil cases, updated nightly. Results are free to view, but certified copies require a fee and formal request.
Can I file legal documents online with the Philadelphia courts?
Yes, attorneys, litigants, and self-represented parties can file pleadings, motions, and exhibits through the eFiling platform. The system accepts PDF, DOCX, and TIFF files and checks docket numbers and bar IDs automatically. Users must create an account and log in securely. After submission, an electronic receipt is generated. Filings can be tracked in real time, and extensions requested online. In 2023, the system processed over 127,000 submissions. All fees are paid via PAePay using credit cards, ACH, or e-checks. The portal is available 24/7, but court staff review filings only during business hours. Technical support is available through the court’s contact page.
Where can I get a certified copy of a property deed in Philadelphia?
Visit the Department of Records at City Hall, Room 154, or mail your request to 1400 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19107. Include the property address, document type, payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Copies cost $10 per page; certification adds $5. Processing takes three to five business days. Payments can be made in cash, by check, money order, or credit card through PAePay. Staff assist with locating documents and verifying ownership. For deeds recorded before 1900, some may be in the City Archives. Certified copies bear the official seal and are valid for legal and financial use.
How long does it take to receive court records by mail?
Standard processing for mailed requests is three to five business days after receipt. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and correct payment. For certified copies, add $5 per document. Expedited service may be available for an additional fee, reducing turnaround to one or two days. The Civil and Criminal Offices of Judicial Records handle most requests. During high-volume periods, such as after major court dates, delays may occur. Track your request using the confirmation number provided. For urgent legal needs, consider in-person pickup. Always double-check the docket number and party names to avoid processing errors.
Are Philadelphia court records available to the public?
Yes, most civil and criminal court records are public and accessible online or in person. Exceptions include juvenile cases, sealed records, and certain protective orders. The Public Access Search system allows free viewing of docket entries and document PDFs. Certified copies require a fee and formal request. Arrest logs and sentencing documents are available at the Criminal Office. Property records are managed by the Department of Records. Some historical documents in the City Archives are restricted due to preservation needs. Always verify access rules before visiting. Third-party sites may offer data, but only .gov sources guarantee accuracy and security.
How do I verify my jury duty status in Philadelphia?
Log in to the eJuror portal using your juror ID and personal information. The system shows your eligibility, service date, and any postponements. You can request a postponement or disqualification online. Proof of service can be downloaded as a PDF for employers or schools. The portal is part of the same system used for eFiling, so a secure login is required. If you lose your summons, use the online tool to retrieve your details. For technical issues, contact the jury office at (215) 686-6670. Failure to appear may result in penalties, so always confirm your status before the scheduled date.
What fees are associated with requesting court records?
Fees vary by document type and service. Certified copies of court judgments cost $10 per page plus $5 for certification. Marriage records from 1860–1885 are $25 for certified copies and $50 for exemplified copies with an apostille. Property deed copies are $10 per page with a $5 certification fee. eFiling fees depend on the case type and are processed through PAePay. Payment methods include credit cards, ACH transfers, and state e-checks. Some requests, like online docket searches, are free. Expedited service may incur additional charges. Always check the official website for the latest fee schedule before submitting a request.
Official Website: https://www.courts.phila.gov/ | https://www.phila.gov/departments/department-of-records/
Phone: (215) 686-6670 (Courts), (215) 686-6654 (Judicial Records)
Visiting Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (Archives), 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (Courts)
Address: City Hall, 1400 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19107 | 548 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123 (Archives)