How to Search Philadelphia County Records (Start Here)
Philadelphia is Pennsylvania's First Judicial District — the only county in the state with its own stand-alone court system. Don't search for a "Clerk of Courts" the way you would elsewhere in PA. The entry points here are different.
- Court cases (all types): The UJS Portal at ujsportal.pacourts.us searches criminal, civil, and appellate cases statewide — including Philadelphia. For Philadelphia-specific civil docket access, use fjdefile.phila.gov.
- Court information and calendars: courts.phila.gov — the First Judicial District's site for local rules, calendars, and case search links.
- Property assessment: Board of Revision of Taxes handles property assessments. The Office of Property Assessment maintains the database.
- Recorded deeds and mortgages: Philadelphia Department of Records — the city acts as its own county for recording purposes.
- Marriage licenses: Register of Wills — not a County Clerk. Pennsylvania handles marriage through the Register of Wills or Orphans' Court Clerk.
These are the official sources. Pick the one that matches what you need.
Criminal & Court Records
Jail & Inmate Records
Property & Tax Records
Vital Records
Business, Voter & Other
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I search Philadelphia court records? ▼
Two options. The statewide UJS Portal (ujsportal.pacourts.us) lets you search criminal and civil cases for any Pennsylvania county, including Philadelphia. For detailed civil docket sheets specific to Philly, go to fjdefile.phila.gov.
Why is Philadelphia's court system different? ▼
Philadelphia is the First Judicial District — the only county in Pennsylvania with a completely separate court system. It has its own Court of Common Pleas, Municipal Court, and Traffic Court. Other PA counties share judicial districts.
Where do I get a marriage license in Philadelphia? ▼
The Register of Wills handles marriage licenses in Pennsylvania — not a County Clerk. In Philadelphia, contact the Register of Wills at City Hall.
How do I search Philadelphia property records? ▼
Assessments go through the Office of Property Assessment. Recorded deeds and mortgages are at the Philadelphia Department of Records. These are separate city agencies — Philadelphia city and county government are merged.
Search Pennsylvania by Record Type
BBB A+ Rated