Access Berks County Phone Directory
Berks County is located in southeastern Pennsylvania with its county seat in Reading. The Berks County phone directory covers courts, clerks, and administrative offices that serve over 420,000 residents. Whether you need to reach the Recorder of Deeds, the courthouse, or the Open Records Officer, this directory gathers the contact information you need. Search for Berks County office phone numbers below, or browse by department to find the right person to call.
Berks County Quick Facts
Berks County Government Phone Directory
Berks County government offices are centered at the Berks County Services Center at 633 Court Street in Reading. The county operates under a Board of Commissioners who set policy, manage the budget, and oversee departments. Most county offices are housed in this complex or at nearby buildings in downtown Reading.
The Berks County phone directory lists direct lines for every department. Staff answer during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. If you call the main switchboard, a receptionist can route you to the right office. Each department handles a specific set of records or services for Berks County residents.
Berks County maintains public records including property records, court records, vital records, and administrative records. The county provides online access to many of these and accepts Right-to-Know requests under Pennsylvania law. For the fastest results, call the specific office listed in the Berks County phone directory rather than sending a general inquiry.
The Pennsylvania state portal also links to Berks County resources and state agencies that serve the region.
Berks County Court Phone Numbers
The Berks County Court of Common Pleas handles civil, criminal, family, and orphans' court matters. The courthouse sits at 633 Court Street in Reading. Court records are maintained by the Prothonotary, the Clerk of Courts, the Register of Wills, and the Clerk of Orphans' Court. Each office has its own phone line.
The Prothonotary handles civil case files. This includes divorce records, judgment indexes, and civil complaint filings. Call the Prothonotary to ask about case status, copy fees, or how to obtain certified documents from Berks County. The Clerk of Courts manages criminal case records. If you need information about a criminal case in Berks County, this is the office to call.
You can also search Berks County court records online through the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Portal. Basic case data is free to view. The portal covers all 67 Pennsylvania counties, so make sure you select Berks County when you search. For full documents or certified copies, call the relevant court office.
The Register of Wills handles marriage licenses, wills, and estate filings. Call this office if you need marriage records or probate documents from Berks County.
Note: Berks County court offices close on state holidays, so check the calendar before you visit or call.
Berks County Phone Directory for Property Records
The Berks County Recorder of Deeds maintains all real estate records for the county. This office records deeds, mortgages, liens, and other land documents. The Recorder of Deeds is located at the Services Center at 633 Court Street in Reading.
You can search some property records online through the county's records system. Online searching is often free for basic lookups. Viewing or printing full documents may require a fee. For certified copies, call or visit the Recorder of Deeds office. The Berks County phone directory includes the direct line for this office so you can ask about processing times and costs before your visit.
Property assessment records are handled by a separate office. The Berks County Assessment Office maintains data on property values, ownership, and tax classifications. If you have questions about your assessed value or need to report a change in property use, call the Assessment Office. Tax payment questions go to the Treasurer's office. Both offices are listed in the Berks County phone directory.
Open Records Requests in Berks County
Under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, 65 P.S. 67.101, records held by Berks County agencies are presumed public. Anyone can request access. You do not need to give a reason for your request.
All requests must be in writing. Be specific about the records you want. Berks County must respond within five business days. If the request is complex, the county may extend its response time by up to 30 days with written notice. Copy fees are $0.25 per page for standard black and white copies. The county may require prepayment if estimated costs exceed $100.
If Berks County denies your request, you have the right to appeal. The Pennsylvania Office of Open Records handles these appeals at no cost. The OOR is located at 555 Walnut Street, Suite 605, Harrisburg, PA 17101. They review the case and issue a ruling that is binding on the agency.
The law includes 30 exemptions under Section 708(b). These protect personal identifying information like Social Security numbers, criminal investigative records, attorney-client communications, and trade secrets. Berks County applies these exemptions when they process your request. If you believe an exemption was applied incorrectly, the appeal process through the OOR is your remedy.
Note: Berks County posts its Right-to-Know request form and instructions on its website for easy access.
State Resources for Berks County Residents
Several state agencies serve Berks County residents directly. The Pennsylvania Department of State handles business registrations, professional licensing, and corporate filings. If you need to verify a business license or look up a corporation, this is the office to contact.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health manages birth and death certificates. The Division of Vital Records is at P.O. Box 1528, New Castle, PA 16103. Their phone number is 724-656-3100. They hold birth records from 1915 and death records from 1906. Berks County residents can order certified copies by phone, mail, or online.
The Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office has a regional office that serves the Berks County area. The AG's office handles consumer protection, public corruption cases, and its own Right-to-Know requests. The Allentown regional office is the closest to Berks County. Their main office in Harrisburg can direct your call to the right division.
The Commonwealth publishes a telephone directory each year through the Bureau of Publications in the Department of General Services. This guide lists phone numbers for every state agency and regional office. Berks County residents who need to reach a state office will find it helpful. Call the Bureau at 717-704-1029 to order a copy.
How to Use the Berks County Phone Directory
Start by identifying the type of record or service you need. Each office in Berks County handles a specific area. Here are common starting points:
- Civil cases and divorce records: Prothonotary
- Criminal case records: Clerk of Courts
- Property deeds and mortgages: Recorder of Deeds
- Marriage licenses and estate files: Register of Wills
- Tax assessments: Assessment Office
- Public records requests: Open Records Officer
If you are unsure, call the main switchboard in Berks County. Staff there can transfer you to the right department. Most offices answer calls from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Some may close early on Fridays or before holidays.
The Berks County phone directory is updated when staff or numbers change. Always check the county website for the most current information before you call.
Vital Records Contacts in Berks County
Marriage licenses in Berks County are issued by the Register of Wills at the courthouse in Reading. Both parties must appear in person with valid ID. Call the Register of Wills using the Berks County phone directory to confirm fees and hours.
Divorce records from Berks County are available through the Prothonotary's office. The Prothonotary keeps all civil case files, including divorce decrees and settlement agreements. You can search basic information through the Pennsylvania UJS Portal at no cost. For certified copies, call the Prothonotary.
Birth and death certificates come from the state. Contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 724-656-3100. Berks County residents can order these records online, by phone, or by mail. Processing times vary based on the method you choose.
Keep the state and county phone numbers saved in your contacts. Berks County vital records requests often require calls to both the county office and the state office, depending on what document you need.
Nearby Counties
Berks County borders several other Pennsylvania counties. Make sure you contact the right county for your records request. The county where the record was filed determines which office holds it.