Philadelphia County Phone Directory
Philadelphia County is the most populous county in Pennsylvania, home to over 1.6 million residents. This phone directory helps you find contact numbers for courts, clerks, and public offices across the county. Philadelphia operates as a consolidated city-county, so all municipal and county services run through one government. Use the listings below to reach the right office by phone, or search online records for the department you need.
Philadelphia County Quick Facts
Philadelphia County Government Phone Directory
Philadelphia County government offices are spread across several buildings in Center City. The main hub is City Hall, which houses many key departments. Because Philadelphia is a consolidated city-county, one set of offices serves both roles. You can call ahead to confirm hours or ask what forms to bring.
The Philadelphia Department of Records sits at City Hall, Room 156. Staff there handle deeds, mortgages, and land records. The phone number is (215) 686-2260. Hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. This office also keeps city archives at 548 Spring Garden Street, which you can reach at (215) 685-9401. The archives hold records dating back to the founding of the city. If you need old land documents or historical files, that is the place to call first.
The City of Philadelphia website lists contact details for all departments in one place. You can browse by topic or search by name. Services range from permits and licenses to health programs and tax help. The site works in ten languages.
To view the homepage for the City of Philadelphia, see the image below.
The portal gives quick links to each department phone listing and office address.
Note: Call (215) 686-2260 to confirm current hours before visiting the Department of Records in Philadelphia County.
Philadelphia County Court Phone Numbers
The First Judicial District handles all court matters in Philadelphia County. It covers civil, criminal, family, and orphans' court cases. The main courthouse is at City Hall, Room 296. Call (215) 686-6640 for general questions about court records or filing procedures.
Criminal record searches cost $25.00 per name through the court. Copies of court documents run $0.50 per page. Certified copies carry an extra charge. The Prothonotary handles civil filings, while the Clerk of Courts manages criminal dockets. Both offices sit inside City Hall. Family Court operates from 1501 Arch Street in Philadelphia County. If you have a custody, support, or divorce matter, that is where your case will be filed. The phone number for Family Court is (215) 686-4000. Staff can search records by name or case number and provide copies on the spot.
The First Judicial District website posts court schedules, forms, and filing instructions online. You can also look up case information through the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System portal.
Below is the First Judicial District of Philadelphia County website where you can access court information.
This site lets you check docket entries, hearing dates, and judge assignments for cases in Philadelphia County.
How to Search Philadelphia County Phone Listings
Finding the right phone number in Philadelphia County takes a few steps. Start with the county or city website. Most departments post their main line and hours. If you need a specific person, try the staff directory on the department page.
For court records, go to ujsportal.pacourts.us. This free portal covers all Pennsylvania courts, including Philadelphia County. You can search by party name or case number. Basic case details show up right away. For full documents, contact the clerk by phone or visit in person.
The Philadelphia Records portal gives access to property data, deed indexes, and recorded documents. You can search the Philadelphia Records website for deeds, mortgages, and liens without charge. The portal also links to assessment data and tax records.
Below is the Philadelphia Records portal where you can search property and deed records.
Use this tool to look up ownership history, liens, and recorded instruments for any address in Philadelphia County.
To request records in person, visit City Hall. Bring a photo ID. Standard copies cost $0.25 per page. Certified copies range from $5.00 to $15.00 based on record type. Deed recording starts at $256.75 for the first four pages. Each page after that adds $3.00.
Philadelphia County Right-to-Know Requests
Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law (65 P.S. §§ 67.101-67.3104) gives you the right to request public records from any government agency. In Philadelphia County, the Law Department serves as the Open Records Officer. All written requests go through that office.
You must put your request in writing. State clearly what records you want. Be specific about dates, names, or topics. The city has five business days to respond. Complex requests may get a 30-day extension under Section 902 of the law. Standard copy fees apply at $0.25 per page for black and white copies. If the total will top $100, the city can ask for prepayment.
If the city denies your request, you can appeal to the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records. The OOR is at 555 Walnut Street, Suite 605, Harrisburg, PA 17101. They handle thousands of appeals each year from citizens across all 67 counties. The law lists 30 exemptions under Section 708(b) that let agencies hold back certain records. These include personal ID numbers, active criminal investigations, and attorney-client talks.
Philadelphia County also keeps records that are always public. Meeting minutes, budgets, and financial reports fall into this group. Voter registration data is public too, though it does not show how a person voted. The Philadelphia Law Department can tell you which records are open and which may be restricted.
Note: Anonymous requests will not be processed under the Right-to-Know Law in Philadelphia County.
Key Offices in the Philadelphia Phone Directory
Several offices in Philadelphia County handle high volumes of public calls each day. Knowing which one to reach saves time. Here are some of the most called offices and their roles.
The Prothonotary at City Hall files all civil cases, including divorces. The office assigns case numbers and keeps the master docket. The Clerk of Courts handles criminal filings and can run name searches for a $25 fee. The Register of Wills manages estates, guardianships, and marriage licenses. Each of these offices has a different phone line, so check the court directory before you call.
- Department of Records: (215) 686-2260
- First Judicial District: (215) 686-6640
- Family Court: (215) 686-4000
- City Archives: (215) 685-9401
- Sheriff's Office: (215) 686-3500
The Sheriff's Office in Philadelphia County handles real estate foreclosure sales, civil process, and firearm permits. Sheriff sale listings cost $15.00. Firearm permits are $20.00. The office also provides courtroom security for all judicial proceedings in the county.
For vital records like birth and death certificates, contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 724-656-3100. The Division of Vital Records is at P.O. Box 1528, New Castle, PA 16103. They hold records from 1906 to the present. Certified copies cost $20 each. You can also order online through the Department of Health website.
Philadelphia County Directory and Record Fees
Fees vary by office and record type in Philadelphia County. Most follow state guidelines, but some local charges apply too.
Civil case filing costs $333.23 in Philadelphia County. That covers the complaint and initial docket entry. Birth and death certificates from the state cost $20.00 per copy. Marriage licenses run $90.00 through the Register of Wills. A deed search costs $15.00 per name. Document certification is $10.00 per document. These fees can change, so call ahead.
If you have low income, you may qualify for a fee waiver. File a petition to proceed in forma pauperis with the court. Staff at the self-help center in Family Court can guide you through that form. The Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network also offers free help to people who meet income limits.
Note: Fees shown here reflect published rates and may change without advance notice from Philadelphia County offices.
Philadelphia County Phone Directory for Legal Help
Free and low-cost legal resources exist throughout Philadelphia County. These groups can help you understand your rights, fill out court forms, or find a lawyer.
The Philadelphia Bar Association runs a lawyer referral line at (215) 238-6333. They match you with an attorney based on your legal issue. The Pennsylvania Bar Association also has a statewide referral service at (800) 692-7375. Both can connect you with lawyers who practice in Philadelphia County.
Pennsylvania Legal Aid serves Philadelphia County through local offices. They help with housing, family law, benefits, and other civil matters. Visit palegalaid.net to check if you qualify. The Family Court self-help center at 1501 Arch Street can assist with form selection and basic filing steps. You do not need a lawyer to use that resource.
- Philadelphia Bar Association: (215) 238-6333
- PA Bar Association Referral: (800) 692-7375
- PA Legal Aid Network: palegalaid.net
- PA Child Support Program: 1-877-727-7238
Browse Other County Phone Directories
Philadelphia County borders several other Pennsylvania counties. If you live near a county line, you may need to contact offices in a neighboring jurisdiction. Each county runs its own court system and record offices.