How to Search Pennsylvania Criminal Records (Start Here)
Pennsylvania criminal records come from two main sources: the state criminal history repository (maintained by the state police or equivalent agency) and individual county court systems. These are separate databases that may show different information.
What this page covers: Pennsylvania state-level criminal history searches, county court criminal case lookups, and sex offender registry searches. What it does not cover: Federal criminal cases (those require PACER) or arrest records that did not result in charges.
Where to start: For a broad criminal history check, start with the state repository. For specific case details (charges, dispositions, documents), go to the Prothonotary / Clerk of Courts in the county where the case was filed. For sex offenders, use the state sex offender registry.
Common mistake: A state criminal history search and a county court search are not the same thing. The state repository compiles conviction data from across the state. County courts have the actual case files with full detail. You may need both.
Statewide criminal-history agency
Public name-based search
Fingerprint-based screening
Sex offender registry
Open records statute
Number of counties
67 counties
Population
13,078,751
Households
5,246,700
Median Income
$73,824
Median Home Value
$240,500
SearchSystems Editorial
Edited by Sam Rokni — Editor & Owner, SearchSystems.net. Public records professional since 1999. NAPBS founding member. Full bio & credentials.
Last reviewed: June 04, 2026 · Methodology: Pennsylvania repository URL, fee, and statute verified against the official Pennsylvania State Police - PATCH publisher on review date. 6 primary .gov sources cited below.
Pennsylvania Criminal Records — Key Numbers (2026)
PA EPATCH — effective April 22, 2026, online checks incur a 2% credit card fee per transaction. PATCH helpline 1-888-783-7972.
$22 + 2% online fee (4/22/2026)
Public access fee
Per state-only check
Online via EPATCH
Primary method
How to submit
Pennsylvania State Polic
Issuing agency
Statewide repository
18 Pa. C.S. §9106
Governing statute
State law citation
June 04, 2026
Last reviewed
By SearchSystems
In-state arrests
100%
In-state convictions
100%
Out-of-state arrests
10%
Federal cases
5%
Sealed/expunged
0%
Juvenile records
15%
Unit: % included in a typical state-only check.
What Changed in 2026 — Pennsylvania Criminal Records
2026
Pennsylvania state-only check active
The Pennsylvania State Police - PATCH continues to process state criminal history checks via epatch.pa.gov.
2026
Pennsylvania background check fee structure
Current fee for a Pennsylvania state-only check: $22 + 2% online fee (4/22/2026). Method: Online via EPATCH.
2026
Pennsylvania statutory framework
Pennsylvania criminal history records are governed by 18 Pa. C.S. §9106 and disseminated through Pennsylvania State Police - PATCH.
2026
FBI Identity History Summary (federal complement)
For records that may exist outside Pennsylvania, the FBI Identity History Summary at fbi.gov complements the state-only result.
The 4-Step Pennsylvania Criminal Records Pathway
1
Step 1 — Confirm what you need
For most non-employment uses, a Pennsylvania state-only check from the Pennsylvania State Police - PATCH is sufficient.
2
Step 2 — Choose your method
Online via EPATCH. Current fee: $22 + 2% online fee (4/22/2026).
3
Step 3 — Submit your request
Use the official portal at epatch.pa.gov — never a third-party data broker.
4
Step 4 — Add federal coverage if needed
For pre-employment FCRA screening or out-of-state coverage, add an FBI Identity History Summary check ($18) — fingerprint required.
Five Things People Get Wrong About Pennsylvania Criminal Records
❌ Myth: "Pennsylvania background check shows everything."
✓ Truth: False. The Pennsylvania State Police - PATCH check covers ONLY Pennsylvania arrests/convictions. Out-of-state and federal records are NOT included.
❌ Myth: "Free third-party 'instant' checks are accurate."
✓ Truth: False. Only epatch.pa.gov (the official Pennsylvania repository) is authoritative. Data brokers often have stale data.
❌ Myth: "Sealed records will show on a check."
✓ Truth: False. Records sealed or expunged under Pennsylvania law are removed from public-facing checks. Law enforcement may still access them.
❌ Myth: "Arrest = conviction on my record."
✓ Truth: False. An arrest is not a conviction. Most Pennsylvania public checks distinguish arrests, dispositions, and convictions; the FCRA bars non-conviction arrests older than 7 years from employer checks.
❌ Myth: "State and FBI checks return the same data."
✓ Truth: False. The Pennsylvania state check shows Pennsylvania-only records. The FBI check is fingerprint-based and shows records reported by all agencies nationwide.
Primary Sources (All .gov / Official)
- epatch.pa.gov — Pennsylvania State Police - PATCH — Official Pennsylvania criminal history portal
- fbi.gov — Identity History Summary — FBI fingerprint-based federal check ($18)
- fbi.gov — State ID Bureau listing — FBI listing of every state's repository
- ftc.gov — FCRA basics — Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act rules
- ftc.gov — Background Checks employer guide — FTC + EEOC employer guidance
- bjs.ojp.gov — Bureau of Justice Statistics — Federal stats on state criminal record systems
Related Criminal Records Resources
📍 Other Pennsylvania records:
- Pennsylvania Court Records →
- Pennsylvania Property Records →
- Pennsylvania Vital Records →
- Pennsylvania Voter Records →
- Pennsylvania Wants & Warrants →
- Pennsylvania Licenses →
- Pennsylvania Recorded Documents →
🇺🇸 Criminal Records in other states:
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- Minnesota
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- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
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- Ohio
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National: U.S. Criminal Records hub →
Related Public Records
More Pennsylvania records: Court records · Wants & warrants · Property records · Vital records · Voter records · Licenses · Recorded docs
National view of this topic: All states: Criminal records
Criminal Records Databases
35 official Pennsylvania criminal records sources.
Criminal Records
11:21 A.M. Superior Court of Pennsylvania Appeal Docket Sheet
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Superior Court of Pennsylvania · Appeal Docket Sheet · Docket Number: 335 MDA 2021 · Page 2 of 4 · March 31, 2026 · ORIGINAL RECORD CONTENT · Original Record Item · Filed Date · Content Description · Original Record · 4 parts · May 05, 2021 · Trial Court Opinion ·
Don't Get Scammed: Recognizing the Red Flags of Fake Warrants and Law Enforcement Imposters • Bucks County, PA
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In an increasingly digital world, ... seen a prime example of this with fraudulent "WARRANTS FOR THE ARREST OF A WITNESS IN A CIVIL ACTION" circulating, particularly targeting residents in areas like Bucks County, Pennsylvania....
Election Results - Centre County
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Election Results · Centre County, Pennsylvania · Results of the next election will be posted here on election day after the polls have closed · Election results remain unofficial until certified by the Board of Elections · 2020-2025 (pdf) · 2010-2019 (text File) · 2010-2019 (pdf) · 2000-2009 ...
PA Child Abuse History Clearance | Department of Human Services | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
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The Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Certification can be submitted and paid for online through the Child Welfare Information Solution (CWIS) self-service portal. Submitting an application online allows individual applicants to receive their results through an automated system that will notify them once their results have been processed.
🌐 pa.gov
Correctional Facility | Clinton County, PA
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Protection of the citizens of Clinton County by providing constructive, professional, correctional service for pre-trial and convicted detainees; Service to inmates by providing the opportunity for self-improvement and successful community re-entry through programs including education and counseling; Maintain compliance of Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Standards for County Correctional Facilities;
SP 4-164A (10-2025) PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE
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against the information contained in the files of the Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository only. By signing this form, I verify that I am submitting this request for criminal history record information in connection with my
Public Records | Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania
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Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System provides comprehensive public access to court records online and upon request · Access aggregate numerical data from all courts including caseload statistics, collections information and interactive data dashboards
Clerk of Courts - Franklin County
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Records All records, with the exception of records involving juveniles, are open for public review. Criminal Record Search & Services All criminal
Jury Duty - www.GreenePACourts.us
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3th Judicial District - Greene County Court of Common Pleas Magisterial District Courts Criminal Court Civil Court Family Orphans Court
Inmate/Department Supervised Individual Locator
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Who's In Jail? | Lancaster County, PA - Official Website
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You can then search an inmate by name or date of birth (DOB is recommended) and receive information on charges, bail, visitation and funding for their phone account. ... The information posted on this website is in compliance with the Pennsylvania Criminal History Record Information Act (CHRIA), 18 Pa.
Civil Miscellaneous Calendar - October 2025 :: Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas
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October 24, 2025, 9:30AM Civil Miscellaneous Hon. J. Brian Johnson Courtroom 2A, 2nd Floor Lehigh County Courthouse ... October 27, 2025, 9:30AM Civil Miscellaneous Hon. Thomas A. Capehart Courtroom 5C, 5th Floor Lehigh County Courthouse
Mifflin County - Correctional Facility
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The Correctional Facility detains inmates as directed by the Courts, provides treatment services and maintains a physical environment assuring the safety of the public, staff and prisoner. The Correctional Facility also serves as the Central Booking Center for criminal fingerprinting and arraignment, Megan's law processing and fingerprinting for the general public.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ARREST WARRANT ISSUED FOR DEONTE KELLY OF PHILADELPHIA
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Calendars & Schedules :: Northampton County Court of Common Pleas
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ARD List Argument Lists Arraignment List Arraignment Index Central Court Calendars Civil Jury Lists Civil Non-Jury Lists
Locate an Inmate or Parolee | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
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Use our Inmate and Parolee Locator to find information about state-sentenced inmates and parolees in Pennsylvania. We update information daily to ensure that it is as complete and accurate as possible. The locator does not include private information. Those who are incarcerated in another state or in a county facility cannot be found using the locator.
🌐 pa.gov
Adult Probation/Parole Department Bench Warrants List
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Sheriff Bench Warrants List
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Domestic Relations Office
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What is the Child Support Enforcement Program · The child support enforcement program is a joint effort by federal, state and County governments to locate absent parents, establish and enforce support obligations owed by absent parents to their children, assist with the establishment of the ...
Sheriff Bench Warrants List
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Washington County PA: Official Website
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Washington County · • Pennsylvania ... protected]. NOTICE: Inmate Records Access Restricted · Effective immediately, the Washington County Correctional Facility will no longer release inmate records to the public , in accordance with legal guidance and applicable privacy ...
Search Current Inmates | Westmoreland County, PA - Official Website
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Furthermore, Westmoreland County assumes no liability for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in the information provided regardless of the cause of such or for any decision made, action taken, or action not taken by the user in reliance upon any data provided herein. Any person who uses this information for any unlawful activity, personal gain, or to threaten, intimidate, or harass an inmate or his or her family, or to interfere with an inmate custody, or who otherwise misuses this information, may be subject to criminal prosecution or civil liability.
View Public Records | York County, PA
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Email CoCRecordsRequest@YorkCountyPA.gov with a docket number and document type.
Prothonotary Judgments - Dauphin County Public Access
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Sheriffofcolumbiacounty
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To maintain a centuries old commitment to provide professional law enforcement services for the safety and welfare of all Columbia County citizens through a highly trained, motivated and focused work force dedicated to public service. ... As Past President of the Pennsylvania Sheriff's Association ...
Contact Us | Lycoming County
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Registration Details - Megan's Law Public Website
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Pursuant 42 Pa.C.S. § 9799.28 and § 9799.63, the State Police has established this website to provide timely information to the public on registered sexual offenders who reside, or are transient, attend school, or are employed/carry on a vocation, within this Commonwealth. Pennsylvania's Megan's Law, 42 Pa.C.S § 9799.32(1) and § 9799.67(1) , requires the State Police to create and maintain a registry of persons who reside, or is transient, work/carry on a vocation, or attend school in the Commonwealth and who have either been convicted of, entered a plea of guilty to, or have been…
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The Philadelphia Courts | First Judicial District of Pennsylvania
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The Philadelphia Courts | First Judicial District of Pennsylvania
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Unified Judicial System Criminal Dockets ... PA. Unified Judicial System ... We appreciate your patience as we continue to work on relaunching our electronic filing application. ... We appreciate your patience as we continue to work on relaunching the system. For Questions regarding completing your Juror Questionaire contact the Jury Commission at Jury@courts.phila.gov
Traffic Hearing Listings Disclaimer
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The Philadelphia Traffic Division Listing Report contains basic listing information concerning Traffic Court citations ("moving violations" or "traffic tickets"). The information provided by the First Judicial District through this Internet service has been reproduced from the Traffic Division's ...
Philadelphia Police Interactive Map | Philadelphia Police Department (PPD)
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Spatial Data Source: Office of Innovation and Technology, City of Philadelphia Government. Police Athletic Leagues (PAL) data source: https://phillypal.org/locations ... A Crime Stats Circle allows map users to display crime statistics in a specific radius within a specified area.
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🌐 bop.gov
Pennsylvania Eastern District Court | PACER: Federal Court Records
Official Paid
Users only have to enroll in MFA when they are prompted. Need help enrolling in MFA? Check out our MFA Tips and Resources page to get you started. Log in to the federal Judiciary’s electronic public access services. Close PACER Case Locator PACER Log in Manage PACER Account
Pennsylvania Counties
67 Pennsylvania counties are indexed on SearchSystems.net — top 28 counties shown below. Browse the full directory or click any county for local court, sheriff, recorder and assessor links.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I run an official Pennsylvania background check?▼
Pennsylvania's official statewide criminal-history check is administered by the Pennsylvania State Police - PATCH. Begin the request at epatch.pa.gov. Most state-level checks require submitting fingerprints (live-scan or ink) plus a processing fee, and the response covers convictions and certain non-conviction data permitted by Pennsylvania statute.
Are Pennsylvania criminal records public?▼
Most adult criminal-history information in Pennsylvania is considered public record, but access is restricted depending on the requester (self, employer, government agency) and the data type (arrest, conviction, sealed, juvenile). The Pennsylvania State Police - PATCH explains who can request what at epatch.pa.gov. County-court records are also public and searchable through the trial-court system.
What's the difference between a state and an FBI background check in Pennsylvania?▼
A state check from the Pennsylvania State Police - PATCH (epatch.pa.gov) covers only criminal activity within Pennsylvania. An FBI Identity History Summary (fbi.gov) is the nationwide check covering federal records and contributing states. Employers and licensing boards often require both.
Can I get someone else's Pennsylvania criminal record?▼
Generally, no — only the record subject (with their own ID and signature) or a specifically authorized requester (such as a credentialed employer under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, a licensing board, or law enforcement) can pull a third-party criminal history from the Pennsylvania State Police - PATCH. The Pennsylvania State Police - PATCH documentation at epatch.pa.gov lists each authorized requester category.
How do I challenge or correct a Pennsylvania criminal record?▼
If you find an error on your Pennsylvania criminal history, the Pennsylvania State Police - PATCH offers a record-review and challenge process. Begin at epatch.pa.gov — typical steps include fingerprint verification, a written dispute, and supporting court documents (such as a dismissal or expungement order) for each contested entry.