Department of Court Records – Pittsburgh, PA

Allegheny County Department of Court Records

Centralized Filing and Record Keeping

The Department of Court Records (DCR) in Allegheny County serves as the primary custodian for all civil, family, and orphans’ court filings within the Fifth Judicial District of Pennsylvania. Located in the historic City-County Building, this department consolidates the functions previously managed by the Prothonotary, Clerk of Courts, and Register of Wills into a unified administrative body. The DCR ensures the accurate preservation and accessibility of legal documents for the judiciary, legal professionals, and the general public.

• Civil Division: Processes all filings related to civil lawsuits, arbitration, statutory appeals, and liens.
• Marriage License Bureau: Administers the application and issuance of marriage licenses for couples in the county.
• Wills and Orphans’ Court: Manages the probate of wills, estate administration, adoptions, and guardianship records.
• E-Filing Services: Maintains a digital docket system allowing for the electronic submission and retrieval of court documents.

The department plays a critical role in the transparency of the judicial process, providing facilities for public record searches and obtaining certified copies of legal instruments.