Bucks County Court Records Search
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Bucks County sits in southeastern Pennsylvania, with its county seat in Doylestown. It is the 7th Judicial District and maintains a court system anchored by the Court of Common Pleas — a trial court of general jurisdiction first established in 1683 — along with 18 Magisterial District Courts spread across the county. Court records in Bucks County are not held by a single office; instead, they are distributed among three primary custodians depending on the case type. The Clerk of Courts manages criminal case files, the Prothonotary handles civil and family court records, and the Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans’ Court oversees probate, estate, adoption, guardianship, and marriage records. Understanding which office holds the record you need is the essential first step.
For anyone searching Pennsylvania court records, several official resources are available. The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania operates the UJS Web Portal, which provides statewide access to docket sheets and case information across all 67 counties. PennsylvaniaCourts.us may also help users find court information, docket sheets, and contact details for individual county offices. Locally, Bucks County maintains its own online search tools through the Prothonotary and Register of Wills, and each custodial office accepts in-person and mail requests during business hours.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Bucks County?
Bucks County offers multiple pathways for looking up court cases, with the appropriate method depending on whether you need criminal, civil, family, or probate records.
Online Search Tools
Bucks County provides several electronic search options through its Docket Lookup page:
- Civil Prothonotary Case Search — Search civil and family court records by case number or party name. Filter by case type to narrow results. Documents purchased online cost $0.10 per page plus a $1 technology fee per cart.
- Criminal Case Search via UJS Portal — Search criminal dockets by name, docket number, SID, complaint number, OTN, or citation number. This statewide portal covers all Pennsylvania counties.
- Magisterial District Court Case Search — Also available through the UJS Portal for traffic citations, landlord-tenant matters, and minor criminal complaints.
- Marriage License Search — Search by applicant name, with filters for file number, book number, page number, or marriage date.
- Register of Wills Web Viewer — Search probate and Orphans’ Court records by case number or party name. Documents purchased online are available for download for 24 hours.
In-Person Search
Visit the appropriate office at the courthouse during business hours:
| Office | Location | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prothonotary (Civil/Family) | 100 N. Main Street, Doylestown, PA 18901 | (215) 348-6191 | Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m.–4:15 p.m. |
| Clerk of Courts (Criminal) | 100 N. Main Street, Doylestown, PA 18901 | (215) 348-6389 | Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m.–4:15 p.m. |
| Register of Wills (Probate/Marriage) | 55 E. Court Street, 6th Floor, Doylestown, PA 18901 | (215) 348-6265 | Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. |
By Mail
Written requests can be submitted to the appropriate office. For the Prothonotary, use the official Request for Access form. Include your name, a description of the records sought, your signature, and the date. For criminal records, contact the Clerk of Courts at cocinfo@buckscounty.org or fax your request to (267) 885-1371.
Are Court Records Public in Bucks County?
Court records in Bucks County are presumed public under both Pennsylvania law and judicial policy. The Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law provides broad access to government-held records, and the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania specifically governs access to court records statewide. Under Section 3.0 of this policy, any person may inspect or obtain copies of court records from the appropriate custodian unless the records fall within a defined confidential category.
Bucks County follows Administrative Order No. 88, which requires that all paper-filed documents be accompanied by a Certificate of Compliance confirming adherence to the Public Access Policy’s confidentiality provisions.
The following types of information are classified as confidential and must be redacted or withheld from public court records:
- Social Security Numbers
- Driver’s license numbers
- Financial account numbers and source documents
- State Identification (SID) Numbers
- Medical and psychological records
- Educational records of minors
- Names and birthdates of minors (except minors charged as defendants in criminal cases)
- Abuse victims’ addresses and contact information
- Income and Expense Statements
- Marital Property Inventories and Pre-Trial Statements
- Children and Youth Services’ records
- Agreements between parties in domestic cases
Records in the Orphans’ Court involving adoptions, guardianship proceedings, and certain sensitive estate matters may only be accessible pursuant to a judicial order. For records that fall outside standard public access provisions, individuals may submit a Right-to-Know request form to the appropriate Agency Open Records Officer.
Bucks County Criminal Court Records
All criminal cases in Bucks County are handled by the Criminal Division of the Court of Common Pleas. The Clerk of Courts serves as the official custodian of criminal court records, including felony and misdemeanor case files and juvenile delinquency and dependency records. The office uses the Common Pleas Case Management System (CPCMS) for data management and information transfer between Magisterial District Courts, the Court of Common Pleas, and the Pennsylvania State Police.
Clerk of Courts
Address: 100 N. Main Street, Doylestown, PA 18901
Phone: (215) 348-6389
Fax: (267) 885-1371
Email: cocinfo@buckscounty.org
Searching Criminal Case Records
Criminal court dockets can be searched online through the UJS Web Portal. Search options include:
- Participant name
- Docket number
- OTN (Offense Tracking Number)
- SID (State Identification Number)
- Complaint number
- Citation number
Criminal case information available through the portal typically includes the assigned judge, charges, dispositions, sentencing details, calendar events, and docket entries. For copies of actual documents within a case file, contact or visit the Clerk of Courts.
Criminal Background Checks through Pennsylvania State Police
The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) processes criminal history record checks through the PATCH system. Key details:
- Fee: $22.00 (non-refundable)
- Notarized copy: additional $5.00
- Online payment: credit card or pre-established billing account
- Mail requests: complete a Criminal History Request Form and send it with a money order or certified check to:
Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository — RCPU
1800 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110-9758
Local police departments also process in-person criminal history requests. For example, the Doylestown Township Police Department charges $15 for this service.
Inmate and Parolee Information
The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections operates an Inmate/Parolee Locator that can be searched by inmate number, name, committing county, or date of birth. This free tool covers individuals currently in state custody or under parole supervision.
Court Costs and Restitution
The Clerk of Courts assesses, collects, and disburses court costs, fines, fees, and restitution. The office operates a Delinquency Recovery Program (DRiP) for unpaid amounts. Payment plans can be arranged by calling (215) 340-8037.
Bucks County Civil Court Records
The Prothonotary serves as the Clerk of the Civil Division of the Court of Common Pleas. This office maintains administrative responsibility for all civil court records, including complaints, writs of summons, liens, judgments, name change petitions, appeals, executions, satisfactions, and subpoenas.
The Court of Common Pleas has general civil trial jurisdiction and also holds concurrent jurisdiction with the Magisterial District Courts in civil matters where the amount in controversy is below $12,000. The Magisterial District Courts handle small civil claims, landlord-tenant disputes, and traffic and parking violations up to the $12,000 jurisdictional limit, processing roughly 130,000 cases annually across 18 courts.
Bucks County Prothonotary
Address: 100 N. Main Street, Doylestown, PA 18901
Phone: (215) 348-6191
Toll Free: (888) 942-8257
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:15 p.m.
Accessing Civil Court Records
- Online: Use the Civil Prothonotary Case Search to look up cases by number or party name. Select “civil” as the case type to filter results. Document copies cost $0.10 per page with a $1 technology fee per cart. Documents are available for download for 24 hours after purchase.
- In person: Visit the Prothonotary’s office at the Justice Center during business hours. All civil filings are accepted on a walk-in basis.
- Written request: Submit a Request for Access form to the Prothonotary. Include your identity, a description of the records sought, your signature, and the date.
- E-Filing: The Prothonotary offers electronic filing through its E-Filing and Web Viewer system, available 24/7. Users can register, file pleadings electronically, and view case documents and docket information.
Magisterial District Court Records
Records from the Magisterial District Courts can be searched through the UJS Web Portal. For administrative questions about district court cases, call (215) 348-6025.
Bucks County Magisterial District Courts
Address: 100 N. Main Street, Doylestown, PA 18901
Phone: (215) 348-6025
Bucks County Family Court Records
The Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas handles all domestic relations matters, including divorce, custody, paternity, and Protection From Abuse (PFA) filings. The Prothonotary maintains and processes all family court records alongside civil records.
Family Division Contact
Phone: (215) 348-6822 (divorce, custody, and PFA matters)
Address: 100 N. Main Street, Doylestown, PA 18901
Searching Family Court Records
Family case records can be searched online through the Bucks County Web Viewer. When searching, select “family” as the case type and check the family box in the search area to filter results. Searches can be conducted by case number or party name. In-person requests are accepted during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:15 p.m.). Contact the Family Division at (215) 348-6822 before visiting to confirm a record’s availability.
Written requests should describe the desired family court record with sufficient detail and be submitted to the Prothonotary’s office.
Divorce Records
Dissolution of marriage records are filed and maintained by the Prothonotary. Online searches should use the case search tool and filter by “divorce” as the filing type with the family checkbox selected. Copies can also be obtained in person or by mail.
Marriage Licenses and Certificates
Marriage licenses in Bucks County are issued by the Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans’ Court. Marriage records can be searched online through the Marriage License Search tool by applicant name, file number, book number, or marriage date.
Marriage License Fees (effective February 1, 2021)
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Marriage License Application (includes ACP fee, one certified certificate) | $80 total ($50 + $10 + $20) |
| Certified copy of marriage certificate | $25 |
| Duplicate/reissue marriage license | $25 |
| Waiver of 3-day waiting period (petition) | $95 |
| Waiver — active military | No charge |
To obtain a copy of a marriage certificate, submit a completed request form by mail, by phone at (215) 348-6265, or in person. Payments of $25 are accepted by cash, credit card (with additional processing fee), check, or money order.
Birth and Death Records
The Pennsylvania Department of Health Vital Records issues birth and death certificates from 1907 onward. Certificates cost $20 each and can be ordered online (with a $10 processing fee), by mail using the application for birth or death certificates, or in person at any Vital Records Office (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.; same-day service by 2:30 p.m.). Mail requests should be sent to:
Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records
101 S. Mercer Street, Room 401, P.O. Box 1528
New Castle, PA 16103
For historical records from 1893 to 1906, contact the Bucks County Register of Wills at registerofwills@buckscounty.org or (215) 348-6265. Certified copies of these records cost $20. Microfilm records are available at the Archive Research Center, though some documents stored off-site require advance request.
Bucks County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Bucks County are handled by the Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans’ Court. The Register’s principal duties include probating wills and accepting all documents necessary for the administration of a decedent’s estate. When a person dies without a will, the Register appoints an administrator upon petition. The Register also acts as the agent for the Commonwealth in collecting inheritance tax and, when disputes arise, conducts hearings on issues such as forgery, mental capacity, and undue influence regarding the appointment of an executor or administrator. Decisions may be appealed to the Orphans’ Court Division of the Court of Common Pleas.
As Clerk of the Orphans’ Court, the office serves as the filing office and custodian of records for adoptions, guardianship proceedings, and estate litigation.
Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans’ Court
Address: 55 E. Court Street, 6th Floor, Doylestown, PA 18901
Phone: (215) 348-6265
Fax: (215) 348-6156
Toll Free: (888) 942-8257
Email: registerofwills@buckscounty.org
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Searching Probate Records
Probate and Orphans’ Court records can be searched online through the Bucks County Web Viewer. Searches can be conducted by case number or party name, with filters available for case category, case type, filing date, date of death, assigned judge, or filing type. The office also offers e-filing for probate documents.
For in-person access, visit the Register of Wills office on the 6th floor of the county administration building. An appointment is recommended — call (215) 348-6254 or (215) 348-6264 to schedule.
Confidentiality
Due to the sensitive nature of many Orphans’ Court matters — particularly adoptions and certain guardianship proceedings — some records are only accessible by judicial order. The Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System governs which records are available and which require special authorization. For records that do not fall under standard public access provisions, submit a Right-to-Know request to the Agency Open Records Officer at the Register of Wills office.