What are Northampton County Public Records?
North Hampton public records provide information created, received, and used by the county's government agencies. The records are public regardless of physical form or storage method and include written or typed documents, papers, pictures, letters, audio or video recordings, and electronically stored information. However, some records are not public because they have been sealed by a court or exempted by statute. These records may have parts redacted, or the whole record may be exempted from public view. Examples of information exempted from public record laws include but is not limited to the following:
- Plans or blueprints of a government or public structure, the disclosure of which creates a likelihood of endangering the safety or physical security of the building, public utility, facility, or information storage system.
- Employment application and information of an applicant not hired by a government agency.
- Any information the disclosure of which would cause a government agency to lose federal or state funds.
- Records of an individual's medical, psychiatric or psychological history or disability status, including an evaluation, consultation, prescription, or related information that would disclose individually identifiable health information.
- Records that disclose trade secrets or other confidential proprietary information.
Public city records may also be accessible from third-party websites. Record seekers may use these non-governmental platforms to search for a specific record or multiple city records. However, users will need to provide enough information to assist with the search, such as:
- The address of the requestor
- A case number or file number (if known)
- The location of the document or person involved
- The name of the subject involved in the record (not juvenile)
- The last known or current address of the registrant.
Note: Government agencies do not sponsor third-party sites. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
Northampton County Crime Statistics
The Northampton County Sheriff's Office is in charge of gathering and organizing the crime data and statistics for the county. Yearly crime data is arranged and added to the statewide database, the Pennsylvania Uniform Crime Reporting System (PUCR) maintained by the Pennsylvania State Police. Comparing the data for 2019 and 2020, county crime statistics show cases of murder, robbery, and aggravated assault rose by 80%, 2.8%, and 9.4%, respectively. On the other hand, rape, simple assault, burglary, larceny, and arson fell by 24.4%, 4.5%, 14.6%, 21.4%. And 22.7% respectively. Analyzing data such as this allows law enforcement to spot crime trends in the county and judge the effectiveness of current law enforcement strategies.
Are Northampton County's Criminal Records Public?
According to Pennsylvania's right-to-know laws, not all criminal records are public. Records may be sealed by a court order or exempted by statute. Individuals may request criminal background checks and records from the Pennsylvania State Police(PSP) through the mail by visiting the criminal history check webpage of the PSP website and downloading the appropriate form. After downloading the correct form from the selection, depending on the subject of the record check, the filled form and correct fees should be mailed to:
Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository - RCPU
1800 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110-9758
A standard record check costs $22 per name check plus a fee of $5 for notarizing the record. Fees are in the form of a money order, or certified check payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania must be mailed together with the application form. More information on fees and other available forms of background checks can also be found on the criminal history section webpage. Criminal records can also be obtained online using the Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) portal. Record seekers will be required to register on the website to obtain access to the records. After registering, the user may perform a criminal record search online and print out the results.
How to Obtain Police Reports and Arrest Records
In Northampton, requests for information and records about law enforcement matters are addressed to the District Attorneys' office. All submissions must be in writing sent to:
Assistant District Attorney/Open Records Officer,
669 Washington Street,
Easton, PA 18042.
Copies of the records will cost $0.25 per page, and requests will usually be processed or denied within five business days of receiving them.
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Northampton County
Requesters can find information on sex offenders in Northampton County on the Pennsylvania State Meagan's Law website. The website also allows residents to register and receive alerts and information, such as when sex offenders move into an area or change jobs and addresses. In addition, an offender search tab provides various parameters for looking up sex offender information. These include searches by name, city, county, zip code, violent offenses, and compliance.
How to Find Northampton County Inmate Records
Information for inmates in Northampton can be found using the Inmate Locator found on the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections website. The inmate locator allows searches for inmates and their information using several criteria, including name, ethnicity/race, gender, committing county, current location, and inmate number. Requesters may also obtain information by Calling the Northampton County Department of Corrections at (610) 829-7400.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Northampton County City Jail?
Inmates detained in Northampton are housed in the county correctional facility operated by the Northampton County Department of Corrections at:
666 Walnut Street
Easton, PA 18042
Visitation occurs on different days of the week depending on the housing unit and according to the visitation schedule. Each visit is for 45minutes and all visitors will be required to show photo identification that shows their current address before being allowed into the facility. More information about visitation including complete instructions and rules and regulations can be found in the visitation and services section of the department of corrections website. Requesters with questions about records may call the corrections center at (610) 923-4303.
Court Records
Court records for cases in Northampton County can be obtained from the Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts of Northampton County. The prothonotary and county clerk are in charge of civil and criminal court case documents in the county. Court records can also be looked up online using the Pennsylvania Judiciary Web Portal.
Locations of Courts in Northampton County
The names, locations, and contact details of the courts in Northampton County are listed below:
Northampton County Court of Common Pleas - Clerk of Courts (Criminal)
Northampton County Courthouse
669 Washington St, Easton, PA 18042
Phone: (610) 829-6439
Northampton County Court of Common Pleas - Prothonotary (Civil)
Northampton County Courthouse
669 Washington St, Easton, PA 18042
Phone: (610) 829-6457
Northampton County Orphans' Court
Northampton County Courthouse
669 Washington St, Easton, PA 18042
Phone: (610) 829-6488
Northampton County Magisterial District Court 03-1-04
248 Brodhead Rd, #2, Bethlehem, PA 18017
Phone: (610) 691-2364
Fax: (610) 861-7645
This court serves the City of Bethlehem Ward 14 and Hanover Township.
Northampton County Magisterial District Court 03-2-01
402 E Broad St, Bethlehem, PA 18018
Phone: (610) 691-1501
Fax: (610) 691-6506
This court serves the City of Bethlehem Wards 6 through 9.
Northampton County Magisterial District Court 03-2-03
3650 Nazareth Pike, #2, Bethlehem, PA 18020
Phone: (610) 746-9740
Fax: (610) 746-2470
This court serves Bethlehem Township.
Northampton County Magisterial District Court 03-2-04
1404 Walter St, Bethlehem, PA 18015
Phone: (610) 865-4010
Fax: (610) 865-4361
This court serves Hellertown Borough and Lower Saucon Township.
Northampton County Magisterial District Court 03-2-05
400 Northampton St, #100, Easton, PA 18042
Phone: (610) 258-5900
Fax: (610) 258-2870
This court serves the City of Easton Wards 1 through 5.
Northampton County Magisterial District Court 03-2-06
St. John Street Plaza
210 Line St, Easton, PA 18042
Phone: (610) 258-8711
Fax: (610) 253-0685
This court serves the City of Easton Wards 6 and 9 through 12, Glendon Borough, and Williams Township.
Northampton County Magisterial District Court 03-2-08
136 S Main St, Nazareth, PA 18064
Phone: (610) 759-6424
Fax: (610) 759-9356
This court serves the Boroughs of Bath, Nazareth, and Stockertown; and the Townships of East Allen, Lower Nazareth, and Upper Nazareth
Northampton County Magisterial District Court 03-2-09
Weller Pl, Easton, PA 18045
Phone: (610) 258-7266
Fax: (610) 258-1713
This court serves Tatamy Borough and the Townships of Forks and Palmer.
Northampton County Magisterial District Court 03-2-10
202 W 4th St, #2, Bethlehem, PA 18015
Phone: (610) 868-9191
Fax: (610) 868-1196
This court serves the City of Bethlehem Wards 1 through 4.
Northampton County Magisterial District Court 03-2-11
1214 Stefko Blvd, Bethlehem, PA 18017
Phone: (610) 694-0553
Fax: (610) 694-0638
This court serves the City of Bethlehem Wards 5 and 15 through 17 and Freemansburg Borough.
Northampton County Magisterial District Court 03-2-12
1710 Butler St, Easton, PA 18042
Phone: (610) 258-4640
Fax: (610) 258-1835
This court serves the City of Easton Wards 7 and 8, West Easton Borough, and Wilson Borough
Northampton County Magisterial District Court 03-3-01
4330 Lehigh Dr, #2, Walnutport, PA 18088
Phone: (610) 767-6345
Fax: (610) 767-4498
This court serves the Boroughs of North Catasauqua, Northampton, and Walnutport; and the Townships of Allen, Lehigh, and Moore (Klecknersville and Beersville Voting Districts).
Northampton County Magisterial District Court 03-3-02
31 W 1st St, #1, Wind Gap, PA 18091
Phone: (610) 863-5447
Fax: (610) 863-7002
This court serves The Boroughs of Chapman and Wind Gap, and the Townships of Bushkill, Moore (Philips and Eastern Voting Districts), and Plainfield (Belfast, Kesslersville, and Plainfield Church Voting Districts).
Northampton County Magisterial District Court 03-3-03
718 S Main St, Bangor, PA 18013
Phone: (610) 588-3998
Fax: (610) 588-5537
This court serves the Boroughs of Bangor, East Bangor, Pen Argyl, Portland, and Roseto; and the Townships of Lower Mount Bethel, Plainfield (Delabole Voting District), Upper Mount Bethel, and Washington.
Are Northampton County Court Records Public?
According to Pennsylvania's right-to-know laws, not every court record is open to the public. Depending on the type of case, court records may be sealed by a court order or exempted by law or statute. Cases involving minors and Juveniles are amongst the records most commonly sealed and exempted from public view.
Can You Look Up a Northampton County Court Case Online?
Northampton court case records and information can be looked up online using the Pennsylvania Judiciary Web Portal. Registering or creating an account on the website allows the user to make use of the services available such as searching case information and paying court fees.
How to Obtain Northampton County Civil Court Case Records
Civil court records for Northampton county can be obtained by contacting the Northampton County Prothonotary located at:
Northampton County Courthouse
Prothonotary Office-Civil Division
669 Washington
St, Easton, PA 18042
Phone: (610) 829-6457
Civil records can also be found online by using the Prothonotary Public Use Software. This database allows users to search for relevant court records and information. Records from this site are not certified and are not considered legal records of the case. Legal records can be obtained from the prothonotary or by using the online case search facility on the Pennsylvania Judiciary Web Portal.
How to Obtain Northampton County Criminal Court Records
Record seekers can obtain Northampton County criminal court case information by contacting the Clerk of Courts of the criminal division at:
Northampton County Courthouse
Clerk of courts Office-Criminal Division
669 Washington
St, Easton, PA 18042
Phone: (610) 829-6439
Criminal case records can also be searched online using the search tool on the Pennsylvania Judiciary Web Portal.
What are Northampton County Vital Records?
Northampton County's vital records are records of the life events that occurred in the county that were documented by the county's government agencies. These records include births, marriages, divorces, and deaths that have occurred in the county. Vital records can be obtained from their custodians at the Prothonotary, the orphans' court, and the Pennsylvania Health Department, Division of Vital Records.
Where and How to Obtain Northampton County Divorce Record
Divorce records and other civil court records for Northampton County can be acquired from the Prothonotary's Office. Divorce records can be ordered by contacting the prothonotary at:
Northampton County Courthouse
Prothonotary Office-Civil Division
669 Washington
St, Easton, PA 18042
Phone: (610) 829-6457
The fee for divorce decrees from the prothonotary of Northampton County fee schedule is $9.25 per copy. Payments to the prothonotary are accepted in cash, business checks, traveler's checks, certified checks, or money orders made payable to the Prothonotary of Northampton County.
Where and How to Get Marriage Records in Northampton County
Marriage records for Northampton can be obtained from the North Hampton County Orphan's Court. Requesters may fill the Marriage Certificate Application Form and mail it to the Orphan's Court at:
Northampton County Orphan's Court,
669 Washington Street,
Easton PA 18042
Marriage records before the year 2000 cost $15 per copy, while records from 2001 onwards cost $10 per copy. Payment for the marriage certificate can be made in checks or money orders made payable to the Orphans Court. Mailed requests should also include a self-addressed and stamped envelope for mailing the certificate back to the requester.
Where and How to Find Northampton County Birth Records
Northampton County birth records can be obtained from the Division of Vital Records of the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Birth records in Pennsylvania are not public records and are only issued to eligible persons after they present valid identification:
- The registrant, if now over 18 years old (person named on the birth certificate)
- Spouse or domestic partner of the registrant
- Parents or step-parents of the registrant. Step-parents will be required to submit marriage certificates as evidence to support the relationship to the registrant.
- Siblings and half-siblings (brothers, half-brothers, etc. of the registrant)
- Children of the registrant
- Step-son or step-daughter (step-children must submit the parent's marriage certificate to support the relationship to the registrant)
- Grandparents or great-grandparents
- Grandchildren or great-grandchildren
- An individual who has the power of Attorney
- Attorney or legal representative of the registrant (must provide supporting documentation)
- If the registrant is deceased, family members who are not listed above must include a copy of the death certificate to be eligible to receive the birth certificate.
Eligible requesters must also show or mail a copy of Valid Identification from the government-approved list during birth certificate application.
Obtaining Copies of Northampton County Birth Certificates
Northampton County birth certificates can be obtained in person or via mail from the Division of Vital Records. In-person requests must be made by coming in and filling the birth certificate application at any of the public vital record office locations. Requests are made by appointment, so requesters can book one by calling (724) 656-3100. Requesters will be required to show valid identification from the approved list and pay the required fees. The record will be issued soon as payment is processed.
To request the birth record by mail, requesters must fill out the birth certificate application and mail it, a photocopy of their identification, and fees to:
Division of Vital Records
Birth Certificate Processing Unit
P.O. Box 1528
New Castle, PA 16103
A certified Northampton County birth certificate costs $20 per copy. Payments for a mailed request are a check or money order for the correct fees made payable to Vital Records. Credit cards are also accepted during in-person requests only. If the information provided does not identify or locate the record, a certified "No Record Certification of Birth" will be issued. Mailed requests are usually processed within two weeks of receiving the request.
Online orders for birth certificates can be made through the state's online vital records ordering website. Birth certificates ordered online will cost $20 and an additional $10 processing fee. Further shipping fees may be charged for expedited or UPS mail. Online orders are processed within three weeks of receiving the order, and payments will be made on the website using a credit card. Requesters with any questions may call the office at (724) 656-3100 or toll-free at (844) 228-3516 or use the online contact form.
Where and How to Find Northampton County Death Records
Death certificates for Northampton can be requested from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records. In Pennsylvania, death records are not public and are only issued to eligible requesters who provide valid identification. These eligible requesters are:
- Spouse of the decedent
- An ex-spouse of the decedent. The ex-spouse must provide documentation to establish direct interest in the record.
- Parents or step-parents of the decedent. Step-parents must also submit a marriage certificate to support the relationship to the deceased.
- Siblings and step-siblings of the decedent (sisters, brothers, step-brothers, etc.)
- Children of the decedent
- Step-children of the decedent (Step-children must submit their parent's marriage certificate as proof of the relationship)
- Grandparents or great-grandparents of the decedent
- Grandchildren or great-grandchildren of the decedent
- An individual possessing power of Attorney (must show documentation)
- The Attorney or legal representative of the decedent's estate (requester must provide supporting documentation)
- Representative of the decedent's estate (must provide documentation to prove and establish direct interest)
- Individual showing a direct financial interest to the decedent (must provide documentation to support direct interest)
- A government office that has assumed administration of a decedent's estate (must provide a letter signed by an official of the government office indicating the purpose for which the applicant is being retained and identifying the estate involved).
- A member of the extended family not listed above who indicates a direct relationship to the decedent (documentation may be required).
The eligible requesters must provide one valid government-issued photo identification or two current forms of acceptable identification that show their name and current address from the approved list. Online requests can be made via the Pennsylvania Online Vital Records ordering portal. The portal provides step-by-step instructions on how to order death certificates online. Records ordered online cost $20 per copy, a further $10 processing fee, and any further shipping/delivery charges. Payments for online orders are made on the website using a credit card.
Eligible parties can order death records by sending a completed and signed Death Certificate Application, a photocopy of valid identification, and the appropriate fees through the mail to:
Division of Vital Records
Death Certificate Processing Unit
P.O. Box 1528
New Castle, PA 16103
Finally, death records can be ordered in person from any of the six Vital Record Public Offices that offer walk-in services. Requesters will need to call the vital records office at (724) 656-3100 to set up an appointment. At the appointment, the request will fill and sign the application, pay the fees, and will be issued the death record that day. Death certificates cost $20 per copy, which is payable in checks or money orders made payable to vital records. The office will also accept credit card payments during in-person requests. The fee is non-refundable, and if a record cannot be found, the requester will be given a certified "No Record Certification of Death."
Mailed orders are processed in 4 weeks, while online orders are completed in 3 weeks. Requesters with any inquiries may call the vital office at (724) 656-3100 or toll-free at (844) 228-3516 or use the online contact form.
