What are Washington County Public Records?
Washington County public records consist of information used or generated by agencies as part of their official functions. These records include images, documents, letters, and other forms of data regardless of physical form. However, access to some records is restricted under the Right-To-Know Law. The following are some examples of restricted records:
- Autopsy records with the manner of death
- Records that contain an individual’s medical, disability, or psychological status
- Records considered private under military authority
- Records containing private information, such as a phone number or social security number
Washington County Crime Statistics
Through its Uniform Crime Reporting System (UCR), the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General publishes statewide crime information as compiled by the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP). According to the UCR, in 2018, there were 4,377 index crimes reported in Washington County. The property crime count was 2,643, including 342 burglary cases, 2,108 larceny-thefts, and 193 motor vehicle thefts. Reported violent crimes totaled 1,734, including 15 arson cases, 339 aggravated assaults, 1,211 other assaults, 5 cases of murder and nonnegligent manslaughter, 64 rape incidents, and 100 robberies. Overall, the total number of reported Washington County index crimes shows a 12.4% plunge in criminal activity.
Are Washington County Criminal Records Public?
Washington criminal records are public records. All interested requestors may obtain these records from the Pennsylvania State Police online or by mail. For online requests, use the Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH). Each request costs a $22 fee either by billing a PATCH account or by credit card. Mail requestors may fill the criminal history request form (SP4-164) with the subject’s full name, maiden name or aliases, social security number, date of birth, sex, and race. Requests also cost $22 each, plus $5 if notarization is required. Mail requests are payable by money orders or checks made out to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Eligible volunteers may obtain records for free by submitting the SP4-164A form. All requests should be submitted to the:
Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository – RCPU
1800 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110-9758
How to Obtain Washington County Police Reports and Arrest Records
Interested parties should contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office for copies of police reports and arrest records. Send a written request describing the record sought and the related incident. The application should also include names, dates, and charges. Send the request to the:
Washington County Sheriff’s Office
Courthouse Square
100 West Beau Street
Suite 303
Washington, PA 15301
Phone: (724) 228-6840
Fax: (724) 223-4719
Requestors may also obtain Washington County arrest records from the Pennsylvania State Police’s Troop B Command. Records are obtainable by visiting the Washington headquarters or sending written applications to:
Troop B – Washington
150 State Route 519
Eighty Four, PA 15330
Phone: (724) 223-5200
Fax: (724) 223-4593
TTY: (724) 223-4678
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Washington County
The Pennsylvania State Police maintains statewide records of registered sex offenders on its Megan’s Law Website. To find Washington County sex offenders, search by name, county, city, municipality, zip code, and mile radius. The website also allows specific searches for non-compliant offenders, sexually violent predators, transient offenders, and sexually violent delinquent children. Users may access each offender’s full name, birth year, residential and employment addresses, photographs, and registration types. Primary offense and conviction details are also available.
How to Find Washington County Inmate Records
Washington County does not maintain online records of current or past inmates. Persons seeking Washington County inmate records may send request emails to inmaterecords@co.washington.pa.us. Alternatively, contact the jail directly at:
Washington County Correctional Facility
100 West Cherry Avenue
Washington, PA 15301
Phone: (724) 228-6846
Fax: (724) 250-6506
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Washington County Jail?
Visits to the Washington County Correctional Facility must be scheduled at least 24 hours before, but not more than two weeks in advance. To schedule an onsite face-to-face visit, create an account with the jail’s visitation vendor. While friends, family, and counsel (legal and religious) may register, the facility will not admit persons who may not contribute to the inmate’s rehabilitation. Such persons include:
- Individuals that present false representation
- Disruptive persons
- Any one on parole or probation
- Persons that have no legitimate purpose for the visit
- Persons believed to have contributed to the behavior that caused the incarceration
Each inmate may receive two visits per week, each one lasting a maximum of 30 minutes. The facility allows visitors to merge these into one 60-minute visit if the inmate requests, subject to the discretion of facility authorities. All visitors must arrive before 11:00 a.m., 4:00 p.m., or 7:30 p.m., depending on the approved visitation time.
Only persons on the inmate’s approved visitor list will be admitted. Eligible persons must provide valid, government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or a Department of Transportation identification. All visitors may be searched at any time.
Visitors should be at least 18 years old. Younger persons must be accompanied by their legal guardian or parent, who must keep them no further than an arm’s length away at all times. If a child is unruly or disruptive in any way, the visit will be terminated.
Court Records
The Washington County court system features a Court of Common Pleas and Magisterial District Courts. The Court of Common Pleas has general jurisdiction over all county cases. The Magisterial District Courts have limited jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases. Magisterial Courts typically handle summary offenses, some DUI cases, select third-degree misdemeanors, preliminary hearings, and ordinance violations.
Locations of Courts in Washington County
Washington County Court of Common Pleas – Clerk of Courts (Criminal)
Washington County Courthouse
1 South Main Street
Suite 1005
Washington, PA 15301
Phone: (724) 228-6787
Fax: (724) 250-4658
Washington County Court of Common Pleas – Prothonotary (Civil)
Washington County Courthouse
1 South Main Street
Suite 1001
Washington, PA 15301
Phone: (724) 228-6770
Fax: (724) 250-5913
Washington County Court of Common Pleas - Orphans’ Court
Washington County Courthouse
1 South Main Street
Suite 1002
Washington, PA 15301
Phone: (724) 228-6775
Fax: (724) 250-4821
Washington County Magisterial District Court 27-1-01
90 West Chestnut Street
Suite 200
Washington, PA 15301
Phone: (724) 228-8836
Fax: (724) 228-6218
Washington County Magisterial District Court 27-1-02
604B Park Avenue
Monongahela, PA 15063
Phone: (724) 258-5106
Phone: (724) 258-5145
Washington County Magisterial District Court 27-1-03
416 Fallowfield Avenue
Charleroi, PA 15022
Phone: (724) 483-6373
Fax: (724) 483-6373
Washington County Magisterial District Court 27-2-01
68 E Pike Street
Suite 205
Canonsburg, PA 15317
Phone: (724) 745-5754
Fax: (724) 745-5763
Washington County Magisterial District Court 27-3-01
453 Valleybrook Rd
Suite 100
McMurray, PA 15317
Phone: (724) 941-1015
Fax: (724) 942-8355
Washington County Magisterial District Court 27-3-02
900 Main Street
Suite 120
Bentleyville, PA 15314
Phone: (724) 239-5050
Fax: (724) 239-5522
Washington County Magisterial District Court 27-3-03
685 National Pike West
Brownsville, PA 15417
Phone: (724) 632-3143
Fax: (724) 632-3160
Washington County Magisterial District Court 27-3-05
1929A Route 519
Canonsburg, PA 15317
Phone: (724) 746-1227
Fax: (724) 746-3145
Washington County Magisterial District Court 27-3-06
3441 Millers Run Road
Suite 103
Cecil, PA 15321
Phone: (724) 746-8515
Fax: (724) 746-2501
Washington County Magisterial District Court 27-3-07
2038 Smith Township State Rd
Suite 3
Burgettstown, PA 15021
Phone: (724) 947-5492
Fax: (724) 947-5523
Washington County Magisterial District Court 27-3-10
200 Buffalo Center Lane
Suite C
Washington, PA 15301
Phone: (724) 222-8122
Fax: (724) 225-4357
Are Washington County Public Records Public?
Washington County court records are public records. All persons may obtain copies of court records by requesting in person or by mail. Access to some court records may be restricted. For instance, sealed or expunged court records are not publicly available. Also, juvenile records are considered private. However, juvenile records are public if the offender was at least 14 years old at the time of committing an offense that would be considered a felony if committed by an adult.
Can You Look up a Washington County Court Record Online?
The Washington County Courts provide online access to civil Court of Common Pleas and Orphans Court records through its Electronic Retrieval System (ERS). Interested persons may view and print case docket information at $2 per case. Record seekers may also subscribe to the ERS. A basic subscription costs $125 annually, or 20 hours of access, whichever comes first. A professional subscription grants annual access, or 25 hours, whichever comes first. The ERS also provides a one-hour professional access subscription for $5. Note that unused hours will not roll over to a new subscription year.
The Unified Judicial System for Pennsylvania also provides a case information web portal for online access to records of Washington County Criminal Courts of Common Pleas and Magisterial District Courts.
How to Obtain Washington County Civil Court Case Records
Parties may obtain Washington County civil court records from the Washington County Clerk of Courts. To order, interested persons may send written applications describing the desired records. Note that the Clerk of Courts may charge a search fee in addition to copy fees. Requestor may send applications to the:
Washington County Clerk of Courts
Suite 1005
1 South Main Street
Washington, PA 15301
Interested persons may also visit the Clerk of Courts to provide required details in person.
How to Obtain Washington County Criminal Court Case Records
The Washington County Clerk of Courts provides residents with copies of criminal court records. To obtain a Washington court record, send a written application with all known details of the criminal record sought. Obtaining copies of desired records may cost varying fees, which the Clerk’s Office will communicate. Requests should be sent to the:
Washington County Clerk of Courts
Suite 1005
1 South Main Street
Washington, PA 15301
What are Washington County Vital Records?
Washington County vital records are government-generated records of life events that take place in the county. These events include divorces, marriages, births, and deaths. In Washington County, not all vital records are public. Records are available with the Prothonotary, Orphans’ Court, or the Pennsylvania Division of Vital Statistics.
Where and How to Obtain Washington County Divorce Records
The Washington County Prothonotary records all civil procedures before the Court of Common Pleas. Persons seeking Washington County divorce records may obtain these records by sending requests or visiting the Prothonotary in person. Requestors must provide relevant details such as the divorced person’s names and the divorce date. To a Washington County divorce record, requesters can contact the:
Washington County Court of Common Pleas – Prothonotary
Washington County Courthouse
1 South Main Street
Suite 1001
Washington, PA 15301
Phone: (724) 228-6770
Fax: (724) 250-5913
Where and How to Get Public Washington County Marriage Records
Washington County marriage records are public and obtainable from the Orphans’ Court. Interested residents may send written applications to the court or visit in person. The requestor must provide the married parties’ names, date of marriage, and marriage location. Requests should be submitted by mail or in person at the following location:
Washington County Court of Common Pleas - Orphans’ Court
Washington County Courthouse
1 South Main Street
Suite 1002
Washington, PA 15301
Phone: (724) 228-6775
Fax: (724) 250-4821
Where and How to Find Washington County Birth Records
The Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records maintains copies of Washington County birth records. Birth records are not public records. Access is restricted to the following persons:
- The subject of the record
- A spouse, sibling, half-sibling, child, or step-child
- Parent, step-parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent
- Grandchild or great-grandchild
- Any person with Power of Attorney
- An attorney or legal representative
- A family member not listed above may request a birth record if the subject is deceased and the requestor presents a death certificate
Eligible persons must be at least 18 years old and may obtain birth records by mail. To request a Washington County birth certificate by mail, complete the birth certificate application form. Records cost $20 each, payable by checks or money orders made out to “Vital Records.” The requestor should submit the application to the Division of Vital Records with payment and a copy of a valid government-issued photo ID:
Department of Health
Division of Vital Records
P.O. Box
New Castle, PA 16103
Where and How to Find Washington County Death Records
The Division of Vital Records maintains copies of Washington County death records. Eligible persons include the following relations to the decedent, if 18 years or older:
- A spouse
- An ex-spouse that can prove direct interest in the record
- A child, grandchild, great-grandchild, or step-child
- A sibling or half-sibling
- A parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, or step-parent
- An attorney or legal representative
- A requester with Power of Attorney
To request, complete a death certificate application to obtain a Washington County birth certificate by mail. Mail records cost $20, payable by checks or money orders made out to “Vital Records.” The requestor should send a valid government-issued ID, payment, and the completed application to:
Department of Health
Division of Vital Records
P.O. Box
New Castle, PA 16103
Are Property Records Open to the Public in Washington County?
Property records in Washington County are regarded as public records in compliance with the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law. The Right to Know Law grants members of the public access to records that are prepared, used, or retained by government bodies relating to official business. Interested persons may inspect or obtain copies of Washington County property records by submitting a request to the custodian’s office.
Where and How to Find Property Records in Washington County
The Washington County Recorder of Deeds Office is responsible for recording and maintaining real property records and other related documents in the county. Examples of documents recorded include deeds, mortgages, subdivisions, plats, and more. Members of the public may choose to obtain any of the documents in person or online. To obtain Washington County property records, interested persons may contact the office location:
100 West Beau Street
Room 204
Washington, PA 15301
Phone: (724) 228-6806
Fax: (724) 228-6737
Office Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 a.m., Monday through Friday.
How to Look Up Washington County Property Records
The Washington County Recorder of Deeds offers an online records system that provides remote access to information on the county's official records database. There are two search options available to access these records: the Landex Remote software and the Landex Webstore software. The Landex Remote search option is a well-detailed software designed for frequent searchers. That is interested persons who need to access the records on daily basis. Interested persons are required to set up an account to access the different features available. There is a per-minute fee and per-page fee charged while connected to the county. To obtain property records or information, interested persons may search using any of the following search combinations:
- Name
- Recorded Date
- Instrument Type
- Book and Page Number
- The Municipality or Parcel Number (If available)
- Instrument Number
- Reference Instrument
- File Number (If available)
On the other hand, the Landex Webstore is a basic search tool for infrequent searchers. Interested persons who choose to use the search tool are charged on a per document and per order basis. Depending on the information provided during a search, the tool provides basic information on the property. Users may only be able to view images when they make a credit card payment. The following prices apply for images:
- $2 for every first page of documents ordered.
- $0.75 for every additional page after the first page
- $5 order handling fee
Interested persons may access the information on the site using any of the following search criteria:
- Name
- Recorded date
- Book and page number
- Instrument type
- Instrument number
- Municipality
Location of Washington County Property Assessors
100 West Beau Street
Suite 205
Washington, PA 15301
Phone: (724) 228-6850
Phone: (724) 228-6852
Fax: (724) 250-4675
