City Public Records
Philadelphia Public Records
Use this map to start property, parcel, and recorded document searches in Philadelphia, then branch to clerk files, assessments, permits, and vital record routing as needed.
Trending:
Property Search
Deeds
Liens
Permits
Vital Records
On this page:
Scope
City of Philadelphia
First Search Stop
Recorder and Assessor indexes for deeds, parcels, and ownership
Online Availability
Expect index search online; document images or certified copies may require an order
Typical Offices Involved
Recorder, Assessor, Tax Collector, City Clerk, Permits/Planning
Location Check
Confirm the state and county for Philadelphia before using official records portals
Start Here
- Start with the deed and parcel index to pull owner, instrument number, and legal description
- Check the assessor parcel or property card for owner name, situs address, and assessed value
- Search liens and recorded documents by grantor/grantee, address, parcel, or instrument number
- Use the city clerk or legislative records to find ordinances, minutes, and contracts by keyword or date
- Confirm vital record routing (city/county registrar or state vital records) before requesting certified copies
Record Routing
- Deeds and Mortgages → Recorder of Deeds
- Parcels and Assessments → Assessor/Appraiser
- Property Taxes and Delinquencies → Tax Collector/Treasurer
- Permits and Inspections → Building/Code Enforcement
- Ordinances and Minutes → City Clerk/Legislative Records
Search Inputs
- Owner name (grantor/grantee)
- Property address
- Parcel number (APN/PIN)
- Instrument number or book/page
- Date range
- Business name or license number
Source Map
| Source / Office | Best For | Search Method | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recorder of Deeds / Land Records | Deeds, mortgages, releases, liens, plats (if recorded) | Grantor/grantee, address, parcel, instrument or book/page | Establishes chain of title and encumbrances for Philadelphia properties. |
| Assessor/Appraiser | Parcel ownership, legal description, assessed value, land use | Address, parcel number, owner name | Links parcel ID to owner and situs in Philadelphia for cross-referencing deeds and taxes. |
| Tax Collector/Treasurer | Property tax bills, payments, delinquencies, tax liens (if applicable) | Parcel number, address, owner name | Confirms fiscal standing and potential liens affecting transfers in Philadelphia. |
| City Clerk / Legislative Records | Ordinances, resolutions, minutes, contracts, public notices | Keyword, meeting body, date range | City actions can affect property use, fees, and compliance in Philadelphia. |
| Permits / Inspections / Planning | Building permits, inspections, certificates of occupancy, zoning | Address, parcel ID, permit or case number | Shows construction history and code status for Philadelphia addresses. |
| Vital Records Registrar or State Vital Records | Birth, death, and marriage certificates or indexes | Name, event type, event date | Personal records needed for city processes; confirm Philadelphia routing before requesting certified copies. |
Philadelphia FAQs
How do I find a deed in Philadelphia without a parcel number?
Search the recorder index by owner (grantor/grantee) or street address to get the instrument number; then view the image if available or request copies.
Are property tax liens shown with land records in Philadelphia?
Some liens are recorded with deeds; others appear in tax or treasurer systems. Check both the recorder index and the tax delinquency lookup.
Can I request certified copies of documents online?
Indexes are typically searchable online; certified copies usually require an order through the holding office with specified request steps.
Where are ordinances and meeting minutes for Philadelphia kept?
Legislative files are maintained by the city clerk or records office; use keyword and date filters to locate agendas, minutes, and enacted items.