Skip to main content

Translate

It looks like your device language is set to . Would you like to translate this page?

Register of Wills

Providing marriage licenses and probating estates.

Register of Wills

What we do

The Register of Wills is an elected position. Our office serves as both the Register of Wills and the Clerk of the Orphans’ Court. As part of our work, we:

  • Issue marriage licenses and keep marriage records dating back to 1915.
  • Probate wills, which proves that they're valid.
  • Issue letters of administration when a Philadelphia resident dies without a will.
  • Keep records of wills, estate inventories, and related documents.
  • Act as an agent for filing and paying inheritance taxes.
  • Maintain the dockets and records of the Orphan's Court.

We can walk you through the probate process, but we cannot provide legal advice. We may recommend that you get an attorney.

Connect

Address
City Hall
Room 180
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Email rowonline@phila.gov
Phone: (215) 686-2233 Marriage licenses
(215) 686-6255 Probate
Social

Attorney online system

Use this portal to enter the Register of Wills' attorney online system.

Events

  • Jun
    21
    Councilman Brian O’Neill’s Marriage Records Pop-Up
    10:00 am to 12:00 pm
    432 Rhawn St, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA

    Councilman Brian O’Neill’s Marriage Records Pop-Up

    June 21, 2025
    10:00 am to 12:00 pm, 2 hours
    432 Rhawn St, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA
    map

    Join us for a special pop-up event with the Register of Wills at Councilman Brian O’Neill’s Office

    • Collect Marriage Record applications and share info about Register of Wills’ services
    • Learn about Real ID requirements, the Probate Process, and marriage licenses
    • Ask questions and get answers directly from their team

    Stop by to pick up materials and speak with a representative—no appointment needed!

  • Jul
    17
    State Rep. Solomon's REAL ID Pop-Up
    1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
    6434 Castor Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19149, USA

    State Rep. Solomon's REAL ID Pop-Up

    July 17, 2025
    1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, 2 hours
    6434 Castor Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19149, USA
    map
    Join us for a special pop-up event with the Register of Wills at the Office of State Rep. Jared Solomon
    • Rep. Solomon's office will assist with birth certificates, Real ID brochures, document checklists, and unclaimed property
    • The Register of Wills will process certified copies of marriage records needed for obtaining a Real ID

Top