The Register of Wills keeps records of wills, estate inventories, and related documents. To request copies of probate records, you’ll need to know:
- The person’s complete name at the time they died.
- The date of the person’s death.
You’ll also need to decide on the types of records that you want to request.
Cost
If you are requesting records by mail, there is a $20 research fee.
There will also be a record fee if you decide to order copies. The total cost will depend on the types of records you choose to order. To get a sense of the cost, review the fee schedule.
Request probate records by mail
You can also write a letter that includes the following information:
- The person’s complete name at the time they died.
- The date of the person’s death.
- The types of probate records you’re requesting.
You must pay a $20 research fee for the Register of Wills to locate the probate record. The money order should be made payable to the “Register of Wills.”
You should also include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your request.
You can mail your request form, self-addressed stamped envelope, and payment to:
Register of Wills
Room 180
City Hall
Philadelphia, PA 19107
The typical response time is 7-10 business days.
If a probate record is found, a representative will contact you and describe its contents. At that time, you can tell the representative what records you’d like to request.
If no probate record is found, you’ll still receive a confirmation letter.
Request probate records in person
To request records in person, go to the office of the Register of Wills.
City Hall
Room 180
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.