Service overview
The Department of Records maintains recorded documents from the late 17th century to the present. These documents include:
- Deeds.
- Mortgages.
- Mortgage satisfactions.
- Mortgage releases.
- Easements.
- Notary commissions.
- Military discharge requests.
- Other recorded documents.
You can look up these records online, in person, or by mail. Documents are not searchable until two to four weeks after they are recorded.
Requirements
Property records
If you are requesting a copy of a property record, provide as much of the following information as possible.
- Property address
- Grantor (the person selling the property)
- Grantee (the person buying the property)
- Deed date (the date listed at the beginning of the deed)
- Document ID no. (for records from 1973 to the present)
Property records from before 1973 may have to be pulled from the City Archives or require special handling. For more information, contact the City Archives.
Military discharges
The Department of Records records and copies military discharge records at no cost. The department can only provide copies of military discharges recorded with the City. However, because these records are confidential by law, you must provide proof of eligibility to receive a copy.
How to request a copy of a military discharge record:
- Complete the record request form.
- Submit the form with required documents.
Who can access records:
- The person named in the record (with valid ID).
- Authorized agents or representatives (authorization letter required).
- Immediate family members (proof of relationship required).
- Requestors with a subpoena or court order.
- County directors of veterans affairs or government entities.
- Anyone if the record is over 85 years old.
Proof of eligibility (needed for records less than 85 years old):
The person who is the subject of the record must present valid identification. Immediate family members or other eligible persons must provide acceptable proof of relationship or eligibility, which may include the following:
- Marriage certificate (for spouses).
- Birth certificate (long form for children).
- Death certificate (accompanied with birth certificate).
- Power of attorney.
- Signed authorization letter from the person named in the record or an immediate family member.
- Court order or subpoena.
Cost
The fee to get a copy depends on the type of document. You can view copy fees on the Department of Records website.
How
Online
Philadox is an online document search system. Use it to:
- Search deeds and other property records from 1974 to the present.
- View document information and watermarked copies online.
- Print documents or indexed information with a paid subscription.
You can get documents recorded before 1974 by mail or in person.
Online subscription fees vary by length of time.
- One day – $15
- One week – $60
- One month – $125
- One year – $750
You can pay with a VISA or Mastercard.
Mail or in person
Visit the Department of Records in person, or mail your request and payment to:
Department of Records
City Hall, Room 154
1400 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
If you mail your request, include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a note with the address of the property.
You can pay by cash, money order, business, or certified check. We do not accept personal checks, credit, or debit cards. Make checks payable to “City of Philadelphia.”
To find out the exact number of pages in advance of sending your request, contact us at (215) 686-2292 or deedcopy.info@phila.gov. If you overpay, we will notify you and send you a form to get a refund of the amount you overpaid.