Pennsylvania Warrant Search

Are Warrants Public Record in Pennsylvania

Pursuant to the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.101 et seq.), warrants are considered public records in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This legislative framework ensures transparency within the judicial system and maintains public safety by allowing citizens access to information regarding legal actions. The accessibility of warrant records serves as a mechanism for governmental accountability and enables individuals to determine if legal proceedings have been initiated against them or others.

The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System maintains that warrant information falls under the category of court records that should be accessible to the public, with certain exceptions for sealed or confidential matters as prescribed by law. The public nature of these records is consistent with the Commonwealth's commitment to open government and judicial transparency as outlined in Article I, Section 11 of the Pennsylvania Constitution, which guarantees that courts shall be open to all citizens.

Members of the public seeking warrant information may access these records through various county sheriff's offices, court clerk offices, or through online case search portals maintained by the Pennsylvania judiciary. The Pennsylvania State Police also maintains certain warrant information that may be accessed through authorized channels.

What Is Contained in Warrant Records in Pennsylvania?

Warrant records in Pennsylvania contain specific information as mandated by the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure (Pa.R.Crim.P. 513). Standard warrant records typically include the following elements:

Subject identification: Full legal name of the individual against whom the warrant is issued, along with other identifying information such as date of birth, physical description, and last known address
Date of issuance: The specific date on which the judicial authority signed and issued the warrant
Issuing authority: The name and jurisdiction of the magistrate, judge, or court that authorized the warrant
Case docket number: The unique alphanumeric identifier assigned to the case
Alleged offense(s): Description of the criminal charges or violations that precipitated the warrant, including relevant Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes sections
Warrant classification: Designation of whether it is an arrest warrant, bench warrant, search warrant, or other specialized type
Bail information: If applicable, the predetermined bail amount or notation that the individual must appear before a judge for bail determination

The Pennsylvania Judiciary Web Portal provides access to certain warrant information, though some details may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws and judicial administrative orders.

How to Check For Warrants in Pennsylvania For Free

Pennsylvania residents and interested parties may verify warrant status through several no-cost methods established by Commonwealth agencies. The following resources are available without charge:

County Sheriff's Offices: Most county sheriff departments maintain public terminals for warrant searches. For example, the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office provides access to active bench warrants through their website and at their office located at:

Montgomery County Sheriff's Office
Montgomery County Courthouse
2 East Airy Street
Norristown, PA 19404
Phone: (610) 278-3331
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:15 PM

County Court Clerk Offices: Court administrators maintain warrant records that can be searched in person. The York County Warrant Search Database allows citizens to search for active warrants online.
Public Access Terminals: Located in most county courthouses, these computer stations allow free searches of the Common Pleas Case Management System (CPCMS) and the Magisterial District Judge System (MDJS).
Legal Aid Organizations: Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network offices provide assistance with warrant searches as part of their services to low-income individuals. Their main office is located at:

Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network
118 Locust Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Phone: (717) 236-9486
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Individuals should note that while checking for warrants is free, certain counties may charge nominal fees for printed copies of warrant documentation in accordance with § 1725 of Title 42 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes.

How to Know If You Have a Warrant in Pennsylvania in 2025

As of 2025, Pennsylvania has enhanced its digital infrastructure to provide multiple avenues for warrant verification. Individuals seeking to determine if they have an active warrant should utilize the following official resources:

Unified Judicial System Web Portal: The Commonwealth's judiciary maintains a comprehensive electronic case management system where warrant information can be searched using name and date of birth.
County-Specific Online Databases: Many counties have implemented searchable warrant databases. Lancaster County's Who's In Jail? portal allows searches by name or date of birth for current inmates and those with active warrants.
Pennsylvania State Police: The PSP maintains warrant information through their Criminal History Information system, though some searches may require a fee.
County Prothonotary or Clerk of Courts: These offices maintain official court records including warrants. The Philadelphia Courts First Judicial District provides electronic access to court records including warrant status.

Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository
1800 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Phone: (717) 783-5494
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Individuals may also utilize the PAeDocket mobile application, available through smartphone app stores, which provides access to public court information including certain warrant data. This application interfaces with the Pennsylvania Judiciary Web Portal and allows for remote searching of court records.

How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in Pennsylvania

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has established multiple channels through which citizens may verify outstanding warrant status. Pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 509, the following methods are available:

In-Person County Sheriff Inquiries: Individuals may visit their local county sheriff's office with proper identification to inquire about outstanding warrants. The Allegheny County Sheriff's Office provides this service at:

Allegheny County Sheriff's Office
436 Grant Street, Courthouse Room 111
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Phone: (412) 350-4700
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Courthouse Public Access Terminals: Most county courthouses maintain public computer terminals where individuals can search the Unified Judicial System's databases for outstanding warrants. These terminals provide access to the Court Records E-Filing system in many counties.
Pennsylvania Inmate and Parolee Locator: The Department of Corrections maintains a database that can help determine if someone has been taken into custody on an outstanding warrant.
County Probation Departments: For warrants related to probation violations, county probation offices maintain records of outstanding warrants. Information about county probation and parole services is available through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.

Individuals should be aware that pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S. § 5126, it is unlawful to hinder apprehension by providing false information when inquiring about warrant status.

How to Find Federal Warrant Search

Federal warrants are distinct from state warrants and require specific procedures for verification. The following federal resources are available to Pennsylvania residents seeking information on federal warrants:

United States District Courts: Pennsylvania has three federal judicial districts, each maintaining records of federal warrants issued within their jurisdiction:

U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
James A. Byrne U.S. Courthouse
601 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (215) 597-7704
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania
Ronald Reagan Federal Building
228 Walnut Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Phone: (717) 221-3920
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania
Joseph F. Weis, Jr. U.S. Courthouse
700 Grant Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Phone: (412) 208-7500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Federal Bureau of Investigation: The FBI maintains information on federal warrants through field offices located in Pennsylvania:

FBI Philadelphia Field Office
William J. Green Jr. Federal Building
600 Arch Street, 8th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (215) 418-4000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:15 AM - 5:00 PM

U.S. Marshals Service: This agency is primarily responsible for executing federal warrants and maintains warrant information:

U.S. Marshals Service - Eastern District of Pennsylvania
U.S. Courthouse
601 Market Street, Room 1040
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (215) 597-7622
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Federal warrant information may also be accessible through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system, though this service requires registration and may involve fees as authorized under 28 U.S.C. § 1914.