Clearfield County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Clearfield County?

Public records in Clearfield County are official documents and information created, received, maintained, or filed by government agencies that are accessible to the public under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.101). These records document government activities, transactions, and decisions, serving as a foundation for governmental transparency and accountability.

Clearfield County maintains numerous types of public records across various departments and offices, including:

Court Records: Civil, criminal, family, and probate cases maintained by the Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts, including judgments, filings, and case dispositions
Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and property transfers recorded by the Recorder of Deeds Office
Assessment Records: Property tax assessments, valuations, and parcel information maintained by the Tax Assessment Office
Vital Records: Birth certificates (from 1893-1906), death certificates (from 1893-1906), marriage licenses, and divorce decrees
Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and fictitious name registrations
Tax Records: Property tax information, tax liens, and payment records
Voting and Election Records: Voter registration data, election results, and campaign finance reports
Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Official proceedings of the County Commissioners, boards, and committees
Budget and Financial Documents: County budgets, expenditure reports, and financial statements
Law Enforcement Records: Certain police reports, arrest logs, and incident reports (with statutory limitations)
Land Use and Zoning Records: Planning documents, zoning decisions, and building permits

The Clearfield County government maintains these records through various departments, with many now available through online portals. Historical and archived records dating back to the county's formation in 1804 are also preserved and accessible to researchers and the public.

Is Clearfield County an Open Records County?

Clearfield County fully complies with Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law (RTKL), 65 P.S. § 67.101-3104, which establishes the presumption that all government records are public unless specifically exempted by law, sealed by court order, or protected by privilege. This comprehensive statute governs access to public information throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, including all county governments.

Under Section 65 P.S. § 67.301 of the RTKL, "a public record shall be accessible for inspection and duplication by a requester in accordance with this act." This provision establishes the fundamental right of public access that Clearfield County observes in its records management practices.

Clearfield County has designated Right-to-Know Officers in each department who process record requests in accordance with state law. The county follows the statutory response timeline, which requires agencies to respond to requests within five business days, with possible extensions under specific circumstances as outlined in 65 P.S. § 67.902.

The county also adheres to Pennsylvania's Sunshine Act (65 Pa.C.S. §§ 701-716), which requires that official meetings of public agencies be open to the public, with proper notice given, and that official actions and deliberations take place at open meetings.

Clearfield County's commitment to transparency is reflected in its online records access systems and published procedures for requesting public information. The county's official public records policy aligns with state requirements and establishes consistent procedures for processing requests across all county departments.

How to Find Public Records in Clearfield County in 2026

Members of the public seeking records in Clearfield County may utilize several methods to access information. The county offers both in-person and online options for locating and obtaining public records:

Visit the appropriate county office based on the type of record needed:
- For court records, visit the Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts Office
- For property records, visit the Recorder of Deeds Office
- For tax assessment information, contact the Tax Assessment Office
Submit a formal Right-to-Know request if records are not readily available:
- Complete the county's standard RTK request form
- Submit the form to the appropriate department's Right-to-Know Officer
- Provide specific details about the records being requested
- Include contact information for response delivery
Utilize online resources for immediate access to digitized records:
- Access the county's official website for department-specific record portals
- Use the Civil Case Search for court records
- Search the Assessment Database for property information
- Browse archived historical records for genealogical research
Request records by mail by sending a written request to the appropriate department:
- Include a detailed description of the records sought
- Provide return contact information
- Enclose any applicable fees (check or money order)
Research historical records through the county's archives:
- Contact the Clearfield County Historical Society
- Schedule an appointment for on-site research if necessary
- Request assistance with locating specific historical documents

For vital records such as birth and death certificates after 1906, requesters must contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Records, as these are maintained at the state level rather than by the county.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Clearfield County?

Clearfield County assesses fees for public records in accordance with Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.1307), which permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for duplication and certification of records. The current fee structure for Clearfield County public records is as follows:

Standard Photocopies: $0.25 per page for black and white copies
Color Copies: $0.50 per page
Certified Copies: $5.00 per document plus copy fees
Large Format Documents (maps, plans, etc.): $3.00-$5.00 per sheet
Digital Media: $1.00 per CD/DVD for electronic records
Email Delivery: No charge for records that can be emailed (though copy preparation fees may apply)
Postage: Actual cost when records are mailed

Specialized records may have statutorily established fees that differ from standard copying charges:

Deed Recordings: $18.50 for the first four pages, $2.00 for each additional page
Marriage License: $45.00
Civil Court Filings: Varies by case type, typically $100.00-$200.00
Criminal Record Checks: $22.00 per search

Payment methods accepted by Clearfield County offices include:

Cash (in-person only)
Personal checks
Money orders
Credit/debit cards (in some departments, with a processing fee)

Under Pennsylvania law, agencies may waive fees when the agency determines that release of the information primarily benefits the general public. Additionally, indigent individuals who file an affidavit stating they are financially unable to pay may receive copies of records without charge, though this waiver does not apply to commercial requests.

For complex or voluminous requests requiring extensive staff time, the county may assess additional fees based on the actual cost of fulfilling the request, as permitted under 65 P.S. § 67.1307(g).

Does Clearfield County Have Free Public Records?

Clearfield County provides several options for accessing public records at no cost, in accordance with Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law which guarantees the right to inspect public records without charge. The following free access options are currently available:

In-person inspection of public records during regular business hours at the appropriate county office is available at no charge. Members of the public may examine documents, take notes, and in some cases, use personal devices to capture images of records without incurring fees.
Online access to certain digital records is provided free of charge through the county's website, including:
- Property assessment information
- Basic court docket information through the Prothonotary's online portal
- County Commissioner meeting minutes and agendas
- County budget documents and financial reports
- Historical and archived records indexes
Public access terminals are available in several county offices, allowing visitors to search computerized records at no cost, including:
- The Prothonotary's Office for court records
- The Recorder of Deeds Office for property records
- The Assessment Office for tax information
Public libraries throughout Clearfield County provide free internet access where residents can utilize the county's online record systems.

The Pennsylvania State Police also maintains the Megan's Law website, which provides free public access to information about registered sex offenders in Clearfield County and throughout the state, as required by 42 Pa.C.S § 9799.32(1) and § 9799.67(1).

While inspection is free, fees still apply for copies, certifications, and specialized searches as detailed in the previous section. Additionally, commercial requesters seeking records for profit-making purposes may be subject to fees even for inspection in some circumstances.

Who Can Request Public Records in Clearfield County?

Under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.301), any person, regardless of citizenship or residency status, may request access to public records from Clearfield County government offices. The law defines "person" broadly to include individuals, corporations, partnerships, associations, and governmental entities.

Key eligibility considerations for public records requests in Clearfield County include:

Residency requirements: No Pennsylvania residency is required to request most public records. The law explicitly states that records shall be accessible to "a requester," without geographic limitation.
Identification requirements: For standard public records requests, requesters are not required to show identification or state the purpose of their request. However, certain specialized records may require verification of identity, particularly when:
- Requesting one's own confidential records
- Seeking access to sealed court records with proper authorization
- Requesting vital records that require proof of relationship
Commercial use: Commercial requesters (those seeking records for profit-making purposes) have the same right of access as other requesters, though they may be subject to additional fees for staff time.
Legal representatives: Attorneys, legal guardians, and those with power of attorney may request records on behalf of the individuals they represent, with proper documentation.
Incarcerated individuals: Under 65 P.S. § 67.708(b)(16), inmates in correctional facilities have limited rights to access certain records, with specific restrictions outlined in the statute.

For requests involving confidential information, such as criminal history records or certain court documents, the requester may need to demonstrate a legal right to access the information. This typically requires providing identification and documentation of legal interest or relationship to the subject of the records.

Government agencies, including those from other states or the federal government, may also request public records from Clearfield County for official purposes.

What Records Are Confidential in Clearfield County?

While Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law establishes the presumption that government records are public, 65 P.S. § 67.708 outlines numerous exceptions that protect certain information from public disclosure. In Clearfield County, the following record types are generally considered confidential and exempt from public access:

Personal identifying information protected under state and federal law, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Personal identification numbers (PINs)
- Home addresses of judges, law enforcement officers, and certain public officials
Medical records protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), including:
- Patient treatment records
- Mental health evaluations
- Drug and alcohol treatment information
- Medical examiner reports containing private medical details
Juvenile records sealed pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S. § 6308, including:
- Juvenile court proceedings
- Juvenile probation records
- Youth detention records
Criminal investigative records exempt under 65 P.S. § 67.708(b)(16), including:
- Active criminal investigation materials
- Investigative techniques and procedures
- Victim information in certain cases
Child welfare records protected under the Child Protective Services Law (23 Pa.C.S. § 6339), including:
- Child abuse investigations
- Foster care records
- Child protective service reports
Adoption records sealed under Pennsylvania's Adoption Act (23 Pa.C.S. § 2905)
Personnel records containing private information, including:
- Employee performance evaluations
- Disciplinary actions
- Medical information and benefits
- Home addresses and personal contact information
Records that would jeopardize public safety if disclosed, including:
- Infrastructure security information
- Emergency response plans
- Computer security information
Records protected by legal privileges, including:
- Attorney-client privileged communications
- Attorney work product
- Grand jury materials
Trade secrets and confidential proprietary information of businesses
Predecisional deliberations of agencies prior to official action

These exemptions are not absolute, and in some cases, redacted versions of records may be provided with confidential information removed. Additionally, court orders may provide access to otherwise confidential records in specific circumstances, such as during litigation or criminal proceedings.

Clearfield County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Clearfield County Recorder of Deeds
230 East Market Street, Suite 112
Clearfield, PA 16830
(814) 765-2641 ext. 5010
Recorder of Deeds Office

Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Additional County Offices for Public Records:

Clearfield County Prothonotary & Clerk of Courts
230 East Market Street, Suite 210
Clearfield, PA 16830
(814) 765-2641 ext. 5100
Prothonotary & Clerk of Courts

Clearfield County Assessment Office
230 East Market Street, Suite 105
Clearfield, PA 16830
(814) 765-2641 ext. 5010
Assessment Office

Clearfield County Register of Wills
230 East Market Street, Suite 112
Clearfield, PA 16830
(814) 765-2641 ext. 5010

Clearfield County Archives
230 East Market Street
Clearfield, PA 16830
(814) 765-2641
Archived Records

The Recorder of Deeds Office maintains and provides access to all real estate transactions, including deeds, mortgages, rights-of-way, easements, and other property-related documents. The office also records military discharge papers (DD-214), notary public commissions, and Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings.

Staff members are available during business hours to assist with record searches, provide copies of documents, and answer questions about the recording process. Public access terminals are available for self-service searching of digitized records.