Blair County

Blair County is located in the south-central region of Pennsylvania, part of the Allegheny Mountains scene. Blair County seat is Hollidaysburg, though the largest city is Altoona, which is the primary commercial and population center. Established on February 26, 1846, from parts of Huntingdon and Bedford counties, Blair County was named after John Blair, a prominent early settler and entrepreneur. Blair County includes approximately 527 square miles and has a population of roughly 122,000 residents according to recent census estimates. Blair County is renowned for its railroad heritage, particularly as the home of the famous Horseshoe Curve, a National Historic Landmark built by the Pennsylvania Railroad in 1854 that remains an engineering marvel and tourist attraction. The Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site also preserves Blair County's transportation legacy. Blair County's topography is characterized by mountain ridges and valleys, with the Logan Valley being the most populous area. Blair County Courthouse, a stunning Second Empire-style building in Hollidaysburg, houses many county offices including the Office of the Recorder of Deeds located at 423 Allegheny Street, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648. The Prothonotary's Office, which serves as Blair County's civil court clerk, and the County Assessor's Office are also located in the courthouse complex. Blair County's economy has historically centered on railroading and manufacturing, with continued presence of industrial operations alongside healthcare, retail, and service sectors that now dominate employment.

The Blair County Court serves Blair County, Pennsylvania and handles civil, criminal, family, and probate cases. The courthouse is located in the county seat of this county. Court records and case filings can be requested in person or through the Pennsylvania online court portal.

The Blair County Court of Common Pleas is the trial court of general jurisdiction in Blair County, Pennsylvania. The court has jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases, including appeals from lower courts. The court also has jurisdiction over family law matters, including divorce, child custody, and adoption.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• Arrest records can be requested directly from the arresting agency or Blair County District Attorney's Office.
• Mugshots and booking photographs are typically available through Blair County Prison's inmate search system or by submitting a Right-to-Know request to the Sheriff's Office.
• Processing fees may apply for copies of arrest records.

Jail & Inmate Records

• The bond and bail process follows Pennsylvania state laws, allowing for the release of inmates pending trial under certain conditions.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

• Court records can be searched through the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System web portal at ujsportal.pacourts.us, which provides docket sheets for most public cases free of charge, though certified copies require fees.
• Fee schedules for certified documents vary but typically range from $10-25 per certification.
• Online access provides docket information but full case files often require in-person or written requests to the appropriate court office.

• Many recent documents are available for viewing online at no charge, though certified copies require fees ranging from $5 for the first page to $2 for each additional page, plus $5 for certification.
• The Assessment Office provides access to property valuations, tax maps, and ownership information.
• Recording fees are set by state statute at 21 P.S.

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

• Birth certificates cost $20 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously; death certificates are $9 for the first copy and $2 for additional copies.
• Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks by mail, though expedited service is available for additional fees.
• Online ordering is available through VitalChek at www.health.pa.gov/vitalrecords with additional convenience fees.
• Marriage licenses are issued by Blair County Register of Wills Office at the courthouse; couples must apply in person and pay the current fee of approximately $50-60.
• Requesters must provide valid photo identification and proof of relationship to obtain certified copies of birth and death records, as governed by the Pennsylvania Vital Statistics Law of 1953, 35 P.S.

Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.

• Business owners must register entities with the state before conducting business.
• Blair County Planning Commission at provides regional planning coordination but does not issue permits.