Clearfield County

Clearfield County is located in the north-central region of Pennsylvania, covering approximately 1,154 square miles of diverse terrain that includes forests, mountains, and river valleys. Clearfield County seat is Clearfield Borough, situated along the West Branch Susquehanna River. Established in 1804 from parts of Huntingdon and Lycoming counties, Clearfield County has a population of approximately 80,000 residents as of recent estimates. Clearfield County is named for the clearfields that early settlers found along the river bottoms. Major communities include DuBois, the largest municipality, along with Curwensville, Houtzdale, and Philipsburg. Clearfield County is home to significant natural landmarks including Moshannon State Forest, Parker Dam State Park, and S.B. Elliott State Park. Historically, Clearfield County's economy was built on lumber, coal mining, and clay production, with Clearfield County once being a major supplier of fire clay and bituminous coal. Clearfield County Courthouse, located at 230 East Market Street in Clearfield, PA 16830, is the administrative center. The Recorder of Deeds office handles property transactions and land records, while the Prothonotary is the clerk for civil court matters. The Assessment Office, also located in the courthouse complex, maintains property valuations and tax assessment records. The Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans' Court manages estate and probate matters. What makes Clearfield County unique is its blend of natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and its historical significance in Pennsylvania's lumber and mining industries, combined with its ongoing transition to more diversified economic activities including healthcare, education, and tourism.

• The Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans' Court manages estate and probate matters.

The Clearfield County Court serves Clearfield County and is located at 230 East Market Street. The court handles civil, criminal, family, and probate cases for the county. Court records and case filings can be requested in person or through the Pennsylvania online court portal.

Clearfield County Court of Common Pleas is located in Clearfield, PA. The court has jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases, including felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic violations. The court also has jurisdiction over family law matters, such as divorce, child custody, and adoption. The court also has jurisdiction over probate matters, such as wills and estates.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• Requesters should submit written requests identifying the specific records sought.
• Processing times for arrest record requests vary but must be fulfilled within five business days under the statute, with possible extensions for complex requests.

Court records for this county include civil cases, criminal cases, traffic violations, and family law matters handled by the local Circuit, District, or Superior Court.

• Certified copies of court documents can be obtained from the appropriate court office with fees typically ranging from $6 to $10 for certifications plus per-page copying costs.

• Recording fees are established by Pennsylvania statute and vary by document type, with standard deeds typically costing around $150 to record.
• Certified copies of recorded documents cost approximately $6 for the first page and $2 for each additional page.
• Clearfield County Assessment Office, located at 230 East Market Street, Clearfield, PA 16830 (phone: 814-765-2641 ext.

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

• Processing time for mail requests is typically 4-6 weeks, though expedited service is available for an additional fee.
• Online ordering is available through the VitalChek service at www.health.pa.gov/vitals, with additional processing fees.
• Marriage licenses are issued by Clearfield County Clerk of Orphans' Court, located at 230 East Market Street, Clearfield, PA 16830 (phone: 814-765-2641 ext.
• Couples must apply in person, and the license costs approximately $60.
• Applicants must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate direct and tangible interest in the record being requested, as Pennsylvania restricts vital record access to eligible individuals to protect privacy.

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

• Fictitious name registrations (doing business as or DBA filings) may also be filed with the Prothonotary's Office at Clearfield County Courthouse, 230 East Market Street, Clearfield, PA 16830 (phone: 814-765-2641).
• Clearfield County Planning Commission, located at 650 Leonard Street, Clearfield, PA 16830, provides planning assistance and reviews subdivision and land development plans.