Northampton County

Northampton County is located in the eastern region of Pennsylvania, forming part of the Lehigh Valley metropolitan area and bordered by the Delaware River to the east, which separates it from New Jersey. Northampton County seat is Easton, a historic city situated at the confluence of the Lehigh and Delaware Rivers. Established in 1752, Northampton County includes approximately 377 square miles and serves a population of over 312,000 residents, making it one of Pennsylvania's more populous counties. Northampton County includes the cities of Easton and Bethlehem (shared with Lehigh County), as well as numerous boroughs and townships. Major landmarks include the National Canal Museum, the Crayola Experience in Easton, the historic Moravian settlements of Bethlehem, and extensive portions of the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor. Northampton County has a rich industrial heritage, particularly in steel production and cement manufacturing, with the former Bethlehem Steel Corporation once dominating Northampton Countyal economy. Today, Northampton County balances its industrial legacy with growing healthcare, education, and distribution sectors. Northampton County Government Center at 669 Washington Street in Easton houses key administrative offices. Northampton County Recorder of Deeds maintains property records, the Clerk of Courts handles judicial filings, and the Assessment Office manages property valuations. Northampton County's unique position in the Lehigh Valley, combined with its proximity to major metropolitan areas including Philadelphia, New York City, and Allentown, makes it a strategic location for commerce and residence.

The s office or county court serves Northampton County and is located at 669 Washington Street in Easton. The court handles civil, criminal, family, and probate cases for Northampton County, Pennsylvania. Court records and case filings can be requested in person or through the Pennsylvania online court portal.

Northampton County Court of Common Pleas is located in Easton, Pennsylvania. 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.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• Citizens can request arrest records by submitting written requests to the specific police department that made the arrest or through the Pennsylvania State Police if the arrest was made by state troopers.
• Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through Northampton County Prison's online inmate search system, which displays booking photographs for current inmates.
• Historical arrest records and mugshots may require a formal Right-to-Know request submitted to the respective law enforcement agency.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

• The Clerk of Courts office maintains criminal and civil court records and charges fees for certified copies, typically $8.50 for the first page and $2.00 for additional pages as established by Pennsylvania fee schedules.

• The Recorder charges statutory fees for recording new documents, currently $59.50 for the first page and $3.00 for each additional page for most instruments.
• Property tax records are maintained by Northampton County Assessment Office at the same Government Center address, phone, which provides property valuations, ownership information, and tax assessment data.
• Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the Recorder's office for a fee of $8.50 for the first page and $2.00 for additional pages, plus a certification fee.
• Same-day service is typically available for in-person requests, while mail requests may take several business days for processing and return.

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

• Processing time for mail requests typically ranges from 4-6 weeks, though expedited service is available for additional fees.
• Couples must apply in person, pay a fee of $40, and wait three days before the license becomes valid; the license remains valid for 60 days.
• Divorce records are maintained by the Clerk of Courts as part of court case files and can be accessed through the court records system.
• Pennsylvania residents can order certified birth and death certificates online through the state's VitalChek system at www.health.pa.gov/vitalsupport, with additional service fees applying.
• Applicants must provide valid photo identification and proof of relationship or legal entitlement when requesting restricted vital records.

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

• Businesses operating under fictitious names (DBAs) in Northampton County must register with Northampton County Prothonotary at the Government Center, 669 Washington Street, Easton, PA 18042
• Fictitious name registrations cost approximately $70 and must be renewed every five years.