Scranton Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Scranton, Pennsylvania government websites.
About Scranton, Pennsylvania
Government Type
City Council
The governing body of Scranton, Pennsylvania, is the Scranton City Council, which consists of 7 elected members. Each council member is elected to a 4-year term through a citywide election process. The council is responsible for enacting local legislation, approving the budget, and overseeing city operations. The budget is subject to approval by the City Council, ensuring that local priorities are addressed.During these sessions, council members discuss ongoing projects, hear public comments, and vote on various legislative matters affecting the city. The meetings are open to the public, allowing residents to engage with their local government.
Notable landmarks in Scranton include the Steamtown National Historic Site, which celebrates the history of steam locomotives, and the Electric City Trolley Museum, highlighting the city’s role in the development of electric streetcars. The city is also home to the vibrant neighborhood of Hill Section, known for its historic homes and proximity to the University of Scranton. Economically, Scranton has transitioned from its industrial roots to a more diversified economy, with healthcare and education now playing significant roles.Scranton continues to embrace its historical legacy while adapting to contemporary economic challenges.
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement in Lackawanna County is handled through a network of agencies working across municipal boundaries. Each agency maintains jurisdiction over its respective municipality, handling day-to-day law enforcement duties while collaborating on major crimes and emergencies that require a coordinated county-wide response.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Lackawanna County Prison is the primary detention facility for the Lackawanna County seat and surrounding communities. Located in Scranton, the facility processes all individuals arrested within county borders through a booking procedure that includes fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. An online inmate lookup system provides current information about those in custody. Visitors must schedule appointments in advance and follow strict guidelines established by the facility.
Arrest Records
The Lackawanna County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain arrest records throughout the area. These records document the circumstances of each arrest, charges filed, and personal information about arrestees. Residents and attorneys seeking copies typically must submit a formal written request to the law enforcement agency that made the arrest. The Pennsylvania Right to Know Law governs which records are accessible to the public, balancing transparency with the protection of sensitive information.
Court Records
The Lackawanna County Court of Common Pleas, located at 123 Wyoming Ave, Scranton, PA 18503, is the central repository for civil, criminal, and family law cases heard within Lackawanna County. Public access to these records is available subject to certain restrictions and fees. The court's website, https://www.lackawannacounty.org/index.php/court-of-common-pleas, outlines the procedures for accessing and obtaining copies of court documents filed with the clerk's office.
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Lackawanna County covers felony, misdemeanor, traffic, and sex offender registry records. Background checks in Pennsylvania can be conducted through the Pennsylvania State Police's PATCH system, which provides access to statewide criminal history information. The Pennsylvania State Police also supports local law enforcement with investigative resources and data sharing.
Public Records Access
Public records in Scranton are distributed across various government agencies, each maintaining documents related to their specific functions. The city's official website, https://www.scrantonpa.gov/, offers a directory of municipal departments and services with direct links to access available records. The Lackawanna County Courthouse at 200 N Washington Ave, Scranton, PA 18503 houses both historical archives and current public records for the broader region, acting as a central location for researchers and residents seeking county-level documentation.
Vital Records
Vital records, such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, are maintained by the Lackawanna County Register of Wills, located at 123 Wyoming Ave, Scranton, PA 18503. These records can be requested in person, by mail, or online through Lackawanna County's website, https://www.lackawannacounty.org/index.php/register-of-wills. Fees and processing times may apply for obtaining certified copies of these important documents.
Business & Licensing Records
Businesses operating in Scranton must register with the Pennsylvania Department of State, Division of Corporations, located at 401 North St, Harrisburg, PA 17120. Entity formation documents, annual reports, and changes to business information can be searched and accessed through the department's online portal at https://www.corporations.pa.gov/. Local entrepreneurs and established businesses also benefit from resources provided by the Scranton Area Community Foundation at https://www.safdn.org/, which offers support tailored to the region's economic development needs.
Economy & Demographics
Scranton's economic data and indicators are collected and reported by various government agencies and organizations. The U.S. Census Bureau, https://www.census.gov/, provides detailed demographic and economic information for the Scranton metropolitan area. The Scranton Chamber of Commerce, https://www.scrantonchamber.com/, also offers economic data and resources specific to the local business community. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, https://www.dli.pa.gov/, tracks employment, unemployment, and other labor market statistics for the region.
Elections & Voter Records
The Lackawanna County Bureau of Elections oversees all aspects of voting for residents throughout the Lackawanna County seat and surrounding municipalities. Located in the Lackawanna County Government Center at 123 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503, the bureau handles voter registration, maintains current voter rolls, administers elections, processes absentee and mail-in ballots, and certifies results. Residents can reach the office at 570-963-6737 or visit lackawannacounty.org/departments/bureau-of-elections for detailed information.
Pennsylvania residents register to vote online through the Pennsylvania Department of State's website at pavoterservices.pa.gov/pages/voterregistrationstatus.aspx, which also allows updates to existing registrations and verification of current status. The registration deadline falls 15 days before any election. First-time voters must present acceptable identification such as a driver's license, government-issued photo ID, utility bills, bank statements, or other documents showing name and address. The city operates under a mayor-council form of government, with municipal elections scheduled for odd-numbered years. The next mayoral election is set for November 2025, when city council seats will also appear on the ballot. Primary elections for city offices typically occur in May of odd-numbered years, followed by general elections in November. Information about candidates, ballot questions, and municipal races is available through the county bureau and the city's website. Pennsylvania law provides for nonpartisan judicial elections while legislative and executive offices are decided through partisan contests. Residents can locate their assigned polling place using the Pennsylvania Department of State's lookup tool at pavoterservices.pa.gov/pages/pollingplaceinfo.aspx by entering their address. Polls operate from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM on election day. Pennsylvania's Act 77, implemented in 2019, established no-excuse mail-in voting for all registered voters. Requests for mail-in or absentee ballots can be submitted through the Lackawanna County elections office online portal, by mail, or in person. Applications must reach the office by 5:00 PM the Tuesday before election day, and completed ballots must be received by the Lackawanna County elections office by 8:00 PM on election day. Public election records in Pennsylvania include voter registration lists, available to candidates and political committees under specific statutory restrictions. Campaign finance reports filed with the Pennsylvania Department of State can be searched at campaignfinance.pa.gov. Candidate petitions and nomination papers are filed with county election offices, and precinct-level results are published by the county after each election. In the November 2024 presidential election, Lackawanna County reported approximately 61% voter turnout with roughly 132,000 ballots cast from approximately 216,000 registered voters, demonstrating strong civic engagement in this traditionally Democratic-leaning county that has become more competitive in recent cycles. On November 3, 2026, voters in the city and throughout Lackawanna County will participate in midterm elections deciding Pennsylvania's gubernatorial race, as governors are term-limited following Tom Wolf's service. One U.S. Senate seat, Pennsylvania's Class III Senate seat, will be contested along with all 17 Pennsylvania Congressional districts including PA-08 which covers the area. State legislature seats are also on the ballot, including State Senate District 22 and State House Districts 112, 113, and 114 covering portions of the city. County-level offices including Lackawanna County commissioners and row offices such as controller and district attorney will be decided, along with possible county judicial positions depending on retention schedules. Municipal offices may appear if special elections are required, though regular city elections occur in odd-numbered years.
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online Statewide Portal | Property: Yes: Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: Limited: Online | Vital Records: Yes: Online Ordering | Business: Yes: Free State Database | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall: 8.2/10, Lackawanna County and Pennsylvania provide excellent online access to court records, property data, business entities, and election information through state and county portals, though arrest logs and jail rosters require more direct contact with law enforcement agencies rather than online databases.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 What are the school district and education performance data for Scranton, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania?
Public schools in Scranton, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania are administered by the local school district. School performance data, enrollment information, and district boundaries are available through the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics at nces.ed.gov.
2 What are the crime statistics for Scranton, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania?
Crime data for Scranton, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania is maintained by local law enforcement agencies and reported to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program.
3 What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Scranton, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania Library?
The Scranton Public Library provides access to public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. The Lackawanna County library system may offer additional resources. Contact the library for available databases and research assistance.
4 Where is the Scranton, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania Public Library located?
The Scranton Public Library serves residents of Scranton and the surrounding Lackawanna County area in Pennsylvania. Contact the library or visit the Lackawanna County library system website for current address, hours, and services.
5 Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Scranton, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania?
Fingerprinting services for Scranton, Pennsylvania residents are available through the local police department and authorized providers in Lackawanna County. Services cover background checks, professional licensing, and employment screening.
6 What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Scranton, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, and what information is provided in the records?
Vital records for Scranton, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania including birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses are available through the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Requests can be made online, by mail, or in person. The Lackawanna County Clerk's office may also issue certified copies. Valid identification and proof of eligibility are required.
7 How do I register to vote in Scranton, Pennsylvania?
To register to vote in Scranton, Pennsylvania, residents can register online through the Pennsylvania Department of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Lackawanna County elections office. Pennsylvania requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the Pennsylvania Department of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Scranton, contact the Lackawanna County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
8 How do I look up property records in Scranton, Pennsylvania?
Property records for Scranton, Pennsylvania are maintained by the Lackawanna Board of Assessment Appeals's Office and the Lackawanna Recorder of Deeds. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Lackawanna County, including parcels in Scranton. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Lackawanna Recorder of Deeds maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Pennsylvania counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. For in-person requests, visit the Lackawanna County offices at the county courthouse. The Lackawanna County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
9 How do I get a birth or death certificate in Scranton, Pennsylvania?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Scranton, Pennsylvania residents are available through both county and state offices. The Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, located in New Castle, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Pennsylvania. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Lackawanna County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Lackawanna County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.
10 How do I find business license records in Scranton, Pennsylvania?
Business licensing for Scranton, Pennsylvania operates at municipal, county, and state levels. The Scranton town or city clerk's office handles local business permits, zoning approvals, and any municipal license requirements for businesses operating within Scranton limits. Lackawanna County may require additional registrations for businesses in unincorporated areas or county-level sales tax licensing. At the state level, all Pennsylvania businesses must register with the Pennsylvania Secretary of State and obtain applicable state tax identification numbers from the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. Professional licenses for regulated occupations are issued by the relevant Pennsylvania licensing boards. For a complete list of requirements for starting a business in Scranton, contact the Scranton clerk's office and the Lackawanna County economic development office.
Nearby Cities in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county: