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1. How do I get a copy of my birth certificate?

For births after 1906, please contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

2. How do I get a copy of my marriage record?

For marriages after 1930, please contact the clerk of theOrphans’ Court.

3. How do I view or obtain a copy of a record I found in the online index?

Either visit us during business hours or email us with the information from the index and we will provide directions and pricing information for obtaining a copy. Our email address is [email protected].

4. How do I get a copy of my divorce decree?

For divorce records after 1902 please contact the Prothonotary's Office.

5. Do you have original records from other counties?

Generally no. But we do have records for areas of Chester County that became other counties. For example, we have records for the areas that would become Lancaster and Delaware Counties prior to their formation in 1729 and 1789 respectively.

6. Where do I get a copy of a Chester County will?

For wills 1714-1923, see the index available on our website. For wills after 1923, please contact the Register of Wills Office.

7. Can I get a record scanned and emailed to me?

Absolutely. Please email [email protected] with the specific reference information of the record(s) you're requesting, then we will respond with specific costs and instructions. 

8. Can I take photographs of records while in the reading room?

If a particular record is not available on film or in digital format, then you may use a non-flash camera to take photos. Flash cameras are not permitted.

9. Can I use a portable scanner device?

No. Due to the fragile nature of our records, researchers are limited in the way they may handle them.

10. Can I save digital images to my personal flash-drive?

Researchers may save digital record images from microfilm and research room computers. To take advantage of this option, researchers must bring in a new, unopened USB/Flash drive; no exceptions.