Kingston’s location in the Wyoming Valley creates frequent needs for vital records among its 13,349 residents. Families require birth certificates for Wyoming Valley West school enrollments, passport applications for travel, and veteran benefit claims at the nearby VA Medical Center. The borough’s aging population also generates needs for death certificates and estate documentation. Additionally, Kingston’s proximity to Wilkes-Barre makes it convenient for residents to access county services while maintaining their small-town community lifestyle.
Vital Records & Certificates in Kingston, PennsylvaniaLuzerne County Register-Wills
Get birth certificates, marriage licenses, death certificates, and divorce records from the Luzerne County Register-Wills. We also offer expedited passport services for Kingston residents with 3-day processing.
❓ Why You Need These Certificates
🛂 Need This Certificate for a Passport?
Most Kingston residents need their birth or marriage certificate for passport applications. Let us handle both together in one process.
Birth Certificates in Kingston
Kingston families obtain birth certificates from the Luzerne County Register of Wills office at 200 North River Street in Wilkes-Barre, just across the Market Street Bridge from the borough. Local births at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Commonwealth Health Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, or other regional facilities are recorded and maintained by the county registrar. The River Street office processes requests for Kingston residents Monday through Friday, with many families needing these documents for Wyoming Valley West school enrollments or passport applications. Walk-in service is available, with most requests completed within 1-2 business days for standard processing.
Requirements
Valid government ID, payment, proof of relationship to person named on certificate
Who Can Request
The person named on the certificate, their parent/legal guardian, spouse, child, grandparent, sibling, or authorized legal representative with proper documentation.
Processing Time
Common Uses
- ✓ Passport applications
- ✓ Driver’s license/State ID
- ✓ Social Security card
Marriage Licenses in Kingston
Couples planning weddings at venues like the historic Saint Ignatius Church, Kirby Park pavilions, or receptions at local establishments obtain marriage licenses from Luzerne County at the River Street courthouse. Pennsylvania requires a three-day waiting period between license application and ceremony, though this can be waived with court approval. The courthouse location makes it convenient for Kingston residents to complete marriage license paperwork and other legal business during a single trip to Wilkes-Barre.
Requirements
Both parties present with valid ID, certified copies of divorce decrees if previously married
Popular Wedding Venues
Waiting Period
For Passport Name Change
Need to update your passport with your new married name? We can help expedite the process.
Update Passport with New Name →Death Certificates in Kingston
Luzerne County processes death certificates for Kingston residents at the Register of Wills office on River Street. These essential documents help families handle final arrangements, insurance claims, and property transfers. The county maintains complete death records and typically provides certified copies within 24-48 hours for in-person requests, supporting families during difficult times with efficient, compassionate service.
Requirements
Valid ID, proof of relationship or legal authority
Who Can Request
Spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, legal representative of the estate, funeral director, or anyone with a documented legal or personal interest.
Processing Time
Special Instructions
Divorce Decrees in Kingston
Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas handles divorce proceedings for Kingston residents, maintaining records at the courthouse complex near the Register of Wills office. Certified copies of divorce decrees are essential for remarriage, name changes, or benefit modifications. The proximity of court offices makes it efficient for residents to obtain multiple document types during one courthouse visit.
Requirements
Valid ID, case number helpful
Processing Time
Special Notes
📄 Reverting to maiden name?
You’ll need your divorce decree to update your passport with your previous name.
Name Change Process →How to Order in Kingston
Visit the Luzerne County Register of Wills at 200 North River Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711. The office operates Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Street parking is available along River Street, and the courthouse parking garage offers convenient access for longer visits. The office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and major credit cards. From Kingston, simply cross the Market Street Bridge for easy access to the courthouse district.
In Person
⏱️ Same Day
By Mail
⏱️ 2-3 Weeks
Online
⏱️ 1-2 Weeks
🏛️ Luzerne County Register-Wills
Address
200 N River St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711, United States
Phone
Website
Office Hours
Get Directions
From Kingston, cross the Market Street Bridge into Wilkes-Barre and proceed to North River Street. The courthouse is located in the downtown government district.
⚖️ Government vs. Expedited Service
Choose the option that best fits your timeline
| Feature | Luzerne County Clerk (Government Service) | PassportsAndVisas.com (Expedited Service) |
|---|---|---|
| Processing Time | Same day (in-person) 2-3 weeks (mail/online) | 3 days guaranteed |
| Certificate + Passport | ✗ Separate processes | ✓ One-stop service |
| Personal Account Manager | ✗ Not available | ✓ Dedicated support |
| Error Checking | ✗ Your responsibility | ✓ Expert review |
| Tracking | ✗ No tracking | ✓ Real-time updates |
Need to Renew Your Passport?
Got your marriage certificate for name change? Complete your passport renewal in minutes online. We serve Kingston residents with 3-day expedited service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about certificates in Kingston, Pennsylvania
How do I get from Kingston to the Luzerne County courthouse?
▼Is there parking available near the Register of Wills office for Kingston residents?
▼What are the office hours for vital records in Luzerne County?
▼Can I get same-day service for birth certificates in Luzerne County?
▼Which hospitals serve Kingston for birth certificate records?
▼Do I need an appointment at the Luzerne County Register of Wills office?
▼What payment methods are accepted at the River Street office?
▼Can I order multiple certificates during one visit from Kingston?
▼Are there any other locations in Luzerne County for vital records besides Wilkes-Barre?
▼What identification do I need for vital records requests?
▼Ready to Get Your Certificate & Passport?
Whether you need just a certificate or a complete passport service, we’re here to help Kingston residents get what they need quickly and easily.
📋 Just need the county clerk office?
🏛️ Visit Luzerne County Clerk WebsiteHours: Monday-Friday 8AM-8PM EST, Saturday 10AM-6PM EST
Emergency Service: Available 24/7 for urgent passport needs