Vital Records & Certificates in Lancaster, PennsylvaniaLancaster County Prothonotary

Lancaster residents need certified vital records for numerous life events and legal requirements. From enrolling children at School District of Lancaster institutions to obtaining passports for international travel, from proving identity for employment at Lancaster’s major employers like Armstrong World Industries to completing real estate transactions in the county’s growing housing market, these essential documents serve as the foundation for navigating modern life in Pennsylvania’s historic heart.

Birth certificates in Lancaster are processed through the Lancaster County Prothonotary at 50 N Duke Street, conveniently located near Penn Square in the heart of downtown. Infants born at Lancaster General Hospital, WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital, or other regional medical facilities require certified birth certificates for school enrollment, sports registration, and passport applications. The Prothonotary’s office maintains comprehensive birth records for all Lancaster County residents, with expedited processing available for urgent requests. Parents can visit the office during regular business hours with proper identification and relationship documentation to obtain certified copies needed for various legal purposes throughout their child’s life in Lancaster County.

Couples planning weddings at Lancaster’s premier venues like the Cork Factory Hotel, Harvest View Barn at Hershey Farms, or the historic Lancaster Country Club can obtain marriage licenses from the Lancaster County Prothonotary office. Located on North Duke Street near the courthouse square, the office processes marriage applications for ceremonies throughout Lancaster County. Pennsylvania requires a three-day waiting period between application and ceremony, allowing time for couples to finalize arrangements at popular reception venues like Eden Resort or the Marriott Lancaster. The license remains valid for 60 days from issuance.

Death certificates for Lancaster residents are issued through the Lancaster County Prothonotary’s office on North Duke Street. Families working with local funeral homes like Groff Funeral Home or Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home receive guidance on obtaining the multiple copies typically needed for estate settlement, insurance claims, and property transfers. The office maintains death records for all county residents and can expedite processing when families face time-sensitive legal or financial requirements following a loved one’s passing.

Divorce decrees from Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas are available through the Prothonotary’s office downtown. Individuals requiring certified copies for remarriage licenses, property transactions, or child custody modifications can obtain these documents with proper identification and case information. The office staff assists with locating case files and provides certified copies needed for various post-divorce legal proceedings throughout Lancaster County.

Visit the Lancaster County Prothonotary at 50 N Duke Street in downtown Lancaster, directly across from Penn Square and adjacent to the historic courthouse. The office operates Monday through Friday with ample street parking available along Duke Street and in nearby municipal lots. Red Rose Transit buses serve the downtown area with stops within walking distance. Payment is accepted by cash, check, or credit card, and same-day service is available for most vital records requests when proper documentation is provided.

The Lancaster County Prothonotary is located at 50 N Duke Street in downtown Lancaster, one block north of Penn Square near the courthouse complex.