Welcome to the Elk County Register of Wills, Recorder of Deeds, and Clerk of Orphans Court webpage.  

Please note that we've made some updates recently to this webpage to better serve you.  Scroll down to find sections for each of the functions handled in our office.  If you don't find what you're looking for on the webpage, feel free to visit our office in the Elk County Courthouse, or call us at (814) 776-5349, or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

The Recorder of Deeds functions include being the repository for all property transactions that happen within the County.  We record deeds, mortgages, leases, subdivisions, and more relating to property.  Additionally, the Recorder maintains the notary commissions and other non-property documents.  The Recorder collects realty transfer taxes on behalf of the Commonwealth, the Municipalities, and the local School Districts; and then distributes those taxes to them.

The Register of Wills functions are primarily focused on filing documents when someone has passed away.  This may include probating an estate and swearing in an Executor or Administrator to handle all of the legal aspects of closing out an estate.  Additionally, there are instances where an estate does not need to be opened; and the Register will issue the necessary paperwork to allow the decedent's assets to be disbursed. The Register acts as an agent of the Commonwealth for the collection of Inheritance Taxes; and then disburses those taxes to the Department of Revenue.

The Clerk of Orphans Court functions include the record keeping for all of the County adoptions, guardianships, and marriage licenses as well as the small estates.  Note that we also maintain records of Births & Deaths from 1893 through 1906; and we have Marriages from 1885 to the present.

Here are some QUICK LINKS to frequently accessed features on our webpage:

Register & Recorder Online Deed Search
PLEASE NOTE:  Effective 3/1/2023; the per-transaction surcharge for our online deed search changes from $1 to $2

Register & Recorder Online Wills Search , then click on  "Login as Guest" to search our wills index.

Applying For A Marriage License

Office Hours: Monday thru Friday 8:30 - 4:00, Closed weekends and holidays


Please understand we are not able to provide any legal advice.