Obituary Records in Dauphin County
Dauphin County obituary and death records are available through local and state offices in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The Register of Wills holds death records from 1893 to 1906 and estate files going back to 1785. Deaths from 1906 onward are handled by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Harrisburg is the state capital, so both county and state vital records offices are accessible to Dauphin County residents. This page explains how to find Dauphin County death records and where to go for help.
Dauphin County Quick Facts
Dauphin County Register of Wills Death Records
The Dauphin County Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans' Court is the primary local office for historical death and estate records. Jean Marfizo King serves as Register. The office is at Room 103, Dauphin County Courthouse, 101 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101. Phone contact is 717-780-6500. Hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
This office keeps death records from 1893 to 1906. These predate the state registration system and are unique to the county. Estate records go back to 1785, when Dauphin County was formed from Lancaster County. Marriage license records from 1887 to present are also on file. An online records search is available for marriage and estate records. For deaths after 1906, you must contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
Dauphin County was named after the Dauphin of France, the heir to the French throne. The county has been closely tied to Pennsylvania state government since Harrisburg became the capital city. Many prominent state officials and their families are documented in Dauphin County death and estate records going back to the 1800s.
| Office |
Dauphin County Register of Wills Room 103, Dauphin County Courthouse 101 Market Street Harrisburg, PA 17101 Phone: 717-780-6500 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| State Records | pa.gov vital records |
Dauphin County Death Certificate Process
The Pennsylvania Department of Health issues certified death certificates for all deaths in Dauphin County since 1906. The fee is $20 per copy. You can apply online through VitalChek, by mail, or in person at a vital records office. The Harrisburg vital records walk-in office is in the state capital, making it easy for Dauphin County residents to visit in person. Processing times by mail are around three weeks.
You will need the full name of the deceased, the year and county of death, and your name and relationship to the person. Valid photo ID is required for in-person or mail requests. Certified copies are accepted for legal and estate matters. Genealogy copies are available for deaths more than 50 years old and have fewer access restrictions. Learn more at pa.gov.
Note: The state vital records office can also provide information about current processing times at pa.gov processing times.
Historical Obituary Records in Dauphin County
Dauphin County was formed from Lancaster County on March 4, 1785. The county seat, Harrisburg, has been a major center of Pennsylvania life for over two centuries. As the state capital, Harrisburg attracted people from across Pennsylvania and beyond. Many of their deaths and estates are recorded in the Dauphin County Orphans' Court and Register of Wills going back to the late 1700s.
Before 1893, there were no formal death records in Dauphin County. Researchers looking for deaths before that date should check church burial registers, which are among the best pre-registration sources. Many early Harrisburg churches kept detailed records. The Pennsylvania State Archives, located in Harrisburg, holds microfilm of some of these early records along with statewide vital records indexes. You can search the archives collection online before you visit at pa.gov archives.
Newspaper obituaries are another rich source for Dauphin County death research. The Harrisburg Patriot-News and its predecessor papers have been published since the 1800s. The Dauphin County Library System and the State Library of Pennsylvania hold bound volumes and microfilm of these newspapers. Many obituaries from the late 1800s onward can be found through these collections.
Note: The PA State Archives Research Online database has digital indexes you can search for free before requesting physical records.
Genealogy Resources for Dauphin County Deaths
Dauphin County has strong genealogy resources because of its location in Harrisburg. The State Library of Pennsylvania is close to the county courthouse and holds one of the best genealogy collections in the state. Researchers can find obituary files, cemetery records, census indexes, and newspaper archives there. Library staff are experienced in helping people trace Pennsylvania family lines.
The Dauphin County Historical Society also holds local records, including obituary collections and family files. For older cemetery research, many Dauphin County burial grounds have been transcribed by volunteers and posted online. The Pennsylvania State Archives, also in Harrisburg, holds statewide records and can be searched through their online portal at phmc.pa.gov. This makes Dauphin County one of the most accessible counties in Pennsylvania for death record research.
Related Offices for Dauphin County Death Research
The Dauphin County Prothonotary at Room 101, Dauphin County Courthouse, 101 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101, phone 717-780-6630, keeps civil court records from 1785 to present. These include any court proceedings that arose after a person died, such as guardianship or estate disputes. The Recorder of Deeds at Room 102, same address, phone 717-780-6560, holds land records from 1785 onward. Property deeds change hands after a death, and these transfer records can confirm a death date and name beneficiaries.
For Orphans' Court matters related to Dauphin County deaths, the same office at Room 103 handles adoptions, guardianships, and other cases that arise when a parent or guardian dies. Estate records and Orphans' Court filings are public records and open for research in Dauphin County.
The Pennsylvania Orphans' Court Clerks directory lists all county Orphans' Court offices statewide and can help if you are unsure which office to contact for Dauphin County death-related court matters.
Cities in Dauphin County
No cities from our directory are currently listed for this county.
Nearby Counties
Dauphin County shares borders with several Pennsylvania counties. If a person died near a county line, their records may be in a neighboring county. Always check the deceased person's home address to confirm the right county.