Philadelphia City Register of Wills

Philadelphia, PA

County Partisan

Current Incumbent

John Sabatina Sr.

Democratic

In office since January 2024

Next Election

Nov 2, 2027

Filing Window

Mar 10, 2027 - Aug 2, 2027

Term Length

4 years

Number of Seats

1

About this position

Philadelphia’s Register of Wills is responsible for probating wills and granting letters of administration when persons die without leaving a will. The office also maintains records of wills, inventories of estates and similar documents and serves as an agent for the state for filing and payment of inheritance taxes. The office’s other important function is to issue marriage licenses.
The register of wills, who is elected citywide to a four-year term, must be at least 25 years old, a citizen of the U.S. and a one-year resident of Philadelphia. There are no term limits. The salary is $130,668.

Eligibility requirements

  • Must be at least 25 years old
  • Must be a resident of the district
  • Candidate must be at least 18 years old and a resident of the city for at least one year.

Filing information

Elections office

Rm. 142, City Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Phone: 215-686-3469

Fee & signature requirements

Filing fee is $0; signature requirement of 1000.

Filing instructions

Submit paperwork to the County Board of Elections' office.

Primary Type Partisan
Primary Date May 18, 2027
Primary Filing Feb 16, 2027 - Mar 9, 2027
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