New York PUBLIC RECORDS SEARCH

New York State Public Records Search Online

In New York State, the accessibility of public records is a basis of government transparency. The term "records" covers any information that is maintained, stored, filed, created, or duplicated by, with, or on behalf of a government agency, regardless of its physical format.

Access to public records in New York serves numerous personal and professional purposes. These records are invaluable for verifying personal information, conducting background checks, or researching family history. Digital access supports transparency to engage more effectively with their government.

The availability of public records online has enhanced accessibility, allowing New Yorkers to search and obtain the information they need efficiently. Some records may be restricted to protect privacy, ongoing investigations, or sensitive information.

What Records are Public in New York?

Public records in New York are accessible, which promotes transparency by granting the public access to records maintained by state and local government agencies. These records include documents and information that are not confidential or protected by specific legal exemptions.

What is Considered Public Information in New York State?

Anyone can request access to public records in New York without restrictions, except when confidential details require specific authorization. Requests must be made in writing, and agencies must respond within five business days, either by providing the records, denying the request, or acknowledging receipt and indicating when the request will be fulfilled.

Commonly searched public records include:

• Public birth records
• Criminal records
• Arrest records
• Public divorce records
• Business and corporation records
• Property and tax records
• Court records

The requester can appeal the decision within 30 days if a request is denied. The agency must respond to the appeal within ten business days. If the appeal is denied, the requester can seek judicial review.

New York Public Records Laws

The New York Public Officers Law, Article 6 Section 86, establishes the public's right to access records from state and municipal agencies. Under Section 87, agencies are mandated to make records available for public inspection and copying, except for those that are exempt from disclosure.

What is the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL)?

The Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) in New York State is a critical legislation that promotes transparency and accountability within government agencies. FOIL grants the public the right to access records maintained by state and municipal agencies, with specific exceptions.

FOIL includes several exemptions to protect sensitive information. Agencies can deny access to records if disclosure would result in the following:

• Unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
• Interfere with law enforcement investigations
• Disclose trade secrets
• Endanger the life or safety of any person

For more details on the exemptions, see New York Public Officer Law Section 87(2) or refer to the New York State Committee on Open Government's resources.

Who Can Access Public Records in New York?

In New York, public records are accessible to anyone interested. However, as mentioned earlier, certain records may be exempt from disclosure to protect privacy and security.

Furthermore, while FOIL (Freedom of Information Law) does not require requesters to state their purpose for seeking records, it prohibits using public records for commercial purposes.

New York Public Records Search

Many public records in New York have been digitized and can be searched through various government portals.

Many New York agencies provide online databases where individuals can search for and access public records, typically from the 1970s onward. Specific portals like eCourtsallow users to view case information and track court cases online by inputting the required information, making it convenient for individuals to obtain the information they need.

For those who prefer offline access or if online options are unavailable, records can be requested in person at the relevant government office, such as a county clerk's office or city hall.

How to Find New York Public Records Online

To find New York public records online, individuals can utilize various tools and resources provided by government systems and third-party sites. To request public records online, follow these steps:

• Identify the type of record needed, as each type serves a different purpose.
• Check the official websites of New York State agencies that maintain the records. Most agencies have online tools and systems for requesting the records.
• In these online tools, provide the necessary information and other requirements to obtain a copy of the records.
• Pay any applicable fees using the agency's accepted payment methods. In addition to the records themselves, processing, service, and certification fees may incur.

Interested individuals can also consider third-party websites, as these resources can access a wide range of records. However, they are not government-affiliated and may not always offer the most current or accurate information.

Government systems are more likely to provide the most up-to-date and comprehensive information. Some third-party websites provide free access to basic information but may charge for more detailed records that are often available for free or at a lower cost directly from government sources.

How to Find New York Public Records Offline

Accessing New York public records offline involves visiting government offices, submitting mail-in requests, or making phone inquiries.

To access New York public records through in-person visits, individuals must do the following steps:

• Identify the appropriate government office that maintains the records they need. It could be a county clerk's office, city hall, or a specific department.
• During the visit, bring identification and any required documentation or forms.
• Upon arrival, individuals should ask a clerk or staff member to request the records. The staff may provide forms to fill out or direct visitors to specific archives or databases.
• Prepare to pay any fees associated with obtaining copies of the records, as these fees can vary depending on the type and number of records requested.

For those preferring to access public records via mail, the first step is to identify the appropriate office that maintains the desired records and obtain their mailing address.

Next, individuals should obtain and complete necessary request forms, which can often be downloaded from the office's website or obtained by calling the office.

Along with the completed forms, a written request detailing the specific records being requested and any relevant information, such as names and dates, should be included.

A self-addressed stamped envelope should also be included to verify the return of the records. Once all the necessary documents and payments are prepared, the request can be mailed to the appropriate office.

Types of Public Records in New York

In New York, a wide range of public records is accessible. These records compile various types of documents maintained by state and municipal agencies. Some of the key types of public records in New York include:

• Court records
• Criminal records
• Vital records
• Property records
• Inmate records
• Traffic records

State of New York Public Court Records

Aside from the FOIL (Freedom of Information Law) and the Public Officer Law in New York, the laws governing public court records include specific provisions within the Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR).

One provision is New York CPLR Section 4518, which allows for the admissibility of original records in court, including electronic records, when they are made in the regular course of business.

These laws collectively guarantee that while court records are generally accessible to the public, there are factors in place to protect sensitive information and maintain the integrity of the judicial process.

New York Public Bankruptcy Records

New York public bankruptcy records are governed by federal law, specifically under U.S. Code Title 11 Section 107, which corroborates that papers filed in a bankruptcy case and the dockets of a bankruptcy court are public records and open to examination.

The records can cover court documents, audio records, reports, and transcripts of each hearing. Bankruptcy records in New York are generated and maintained by bankruptcy courts in the following districts:

• Southern District
• Eastern District
• Northern District
• Western District

Each district serves specific counties, with court locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Albany, and Buffalo. Public access to these records is facilitated through the Case Management/Electronic Case Filing System of the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER). Interested individuals can also consult third-party websites to access bankruptcy records.

Each court may have specific forms for requesting records, and the court clerk can provide certified copies for a fee. The fee is $11 for certification, and the per-page costs vary depending on the request method.

For a free bankruptcy case search, individuals can use the federal courts' Voice Case Information System (VCIS) by calling (866) 222-8029 or visiting the bankruptcy court to inspect records at self-service terminals.

County Court Records in New York

The clerk of the court in a specific New York county is responsible for maintaining court records and is bound by Section 255 of the Judiciary Law to make public civil and criminal case records accessible. However, some records are exempted from public view, including:

• Matrimonial
• Juvenile
• Adoption
• Medical
• Alcohol and drug treatment
• Records sealed by the court

To obtain county civil court case records in New York, interested parties can request these records by mail or in person from the county court locations that presided over the case. Individuals should provide specific details such as the case number, names of the parties involved, and the type of record sought.

Furthermore, online access to certain case files or digitized records may be available through the New York State Courts Electronic Filing System (NYSCEF).

New York Criminal Records

In New York, criminal records, often called "rap sheets", provide a comprehensive overview of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system, including arrests and convictions.

The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) maintains these records necessary for various legal and administrative purposes. Criminal records include:

• Personal information: Name and birth date
• Mugshot: Photograph taken at the time of arrest
• Arrest information: Details of the arrest, including charges and arresting agency
• Court dispositions: Outcomes of legal proceedings, such as convictions and sentences

Records identifying victims of sex offenses are confidential under New York Civil Rights Law Section 50-b. Additionally, criminal records that have been dismissed in favor of the accused are typically sealed per New York Criminal Procedure Law Section 160.50.

The provisions verify that while there is a strong presumption of open access to these records, necessary exceptions are in place to safeguard individual privacy and sensitive information.

Public Arrest Records

Public arrest records in New York are accessible and maintained by various law enforcement agencies. These records typically include:

• The arrestee's full name
• Date of birth
• Race or ethnicity
• Age at the time of arrest
• Last-known address
• The date, time, and location of the arrest, as well as the arresting agency
• A list of the criminal charges or offenses that led to the arrest
• Details such as booking number, fingerprints, mugshots, and detention location
• Information on the current status of the case
• Details about bail or bond set for the individual, if applicable
• The name of the court handling the case and any scheduled court dates

To obtain public arrest records in New York, individuals must typically provide specific details such as the arrested person's name or a case ID. The New York Office of Public Safety or other state departments and local law enforcement agencies may maintain these records.

Individuals can conduct a Criminal History Record Search (CHRS) online through the New York State Unified Court System (NYSUCS) for records maintained by the court system. This search requires the complete name and date of birth of the person(s) to be searched and costs $95.

Requests can also be made by mailing a CHRS application form to the following address:

New York Vital Records

Vital records in New York contain birth, death, marriage, and divorce records, each providing important information about significant life events.

The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) maintains these records for areas outside New York City, while the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC DHMH) handles records for the city's five boroughs.

Additionally, the NYC Department of Records and Information Services (NYC DRIS) provides access to a collection of historical vital records, including birth, death, and marriage records from 1855 to 1949, as well as digitized historical photographs and other documents.

Vital records in New York are not entirely public. Access to these records is restricted to protect privacy to the following conditions:

• Birth records: Available to the person named on the record, their parents, or legal representatives
• Death records: Generally available to immediate family members or those with a legal interest
• Marriage and divorce records: Access is typically limited to the individuals named in the records or their legal representatives

To obtain official copies of vital records in New York, individuals must submit a request to the appropriate agency, depending on the event's location. Requests can be made by mail, online, or in person, including proper identification and payment of applicable fees.

Public Birth Records

To access public birth records in New York State, individuals can utilize the services provided by the NYSDOH (New York State Department of Health). The department maintains birth records for all areas of New York State except New York City, with records available from 1881 onward.

Online and phone orders are processed through VitalChek, which adds a processing fee to the standard certificate fee. For mail orders, individuals can download and complete the Mail-in Application for Copy of Birth Certificate (Form DOH-4380). The fee for mail orders is $30 per copy, and these requests should be sent to the address below:

For birth records in New York City, which includes the five boroughs of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island, individuals must contact the NYC DHMH (New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene), and can be obtained in person at the address:

In-person requests require an appointment, which can be scheduled online or by calling 311. Applicants must bring a valid photo ID and pay $15 for each copy of the birth certificate.

Public Marriage Records

For marriages that occurred outside New York City, the NYSDOH (New York State Department of Health) maintains records of marriage licenses issued since 1880. Marriage records are public if they are over 50 years old and both spouses are deceased.

For more recent records, access is restricted to spouses or individuals with a documented judicial or proper purpose, such as a court order.

To request a marriage certificate, the applicant must provide a completed Application for Copy of Marriage Certificate (Form DOH-4382) and valid identification. Acceptable forms of ID include a driver's license, state-issued ID, passport, or U.S. military ID. The fee for mail orders is $30 per copy, and requests should be sent to the following address:

The New York City Clerk's Office maintains marriage records for New York City. Records created from 1950 to 1995 can be accessed at the Manhattan City Clerk's Office, while records from 1996 onward can be obtained at any borough office.

Aside from the in-person visits, requests for a marriage record can be made through the mail by filling out a Mail Request for Marriage Records (Form CC2002B), providing the necessary requirements, and submitting them to the address specified on the form.

All fees must be paid in advance using a money order or certified check, payable to "The City Clerk of New York". Each certified copy of a marriage certificate costs $15, with each additional certified copy priced at $10.

For older records, specifically those from 1866 to 1949, individuals can visit the New York City Municipal Archives at the following address:

Public Divorce Records

Divorce records in New York are generally confidential due to the sensitive information they contain, such as personal finances and child custody details. They are automatically sealed for up to 100 years and are only accessible to the divorced parties, their attorneys, or by court order.

Individuals should first determine what type of record they need, which may include the divorce decrees and divorce certificates.

For divorces granted on or after January 1, 1963, certificates are maintained by the NYSDOH (New York State Department of Health) and can be ordered through an online platform, and a $30 fee is required.

For in-person and mail requests, individuals seeking divorce decrees should visit the county clerk's office where the divorce was finalized or at the following address:

Individuals can contact the Vital Records Call Center at (855) 322-1022 for further assistance or questions regarding divorce records.

New York Property Records

New York property records include various documents such as deeds, mortgage records, plats, and liens. These records are public and can be accessed by anyone except when sealed by court order or statutory exemption.

For New York City properties in Manhattan, Queens, Bronx, and Brooklyn, the Automated City Register Information System (ACRIS) provides online access to property documents dating back to 1966. ACRIS system allows users to search for deeds, mortgages, and other property-related documents.

Individuals can also visit the county clerk's office or access property records through the respective online portals. For instance, the Westchester County Clerk's office maintains property deeds from 1680 and mortgage records from 1950. Meanwhile, records of properties in Staten Island can be accessed through the Richmond County Clerk Block and Lot Search.

For mail-in requests, individuals should send a written request to the appropriate county office, including information about the type of document sought, the property's exact address, and the owner's information to expedite the search.

New York Inmate Records

New York's prison system includes over 50 state prisons and 62 county jails, housing a large inmate population. The inmate records are publicly available under the FOIL (Freedom of Information Law), allowing almost anyone to request such records from correctional agencies.

However, certain portions may be redacted to protect privacy or public safety. These records provide official information about individuals in correctional facilities, including:

• Mugshots
• Biodata
• Registration numbers
• Custody status
• Facility of incarceration
• Release dates

The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) offers an online inmate locator tool. The tool allows the public to search for current inmates using their Department Identification Number (DIN), New York State ID number (NYSID), or full name and birth year.

For New York City, individuals can access records through the Intimate Look-up Service tool at the NYC Department of Correction (NYC DOC) website.

New York Traffic Records

New York public traffic records, also known as driving records, provide a detailed account of an individual's driving history. These official documents are created and maintained by the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV) and include key information such as personal details, traffic law violations, points accrued from traffic infractions, and accident reports.

The DMV, employers, and insurance companies rely on these records to assess a person's driving safety and competence.

The DMV uses them to determine driving privileges for residents, while employers review traffic records during background checks to verify identity and evaluate the qualifications of potential drivers. Conversely, insurance companies use them to set premiums based on safety history.

License Plate Lookup in New York

Conducting a license plate lookup through the NY DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) website can provide basic vehicle information, such as the model, manufacturer, year, and engine type.

However, due to the Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), personal information about the vehicle owner is protected and not publicly accessible without permission, such as for insurance claims or legal investigations.

Individuals can use third-party services that offer free basic searches and paid reports that include vehicle specifications, history, and any reported accidents. These services aggregate data from various sources, such as the U.S. Motor Vehicle Title System, insurance companies, and auto auctions, to deliver detailed reports.

What Information is Exempt from the Public Information Act in New York?

Though the public has the right to access government records under New York's FOIL (Freedom of Information Law), there are specific exemptions that protect certain types of information from being disclosed, including:

• Personal privacy
• Law enforcement
• Trade secrets
• Security
• Inter-agency or intra-agency materials
• Examination materials
• Critical infrastructure
• Contract and negotiation

Additionally, the Personal Privacy Protection Law under Public Officers Law Sub-section 92 complements the FOIL by regulating how state agencies handle personal information.

Other Public Records in New York

Other types of public records available in New York include:

• Sex Offender Records: The New York Sex Offender Registry, maintained by the DCJS (Division of Criminal Justice Services), provides public access to information on individuals required to register as sex offenders. The type of information available depends on the offender's risk level, which is determined by a judge and ranges from low to high risk of re-offense.
• Health and Wellness Statistics: The NYSDOH (New York State Department of Health) provides access to various health statistics, including data on public health, disease control, and community health indicators.
• Environmental Quality Reports: The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) offers access to air and water quality reports, pollution data, and environmental monitoring results.
• Maps and Geographic Data: The New York State GIS Clearinghouse provides access to a wide range of geographic data and maps, including land use maps, environmental maps, and other spatial data sets.
• Library and Archival Materials: The New York State Archives and the New York Public Library hold extensive collections of historical documents, maps, books, and other archival materials that are accessible to the public for research and educational purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Check the frequently asked questions below for more information about New York public records:

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