What Are New York County Public Records?
New York County public records are all documents that originate from, are kept by the county government, and are accessible to the public on request. The county records can be charts, maps, folders, papers, letters, drawings, books, reports, opinions, pamphlets, forms, designs, codes, computer disks, microfilms, memoranda, manuals, photos, and manuals.
New York County supports a transparent government and makes these records available to the public upon request. However, the county government may exclude some records from public view because of the confidential nature of the information contained in those documents. Publicly available New York County records include:
- Judgment dockets
- Records of receipt and disbursement of government funds
- Historic records
- Sex offender records
- Court records
On the other hand, records excluded from the public include:
- Records involving trade secrets
- Records sealed by a Justice of the court
- Personal health records
- Records compiled for law enforcement purpose
New York County Crime Statistics
The Division of Criminal Justice Service (DCJS) maintains a database of crime indexes in New York State and breaks down the records per county. The DCJS collates this report annually from the New York County Police Department.
The county reported 47,676 crimes in 2020, with larceny-thefts being the most crime committed at 32,568 cases, followed by violent crimes at 9,264 cases, 5,697 aggravated assault cases, 4,449 burglaries, 3,053 robberies, 1,395 motor vehicle thefts, 430 rapes, and 84 murders. Meanwhile, in 2016, the total crime reported in New York County was 46,653. There were 34,867 larceny thefts, 8,839 violent crimes, 5,375 aggravated assaults, 2,929 robberies, 2,206 burglaries, 741 motor vehicle thefts, 494 rapes and 41 murders.
The crime trend analysis over five years shows the crime rate in New York County has increased by 2.2%. There has been an increase in burglaries by 101.7%, motor vehicle thefts by 81.5%, aggravated assaults by 6%, and a 4.2% and 104.9% increase in robberies and murder incidents. The county also recorded a decrease in the crime rate for rape and larceny-theft at 13% and 6.6%, respectively.
Are New York County Criminal Records Public?
CNew York County criminal records, also known as rap sheets, list the offenses an individual was arrested and convicted for. Parties interested in getting their criminal records can receive it from the New York DCJS. Interested members of the public can obtain criminal records if armed with a court order.
How To Obtain New York County Police Reports And Arrest Records?
A police report details a law enforcement officer’s experience during an arrest, while New York County arrest records list the offenses committed by the offender. According to the FOIL, most law enforcement officers' reports are accessible by the public. Parties interested in getting a New York County police report or arrest record can get it done at the county Sheriff’s Office located at:
New York County
Office of the Sheriff
66 John Street
13th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Phone: (212) 487-9734
How To Find Sex Offender Information In New York County
Searchers can obtain New York County sex offender information from the Search Public Registry of Sex Offenders. Searchers must possess the surname and zip code of the offender and select New York County on the drop-down menu. The search will provide information such as the offender’s biodata, aliases, vehicle information, pictures, convictions, work, and home address. Searchers can also obtain New York County sex offenders' information by calling the New York State Sex Offender Division on (800) 262-3257 during regular business hours.
How To Find New York County Inmate Records
The New York City Department of Corrections provides an online search database for inmates incarcerated in a county jail in New York City. Interested parties can access New York County inmate records using the Inmate Lookup database. Searchers should have the inmate’s NYSID, book, or case number to query the database; parties can also query the database using the inmate’s full name.
How Do I Visit An Inmate In New York County Jail?
New York City DOC encourages family and friends to visit their loved one incarcerated in its jail. Visitations can be in-person or virtual, also called televisit.
In-person visitors must pre-register using the visit request form and receive a confirmation email after registration to be guaranteed a visitation opportunity. Visitation days are Wednesday and Thursday from 2:00 P.M.to 8:00 P.M.and Friday from 8:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. Visitors must confirm the visitation schedule to ensure the inmate is entitled to a visit on a particular day. All in-person visitors must arrive at the facility 30-60 minutes before the scheduled visit. All in-person visitors must adhere to the facility location visitation rules such as:
- All visitors must be adequately dressed with no revealing, see-through, head covering, swimming attire, shorts, or skirts above the knees will be allowed.
- Visitors wearing outfits related to a gang will not be allowed into the visitation area.
- Clothes with explicit or obscene language are not allowed.
- Only clear plastic baby bottles, one bib, one baby blanket, and diapers are allowed for visitors coming in with children; visitors should store any extra baby item in the lockers provided.
- Visitors are not allowed to wear any form of jewelry except for a wedding band.
- Visitors under 18 years must tender an ID that carries their name and the signature of the ID issuer. IDs must be valid.
Tele Visitors need to schedule a visit by filling out the televisit request online form and should get an email confirming the scheduled visit. Web forms are not processed Mondays and Tuesdays; therefore, requesters will not receive a confirmatory email on those days. Televisit days are Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. Visitation is scheduled for the week ahead. Visitors should confirm the visitation schedule to ensure the inmate is eligible for a visit on the planned date. To ensure a successful televisit, inmates and visitors must comply with the following rules:
- Audio and video recording of the visit using any device is prohibited
- Taking pictures during visits is not allowed
- Visitors must be adequately dressed
- No sexual conduct during televisit
- The visitor must not be intoxicated or under the influence of drugs during the visit
Any breach of these conditions will have the visit terminated immediately and the inmate's and visitors visiting privileges suspended.
New York County Court Records
New York County court records are the court's official records generated during the hearing and judgment of a legal process. The New York County Clerk maintains the court records for the county. These records include documents for domestic relations, civil, juvenile, and criminal cases. New York County has a Family Court, Surrogate Court, and various Supreme, Civil, and Criminal Courts. New York County Courts are located at:
New York County Supreme Court - Civil Branch
60 Centre Street
New York, NY 10007
Phone: (646) 386-3600
Fax: (212) 374-3326
New York County Supreme Court - Civil Branch
80 Centre Street
New York, NY 10013
Phone: (646) 386-3685
Fax: (212) 374-3326
New York County Supreme Court - Civil Branch
111 Centre Street
New York, NY 10013
Phone: (646) 386-3685
Fax: (212) 374-3326
New York County Supreme Court - Civil Branch
71 Thomas Street
New York, NY 10013
Phone: (646) 386-3770
Fax: (212) 374-3326
New York County Supreme Court - Criminal Term
111 Centre Street
New York, NY 10013
Phone: (646) 386-4300
Fax: (212) 374-2637
New York County Supreme Court - Criminal Term
100 Centre Street
New York, NY 10013
Phone: (646) 386-4000
Fax: (212) 374-2637
New York County Family Court
60 Lafayette Street
New York, NY 10013
Phone: (646) 386-5223
Fax: (212) 416-1428
New York County Surrogate’s Court
31 Chambers Street
New York, NY 10007
Phone: (646) 386-5000
Fax: (212) 374-3250
New York City Civil Court
Harlem Community Justice Center
170 East 121 Street
New York, NY 10035
Phone: (212) 380-4113
New York County Housing Court
111 Centre Street
New York, NY 10013
Phone: (646) 386-5592
Fax: (212) 374-1623
New York County Civil Court
Small Claims Part
111 Centre Street
New York, NY 10013
Phone: (646) 386-5585
New York County Criminal Court
100 Centre Street
New York, NY 10013
Phone: (646) 386-4511
Fax: (212) 374-5293
New York County Criminal Court
346 Broadway
New York, NY 10013
Phone: (646) 386-4511
Fax: (212) 374-5293
New York County Criminal Court
Midtown Community Court
314 West 54th Street
New York, NY 10019
Phone: (646) 264-1300
Fax: (212) 484-2791
Are New York County Court Records Public?
New York County supports an informed citizenry and makes its records accessible. The Clerk of the Court keeps the court records and is bound by Section 255 of the Judiciary Law to make public civil and criminal cases records. New York County court records can be ordered by mail or inspected in person at the Clerk of the Court's Office or the County Clerk's Office. The Court Clerk may charge a fee for these records.
Although the County Clerk or Clerk of Court is bound by law to make records accessible to the public, not all records are obtainable by the public. Records exempted from public view include:
- Matrimonial records - available only to parties with a direct interest
- Juvenile records
- Adoption records
- Medical records
- Alcohol and drug treatment records
- Records sealed by the court
How To Obtain New York County Civil Court Case Records
Civil Court cases settle private disputes between individuals or businesses. In New York County, the County Clerk or the Clerk of the Court manages these records, and interested parties can obtain these records by mail or in-person from the court that presided over the case. Interested parties can also contact the New York County Clerk to get a New York County civil court case record on Monday through Friday from 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.and from 2:00 P.M.to 5:00 P.M.at the County Clerk's Office located at:
New York County Courthouse
60 Centre Street, Room 161
New York, NY 10007
Phone: (646) 386-5955
Fax: (212) 374-3326
How To Obtain New York County Criminal Court Records
Criminal court records are the files generated in court during a criminal case trial. New York County criminal court records are available to the public on request. Requesters can order a criminal court record at the County Clerk or Court Clerk's office in the courthouse that presided over the case for a fee. Interested parties can also contact the New York County Clerk to get New York County criminal court case records.
New York County Courthouse
60 Centre Street, Room 161
New York, NY 10007
Phone: (646) 386-5955
Fax: (212) 374-3326
What Are New York County Vital Records?
Vital records are records of significant life events kept by the government. New York County vital records include divorce, marriage, birth, and death records. Vital records are not subject to FOIL and are not accessible by the public; only individuals with a direct interest or relationship with the record holder can access vital records.
Where And How To Obtain New York County Divorce Records
Divorce decrees are granted by a court detailing the conditions to end a marriage legally. Divorce records are not open to the public and are accessible only by the couple or their attorneys. Eligible parties can order New York County divorce records in person or by mail from the County Clerk, and the County Clerk requests a fee for the certified copy of the divorce record.
Supreme Court
60 Centre Street, Room 161
New York, NY 10007
Phone: (646) 386-5955
Fax: (212) 374-3326
The office of the County Clerk is open for in-person requests from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.Monday through Friday.
Where And How To Get Public New York County Marriage Records
Marriage records are not subject to New York FOIL and are available only to specific individuals. Individuals eligible to obtain a New York County marriage record include:
- The couple
- A person with written authorization from either of the couple
- The attorney only in cases the marriage record is required as evidence
- An individual purchasing a marriage on behalf of another to be mailed directly to the marriage record holder
Generally, marriage records in New York County are obtained from the City Clerk's office where the marriage was conducted. Requesters can order the marriage record in person or by mail. Requesters ordering a New York County marriage record by mail should fill out the mail request for marriage records form and submit the form with a money order or check payable to the City Clerk of New York, and a photocopy of a valid ID to:
City Clerk of New York
Attn: Record Room
141 Worth Street,
New York, NY 10013
Phone: (212) 669-8090
Requesters can also order a marriage record in person by filling and printing out the city clerk online application form and presenting it at the City Clerk’s Office where the marriage was conducted. Requesters will pay $15.00 for the first copy of a marriage record ordered and $10.00 for additional copies. All requesters should present a copy of a valid ID which must be one of the following:
- Driver’s license with photograph
- ID NYC
- Non-Driver ID card with requesters photograph
- Learners permit
- Active US Military ID card
- Permanent resident card
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Employment Authorization Card
All identity cards should have the photograph of the requester. Requesters who do not have any of the above should contact in-person or by writing the Legal Bureau in the Office of the City Clerk at:
Office of the City Clerk
Legal Bureau
141 Worth Street,
New York, NY 10013
Where And How To Get Confidential Marriage Records In New York County
All marriages in New York City are public marriages; therefore, confidential marriage records do not exist in New York County.
Where And How To Find New York County Birth Records
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene issues certified birth records for births in New York County. Birth certificates are issued to authorized persons only, who may be:
- The individual listed on the birth record; should be 18 years or older
- The parents named on the birth record
New York County birth records are available in-person or by mail order for $15.00 per copy. Requesters should fill out and notarize the birth certificate application form, enclose a personal check or money order made payable to the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and a self-addressed and stamped envelope to:
New York City Health and Mental Hygiene
Office of Vital Records
125 Worth Street, CN-4, Room 133
New York, NY 10013-4090
Parties can also obtain a birth record in person by scheduling an appointment with the NYC Department of Health; parties incapable of scheduling an appointment can send a mail to nycdohvr@health.nyc.gov. Requesters should submit all requests for a New York County birth certificate with a valid government-issued ID with the requester's name, photo, and signature. In the absence of a valid ID, the requester can submit two documents from different organizations within the last 60 days. The document must contain the requester's name and current address; the document can be a utility bill or a letter issued from a government agency.
Where And How To Find New York County Death Records
The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene issues death certificates for deaths in New York County, and only eligible individuals have access to the record. Persons eligible to obtain a death certificate include:
- The spouse of the dead
- A parent of the deceased
- Children of the decedent
- Grandparent or grandchild
- An informant listed on the death certificate
Requesters not related to the deceased must prove the right to obtain the death record. A legal representative of the deceased may request a death record if the requester can prove the judicial purpose of the request. Eligible parties can also order a death record in person by scheduling an appointment online or emailing nycdohvr@health.nyc.gov. The office is open to in-person requesters on Monday through Friday from 9:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. A requester can obtain a New York County Death record by mailing a request for a copy of the certificate. Interested parties can fill out the death certificate application form and notarize it, and include a self-addressed envelope with a money order or check payable to the NYS Department of Health and mail it to:
New York City Health and Mental Hygiene
Office of Vital Records
125 Worth Street, CN-4, Room 133
New York, NY 10013-4090
Parties ordering death certificates by mail can obtain the confidential medical report by checking box 20 on the application form. Requesters must submit an unexpired ID that includes a photo and signature of the requester. In the absence of this, a requester must submit two government-issued documents dated within the last 60 days, showing the name and address of the requester.
How to Lookup New York County Property Records
New York County property records are maintained and disseminated through the New York City Department of Finance. Requests for these records may be directed to the Office of the City Register.
To process online property record requests, inquirers may use the Automated City Information System (ACRIS), managed by the City Register’s office. This database can be accessed at no cost and will require requesters to provide information about the document of interest, or the parcel/party name.
In person and mail requests are processed at a cost, depending on the document type, size and volume. For an in-person property records lookup, requesters must schedule an appointment with the custodian’s office. On the prescribed date, they will be allowed up to 1 hour to research, review, and print records. Mail requests will require requesters to prepare a written request detailing the nature of the request and the documents of interest. The request may then be mailed to:
New York City Department of Finance
Office of the City Register
66 John Street, 13th Floor
New York, NY 10038
