New York public records
New York records depend on both record type and location. New York City has separate birth/death services, and property recording arrangements differ from other counties. Court searches, the courts' paid CHRS and DCJS personal record review are also different services with different coverage.
By DeepSearch · Updated
Official record sources
Choose the document you need before searching. A case index, parcel assessment, recorded deed and certified certificate are different records. The links below lead to the responsible government service or its official directory.
| Record / custodian | How to access | Costs and coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Court recordsNew York State Unified Court System | Use court-specific record instructions and the appropriate clerk. | Document copies, certification and CHRS have different charges. WebCivil/WebCrims and paid Criminal History Record Search are different services; some case files are restricted. |
| Property and land recordsNew York Department of Taxation and Finance | Find the local assessor; use the county recording office or NYC's applicable recording service for deeds. | Local document charges vary. New York City recording arrangements differ from other counties; assessed value is not proof of clear title. |
| Business recordsNew York Department of State | Search supported corporation and business-entity filings. | Basic database search and certified-copy orders differ. Some assumed names and business forms are filed locally rather than in the state corporation database. |
| Birth, death, marriage and divorceNew York State Department of Health | Choose the record type and state or New York City ordering route. | Search and certificate fees depend on the custodian. NYC maintains its own birth/death records; marriage location and record age also determine the correct office. |
| Criminal-history checksNew York Division of Criminal Justice Services | Use personal fingerprint record review or an authorized background-check process. | Fingerprint/provider charges may apply. DCJS personal review differs from the courts' paid CHRS service and from publicly visible case information. |
A criminal charge is not a conviction. A name match does not establish identity. Use the official case disposition and the appropriate authorized record-check process when those distinctions matter.
Requesting agency records in New York
Use this process for existing government agency records. Court case copies, vital certificates and criminal-history reports use the separate procedures in the table.
- Who can request
- Any person may request reasonably described agency records under FOIL. Court case files and vital certificates use separate access procedures.
- How to submit
- Identify the New York agency, municipality or county that maintains the record, then use its published records-custodian contact or accepted request channel. Describe existing documents, identifiers and dates. Keep the submitted request and acknowledgement; court copies and vital certificates use the separate services above.
- Response and delivery
- Within five business days, an agency must grant, deny or acknowledge the request and give an approximate response date. Acknowledgement does not mean all records are due then.
- Fees and estimates
- Standard photocopies generally cost up to 25 cents per page. Other reproduction and qualifying electronic-preparation costs follow separate rules; ask for an estimate.
- If access is denied
- A denial generally may be appealed to the agency's FOIL appeals officer within 30 days. The appeal decision is generally due within 10 business days.
New York records-request example
Replace the brackets, narrow the dates and send this to the agency that holds the records. Use its required form or portal when applicable. This example requests agency documents; it is not a certificate application or court filing.
To: [the agency's designated records custodian] Subject: New York public-records request — [record or project identifier] Under the Freedom of Information Law (N.Y. Pub. Off. Law § 84 et seq.), I request electronic copies of the agency's executed contract and payment records for [contract number] during [dates]. Please use existing records in their available electronic format. If any material is withheld, identify the legal basis and provide the non-exempt portions. Before incurring charges above [your limit], please send an itemized estimate. Please confirm receipt and the expected response date. [Name and contact details required by the receiving agency] [Requester eligibility or residency information, where required]
Before sending, check requester eligibility above. Keep the submission confirmation, cost estimate, response and any exemption cited so a follow-up or appeal can refer to the same request.
New York public records FAQ
Where can I find New York court records?
Use court-specific record instructions and the appropriate clerk. WebCivil/WebCrims and paid Criminal History Record Search are different services; some case files are restricted.
Sources: New York State Unified Court SystemAre New York public records free?
Standard photocopies generally cost up to 25 cents per page. Other reproduction and qualifying electronic-preparation costs follow separate rules; ask for an estimate. Certificate and court-document services follow the separate charges listed above.
Sources: New York official public-records guidance; New York State Unified Court System; New York State Department of HealthHow do I get birth, death, marriage or divorce records in New York?
Choose the record type and state or New York City ordering route. NYC maintains its own birth/death records; marriage location and record age also determine the correct office.
Sources: New York State Department of Health; New York State Unified Court SystemIs a New York court search a complete criminal-history check?
No. DCJS personal review differs from the courts' paid CHRS service and from publicly visible case information. Use personal fingerprint record review or an authorized background-check process.
Sources: New York Division of Criminal Justice Services; New York State Unified Court SystemSources and review
Each link identifies the official custodian or its published directory. Portal coverage and fees can change; confirm the current order details before paying. The date below records the source review, not the date a government record was created.
- New York official public-records guidance — checked
- New York State Unified Court System — checked
- New York Department of Taxation and Finance — checked
- New York Department of State — checked
- New York State Department of Health — checked
- New York Division of Criminal Justice Services — checked
Browse other jurisdictions
Public-records access rules vary by jurisdiction. Continue through the directory or return to the full list to choose the agency location you need.
All public-records jurisdictions