About New York Official Records
Tracking down public records in New York can turn into a real headache. The state has a layered court system, 62 counties, and multiple agencies that each hold different types of documents. We put this site together so you can skip the guesswork and go straight to the office or database that has what you need.
Our Purpose
Every resident of New York has the right to access public records. That much is settled law. But figuring out which clerk's office, which court division, or which state department actually holds the record you want is another story. Some records sit at the county level. Others are kept by state agencies in Albany. A few require you to contact a specific city court or town office. We organize all of that so you don't have to piece it together on your own.
If you're looking for a court filing from Kings County or need a vital record from the Department of Health, we aim to show you the most direct route to get it. No guessing games.
What We Cover
- County Pages: Office locations, phone numbers, and hours for County Clerks and court offices in all 62 New York counties
- City Pages: Details on which county court serves major cities and how to reach the right office
- Record Guides: Straightforward info on how different record types work in New York, what's open to the public, and what may be sealed or restricted
- Search Tools: Links to outside search services that pull from public records databases
What We Don't Do
We run a private website. We have no affiliation with any government body in New York. There are several things we are not set up to handle:
- Submit filings or request official records on your behalf
- Provide certified copies of any document
- Offer legal guidance or opinions about your situation
- Guarantee that every address or phone number listed here is still accurate
If you need a certified copy or a document with an official court seal, contact the government office that issued it directly. We can point you to the right place, but the document itself has to come from them.
Search Partners
You'll see links on some pages that lead to paid search tools operated by third-party companies. Those companies handle their own billing and set their own prices. We may receive a referral fee when someone uses one of those services, which is one way we keep this site free to visit. We have no control over what those services charge or what results they return.
Accuracy and Updates
Court offices relocate. Phone numbers get changed. Hours shift around holidays. We try to keep our info current, but some things will slip through the cracks. If you plan to visit a courthouse in person, a quick phone call before you go is always a smart move.
Notice something on the site that's wrong or outdated? Drop us a line and we'll get it corrected.
Reach Out
Have a question, a correction, or just want to get in touch? Visit our Contact page. We check every message that comes in.