OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS

Because You Need to Know
New Jersey Public Records

Use this page to find court records, arrest records, and other public records in New Jersey. Each section links to the official agency or online tool that holds the records.

⚡ At a Glance

  • State courts: 21 counties in a unified court system
  • Federal courts: 1 U.S. District Court (District of New Jersey)
  • Background checks: New Jersey State Police — Criminal History Record Check
  • Records law: New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA)
How to use this page: Pick the type of record you need below. Court records and arrest records each have their own section with links to the agencies that hold them. Official links go to government websites — not third-party services.

Start here: Choose the type of record you need below, then follow the link to the official source.

What You Can Find Here

⚖️ State and federal court case records
🔍 Arrest records and jail bookings by county
📋 Criminal background checks through NJ State Police
🏛️ Property, vital, and other public records
What you will need:
  • Full name of the person or business
  • Case number, if you have one
  • Approximate date or location of the record

Court Records

New Jersey has 21 counties in a unified court system. You can search court cases through the New Jersey Courts website. The unified trial court system includes the Superior Court with its Law, Chancery, and Family divisions.

Online case search is available for many case types through the NJ Courts website.

Federal Courts

Federal cases in New Jersey are handled by one U.S. District Court:

  • District of New Jersey — Newark, Trenton, Camden

Federal court records are available through the PACER system. Some records can be viewed at no cost at federal courthouse public terminals.

⚖️ New Jersey Courts — Case Search 🏛️ New Jersey Courts Website

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in New Jersey are created and held by the arresting agency. Contact the agency directly for copies.

For statewide criminal history, the New Jersey State Police provides criminal history record checks.

🔍 NJ State Police — Criminal History Records 📋 New Jersey State Police Website

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Other Public Records

New Jersey operates under the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) (N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1). Any person can request government records. Agencies must respond within 7 business days.

How to file a request: Write to the government body that holds the records. Include your name, contact information, and a clear description of what records you want. Requests can be sent by mail, email, fax, or hand-delivered. No special form is required.

How Records Work in New Jersey

Court records are maintained by the New Jersey Courts across 21 counties. Criminal history is centralized through the NJ State Police. Arrest records stay with the arresting agency unless submitted to the state system.

Many records are available online for free. Certified copies, background checks, and some older records may require a fee or in-person visit.

Counties in New Jersey

New Jersey has 21 counties. Select one below to find local court, arrest, and public records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on publicly available information from New Jersey state agencies and federal courts.

How do I search court records in New Jersey for free?
Use the NJ Courts case search.
Are arrest records public in New Jersey?
Yes. Arrest records are public under the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA). Contact the arresting agency directly — city police, county sheriff, or state agency — to request a copy.
How do I run a background check in New Jersey?
The NJ State Police provides criminal history checks. Visit njsp.org for details.
What is the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA)?
It is the state law that gives the public the right to access government records. Agencies must respond within 7 business days. The Government Records Council handles disputes.
How many court systems does New Jersey have?
New Jersey has a unified court system: the Superior Court (Law, Chancery, and Family divisions across 21 counties), the Appellate Division, and the New Jersey Supreme Court. There are also municipal courts and tax courts.
What this page does not show: Not all records are available online. Some require a written request, an in-person visit, or a fee. Court records and arrest data may be incomplete, delayed, or not yet entered into online systems.

This page is a guide to help you find official records — it is not the official database. All information comes from government sources. Verify details directly with the agency that holds the records.

Last updated: April 15, 2026