OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS

Because You Need to Know
New York Public Records

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

⚡ At a Glance

  • State courts: 62 counties across a complex court system
  • Federal courts: 4 U.S. District Courts (Northern, Southern, Eastern, Western)
  • Background checks: NYS DCJS — Criminal History Record Search
  • Records law: New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL)
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 NYS DCJS
🏛️ 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 York has 62 counties across a complex court system. You can search court cases using WebCivil Supreme for Supreme Court cases and eCourts for other court levels.

New York's court system includes Supreme Court, County Court, Family Court, Surrogate's Court, City Courts, District Courts, and Town/Village Courts. Online access varies by court and county.

Federal Courts

Federal cases in New York are handled by four U.S. District Courts:

  • Southern District — Manhattan, White Plains
  • Eastern District — Brooklyn, Central Islip
  • Northern District — Albany, Syracuse, Utica, Binghamton, Plattsburgh
  • Western District — Buffalo, Rochester

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

⚖️ WebCivil Supreme — NY Court Records Search 🏛️ New York State Unified Court System

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

Arrest Records

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

For statewide criminal history, the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) maintains criminal records.

🔍 NYS DCJS — Criminal History Record Review 📋 NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services

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

Other Public Records

New York operates under the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) (Public Officers Law Art. 6). Any person can request government records. Agencies must respond within 5 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 York

Court records are maintained by the New York State Unified Court System. Criminal history is centralized through NYS DCJS. 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 York

New York has 62 counties. Select one below to find local court, arrest, and public records.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I search court records in New York for free?
Use WebCivil Supreme for Supreme Court cases. The NY Courts website links to other court-level search tools.
Are arrest records public in New York?
Yes. Arrest records are public under the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL). 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 York?
The NYS DCJS provides criminal history checks. Visit criminaljustice.ny.gov for record review details.
What is the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL)?
It is the state law (FOIL) that gives the public the right to access government records. Agencies must respond within 5 business days. The Committee on Open Government handles disputes.
How many court systems does New York have?
New York has one of the most complex court systems in the U.S.: Town/Village Justice Courts, City Courts, District Courts, County Courts, Supreme Court, Family Court, Surrogate's Court, the Court of Claims, the Appellate Division, and the Court of Appeals.
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