About Bronx County
Bronx County, coterminous with the County of the Bronx in New York City, is one of the five counties of New York City and the only one located primarily on the mainland. Established in 1914 when it separated from New York County, Bronx County has a population of approximately 1.47 million residents as of recent estimates, making it one of the most densely populated counties in the United States. The county seat and administrative center is located in the Bronx, with many government offices concentrated in the Bronx County Building at 851 Grand Concourse.
- Property records are maintained through the New York City Department of Finance, with the City Register's Office (Bronx office at 1780 Grand Concourse) handling deed recordings.
Covering approximately 42 square miles of land area (57 square miles including water), the Bronx is bounded by Westchester County to the north, the East River to the east, the Harlem River to the west, and the Bronx Kill and East River to the south. Major landmarks include Yankee Stadium, the Bronx Zoo (one of the largest metropolitan zoos in the world), the New York Botanical Garden, and Pelham Bay Park. The Bronx County Clerk, located at 851 Grand Concourse, handles vital records, business certificates, and various legal filings.
The Bronx has a rich cultural heritage, being the birthplace of hip-hop and home to diverse immigrant communities. What makes Bronx County unique is its integration into New York City's consolidated government structure while maintaining distinct county-level functions and its transformation from agricultural and industrial roots to a vibrant urban center with significant green spaces.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Bronx County Sheriff's Office is responsible for enforcing court orders, serving legal documents, and conducting evictions. Unlike many other counties, the Bronx County Sheriff's Office does not patrol unincorporated areas or operate the county jail, as these duties are managed by the New York City Police Department and the Department of Correction. The Sheriff's Office also plays a role in maintaining certain criminal records and works closely with other law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety.
Police Departments
The primary law enforcement agency in Bronx County is the New York City Police Department (NYPD), which has precincts throughout the county. The NYPD handles all policing duties, including patrol, investigations, and emergency response. The Bronx County Sheriff's Office also plays a role in law enforcement, focusing on court-related duties and civil processes. Coordination between these agencies is crucial for handling major crimes and ensuring public safety across the county.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Bronx County is primarily handled by the New York City Police Department's Bronx county command, which operates twelve precincts covering all neighborhoods. The NYPD Bronx headquarters can be reached at (718) 590-5234. The Bronx County Sheriff's Office, part of the New York City Department of Finance, primarily handles civil process service, evictions, and warrant enforcement rather than traditional patrol duties, with offices at 851 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10451.
- To request arrest records, individuals must submit a FOIL request to the NYPD Records Access Appeals Officer at One Police Plaza or to the specific precinct.
- Mugshots and booking photos can be requested through FOIL, though recent legislation limits public access to mugshots in certain circumstances under Civil Rights Law § 52-b.
For inmate lookup and detention information, the New York City Department of Correction operates facilities including the Vernon C. Bain Center (a floating jail) and Horizon Juvenile Center in the Bronx. Inmate searches can be conducted through the NYC DOC Inmate Lookup service at www1.nyc.gov/site/doc/index.page or by calling (718) 546-0700.
Arrest records in New York are governed by New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50 and Public Officers Law § 87 (Freedom of Information Law - FOIL). The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services maintains criminal history records accessible through formal channels. The Bronx District Attorney's Office at 198 East 161st Street, Bronx, NY 10451, phone (718) 590-2000, prosecutes criminal cases and maintains records of prosecutions.
Municipal police departments do not exist separately within Bronx County as all law enforcement is consolidated under NYPD. No tribal law enforcement operates within Bronx County boundaries.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Bronx County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and sex offender registrations. The New York City Police Department maintains arrest and incident reports, while the Bronx County Clerk's Office handles court records. Background checks in New York can be conducted through the New York State Office of Court Administration, which provides a statewide criminal history record search.
- The New York Bureau of Investigation does not directly provide services to Bronx residents, but state-level records can be accessed through appropriate channels.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Bronx County are maintained by the New York City Police Department. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through the NYPD's Records Unit. An arrest record in Bronx County typically includes the individual's personal information, details of the arrest, charges filed, and the arresting officer's information. The New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) governs the public's access to these records, allowing individuals to request copies of arrest records unless they are sealed by the court.
Jail & Inmate Records
The main jail facility serving Bronx County is the Vernon C. Bain Correctional Center, often referred to as 'The Boat,' due to its location on a barge. The booking process for inmates includes fingerprinting, photographing, and a health assessment. Inmate lookup services are available through the New York City Department of Correction's online inmate lookup tool. Visitation rules are specific to each facility, and visitors must adhere to strict guidelines regarding scheduling and conduct.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Bronx County are taken and retained by the New York City Police Department during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the arrest record and can be accessed through the NYPD's Records Unit. While New York does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals can petition the court to have their records sealed, which may include mugshots. Mugshots are not typically published online by official sources, but third-party websites may host them, complicating removal efforts.
Courts & Case Records
The New York State Unified Court System operates all courts in Bronx County. The Bronx County Supreme Court, located at 851 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10451, phone (646) 386-5700, serves as the trial court of general jurisdiction handling major civil cases (over $25,000) and felony criminal matters. The Bronx County Criminal Court, at 215 East 161st Street, Bronx, NY 10451, handles misdemeanors, violations, and preliminary felony proceedings. The Bronx County Civil Court, 851 Grand Concourse, handles civil matters under $25,000, housing cases, and small claims (up to $10,000).
- Court records can be searched through the New York State Unified Court System's e-courts portal at iapps.courts.state.ny.us/webcivil/ecourtsMain, though not all case types are available online.
- Fees for certified copies are typically $6 per document plus $5 for certification.
The Bronx County Surrogate's Court, 851 Grand Concourse, phone (646) 386-5000, has jurisdiction over probate, estate administration, and guardianship matters. Family Court, at 900 Sheridan Avenue, Bronx, NY 10451, phone (646) 386-5200, handles child support, custody, domestic violence, and juvenile delinquency cases. In-person searches can be conducted at the County Clerk's office, 851 Grand Concourse, phone (718) 590-3644.
Access to court records is governed by New York Civil Rights Law § 73 and Judiciary Law § 255, with certain records restricted under Court Rules 22 NYCRR § 216.1. Criminal case information may be accessed through the criminal court clerk's office, though sealed records and certain sensitive matters have restricted access under Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Bronx County are maintained by the New York City Register's Office, Bronx location at 1780 Grand Concourse, Room 101, Bronx, NY 10457, phone (718) 299-9294. The office maintains all recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, UCC filings, easements, assignments, and satisfaction documents. The New York City Automated City Register Information System (ACRIS) provides free online access to digitized property records from 1966 forward at a836-acris.nyc.gov/DS/DocumentSearch/Index.
- There is no fee for online searches, though downloading and printing documents may involve minimal costs.
- Certified copies can be obtained in person or by mail for $4 for the first page and $4 for each additional page, with an additional $8 certification fee per document.
- Tax assessment information, property characteristics, and payment history can be accessed free online through the NYC Property Access system at nycprop.nyc.gov/nycproperty/nynav/jsp/selectbbl.jsp.
- The system provides detailed property information including assessed values, exemptions, and tax bills.
- All real property transfer documents must be recorded with the City Register to establish legal title, as governed by New York Real Property Law.
Vital Records
Vital records for Bronx County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates occurring in the Bronx are available from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Office of Vital Records, 125 Worth Street, CN-4, Room 133, New York, NY 10013. The Bronx can also be reached at the Bronx Health Action Center, but primary processing occurs through the NYC Health Department. Birth certificates cost $15 for each copy, death certificates cost $15 per copy, with additional fees for expedited processing.
- Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks for mail requests, though in-person requests at the Manhattan office may be processed same-day if records are available.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com with additional service fees (approximately $10-$15).
- The marriage license fee is $35.
- Copies of marriage certificates can be ordered from the City Clerk for $15 per copy.
- The fee for divorce certificate copies is $5 per page.
To obtain a birth certificate, applicants must prove direct relationship or legal entitlement and provide valid government-issued photo ID. For records over 75 years old, some restrictions are lifted. Marriage licenses must be obtained from the New York City Clerk's Office, with a 24-hour waiting period before the ceremony can occur and the license valid for 60 days.
Divorce records are maintained by the County Clerk where the divorce was granted, with Bronx divorces filed at the Bronx County Clerk, 851 Grand Concourse, Room 118, Bronx, NY 10451, phone (718) 590-3644. New York State Department of Health Vital Records, PO Box 2602, Albany, NY 12220-2602, phone (855) 322-1022, serves as the backup repository for all New York vital records. Access is governed by New York Public Health Law § 4174 and NYC Health Code Article 205.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Bronx County are maintained through multiple government agencies. The Bronx County Clerk, 851 Grand Concourse, Room 118, Bronx, NY 10451, phone (718) 590-3644, maintains Doing Business As (DBA) certificates, business certificates for partnerships and sole proprietorships, and tradename registrations. These filings cost $100 for partnerships and $25 for sole proprietorships, valid for five years.
- This free searchable database provides information on registered business entities, including formation dates, addresses, registered agents, and status.
- The Bronx Chamber of Commerce, located at 1200 Waters Place, Suite M107, Bronx, NY 10461, phone (718) 828-3800, website www.bronxchamber.org, provides business resources, networking, and advocacy.
- Health permits and food service licenses are issued by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, with inspection records searchable online.
For comprehensive business entity searches including corporations, LLCs, and limited partnerships, the New York Department of State, Division of Corporations maintains an online database at appext20.dos.ny.gov/corp_public/corpsearch.entity_search_entry. Professional licenses are issued by the New York State Education Department Office of Professions for regulated occupations such as architects, engineers, accountants, and healthcare professionals, searchable at www.op.nysed.gov/verification-search. Sales tax certificates of authority are issued by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.
Building permits, certificates of occupancy, and zoning information are handled by the New York City Department of Buildings, Bronx County Office, 1932 Arthur Avenue, 2nd Floor, Bronx, NY 10457, phone (718) 579-6400. Permit records can be searched through the NYC Buildings Information System (BIS) at a810-bisweb.nyc.gov/bisweb/bispi00.jsp. All business licensing and regulatory compliance requirements vary by business type and location within New York City.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Bronx County are administered by the New York City Board of Elections, Bronx Office, located at 1780 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10457, phone (718) 299-9017, website www.vote.nyc. Voter registration in New York requires completion at least 25 days before an election, with same-day registration not available. Registration can be completed online through the New York State Board of Elections at www.elections.ny.gov or by submitting a paper application to the Bronx Board of Elections. New York allows pre-registration for 16 and 17-year-olds who will be 18 by the general election.
- In the November 2024 general election, Bronx County reported approximately 39% voter turnout of registered voters, reflecting typical patterns for presidential election years in the county.
- Absentee ballots can be requested through the New York State Absentee Ballot Application available at absenteeballot.elections.ny.gov or by contacting the Bronx Board of Elections.
- Citizens may request election-related records through Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests to the Board of Elections.
To find your polling place, voters can use the New York State Board of Elections polling place locator at voterlookup.elections.ny.gov or contact the Bronx Board of Elections directly. Election records that are public include voter registration rolls (available for inspection by qualified requestors under Election Law § 5-208), campaign finance filings through the NYC Campaign Finance Board at www.nyccfb.info and the State Board of Elections, candidate petition filings, and certified election results by election district. Precinct-level results are published after certification.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races (Bronx includes portions of NY-13, NY-14, NY-15, and NY-16), statewide races for Governor, Attorney General, and Comptroller, and State Senate and Assembly seats. Early voting is available for nine days before Election Day at designated sites throughout the county.
New York offers no-excuse absentee voting since 2020. Election transparency in New York is governed by Election Law Article 3, with provisions for poll watchers, public testing of voting equipment, and access to election materials. Campaign finance disclosure is mandatory for most candidates through either the NYC Campaign Finance Board (for city offices) or the State Board of Elections (for state and federal offices).
Economy & Demographics
Bronx County's economy, with a gross county product exceeding $42 billion, is characterized by diverse sectors including healthcare, education, retail, logistics, and emerging industries. Major employers include Montefiore Medical Center (the largest private employer with over 26,000 employees), NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center, and Fordham University.
- The median household income in Bronx County is approximately $42,000, significantly below the state and national averages, though this has been gradually increasing with economic development initiatives.
The healthcare and social assistance sector dominates employment, accounting for approximately 25% of jobs, followed by retail trade, educational services, and accommodation/food services. The wholesale distribution and logistics sector has grown substantially, leveraging the Bronx's proximity to major transportation corridors including the Hunts Point Food Distribution Center, one of the world's largest food distribution facilities handling over $2 billion in annual food sales. Manufacturing, while diminished from its mid-20th century peak, still maintains presence in specialized sectors.
Tourism contributes significantly through attractions like Yankee Stadium, the Bronx Zoo (attracting over 2 million visitors annually), and the New York Botanical Garden. The unemployment rate has fluctuated between 7-10% in recent years, typically higher than the state average. Major economic development projects include the redevelopment of the Kingsbridge Armory, expansion of the Hutchinson Metro Center office park, rezoning initiatives to encourage mixed-use development along major corridors, and investment in the emerging "Piano District" creative economy cluster.
The Bronx Terminal Market development brought significant retail investment. The New York City Economic Development Corporation has focused on Bronx initiatives including workforce development programs, small business support, and infrastructure improvements to stimulate economic growth in historically underserved neighborhoods.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online (limited) | Property: ✅ Free Search (ACRIS) | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ FOIL Required | Vital Records: ✅ Online Ordering | Business: ✅ Online | Elections: ✅ Online | Overall Score: 7/10 — Bronx County benefits from NYC's digital infrastructure with strong property and business records access, though some criminal justice records require formal requests.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Bronx County, New York?
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Bronx County, New York?
How do I get a criminal background check in Bronx County, New York?
How can I look up sex offenders in Bronx County, New York?
How do I register to vote in Bronx County, New York?
How do I look up property records in Bronx County, New York?
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Bronx County, New York?
How do I find business license records in Bronx County, New York?
Cities & Towns in Bronx County
Explore public records for 1 cities and communities in Bronx County, New York.
Nearby Counties
Explore public records in counties that border Bronx County.