About Cape May County
Cape May County is located at the southernmost tip of New Jersey, bordered by the Delaware Bay to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Cape May County Seat is Cape May Court House, an unincorporated community within Middle Township. Cape May County includes approximately 620 square miles including significant water area, with a year-round population of approximately 95,000 residents that swells dramatically during summer tourism season. Established in 1692, it is one of New Jersey's original counties.
Cape May County is renowned for the Victorian architecture of Cape May County City, a National Historic Landmark city, and is home to famous resort communities including Wildwood, Ocean City, and Avalon. The Cape May Court House area-Lewes Ferry connects Cape May County to Delaware. Public records are maintained by several county offices: Cape May County Clerk located at 7 North Main Street, Cape May County Court House, NJ 08210, handles vital records, elections, and certain business filings; Cape May County Surrogate manages estate matters; and Cape May County Register of Deeds and Mortgages maintains property records.
Cape May County features unique natural landmarks including Cape May County Point State Park with its historic lighthouse, Cape May County National Wildlife Refuge, and some of the best birding locations on the Atlantic Flyway. The economy is heavily dependent on seasonal tourism, commercial fishing, and real estate. Cape May County maintains a balance between preserving its historic character and managing modern development pressures along its extensive coastline.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Cape May County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in Cape May County's unincorporated areas. It operates Cape May County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is also involved in various community programs meant to enhancing public safety and awareness.
Police Departments
Cape May County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Cape May County Sheriff's Office and local municipal police departments such as the Ocean City Police Department, Wildwood Police Department, and Cape May City Police Department. Each department is responsible for maintaining public safety within its jurisdiction, handling local crime, and coordinating with other agencies on major investigations. These departments work together to ensure full law enforcement coverage throughout Cape May County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Cape May County Sheriff's Office, located at 4005 Route 9 South, Rio Grande, NJ 08242, provides law enforcement services throughout Cape May County and operates Cape May County Correctional Center. Inmate lookup for Cape May County Correctional Center is available through the Sheriff's Office website, where the public can search current inmates by name or booking number, view custody status, and access basic booking information.
- Requests for arrest records should be directed to the specific municipal police department that made the arrest or to Cape May County Prosecutor's Office at 4 Moore Road, Cape May County Court House, NJ 08210.
- Processing fees may apply for certified copies of arrest records.
Municipal police departments operate independently in each county, including Cape May City Police, Wildwood Police Department, Ocean City Police Department, Sea Isle City Police Department, Stone Harbor Police Department, Avalon Police Department, North Wildwood Police Department, West Wildwood Police Department, Wildwood Crest Police Department, and township police in Middle Township, Lower Township, Upper Township, Dennis Township, and Woodbine County. Arrest records and police reports are public records under New Jersey's Open Public Records Act (OPRA), codified at 47:1A-1 et seq. Mugshots and booking photos from Cape May County jail are typically available through the Sheriff's Office inmate lookup system.
Cape May County does not have tribal jurisdiction as there are no federally recognized tribal lands within Cape May County. Cape May County Prosecutor's Office coordinates major criminal investigations and prosecutions countywide.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Cape May County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can conduct background checks through the New Jersey State Police, which provides access to statewide criminal history information. The New Jersey State Police offers additional resources for Cape May residents seeking detailed criminal background checks.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Cape May County are maintained by Cape May County Sheriff's Office and local police departments. Residents and attorneys can request these records by contacting the respective law enforcement agency directly. An arrest record typically includes the individual's personal information, details of the arrest, charges filed, and the arresting officer's name. The New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA) governs the accessibility of these records, for public access and public access to government documents.
Jail & Inmate Records
Cape May County Correctional Center is the primary detention facility in Cape May County. It handles the booking process for people arrested within Cape May County, where they are photographed, fingerprinted, and their personal information is recorded. Inmate lookup is available through Cape May County's official website, allowing the public to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule visits in advance and adhere to strict guidelines.
- The bond and bail process follows New Jersey state laws, allowing for the posting of bail through the court system or a bail bondsman.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Cape May County are taken and retained by Cape May County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be searched through the sheriff's official website or by submitting a request to the office. New Jersey has specific laws regarding the removal of mugshots from public view, particularly if the individual was acquitted or the charges were dropped, allowing for certain records to be sealed or expunged.
Courts & Case Records
Cape May County is served by the Superior Court of New Jersey, Cape May County Vicinage, located at 9 North Main Street, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210, with a main phone number of. The Superior Court handles all major civil matters, criminal indictable offenses, family court matters, and probate (Surrogate) cases. Municipal courts in each of the sixteen municipalities handle traffic violations, disorderly persons offenses, and local ordinance violations.
- Certified copies of judgments and court orders can be requested from the Clerk of the Superior Court with proper identification and applicable fees.
The New Jersey Judiciary operates a full online case lookup system called Promis/Gavel for public access to court records at njcourts.gov, where users can search civil, criminal, family, and traffic cases by party name, case number, or attorney. Access to certain family court and juvenile records is restricted. Most court records are available for public inspection during business hours at the courthouse, and copies can be obtained for statutory fees: typically $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page for most documents.
The right to access court records in New Jersey is governed by Rule 1:38, New Jersey Court Rules, and the common law right of access. Online access through the judiciary's public portal is free for basic searches, though detailed case information may require payment. Cape May County Surrogate Court, located at 7 North Main Street, Cape May County Court House, NJ 08210, handles probate matters, estate administration, and guardianships.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Cape May County are maintained by Cape May County Register of Deeds and Mortgages, located at 7 North Main Street, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210 The Register maintains all recorded deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, subdivision plats, condominium declarations, and other instruments affecting real property dating back to Cape May County's founding. Cape May County offers online property record searches through Cape May County website at capemaycountynj.gov, where users can search by name, property address, block and lot number, or document type.
- The online system provides access to scanned images of recorded documents, typically from the mid-1980s forward, with older records available for in-person research.
- Recording fees vary by document type but generally start at $50 for standard deeds and mortgages per 22A:4-1.
- Certified copies of deeds and mortgages can be obtained from the Register's office for $5 for the first page and $2 for each additional page.
Vital Records
Birth and death certificates for Cape May County residents are available through the New Jersey Department of Health, Vital Statistics Registration Unit, which centralized vital records for the entire state. For deaths occurring within the past year or births within the past year, certificates can be obtained from Cape May County Clerk's Office at 7 North Main Street, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210 Birth certificates cost $25 for the first copy and $2 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously; death certificates are $25 for the first copy and $2 for additional copies.
- Processing typically takes 2-3 weeks for mail requests.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek at newjersey.vitalchek.com with expedited shipping options available for additional fees.
- Only eligible individuals may request vital records: the person named on the certificate (if 18 or older), parents, spouse, children, legal representatives, or others demonstrating a direct and tangible interest.
- Marriage licenses are issued by Cape May County Clerk's Office; couples must apply in person, pay a $28 fee, and observe a 72-hour waiting period before the ceremony.
- For older records (more than one year old), requests should be directed to the New Jersey State Registrar at PO Box 370, Trenton, NJ 08625-0370, or ordered online through the state portal.
Business & Licensing
Business license and registration records in Cape May County are maintained at multiple levels of government. Cape May County Clerk's Office at 7 North Main Street, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210, handles trade name registrations and Doing Business As (DBA) filings for businesses operating under fictitious names, with a filing fee of approximately $50 for a five-year registration.
- This database provides free access to business entity information including registration status, registered agent, business address, and filing history.
- Cape May County Chamber of Commerce, located in Cape May Court House, provides business networking and economic development resources at capemaychamber.com.
All New Jersey business entity formations, including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, must be filed with the New Jersey Department of Treasury, Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services, with online searches available at business.nj.gov/search. Professional licenses for occupations such as real estate agents, contractors, cosmetologists, and healthcare providers are issued by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs with searchable databases at njconsumeraffairs.gov/verify. Sales tax permits are handled by the New Jersey Division of Taxation.
Building permits, zoning applications, and certificates of occupancy are issued by municipal building departments in each of the sixteen Cape May County municipalities. Cape May County Department of Planning at 4 Moore Road handles certain countywide land use applications and maintains full zoning maps. Health permits for food service establishments and other regulated businesses are issued by Cape May County Department of Health at 4 Moore Road, Rio Grande, NJ 08242.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Cape May County are administered by Cape May County Clerk's Office, Elections Division, located at 7 North Main Street, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210. The Elections Division can be reached at and maintains information at capemaycountyclerk.org. Voter registration in New Jersey is available online through the state portal at voter.svrs.nj.gov, in person at the County Clerk's office, at motor vehicle agencies, or by mail-in application. The voter registration deadline is 21 days before any election.
- And the Open Public Records Act, allowing citizens to request copies of poll books, tally sheets, ballot custody logs, and other election administration records.
New Jersey offers same-day registration during the early voting period with proof of residency. Voters can find their polling place, check registration status, and view sample ballots at voter.svrs.nj.gov by entering their name and date of birth or address. Cape May County maintains 62 polling locations across its sixteen municipalities.
Public election records include voter registration lists (available for purchase by qualified requesters under 19:31-18), campaign finance reports filed with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (available at elec.nj.gov), candidate petition filings, and precinct-level election results. In the November 2024 general election, Cape May County reported approximately 62% voter turnout, slightly above the state average, with particularly strong participation in shore communities. The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives races for New Jersey's 2nd Congressional District, which includes all of Cape May County, along with all 120 New Jersey General Assembly seats and local municipal elections. Mail-in ballots (formerly called absentee ballots) are available to all New Jersey voters without excuse. Applications can be submitted through the online portal at nj.gov/state/elections or by contacting the County Clerk's office.
Mail-in ballot applications must be received by seven days before the election, and completed ballots must be received by 8:00 PM on Election Day. New Jersey offers early in-person voting beginning nine days before Election Day at designated locations. Election transparency is governed by 19:1-1 et seq.
Economy & Demographics
Cape May County's economy is dominated by tourism and hospitality, with seasonal visitors exceeding two million annually generating billions in economic impact. Cape May County's major employers include the casino and resort industry in the Wildwoods, historic hotels and bed-and-breakfasts in Cape May City, and retail establishments throughout the shore communities. The median household income in Cape May County is approximately $72,000, slightly below the New Jersey state average, reflecting the seasonal nature of employment.
- Cape May County Airport provides limited commercial service and supports general aviation.
Commercial and recreational fishing remain economically significant, with Cape May Harbor serving as one of the largest commercial fishing ports on the East Coast. Healthcare is provided by Cape Regional Medical Center in Cape May Court House, a major employer. Real estate and construction are vital economic drivers due to continuous shore property development and renovation.
Agricultural production, including blueberries, corn, and soybeans, remains important in the inland townships. Cape May County experiences significant seasonal employment fluctuation, with unemployment rates typically lower in summer months (approximately 4-5%) and higher in winter (8-10%). Major economic development initiatives include the expansion of Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal, downtown revitalization projects in Wildwood and Ocean City, and preservation-based tourism initiatives in Cape May County City's historic district.
Military spending contributes through the Coast Guard Training Center Cape May County, one of Cape May County's largest year-round employers with over 1,000 personnel. Craft breweries, wineries, and agritourism have emerged as growing economic sectors.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (Promis/Gavel) | Property: Yes: Free Online Search & GIS | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Inmate Lookup | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or State Portal | Business: Yes: Online (State Portal) | Elections: Yes: Online Voter Tools | Overall Score: 8.5/10, Cape May County provides excellent digital access to property, court, and election records with GIS mapping and state integration for business filings.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Cape May County
Explore public records for 24 cities and communities in Cape May County, New Jersey.