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.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• 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.

Jail & Inmate Records

• The bond and bail process follows New Jersey state laws, allowing for the posting of bail through the court system or a bail bondsman.

Court records for this county include civil cases, criminal cases, traffic violations, and family law matters handled by the local Circuit, District, or Superior Court.

• Certified copies of judgments and court orders can be requested from the Clerk of the Superior Court with proper identification and applicable fees.

• 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 for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

• 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 records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.

• 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.