About Clinton County
Clinton County is located in the northeastern corner of New York State, bordering Lake Champlain to the east and the Canadian province of Quebec to the north. The county seat is Plattsburgh, a city that serves as the economic and governmental hub of the region. Clinton County encompasses approximately 1,118 square miles and has a population of around 79,000 residents according to recent census estimates. The county was established in 1788 and named after George Clinton, the first Governor of New York and Vice President under Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.
Major landmarks include the Adirondack Coast along Lake Champlain, Cumberland Bay State Park, and Ausable Chasm, often called the 'Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks.' The former Plattsburgh Air Force Base, which closed in 1995, has been redeveloped into a mixed-use business park. the region is unique for its strategic location along the U.S.-Canada border, its role in the War of 1812 including the Battle of Plattsburgh, and its stunning natural beauty as part of the Adirondack region. The this county Government Center is located at 137 Margaret Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901, housing the County Clerk, who maintains vital records and official documents.
The County Assessor's office manages property assessment records, while the County Clerk also serves many recorder functions for land records. The Real Property Tax Services office assists municipalities with assessment administration throughout the county.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Clinton County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the county, particularly in unincorporated areas. The office is tasked with patrolling rural regions, executing warrants, and providing security for the county courthouse. Additionally, the Sheriff's Office manages the Clinton County Jail, overseeing the incarceration of individuals awaiting trial or serving short sentences. The office also maintains criminal records and provides various community programs aimed at crime prevention and public safety education.
Police Departments
Clinton County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including the Clinton County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments. The Plattsburgh City Police Department is responsible for law enforcement within the city limits of Plattsburgh, handling local crimes and traffic enforcement. Other towns, such as Champlain and Peru, have their own police departments or rely on the Sheriff's Office for policing services. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, ensuring comprehensive coverage and public safety across the county.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Clinton County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency for the county, located at 25 McCarthy Drive, Plattsburgh, NY 12901. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (518) 565-4300 and maintains a website at clintoncountygov.com/departments/sheriff. The agency provides patrol services to unincorporated areas, operates the Clinton County Correctional Facility (county jail), and conducts civil process service.
- To request arrest records, citizens must submit a written FOIL request to the specific law enforcement agency that made the arrest, describing the records sought with reasonable specificity.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public records but must be requested through FOIL from the Sheriff's Office or the arresting agency.
- Processing times for FOIL requests vary but agencies must respond within five business days acknowledging receipt and providing a timeline for production of records.
Inmate lookup for the area jail can be performed by calling the facility directly at (518) 565-4310 or by visiting the Sheriff's Office in person during business hours. The jail maintains custody records and booking information. Within this jurisdiction, the City of Plattsburgh operates its own Police Department, located at 24 US Oval, Plattsburgh, NY 12903, phone (518) 563-3411.
The Village of Saranac Lake also has a police department serving that community. Arrest records in the county are subject to New York's Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), codified in Public Officers Law Article 6, Sections 84-90. Some arrest information may be withheld if it would interfere with law enforcement investigations or constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy under Public Officers Law §87(2).
The New York State Police also maintain a presence in the region with Troop B headquarters in nearby Franklin County serving the region.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Clinton County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and sex offender registrations. The Clinton County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, which are accessible to the public under New York's Freedom of Information Law. Background checks can be conducted through the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, which provides comprehensive criminal history reports.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Clinton County are maintained by the Clinton County Sheriff's Office and local police departments. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the respective law enforcement agency, often requiring a formal written request. Under New York's Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), arrest records are accessible to the public, although certain details may be redacted to protect privacy or ongoing investigations.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Clinton County Jail, located in Plattsburgh, is the primary detention facility for the county. The booking process at the jail involves photographing and fingerprinting individuals who have been arrested. Inmate information, including charges and bond amounts, can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to security protocols. In New York, the bond or bail process allows for the release of inmates pending trial, provided they meet the court's conditions.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Clinton County are taken and retained by the Clinton County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office, either online or by request. While some third-party websites may offer mugshot searches, the most reliable source is the official county website. New York has specific laws regarding the removal of mugshots from online databases, particularly if charges are dropped or the individual is acquitted, allowing for requests to have these images taken down.
Courts & Case Records
Clinton County's court system includes the Clinton County Supreme Court and County Court, located at the Clinton County Government Center, 137 Margaret Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901, phone (518) 565-4715. The Supreme Court has general jurisdiction over civil matters and major criminal cases, while County Court handles felony criminal cases and appeals from local courts. The Clinton County Family Court, at the same address (phone 518-565-4650), handles matters involving children, family offenses, custody, support, and juvenile delinquency.
- Additionally, the region has numerous Town and Village Justice Courts that handle traffic violations, small claims up to $5,000, misdemeanors, and preliminary hearings for felonies.
- The New York State Unified Court System operates an e-courts system for some case searching at iapps.courts.state.ny.us/webcivil/ecourtsMain, though not all local court records are available online.
- To obtain certified copies of court records, requests must be made to the specific court clerk, typically with a fee of $6 per document plus $1.25 per page for certification.
- Some records require in-person or written requests with proper identification and may require demonstration of proper legal interest in sealed or restricted matters.
Property & Public Records
The Clinton County Clerk's Office, located at 137 Margaret Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901, phone (518) 565-4700, serves as the recorder of deeds and maintains land records for the county. The office records and indexes deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, satisfaction of mortgages, mechanic's liens, and other instruments affecting real property. These records date back to the county's formation in 1788.
- The County Clerk's website at clintoncountygov.com/departments/county-clerk provides information about services, though full online searching of land records may require subscription or in-person access.
- Recording fees vary by document type, with standard deed recording currently $125 for the first page and additional fees for subsequent pages.
- To obtain certified copies of recorded documents, requests can be made in person, by mail, or by phone to the County Clerk with the liber and page number or proper legal description.
- The office accepts cash, checks, and credit cards for fees.
- The the county Real Property office provides GIS mapping services and parcel data, though comprehensive online parcel viewing may vary by county.
Vital Records
Vital records for Clinton County, New York are maintained by the Clinton County Clerk's Office at 137 Margaret Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901, phone (518) 565-4700. Birth certificates for births occurring in Clinton County from 1881 forward can be requested from the County Clerk. The current fee is $30 for a certified birth certificate, with $15 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Death certificates for deaths in the county are also available from the County Clerk for $30 per certified copy.
- Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks for mail requests, or same-day/next-day for in-person requests if records are readily accessible.
- Marriage licenses must be obtained from the region Clerk's Office prior to marriage; couples must apply in person together with identification and pay the current fee of $40.
- Divorce records (divorce decrees) are maintained by the County Clerk where the divorce was granted, also at $30 per certified copy.
- Online ordering of New York vital records is available through VitalChek at www.health.ny.gov/vital_records for an additional service fee, though county-level processing varies.
Applications require valid government-issued photo identification and proof of relationship or demonstrable legal interest; only immediate family members and legal representatives can obtain certified copies under New York Public Health Law Article 41. There is a 24-hour waiting period before the license is valid. Marriage certificates (proof of a marriage that occurred) can also be obtained from the County Clerk for marriages performed in this county.
For vital records older than those held by the County Clerk, or for additional access, the New York State Department of Health Vital Records Section in Albany maintains statewide records of births, deaths, and marriages.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Clinton County are split between county and state agencies. The Clinton County Clerk's Office at 137 Margaret Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901, phone (518) 565-4700, accepts filings for Doing Business As (DBA) names and certificates of assumed name for businesses operating in the county. The fee for filing a business certificate is currently $25. These records are public and can be searched by visiting the County Clerk's office in person or submitting a written request.
- This free online database allows searching by business name, entity ID, or registered agent.
- Most formal business entities must register with the state rather than the county.
For comprehensive business entity searches including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and other registered entities, the New York Department of State Division of Corporations maintains the official registry at dos.ny.gov/corporations. Professional licenses for occupations such as real estate agents, accountants, and medical professionals are issued by New York State licensing boards, not at the county level. Sales tax certificates of authority are issued by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.
Building permits and certificates of occupancy in the county are issued by individual municipal building departments; the City of Plattsburgh Code Enforcement Office (518-563-7802) handles permits within city limits, while town building inspectors handle their respective jurisdictions. Zoning information and variances are managed by local planning and zoning boards. The North Country Chamber of Commerce, serving this jurisdiction and the surrounding region, can be reached at (518) 563-1000 and maintains a website at northcountrychamber.com, providing business resources, networking, and economic development information for the area.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Clinton County, New York are administered by the Clinton County Board of Elections, located at 137 Margaret Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901. The Board can be reached at (518) 565-4740 and maintains information at clintoncountygov.com/departments/board-of-elections. The Board is governed by two Commissioners, one from each major political party, as required by New York Election Law.
- In the November 2024 general election, this county saw voter turnout of approximately 62% of registered voters, consistent with typical presidential election years in New York.
- Absentee ballots in this county can be requested through the County Board of Elections; applications are available online, by mail, or in person.
- New York allows any registered voter to vote by absentee ballot, with applications due by mail seven days before the election or in person the day before.
Voter registration in this jurisdiction can be completed online through the New York State Board of Elections at DMV.NY.gov/more-info/electronic-voter-registration-application, in person at the County Board of Elections, at the Department of Motor Vehicles, or by mail using a voter registration form. The registration deadline is 25 days before any election. New York also offers same-day registration during the early voting period for qualified voters.
To find your polling place in the county, voters can use the New York State Board of Elections polling place locator at voterlookup.elections.ny.gov or contact the County Board of Elections directly. Election records that are public in New York include voter registration lists (available for political purposes with restrictions under Election Law §5-508), campaign finance disclosure reports filed with the state Board of Elections, candidate petition filings, and precinct-level election results. The the region Board of Elections publishes election results on election night and certifies final results after canvassing.
The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives elections for New York's 21st Congressional District (which includes the area), as well as New York State Senate, State Assembly, and various county and local offices. New York Governor and U.S.
Senate races will also appear on this ballot. Early voting is available at designated locations in the area for nine days before Election Day, from the second Saturday through the Sunday before the election. Under New York's Freedom of Information Law and Election Law provisions, citizens can request access to various election records including ballot images (after retention periods), voting machine records, campaign finance filings, and Board of Elections meeting minutes.
The County Board of Elections maintains transparency through public meetings and accessibility to election materials as required by state law.
Economy & Demographics
Clinton County's economy is diverse, anchored by healthcare, education, retail, and manufacturing sectors. The largest employer in the county is the University of Vermont Health Network - Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) in Plattsburgh, employing over 2,000 people and serving as the region's primary medical center. State University of New York at Plattsburgh (SUNY Plattsburgh) is another major employer with approximately 1,400 faculty and staff, serving roughly 5,000 students and contributing significantly to the local economy through education and research.
- The median household income in Clinton County is approximately $58,000, slightly below the New York state median.
The former Plattsburgh Air Force Base, now Plattsburgh International Airport and the Plattsburgh Airbase Redevelopment Corporation properties, hosts numerous businesses including manufacturers, logistics companies, and technology firms. Nova Bus Corporation, a major manufacturer of transit buses, operates a significant facility in the county. Key economic sectors include healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, educational services, accommodation and food services (driven by tourism to Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks), and manufacturing.
Agriculture remains important in rural areas, particularly dairy farming. Tourism is a significant economic driver, with visitors attracted to Ausable Chasm, lake recreation, winter sports, and proximity to Montreal, Canada (about 60 miles north). The the region Industrial Development Agency actively works to attract and retain businesses through tax incentives and financing programs.
Recent economic development has focused on renewable energy, with several solar projects, and leveraging the county's location on major transportation corridors including Interstate 87 and rail connections. Cross-border commerce with Canada represents both opportunity and vulnerability depending on exchange rates and border policies. Unemployment rates in the county typically track close to state averages, ranging from 3-5% in recent years depending on seasonal factors.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: Online (State Portal) | Property: Yes: Online Assessment Data | Arrest/Jail: Limited: FOIL Request Required | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail | Business: Yes: State Online/County In-Person | Elections: Yes: Online Results & Registration | Overall Score: 6/10 — Clinton County provides moderate digital access; many records require in-person visits or formal FOIL requests, though state systems supplement local access.
Official Government Resources
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Cities & Towns in Clinton County
Explore public records for 22 cities and communities in Clinton County, New York.