Dunellen, New Jersey Public Records

Regular Council Meeting Monday, June 1, 2026, In Person or Virtual. Official government information is available at www.dunellen-nj.gov.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Middlesex County Adult Correction Center is the primary detention facility for the area. When individuals are arrested anywhere in Middlesex County, they're processed and booked at this facility before court appearances. Family members and attorneys can search for detainees through Middlesex County's online inmate lookup portal. Visitation at the facility requires advance scheduling and adherence to strict guidelines regarding what visitors may bring.

Arrest Records

Arrest records throughout Middlesex County are kept by the Sheriff's Office and individual municipal police departments. These records document arrest details, charges filed, and booking information. Anyone seeking these records - whether residents or legal counsel - can submit requests to the appropriate law enforcement agency under the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA). Typical arrest records contain personal identifying information, the date of arrest, specific charges, and current case status.

Criminal Records

The criminal records ecosystem in Middlesex County includes felony, misdemeanor, traffic, and sex offender registry records. The Middlesex County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the New Jersey State Police oversee the statewide criminal history database. Residents can run background checks through the New Jersey State Police, which provides criminal history reports. The county also participates in the New Jersey Sex Offender Internet Registry, offering public access to information about registered offenders.

Local specifics: Case lookup and court records are accessible online at www.dunellen-nj.gov. Statewide criminal background checks covering Dunellen Borough residents can be requested through www.ojp.gov. The standard fee is $58.00 per record request.

Vital Records

The Dunellen Vital Records Office, a division of the Municipal Clerk's Office, is responsible for maintaining and issuing birth, marriage, and death certificates for Dunellen residents. Individuals can request copies of these records by visiting the office, located at 355 North Avenue, Dunellen, NJ 08812, or by downloading and submitting the appropriate application form available on the borough's website: https://www.dunellen-nj.gov/departments/municipal_clerk/index.php.

Business & Licensing Records

Business licensing and regulation in the borough fall under the Dunellen Business Administrator's Office. Entrepreneurs and business owners can secure necessary permits and licenses here, along with guidance on local zoning regulations and tax requirements. The office is located at 355 North Avenue, Dunellen, NJ 08812, and additional information is available on the borough's website: https://www.dunellen-nj.gov/departments/business_administration/index.php.

Economy & Demographics

Dunellen's economy is diverse, with a mix of retail, service, and light industrial businesses. The Dunellen Business Improvement District (BID) works to promote economic development and support local entrepreneurs. Residents and businesses can find information about economic opportunities, incentives, and resources on the borough's website: https://www.dunellen-nj.gov/departments/business_administration/index.php.

Elections & Voter Records

Voter services for Dunellen residents are administered by the Middlesex County Board of Elections, located at 75 Bayard Street, 2nd Floor, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 (phone: 732-745-3471, website: www.middlesexcountynj.gov/government/departments/office-of-the-county-clerk/board-of-elections). This office handles voter registration, election administration, and all voting services for the borough and other county municipalities.

New Jersey residents can register online at https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/register using a New Jersey driver's license or non-driver ID; the registration deadline is 21 days before Election Day. Registration is also available by mail or in person at the Middlesex County Board of Elections or motor vehicle agencies. Municipal elections in Dunellen select a Mayor and Borough Council members. The Mayor serves a four-year term, while the six-member Borough Council staggers its elections with three seats contested every two years for four-year terms. These municipal elections occur each May as part of New Jersey's non-partisan cycle; the next one is scheduled for May 2026 for council seats. Details about local candidates and ballot questions can be obtained from the Borough Clerk at Dunellen Borough Hall (732-968-1270) and from the Middlesex County Board of Elections. Voters can locate their assigned polling place using the lookup tool at https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/polling-place-search or by contacting the Middlesex County Board directly. During the November 2024 presidential election, Middlesex County recorded turnout of approximately 65-68% of registered voters, matching statewide participation in that competitive race. New Jersey's U.S. Senate seat held by Cory Booker will appear on the ballot, along with all 12 U.S. House seats; Dunellen falls within New Jersey's 6th Congressional District. While no gubernatorial election occurs in 2026 (the next is 2025), all 40 State Senate seats and all 80 General Assembly seats will be contested. County-level positions including County Commissioners (formerly Freeholders) will also be decided. New Jersey offers early voting at designated locations and extensive vote-by-mail options; any registered voter can request a mail-in ballot without stating a reason by submitting an application to the Middlesex County Board of Elections online, by mail, or in person; applications must arrive by the Tuesday before the election. Public election records in New Jersey include voter registration files (with certain personal information redacted under 19:31-18.1), campaign finance reports filed with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) at www.elec.nj.gov, candidate petition filings and nomination documents, and precinct-level results. The County Board of Elections posts unofficial results on election night and certified results after canvassing; detailed precinct breakdowns are available for public inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register to vote in Dunellen, New Jersey?

To register to vote in Dunellen, New Jersey, residents can register online through the New Jersey Division of Elections's website, by mail, or in person at the Middlesex County elections office. New Jersey requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the New Jersey Division of Elections's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Dunellen, contact the Middlesex County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.

How do I look up property records in Dunellen, New Jersey?

Property records for Dunellen, New Jersey are maintained by the Middlesex Municipal Tax Assessor's Office and the Middlesex County Clerk. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Middlesex County, including parcels in Dunellen. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Middlesex County Clerk maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many New Jersey counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. The Middlesex County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.

How do I get a birth or death certificate in Dunellen, New Jersey?

Birth, death, and marriage records for Dunellen, New Jersey residents are available through both county and state offices. The New Jersey Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics, located in Trenton, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in New Jersey. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Middlesex County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Middlesex County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.

About Dunellen Borough New — In Depth