New York, county records

Erie County, New York Public Records

Find the right office in Erie County. Court cases, deeds and parcels, sheriff and jail records, vital records and county filings, each linked to the office that keeps them, with addresses and phone numbers.

Official sources first Free directory Links checked Sep. 13, 2026 Mobile friendly

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County profile

Erie County at a glance

State
New York
County seat
Buffalo
Population
954,236
Area
1,227 sq mi
Founded
1821
Cities and towns
47

Erie County offices and records

Sheriff & Law Enforcement. Erie County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in Erie County, particularly in unincorporated areas.

Police Departments. Erie County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Erie County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments. These agencies work in coordination with the Sheriff's Office to address major crimes and ensure public safety across Erie County.

Law Enforcement & Arrests. Erie County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 10 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202, is the primary law enforcement agency for Erie County, providing patrol services to unincorporated areas and municipalities without local police departments. Inmate searches can be conducted through the Sheriff's Office website at www2.erie.gov/sheriff or by calling for the Holding Center or for the Correctional Facility. Arrest records in Erie County are subject to New York's Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), codified under Public Officers Law Article 6, Sections 84-90.

Arrest Records. Arrest records in Erie County are maintained by Erie County Sheriff's Office and local police departments.

Mugshots & Booking Photos. Mugshots in Erie County are taken and retained by Erie County Sheriff's Office during the booking process at Erie County Holding Center. These booking photos are part of the arrest record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or third-party websites that aggregate public records.

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Erie County public-records FAQs

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Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Erie County, New York?

Mugshots or booking photos in Erie County, New York, can be obtained through the Erie County Sheriff's Office. While some information may be available online through their Inmate Information System, you may need to submit a formal request to the Sheriff's Office for access to specific booking photos. It's important to note that access to these records may be subject to certain privacy laws and regulations.

How do I get a criminal background check in Erie County, New York?

To obtain a criminal background check in Erie County, New York, you can request a search through the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). Locally, you may also contact the Erie County Sheriff's Office for guidance on obtaining background checks. The process typically involves submitting fingerprints and paying a fee, with results provided by the DCJS.

How can I look up sex offenders in Erie County, New York?

You can look up sex offenders in Erie County, New York, by accessing the New York State Sex Offender Registry. This registry is maintained by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services and provides information on registered sex offenders, including their risk level and location. The registry is available online and can be searched by name, county, or zip code.

How do I register to vote in Erie County, New York?

You can register to vote in Erie County through the New York State online voter registration system at www.dmv.ny.gov/more-info/electronic-voter-registration-application, in person at the Erie County Board of Elections at 134 West Eagle Street, Buffalo, NY 14202, or by mail using a paper application. The registration deadline is 25 days before any election. You must be a U.S. Citizen, at least 18 years old by the date of the election, and a resident of the region. Absentee ballots can be requested online at absenteeballot.elections.ny.gov, and early voting is available at designated sites beginning nine days before Election Day.

How do I look up property records in Erie County, New York?

Property records in Erie County can be searched through the Department of Real Property Tax Services at www.erie.gov/property-tax, which offers free access to assessment records, tax information, property characteristics, and sales history by address, owner name, or parcel number. For recorded land documents such as deeds, mortgages, and liens, visit the Erie County Clerk's Office website at www.clerk.erie.gov, which offers subscription-based remote access to recorded documents, or visit the Clerk's Office in person at 92 Franklin Street, Buffalo, NY 14202. A free GIS mapping portal is available at gis.erie.gov. Certified copies of deeds cost $5 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page.

How do I get a birth or death certificate in Erie County, New York?

Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Erie County can be obtained from the Erie County Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, at 95 Franklin Street, Room 1080, Buffalo, NY 14202, or by calling (716) 858-8511. The fee is $10 for the first certified copy and $5 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Processing takes approximately 2-3 weeks for mail requests. You must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate eligibility under New York Public Health Law Section 4174. For faster service or records from outside Erie County, you can order through the New York State Department of Health at www.health.ny.gov/vital_records or through VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com for expedited processing with additional fees.

How do I find business license records in Erie County, New York?

Business records in Erie County can be searched through multiple sources depending on the business type. For DBA (doing business as) and trade name certificates, contact the Erie County Clerk's Office at (716) 858-8785 or visit 92 Franklin Street, Buffalo, NY 14202. For formal business entities like corporations and LLCs, use the free New York Department of State business entity search at www.dos.ny.gov/corps. Professional licenses are searchable through the New York State Education Department Office of Professions at www.op.nysed.gov/verification-search. Building permits and local business licenses are handled by individual municipalities within Erie County or the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning for unincorporated areas.