About Hudson County
Hudson County is located in northeastern New Jersey, bordered by the Hudson River to the east and the Hackensack River to the west, directly across from Manhattan. Hudson County Seat is Jersey City, which is also Hudson County's largest county and the second-most populous city in New Jersey. Hudson County covers approximately 62.3 square miles, making it the smallest county in New Jersey by land area, yet it is the most densely populated county in the state with an estimated population exceeding 724,000 residents.
- Hudson County Register of Deeds and Mortgages office handles property records and is located at 595 Newark Avenue as well.
Hudson County comprises twelve municipalities: Bayonne, East Newark, Guttenberg, Harrison, Hoboken, Jersey City, Kearny, North Bergen, Secaucus, Union City, Weehawken, and West New York. Major landmarks include Liberty State Park with its stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, the historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal, and the rapidly developing Jersey City waterfront. Established in 1840 from parts of Bergen County, Hudson County played a key role in American immigration history and industrial development.
Hudson County Administration Building is located at 257 Cornelison Avenue in Jersey City, NJ 07302. Hudson County Clerk's Office maintains vital records and is situated at 595 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306. The Tax Assessor functions are handled at the municipal level in New Jersey.
What makes Hudson County unique is its extraordinary ethnic diversity, urban density, position as a major transportation hub with PATH trains and light rail connecting to New York City, and its transformation from an industrial powerhouse to a modern center for finance, technology, and residential development with some of the highest-value real estate appreciation in the nation.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Hudson County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout Hudson County. It provides law enforcement services to unincorporated areas and supports municipal police departments. The office is also involved in community outreach programs and initiatives meant to improving public safety and supporting the community relations.
Police Departments
Hudson County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Hudson County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments. The Jersey City Police Department is the largest municipal force, handling law enforcement within Jersey City. Other city departments include the Hoboken Police Department, Bayonne Police Department, and Union City Police Department. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and emergencies, often coordinating with the Sheriff's Office for resources and support.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Hudson County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 257 Cornelison Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07302, provides law enforcement services including court security, prisoner transport, and civil process service.
- Requests must be made in writing using the Government Records Request Form, and agencies must respond within seven business days.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public records in New Jersey and can be obtained through OPRA requests to the arresting agency or Hudson County Correctional Center.
- Some recent booking information may be available through the online inmate search portal.
Hudson County Correctional and Rehabilitation Center, located at 35 Hackensack Avenue, Kearny, NJ 07032, houses county inmates and offers an online inmate lookup system accessible through Hudson County Sheriff's website where the public can search for current detainees by name, booking number, or date of birth. The facility phone number is for inmate information. Hudson County has twelve municipal police departments serving each county: Jersey City Police Department, Bayonne Police Department, Hoboken Police Department, Union City Police Department, West New York Police Department, North Bergen Police Department, Kearny Police Department, Weehawken Police Department, Guttenberg Police Department, Secaucus Police Department, Harrison Police Department, and East Newark Police Department.
Each municipal department maintains its own records and operates independently. Under New Jersey's Open Public Records Act (OPRA), 47:1A-1 et seq, citizens have the right to request arrest records, police reports, and booking information from the respective municipal police departments or the Sheriff's Office. There are no tribal police agencies in Hudson County.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department also operates within Hudson County jurisdiction at transportation facilities.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Hudson County includes a variety of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can conduct background checks through the New Jersey State Police, which provides full criminal history information. The New Jersey State Police offers additional resources for Hudson County residents seeking detailed criminal records, following state laws and regulations.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Hudson County are maintained by Hudson County Sheriff's Office and the various municipal police departments. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through formal applications, often requiring identification and a fee. Hudson County arrest records typically include the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and booking details. The New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA) governs the accessibility of these records, for public access and public access while protecting sensitive information.
Jail & Inmate Records
Hudson County Correctional Facility, located in Kearny, is the primary detention center for Hudson County. It handles the booking process for people arrested within Hudson County, where they are processed and held pending trial or release. The facility provides an inmate lookup service through its website, allowing family members and attorneys to find information about detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and require prior scheduling, with guidelines available online.
- The bond and bail process in New Jersey allows for the release of inmates pending trial, and information on posting bail can be obtained directly from the facility.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Hudson County are taken and retained by Hudson County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the arrest record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or via third-party services that compile public records. While New Jersey does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, individuals can request corrections or updates to their records if inaccuracies are found. The availability of mugshots online varies, and some may be accessible through court records or specific law enforcement websites.
Courts & Case Records
Hudson County is served by the Superior Court of New Jersey, Hudson County Vicinage, which is the trial court of general jurisdiction. The courthouse is located at Hudson County Administration Building, Justice William J. Brennan Jr. Courthouse, 595 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306. The main court phone number is. The Superior Court handles civil cases, criminal indictable offenses, family matters, probate (Surrogate's Court), and general equity cases.
- Hudson County Surrogate's Court, located at 257 Cornelison Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306, phone, administers estates, processes wills, and handles adoptions and name changes.
- Municipal courts set their own schedules and fee structures.
- The New Jersey Judiciary provides a Promis/Gavel public access system for searching Superior Court case information online at www.njcourts.gov, though some case details may be restricted.
- Court records searches may require payment of fees for certified copies, typically ranging from $5 to $10 per document.
- Walk-in requests for records can be made at the courthouse during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in Hudson County are maintained by Hudson County Register of Deeds and Mortgages, located at 595 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306 The office is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The Register's office maintains full records including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, mortgages, mortgage satisfactions, liens, judgments, easements, covenants, restrictions, and subdivision plat maps dating back to Hudson County's creation in 1840.
- Certified copies of recorded documents cost $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, plus a $5.00 certification fee.
Hudson County offers a free online property records search system called Hudson County Clerk Land Records Search, accessible through www.hudsoncountynj.org, where users can search by party name, block and lot, document type, and recording date. Images of recorded documents can be viewed and printed online at no charge for informational purposes. Property tax records and assessment information are maintained at the municipal level by each town's Tax Assessor office, as New Jersey operates under a municipal assessment system.
Hudson County Board of Taxation, located at 567 Pavonia Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306, phone, hears property tax appeals. Hudson County maintains a full online GIS property mapping system called Hudson County Geographic Information System (HCGIS) accessible through Hudson County website, providing parcel boundaries, ownership information, aerial imagery, and zoning data. Document recording can be done in person or through Hudson County's electronic recording system.
Title searches and abstracts are commonly obtained through title companies that access Hudson County recording system.
Vital Records
Vital records in Hudson County are managed by both Hudson County Clerk's Office and the New Jersey State Department of Health. Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Hudson County can be requested from Hudson County Clerk's Office, located at 595 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306 Birth certificates cost $25.00 for the first copy and $2.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously. Death certificates cost $25.00 for the first copy and $2.00 for each additional copy.
- Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks for mail requests and immediate for in-person requests if records are readily available.
Only immediate family members and legal representatives can obtain certified copies; valid government-issued photo identification is required. Marriage licenses are issued by the local municipal Registrar in the county where the ceremony will take place, not by the County Clerk. However, marriage and civil union records can be obtained from the county where the license was issued or from the New Jersey State Registrar.
Divorce records are maintained by the Superior Court of New Jersey, Hudson County Vicinage, at the courthouse. The New Jersey Department of Health, Vital Statistics Registration Unit, PO Box 370, Trenton, NJ 08625-0370, phone, maintains statewide vital records and offers online ordering through VitalChek at www.nj.gov/health/vital. Vital records in New Jersey are governed by 26:8-1 et seq, which establishes who may access these confidential records and under what circumstances.
Birth records are confidential for 80 years and death records for 50 years under New Jersey law, accessible only to authorized individuals during these periods.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Hudson County are accessible through multiple governmental levels. Hudson County Clerk's Office at 595 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306, phone, maintains trade name certificates (Doing Business As or DBA filings) and certain business related documents. Trade name registration costs $50.00 and is valid for five years.
- Hudson County Chamber of Commerce & Industry, located in Jersey City, provides business support services and networking opportunities; their website is www.hudsonchamber.org.
- Hudson County Division of Planning at provides information on economic development and commercial property use.
For full business entity searches including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and limited liability partnerships, the New Jersey Department of the Treasury, Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services, maintains an online Business Entity Search at www.nj.gov/treasury/revenue/busregcert.shtml, which is free and provides information on business formation, registered agents, and status. Professional licenses for occupations such as real estate agents, contractors, accountants, and healthcare providers are issued by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs and can be searched online at www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/verify. Sales tax permits and employer registration are handled through the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services.
Business licenses for specific activities such as retail operations, food service, and entertainment are typically issued at the municipal level by each of the twelve Hudson County municipalities; contact the municipal clerk's office for the specific town where the business operates. Building permits, zoning approvals, and certificates of occupancy are also handled by municipal building departments and zoning boards.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Hudson County are administered by Hudson County Board of Elections, located at 257 Cornelison Avenue, 1st Floor, Jersey City, NJ 07302. The Board can be contacted through the office’s website, and their website is www.hudsoncountyclerk.org/elections. The office is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Voter registration in Hudson County can be completed online through the New Jersey Division of Elections at voter.svrs.nj.gov, by mail using a voter registration application, or in person at the Board of Elections office, municipal clerk offices, or motor vehicle agencies.
- New Jersey offers vote-by-mail options; any registered voter can request a mail-in ballot online at www.nj.gov/state/elections/vote-by-mail.shtml or by contacting the Board of Elections.
- Under New Jersey's Open Public Records Act, citizens can request election related records including ballot materials, vote tabulation reports, and administrative records.
The voter registration deadline is 21 days prior to any election. New Jersey offers same-day registration during the early voting period. To find your polling place in Hudson County, voters can use the online polling place locator at voter.svrs.nj.gov or contact the Board of Elections.
Hudson County election records that are public include voter registration lists (available for purchase for political purposes), campaign finance reports filed with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) at www.elec.nj.gov, candidate petition filings, and precinct-level election results. Election results are published on Hudson County Clerk's website following certification. In the November 2024 general election, Hudson County had approximately 62% voter turnout, consistent with its historical participation rates in presidential elections; midterm and local elections typically see lower turnout around 35-45%.
The next major election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives elections for all New Jersey congressional districts, one U.S. Senate seat, and state and local offices.
Mail-in ballot applications must be received by 7 days before the election; voted ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received within 48 hours, or deposited in a secure ballot drop box by 8:00 PM on Election Day. Early in-person voting is available at designated locations in Hudson County for nine days prior to Election Day. Hudson County uses electronic voting machines with paper ballot backups, and election results are publicly posted at www.hudsoncountynj.org following each election.
Economy & Demographics
Hudson County possesses one of the most dynamic and diverse economies in New Jersey, characterized by its strategic location adjacent to Manhattan and excellent transportation infrastructure. Major economic sectors include financial services, healthcare, logistics and transportation, retail, hospitality, real estate development, and technology. Jersey City has emerged as a major financial center with offices of major banks including JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, Fidelity Investments, and numerous fintech companies establishing operations in the waterfront towers.
- The median household income in Hudson County is approximately $73,000, though this varies significantly by county.
Major employers include Jersey City Medical Center (RWJBarnabas Health), Hudson Regional Hospital, Hackensack Meridian Health, Amazon fulfillment centers in Bayonne and other locations, UPS logistics facilities, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Hartz Mountain Industries, and Goya Foods headquartered in Secaucus. The redevelopment of the Jersey City and Hoboken waterfronts represents billions of dollars in investment, transforming former industrial brownfields into mixed-use residential and commercial districts. The unemployment rate in Hudson County typically tracks slightly above the New Jersey state average, hovering around 4-5% in recent years.
Lincoln Harbor in Weehawken and Newport Centre in Jersey City represent significant commercial developments. Hudson County benefits economically from its role as a transportation hub with Port Jersey, Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal operations, Hudson-Bergen Light Rail system, and Conrail freight operations. Tourism related to Liberty State Park and waterfront attractions contributes to the local economy.
There are no tribal lands or tribal economic activities in Hudson County. Recent economic development initiatives focus on tech startups, life sciences, and continued urban residential development.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online via Promis/Gavel | Property: Yes: Free Online Search | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Inmate Lookup | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail Required | Business: Yes: State Online Search | Elections: Yes: Online Results & Registration | Overall Score: 8.5/10, Hudson County provides excellent digital access to property records, court information, and election data, with online tools and responsive public records compliance under OPRA.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Hudson County
Explore public records for 12 cities and communities in Hudson County, New Jersey.