Monroe County

Monroe County, New York is located in the western region of the state along the southern shore of Lake Ontario. Monroe County seat is Rochester, which is also the third-largest city in New York State. Monroe County includes approximately 1,366 square miles, with a population of approximately 759,443 residents according to recent census estimates. Established in 1821 and named after President James Monroe, Monroe County is a major economic and cultural hub in the Finger Lakes region. Major landmarks include the Erie Canal, which passes through Monroe County; the George Eastman Museum, dedicated to the founder of Kodak; Highland Park, famous for its lilac festival; and the Strong National Museum of Play. The Genesee River runs through the heart of Rochester, creating the impressive High Falls. Monroe County is home to world-class universities including the University of Rochester and Rochester Institute of Technology. Monroe County Clerk's office is located at 39 West Main Street, Rochester, NY 14614, and handles vital records, business filings, and court document filing. Monroe County Clerk is the chief administrative officer for county records. Property records are maintained by Monroe County Clerk's office, which operates as the Register of Deeds. Assessment records are handled by individual municipal assessors within Monroe County's 19 towns and multiple villages. Monroe County is known for its innovation in imaging technology, optics, and its historical role as a center of the abolitionist movement, with Frederick Douglass having made Rochester his home.

• Property records are maintained by Monroe County Clerk's office, which operates as the Register of Deeds.

Monroe County New York Court is located at 39 West Main Street, Rochester, NY 14614. It is a unified court system with a Supreme Court, County Court, Family Court, Surrogate's Court, and Court of Claims. The court is open Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5:00pm.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• To request arrest records, citizens must submit a FOIL request to the specific law enforcement agency that made the arrest.
• Historical arrest records and mugshots may require a formal written FOIL request.
• Processing times for FOIL requests typically range from five to twenty business days, though agencies may claim additional time for complex requests.

Jail & Inmate Records

• The bond and bail process in New York allows for the release of detainees pending court appearances, with information available through the jail's administration office.

• Monroe County has numerous Town and Village Justice Courts that handle traffic violations, misdemeanors, small claims up to $3,000, and civil cases up to $3,000.
• Fees for certified copies of court documents are typically $6 for the first page and $1 for each additional page.

• Records are typically available online dating back to the 1960s, with some earlier records available.
• Monroe County Real Property Tax Services office at 39 West Main Street provides coordination and support to local assessors.
• Certified copies of recorded instruments cost $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page.
• Same-day service is typically available for in-person requests.
• The Clerk's office accepts requests by mail with prepayment and appropriate identification.

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

• Marriage licenses are issued by Monroe County Clerk's office with a $40 fee, and couples must apply in person at least 24 hours before the ceremony but no more than 60 days prior.
• Certified marriage certificates cost $30.
• Divorce records (divorce decrees) are obtained from Monroe County Clerk's office where the decree was filed, costing $30 per certified copy.
• For records dating before 1880 or for records when the exact county is unknown, requests should be directed to the New York State Department of Health, Vital Records Section, P.O.
• Online ordering of vital records is available through VitalChek at www.health.ny.gov/vital_records for an additional processing fee.

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

• This database includes entity names, formation dates, addresses, registered agents, and current status.