About Nassau County
Nassau County is located on Long Island in the southeastern part of New York State, directly east of New York City's county of Queens. Nassau County Seat is Mineola, home to the historic Nassau County Supreme Court and many central government offices. With a population exceeding 1.36 million residents as of recent census estimates, Nassau County is one of the most populous suburban counties in the United States, covering approximately 453 square miles including water areas.
Nassau County was created in 1899 from the eastern portion of Queens County when western Queens became part of New York City. Nassau County includes two cities—Glen Cove and Long Beach—along with three towns (Hempstead, North Hempstead, and Oyster Bay) and numerous incorporated villages. Major landmarks include Jones Beach State Park, Old Westbury Gardens, the Cradle of Aviation Museum, and Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
Nassau County Clerk's office is located at 240 Old Country Road in Mineola, handling vital records, business filings, and land records. Nassau County Assessment Department maintains property valuations and tax assessment records from One West Street in Mineola. Nassau County Comptroller's office oversees financial operations and property tax administration.
Nassau County is characterized by its strong school systems, diverse communities ranging from affluent Gold Coast estates to middle-class suburban neighborhoods, and strong commercial districts including Roosevelt Field Mall, one of the nation's largest shopping centers. Nassau County's proximity to Manhattan has shaped its development as a premier suburban residential area with excellent transportation infrastructure including the Long Island Rail Road.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Nassau County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order within Nassau County's jurisdiction. It operates Nassau County Correctional Center and manages Nassau County's civil enforcement, including serving legal documents and executing warrants. The Sheriff's Office also oversees the security of Nassau County courts and provides patrol services in unincorporated areas.
Police Departments
Nassau County is served by Nassau County Police Department, which handles law enforcement in most areas of Nassau County, except for those covered by local municipal police departments. Major municipal departments include the Hempstead Police Department, Freeport Police Department, and Glen Cove Police Department. These agencies coordinate with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of full coverage and response across Nassau County. Each department has jurisdiction over its respective area, focusing on community policing and crime prevention initiatives.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Nassau County Police Department (NCPD) is one of the largest police agencies in New York State, serving the unincorporated areas and most villages within Nassau County, with headquarters at 1490 Franklin Avenue in Mineola. The department can be reached at and maintains a website at pdcms.nassaucountyny.gov. The two incorporated cities maintain independent police forces: the Glen Cove Police Department and the Long Beach Police Department. Park police agencies also operate including Nassau County Parks Police.
- For arrest records and incident reports in Nassau County, requests must be submitted under New York's Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), codified in Public Officers Law Article 6, Sections 84-90.
- Requests should be directed to the NCPD Records Section at the headquarters address or through Nassau County's FOIL portal.
- The Sheriff's Office, distinct from the Police Department, primarily handles civil process, court security, and corrections operations.
- Processing times for arrest records typically range from several days to several weeks depending on request complexity.
- Fees apply for copies and certified documents, usually calculated at $0.25 per page plus any applicable certification fees.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Nassau County cover felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses, as well as sex offender registry information. These records are maintained by Nassau County Police Department, the Sheriff's Office, and the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services. Residents can conduct background checks through the New York State Office of Court Administration, which provides statewide criminal history record searches for a fee.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Nassau County are maintained by Nassau County Police Department and the Sheriff's Office. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through the respective department's records division. Under the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), individuals can access arrest records, which typically include the arrestee's personal information, charges, and arrest details. Requests for records can be submitted online or in person, with processing times varying based on the volume of requests and the nature of the records sought.
Jail & Inmate Records
Nassau County Correctional Center, located in East Meadow, is the primary detention facility for Nassau County. It handles the booking and processing of individuals arrested within Nassau County. The facility provides an inmate lookup service through Nassau County Sheriff's Office website, allowing the public to search for current detainees. Visitation rules are specific, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict security protocols.
- The bond and bail process follows New York State guidelines, where bail can be posted at the correctional center or through a bail bondsman.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Nassau County are taken and retained by Nassau County Sheriff's Office during the booking process at Nassau County Correctional Center. These images are part of the arrest records and can be accessed through a formal request to the Sheriff's Office. While New York does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals seeking to have their mugshots removed from public view may need to pursue legal action or request removal from third-party websites that host such images. The Sheriff's Office does not provide a public online database for mugshot searches.
Courts & Case Records
Nassau County's court system includes multiple levels of jurisdiction. The Supreme Court of the State of New York, Nassau County, located at 100 Supreme Court Drive in Mineola (516-571-2905), handles major civil matters and felony criminal cases. Nassau County Court, sharing facilities at the same complex, has jurisdiction over felonies and civil cases. Nassau County District Court, with locations throughout Nassau County including the main courthouse at 99 Main Street in Hempstead (516-572-2261), handles misdemeanors, traffic violations, and civil matters up to $25,000.
- Nassau County Clerk's office at 240 Old Country Road in Mineola maintains court records and provides public access.
- Fees for court records include $5 per document for uncertified copies and $6 per document plus the base fee for certified copies from the County Clerk.
- Each court maintains its own filing and retrieval procedures, with many offering electronic filing for attorneys and registered users.
Nassau County also has numerous Town and Village Justice Courts handling local ordinance violations, traffic matters, and preliminary felony proceedings. New York's Judiciary Law Section 255 and Civil Rights Law Section 73 govern public access to court records, establishing that court records are generally public unless sealed by court order. Online case searches are available through the New York State Unified Court System's e-courts platform at iapps.courts.state.ny.us/webcivil/ecourtsMain for civil cases and through nycourts.gov/courthelp for general information.
Criminal case information may be more restricted. In-person record searches are available during business hours, typically Monday through Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Surrogate's Court at 262 Old Country Road in Mineola handles probate, estate administration, and guardianship matters.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in Nassau County are maintained by the County Clerk's office, which is the Register of Deeds, located at 240 Old Country Road, Mineola, NY 11501 (phone: 516-571-2664, website: nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/CountyClerk). The office maintains an extensive collection of recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, assignments, easements, satisfactions, lis pendens, and other instruments affecting real property title.
- The department provides online access to property assessment data, tax maps, and parcel information through its website at Nassau County Property Assessment portal.
- Certified copies of recorded documents cost $5 for the first page and $5 for each additional page, plus a $5 certification fee.
- Nassau County Clerk's office processes copy requests in person, by mail, or through online ordering for credit card payment.
- Recording fees vary by document type, with deeds typically costing $32 plus additional fees based on consideration amount.
Nassau County offers free online access to land records through the Automated City Register Information System (ACRIS) Nassau County portal, allowing users to search by party name, document type, or block and lot number for documents recorded from the 1970s to present. Older records may require in-person research or assistance from county staff. Property tax assessment information is maintained separately by Nassau County Assessment Department at One West Street, Mineola, NY 11501 (516-571-3214).
Users can search by address, section-block-lot number, or owner name to view current assessments, property characteristics, exemptions, and sales history. Nassau County also maintains a Geographic Information System (GIS) portal providing interactive mapping tools, aerial imagery, tax maps, and parcel boundaries at gis.nassaucountyny.gov. The system integrates multiple data layers useful for property research, planning, and due diligence.
Vital Records
Vital records for Nassau County are primarily handled through Nassau County Clerk's office at 240 Old Country Road, Mineola, NY 11501 (516-571-2664). Birth certificates for births occurring in Nassau County can be requested from the County Clerk for events from 1914 forward, though the office holds some earlier records. The fee for a certified birth certificate is $30 for the first copy and $15 for each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously. Death certificates for deaths in Nassau County are also available through the County Clerk at the same fee structure.
- Processing time for in-person requests is typically immediate to same-day; mail requests generally take 2-4 weeks.
- Marriage licenses must be obtained from Nassau County Clerk's office; couples must apply in person and pay a $40 fee, with a 24-hour waiting period before the license is valid.
- Marriage certificates (proof of recorded marriage) cost $20 for a certified copy.
- Online ordering through VitalChek incurs additional service fees but may expedite processing.
Applicants must complete the appropriate application form and provide valid government-issued photo identification. Only individuals with a direct and tangible interest in the record may obtain certified copies, as governed by New York Public Health Law Section 4174. The marriage license is valid for 60 days from issuance.
Divorce records are not maintained at Nassau County level; certified divorce decrees must be obtained from the New York State Department of Health Vital Records Section or from the court that granted the divorce. For birth and death records over 75 years old or when county records are unavailable, the New York State Department of Health Vital Records Section in Albany can be contacted at or through vitalchek.com for online ordering. Genealogical researchers should note that New York vital records restrictions apply for 75 years for births and 50 years for deaths regarding unrestricted access.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Nassau County are accessible through multiple agencies depending on the type of record sought. Nassau County Clerk's office at 240 Old Country Road, Mineola (516-571-2664) maintains DBA (Doing Business As) certificates, also known as business certificates or assumed name certificates, required for sole proprietors and partnerships operating under a name other than the owner's legal name. These filings cost $25 and must be renewed every five years under New York General Business Law Section 130.
- Nassau County Clerk provides an index of business certificates searchable by business name or owner name.
- The state offers a free online business entity database at apps.dos.ny.gov/publicInquiry allowing searches by entity name, filing number, or registered agent.
- This database provides status, formation date, jurisdiction, and registered agent information for all business entities registered in New York.
For corporations, limited liability companies, and limited partnerships, formation documents and ongoing filings are maintained by the New York Secretary of State, Division of Corporations. Sales tax permits and certificates of authority are issued by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, not at Nassau County level. Professional licenses (medical, legal, real estate, cosmetology, etc.) are regulated by the New York State Education Department Office of Professions or other state agencies.
Building permits, certificates of occupancy, and zoning information in Nassau County are handled at the town or city level, as Nassau has no unincorporated areas outside its three towns and two cities. The Town of Hempstead Department of Buildings, Town of North Hempstead Building Department, Town of Oyster Bay Department of Community Development, and the cities' respective building departments issue construction permits and maintain public records. Nassau County Department of Consumer Affairs (516-571-2600) licenses certain businesses including home improvement contractors, peddlers, and second-hand dealers.
The Long Island Development Corporation and various chambers of commerce including Nassau County Chamber of Commerce (nassauchamber.org) provide business resources and networking, though they do not maintain official regulatory records.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Nassau County are administered by Nassau County Board of Elections, located at 240 Old Country Road, Suite 450, Mineola, NY 11501 (phone: 516-571-2411, website: nassaucountyny.gov/1770/Board-of-Elections). The office is responsible for voter registration, maintaining voter rolls, administering elections, and certifying results for all federal, state, county, and local elections within Nassau County.
- New York requires voters to register at least 25 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election.
- Voter registration lists are available for inspection and can be purchased by eligible requesters for political purposes.
- Precinct-level election results are published following certification and are available on the Board of Elections website and through formal records requests.
- In the 2024 general election, Nassau County saw strong turnout typical of presidential election years, with participation rates generally exceeding 65% of registered voters.
- New York allows any registered voter to request an absentee ballot; no excuse is required.
Voter registration in Nassau County can be completed online through the New York State Board of Elections website at voting.ny.gov, by mail using a paper registration form, or in person at the County Board of Elections office, the Department of Motor Vehicles, or various government agencies. Online registration requires a New York State driver license or non-driver ID. To find your polling place in Nassau County, voters can use the polling place locator at voterlookup.elections.ny.gov by entering their address, or contact the Board of Elections directly.
New York State implemented early voting beginning in 2019, with multiple early voting sites available throughout Nassau County during the designated early voting period (typically nine days prior to Election Day). Most election records in Nassau County are public under New York Election Law. Campaign finance filings for county-level candidates are maintained by Nassau County Board of Elections and are available for public review.
State and federal candidate filings are maintained by the New York State Board of Elections and Federal Election Commission respectively. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, New York State Senate and Assembly seats, and county-level offices.
Absentee ballots in Nassau County can be requested online through the New York State absentee ballot portal at absenteeballot.elections.ny.gov, by submitting a written application to Nassau County Board of Elections, or by applying in person. Applications must be received by the Board of Elections at least seven days before the election for mail delivery, or the day before the election for in-person pickup. Transparency in Nassau County elections is supported by public access to election night results, detailed canvass reports, voting machine testing schedules, and Board of Elections meetings.
Citizens may request copies of petitions, campaign disclosure statements, and election administration records under New York's Freedom of Information Law.
Economy & Demographics
Nassau County's economy is among the strongest and most diverse in the United States, with an estimated median household income exceeding $120,000, well above both state and national averages. Nassau County's proximity to New York City combined with its high quality of life has attracted major corporate headquarters and facilities. Key economic sectors include healthcare, education, retail, professional services, finance, and aerospace/defense.
- Nassau County Industrial Development Agency provides tax incentives and financing assistance for eligible commercial and industrial projects.
Major employers include NYU Langone Hospital-Long Island (formerly Winthrop), Nassau University Medical Center, Northwell Health facilities, Catholic Health Services of Long Island, and numerous school districts collectively employing thousands. The defense and aerospace industry maintains a significant presence, with Curtiss-Wright Corporation and other contractors supporting aerospace engineering and manufacturing. The retail sector is anchored by Roosevelt Field Mall in Garden City, one of the highest-grossing shopping centers nationally, along with Green Acres Mall and numerous commercial corridors.
Professional services, including legal, accounting, engineering, and consulting firms, employ a substantial portion of the workforce, serving both local clients and Manhattan-based businesses. The financial services sector includes numerous bank branches, wealth management firms, and insurance companies. Nassau County's unemployment rate typically tracks below the national average, reflecting the educated workforce and economic stability.
Hofstra University in Hempstead and Adelphi University in Garden City contribute to the economy as major employers and educational institutions, while also supporting research and cultural activities. Tourism contributes significantly through attractions like Jones Beach State Park, which draws millions of visitors annually for beaches, concerts, and events. the local community Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, recently renovated, hosts sporting events, concerts, and conventions.
Economic development initiatives focus on downtown revitalization, transit-oriented development around LIRR stations, and supporting small businesses. Nassau County continues transitioning from traditional suburban retail toward mixed-use development and knowledge-based employment sectors.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Free Search | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person Preferred | Business: Yes: Online (State) | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 9/10 — Nassau County provides excellent digital access to property records, court information, and election data, with online portals and responsive FOIL procedures.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Nassau County, New York?
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Nassau County, New York?
How do I get a criminal background check in Nassau County, New York?
How can I look up sex offenders in Nassau County, New York?
How do I register to vote in Nassau County, New York?
How do I look up property records in Nassau County, New York?
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Nassau County, New York?
How do I find business license records in Nassau County, New York?
Cities & Towns in Nassau County
Explore public records for 60 cities and communities in Nassau County, New York.