New York County, New York Public Records

Mugshots and booking photos for individuals arrested in New York County or serving short-term sentences. While mugshots are not routinely released to the public, you can request them through a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request submitted to the NYPD. The NYPD's official website provides guidance on how to submit a FOIL request online or by mail.

To obtain a criminal background check in New York County, you should contact the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). The DCJS provides a Personal Record Review service, which allows individuals to request a copy of their criminal history record. You can apply online through the DCJS website or by mail, and the process requires fingerprinting at an authorized location.

You can look up sex offenders in New York County by accessing the New York State Sex Offender Registry. The registry is maintained by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services and is available online. You can search by name, county, or zip code to view information about registered sex offenders, including their risk level and residence.

To register to vote in New York County (Manhattan), you must submit your application at least 25 days before an election. Register online at www.elections.ny.gov or vote.nyc if you have a New York State driver license or non-driver ID, or download a mail-in form or visit the NYC Board of Elections Manhattan Office at 200 Varick Street, 10th Floor. You can request an absentee ballot online at absenteeballot.elections.ny.gov or through the Board of Elections, with applications due seven days before Election Day by mail or the day before if submitted in person.

Property records in New York County are maintained by the NYC Office of the City Register and accessible through the free ACRIS database at a.nyc.gov/acris, where you can search and view deeds, mortgages, liens, and other recorded documents dating back decades. Property tax information, assessments, and ownership details are available through the NYC Department of Finance website at a.nyc.gov/propertytax. For certified copies of documents, contact the Office of the City Register at 66 John Street or call (212) 487-6300, with fees of $4 per page for certified copies.

Birth and death certificates for New York County are obtained through the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Office of Vital Records at 125 Worth Street, CN-4, Room 133, or by visiting www.nyc.gov/health and selecting vital records. Certificates cost $15 for the first copy and $10 for additional copies, with same-day service available for in-person requests with valid ID and 4-6 weeks for mail requests. You can also order expedited certificates online through VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com for additional fees, and only eligible individuals (registrant, family members, legal representatives) may obtain these records under New York Public Health Law.

Business records in New York County can be searched through multiple sources: the New York County Clerk at 60 Centre Street maintains DBA and business certificate filings for sole proprietorships and partnerships, while the New York Department of State offers a free searchable database of corporations and LLCs at www.dos.ny.gov/corps. General business licenses issued by New York City are administered by the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection at www1.nyc.gov/site/dca. For professional licenses, check the New York State Education Department Office of Professions at www.op.nysed.gov, and for liquor licenses, search the New York State Liquor Authority database at www.sla.ny.gov.