New Jersey, county records

Ocean County, New Jersey Public Records

Find the right office in Ocean 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

Start here

Most requested Ocean County records

Every card below goes to the government office responsible for that record. Use the category buttons to narrow the list.

Filter by type

Showing 12 official sources

Local record guide

About public records in Ocean County

Useful local context without burying the official record links above.

County profile

Ocean County at a glance

State
New Jersey
County seat
Toms River
Population
637,229
Area
915 sq mi
Founded
1850
Cities and towns
24

Ocean County offices and records

Sheriff & Law Enforcement. Ocean County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout Ocean County. The office also offers specialized programs such as the K-9 Unit and the Criminal Investigation Unit, which are integral to maintaining public safety and conducting thorough investigations.

Police Departments. Ocean County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Ocean County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the Toms River Police Department, Lakewood Police Department, and Brick Township Police Department. Each municipal department is responsible for law enforcement within its respective city or township, while the Sheriff's Office provides support and handles law enforcement in unincorporated areas.

Law Enforcement & Arrests. Ocean County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 120 Hooper Avenue in Toms River, NJ 08753 (phone: 732-929-2044), provides law enforcement services including court security, civil process service, and operation of Ocean County Jail. Ocean County Jail inmate roster and detention information can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website at www.oceancountysheriff.org, where citizens can search for current inmates by name or booking number.

Arrest Records. Arrest records in Ocean County are maintained by Ocean County Sheriff's Office and the various municipal police departments within Ocean County.

Mugshots & Booking Photos. Mugshots in Ocean County are taken and retained by Ocean County Sheriff's Office during the booking process at Ocean County jail.

5509) or Brick Township Building Department (732-262-1017). Building permits are issued at the municipal level by each of the 33 local building departments, not at Ocean County level, for example, Toms River Construction Office (732-341-1000 ext. Each county in Ocean County operates its own Municipal Court handling traffic violations, disorderly persons offenses, and local ordinance violations, for example, Toms River Municipal Court (732-341-1100), Lakewood Municipal Court (732-364-2500), and Brick Township Municipal Court (732-458-7260). Sales and use tax permits are obtained through the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services, while health permits for food establishments are issued by local health departments or Ocean County Health Department at 732-341-9700. Ocean County Chamber of Commerce, with offices in Toms River (website: www.occhamber.com, phone: 732-349-0220), provides business resources, networking, and advocacy for local businesses. Ocean County Prosecutor's Office (phone: 732-929-2027) handles major criminal investigations and coordinates with municipal police departments across all 33 towns. Ocean County's judicial system operates under the New Jersey Superior Court system with Ocean County Superior Court Complex located at 120 Hooper Avenue in Toms River, NJ 08754 (main phone: 732-929-2042). Ocean County Planning Department at 129 Hooper Avenue (phone: 732-929-2054) handles zoning matters, land use applications, and site plan reviews for commercial development.

Straight answers

Ocean County public-records FAQs

Open only the answer you need.

Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Ocean County, New Jersey?

Mugshots or booking photos in Ocean County, New Jersey, can be obtained through the Ocean County Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff's Office may provide access to these records through their official website or by visiting their office in Toms River. It's important to note that availability of mugshots online may vary based on privacy laws and regulations.

How do I get a criminal background check in Ocean County, New Jersey?

To obtain a criminal background check in Ocean County, New Jersey, you should contact the New Jersey State Police. The New Jersey State Bureau of Identification handles background checks, and you can request one through their website or by visiting a local fingerprinting site. The process typically involves submitting fingerprints and paying a fee for the background check service.

How can I look up sex offenders in Ocean County, New Jersey?

You can look up sex offenders in Ocean County, New Jersey, by using the New Jersey Sex Offender Internet Registry. This registry, maintained by the New Jersey State Police, allows you to search for registered sex offenders by name, address, or municipality. The registry provides detailed information about offenders, including their risk level and offenses.

How do I register to vote in Ocean County, New Jersey?

You can register to vote in Ocean County through the New Jersey online voter registration portal at voter.svrs.nj.gov, by mail using a voter registration application, or in person at the Ocean County Board of Elections at 118 Washington Street in Toms River (phone: 732-929-2166). New Jersey requires registration at least 21 days before an election. Once registered, you can request a mail-in ballot online through the Clerk's elections website or by calling the Board of Elections.

How do I look up property records in Ocean County, New Jersey?

Property records in Ocean County are maintained by the Ocean County Clerk's Office at 118 Washington Street in Toms River (phone: 732-929-2018, website: www.oceancountyclerk.com). The county offers free online access to deeds, mortgages, liens, and recorded documents through the MOD (My Ocean Documents) system on their website, searchable by name, address, or block and lot. For property tax assessment information, visit the local GIS mapping system at maps.NY.com or contact the Tax Board at 732-929-2005.

How do I get a birth or death certificate in Ocean County, New Jersey?

Birth and death certificates for events in Ocean County can be obtained from the Ocean County Clerk's Office at 118 Washington Street, Toms River, NJ 08754 (phone: 732-929-2011) for a fee of $25 for the first copy. Walk-in requests are typically processed the same day, while mail requests take 2-3 weeks. You can also order through the New Jersey State Vital Statistics office (877) 622-7549) or online via VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com. Valid photo identification and proof of eligibility are required under N.J.S.A. 26:8-1 et seq.

How do I find business license records in Ocean County, New Jersey?

Business records in Ocean County can be searched through multiple sources depending on the type. Trade name (DBA) certificates are filed with the Ocean County Clerk's Office at 118 Washington Street, Toms River (732) 929-2018). For corporation, LLC, and formal business entity searches, use the New Jersey Division of Revenue's free online business entity database at www.nj.gov/treasury/revenue. Specific business licenses such as professional licenses, health permits, and building permits are issued by state agencies or the 33 individual municipal governments in Ocean County.