About Orange County
Orange County, New York is located in the Hudson Valley region of southeastern New York State, approximately 60 miles northwest of New York City. Orange County seat is Goshen, situated in the heart of Orange County and home to many government offices including Orange County Government Center at 255 Main Street. Orange County includes approximately 839 square miles and has a population of over 400,000 residents, making it one of the most populous counties in the Hudson Valley. Orange County was established in 1683, making it one of the original twelve counties of New York. Orange County is bounded by the Delaware River to the west, the Hudson River to the east, and shares borders with Sullivan County, Ulster County, Dutchess County, Putnam County, Rockland County, and the state of New Jersey. Major municipalities include the cities of Newburgh and Middletown, along with numerous towns and villages. Orange County is known for the United States Military Academy at West Point, Storm King Mountain, the Black Dirt Region (one of the most fertile agricultural areas in the nation), and significant Revolutionary War history including Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site in Newburgh. Orange County Clerk's office is, the County Recorder maintains land records at the same location, and the County Assessor's offices operate throughout various municipal assessment offices. Orange County's strategic location between New York City and the Catskill Mountains has made it a hub for commerce, agriculture, and residential growth, while preserving substantial rural character in many areas.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Orange County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in Orange County, particularly in unincorporated areas. The office oversees Orange County Correctional Facility, manages the process of arrests, and maintains criminal records. It also provides various community services, including crime prevention programs and educational initiatives.
Police Departments
In addition to Orange County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within Orange County. These include the Newburgh Police Department, Middletown Police Department, and Port Jervis Police Department, each serving their respective cities. These agencies handle local law enforcement duties, including traffic enforcement, crime investigation, and community policing. They often collaborate with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and regional initiatives to enhance public safety across Orange County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Orange County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 110 Wells Farm Road in Goshen, New York 10924, is the primary law enforcement agency for Orange County and operates Orange County Jail. Orange County Correctional Facility, located at 110 Wells Farm Road, houses pretrial detainees and sentenced inmates.
- The facility provides information on visitation schedules, inmate mail procedures, and commissary deposits.
- Requests for arrest records, incident reports, and police blotters must be submitted in writing to the specific law enforcement agency that made the arrest.
- Processing times for FOIL requests vary but agencies must respond within five business days acknowledging receipt and providing a timeline for fulfillment.
- New York State Police Troop F also maintains barracks in Montgomery and provides law enforcement services throughout Orange County, particularly in unincorporated areas.
Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office website, where the public can search current inmates by name, booking number, or other identifiers. Municipal police departments operate in several cities and villages throughout Orange County, including the Newburgh Police Department, Middletown Police Department, Port Jervis Police Department, and numerous town and village police agencies such as those in Warwick, Cornwall, Monroe, Walden, and Woodbury. Arrest records and booking information in Orange County are considered public records under New York's Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), codified in Public Officers Law Article 6, Section 84 et seq.
Some arrest information may be withheld if it would interfere with ongoing investigations or judicial proceedings.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Orange County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can run background checks through the New York State Office of Court Administration, which provides full criminal history reports.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Orange County are maintained by Orange County Sheriff's Office and local police departments. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the respective law enforcement agency directly. These records typically include the individual's personal information, details of the arrest, charges filed, and the arresting officer's name. The New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) governs the public's access to these records, for public access in law enforcement.
Jail & Inmate Records
Orange County Correctional Facility is the primary detention center in Orange County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrestee. Inmate information can be accessed through Orange County's online inmate lookup tool. Visitation rules at the facility require scheduling in advance, and visitors must adhere to strict security protocols.
- The bond and bail process in New York allows for cash bail or bond to be posted, and information on recently arrested individuals can be found through the Sheriff's Office or Orange County's online resources.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Orange County are taken and retained by Orange County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These images are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by submitting a FOIL request. New York does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals may petition for removal if the charges are dropped or if they are acquitted. Mugshots may also be available through third-party websites, although accuracy and availability can vary.
Courts & Case Records
Orange County's court system operates under the New York State Unified Court System structure. Orange County Supreme Court, NY 10924 (phone: 845-476-3500), handles felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $25,000, and matrimonial actions including divorces. Orange County Court, housed in the same Government Center complex, has jurisdiction over felonies and civil cases up to $25,000.
- Fees for copies of court documents are typically $1.25 per page for uncertified copies and $6.00 for certified copies plus per-page charges.
Orange County Family Court at 30 Park Place in Goshen (845-476-3600) handles family offense proceedings, custody, visitation, paternity, child support, foster care, adoption, and juvenile delinquency matters. Orange County Surrogate's Court at 30 Park Place (845-476-3500) has exclusive jurisdiction over probate, estate administration, and guardianship proceedings. Orange County has numerous Town and Village Justice Courts located throughout Orange County's municipalities, handling misdemeanors, traffic violations, small claims up to $5,000, and preliminary proceedings in felony cases.
Court records in New York are governed by Judiciary Law Section 255 and Court Rules 22 NYCRR Part 216, which establish that most court records are public unless specifically sealed by court order or statute. The New York State Unified Court System maintains an online e-courts system at iapps.courts.state.ny.us/webcivil/ecourtsMain for searching civil Supreme Court cases. Criminal case information can be obtained through the County Clerk's office or by visiting the specific court.
Many case calendars and decisions are available through the court system's website. Orange County Clerk's office at 255 Main Street is the record keeper for Supreme Court and County Court proceedings, maintaining indexes and case files.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Orange County, New York are maintained by Orange County Clerk's office at 255 Main Street, Goshen, NY 10924 (phone: 845-291-2690, website: www.orangecountyclerk.com). Orange County Clerk is the official recorder of deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, maps, and other real property instruments. All recorded documents since Orange County's founding in 1683 are maintained, with computerized indexing available for recent decades.
- Certified copies of recorded documents cost $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page.
- Recording fees vary based on document type but typically start at $32 for deeds and $66 for mortgages due to state and county recording taxes.
- Historical records and research requests can be accommodated by the County Clerk's Records Management Division.
- The office accepts walk-in requests, mail requests, and online orders for documents.
The office provides free public access to land record indexes and images through its online search portal at www.orangecountyclerk.com, where users can search by party name, property address, book and page, or document type. Recorded documents include warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, satisfaction of mortgages, mechanic's liens, lis pendens notices, assignments, releases, and subdivision plats. Property tax assessment records are maintained separately by the municipal assessors in each town and city within Orange County, as New York uses a decentralized assessment system.
Orange County Real Property Tax Services Agency at 124 Main Street, Goshen (845-291-2470) coordinates assessment matters and maintains Orange County's Real Property Tax Service database. An online GIS parcel viewer is available through Orange County website, providing aerial imagery, tax map parcels, assessment information, and ownership data.
Vital Records
Vital records for Orange County, New York are maintained by both local and state agencies under New York Public Health Law Article 41, Sections 4100-4144. Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Orange County can be obtained from the local registrar in the county where the event occurred, though processing times can be lengthy. Orange County Clerk's office at 255 Main Street, Goshen, NY 10924 (845-291-2690) maintains marriage records and issues marriage licenses for ceremonies taking place in Orange County.
- The marriage license fee is $40 and there is a 24-hour waiting period before the ceremony can occur.
- Birth certificates cost $30 for a certified copy, death certificates cost $30, and requests can be submitted by mail, in person, or online through VitalChek at www.health.ny.gov/vital_records.
- Processing time for mail requests to New York State is typically 4-6 weeks, while online orders through VitalChek are expedited for an additional fee.
Marriage license applications require both parties to appear in person with valid photo identification, proof of age (birth certificate or passport), and Social Security numbers. Divorce records are maintained by the County Clerk as court records from Supreme Court proceedings. For faster service and statewide access, the New York State Department of Health Vital Records Section, located at 800 North Pearl Street in Albany, NY 12204, maintains birth records from 1881 forward and death records from 1881 forward for the entire state.
Applicants must provide valid identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record. Birth records are restricted for 75 years to authorized persons including the registrant, parents, and legal representatives. Both state and local offices accept money orders, personal checks, and credit cards for payment.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Orange County, New York are maintained at multiple levels of government. Orange County Clerk's office at 255 Main Street, Goshen, NY 10924 (845-291-2690, www.orangecountyclerk.com) maintains local business certificates, including DBA (Doing Business As) filings, trade name certificates, and certificates of assumed name. Business certificates cost $25 for the first year and must be renewed for $12.50 every five years. Orange County Clerk maintains an index of these filings searchable by business name or owner name.
- The Division's business entity database allows free online searches by entity name, DOS ID number, or principal name, providing formation dates, status, registered agent information, and filing history.
- Orange County Chamber of Commerce, with offices in Newburgh (www.orangeny.com), provides business resources, networking, and regional economic information.
- Liquor licenses are processed through the New York State Liquor Authority with input from local municipalities.
For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and registered New York entities, the New York Department of State Division of Corporations maintains the official registry accessible at www.dos.ny.gov/corps. Sales tax certificates of authority are issued by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. Professional licenses including those for contractors, plumbers, electricians, and other trades may require state licensure through relevant agencies.
Local building permits, certificates of occupancy, and zoning compliance are handled by the individual town and city building departments throughout Orange County, such as the Town of Newburgh Building Department, Town of Wallkill Building Department, and City of Middletown Code Enforcement. Orange County Planning Department at 124 Main Street in Goshen coordinates county-level planning and development matters.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I register to vote in Orange County, New York?
How do I look up property records in Orange County, New York?
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How do I find business license records in Orange County, New York?
Cities & Towns in Orange County
Explore public records for 53 cities and communities in Orange County, New York.
Economy & Demographics
Orange County, New York maintains a diverse economy with major sectors including healthcare, education, manufacturing, retail, agriculture, and tourism. Orange County's proximity to New York City, combined with lower costs and excellent transportation infrastructure including Interstate 84, Interstate 87, and Stewart International Airport, has attracted significant commercial development. Major employers include Orange Regional Medical Center in Middletown, St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital in Newburgh, SUNY Orange Community College, and numerous school districts.
- The median household income in Orange County is approximately $85,000, higher than the state average excluding New York City.
The United States Military Academy at West Point is a significant economic driver, employing thousands of military personnel, civilian employees, and supporting extensive contractor services. Orange County's Black Dirt Region produces approximately 30% of New York's onion crop and is nationally recognized for specialty vegetable farming. Manufacturing remains significant with companies producing precision instruments, food products, and industrial equipment.
Amazon operates a major fulfillment center in Montgomery, and several distribution centers have located in Orange County due to its strategic position. Tourism contributes substantially through visitors to West Point, Brotherhood Winery (America's oldest continuously operating winery), Storm King Art Center, numerous historic sites, and outdoor recreation areas. The unemployment rate typically tracks slightly below the New York State average.
Economic development initiatives are coordinated by Orange County Partnership (Orange County's Industrial Development Agency) and local development corporations. Recent growth areas include logistics, healthcare services, and technology sectors, with fiber optic infrastructure improvements attracting data-dependent businesses. Orange County has pursued brownfield redevelopment in former industrial areas of Newburgh and Middletown while maintaining agricultural preservation programs to protect farmland.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Orange County, New York are administered by Orange County Board of Elections, Goshen, NY 10924 (phone: 845-360-6500, website: www.orangecountygov.com/elections). The Board is composed of Republican and Democratic commissioners as required by New York Election Law. Voter registration in Orange County can be completed online through the New York State Board of Elections website at www.elections.ny.gov, in person at the Board of Elections office or county DMV offices, or by mail using the New York State voter registration form.
- New York requires identification for first-time voters who registered by mail.
- Absentee ballots in New York are available to any registered voter and can be requested online through the state Board of Elections absentee ballot portal, by mail, or in person at the Board of Elections office.
The registration deadline is 25 days before any election for new registrations and address changes. Voters can check their registration status and find their polling place through the state Board of Elections website or by contacting Orange County Board of Elections. Polling places are assigned based on residential address and Election District, with over 200 polling locations operating throughout Orange County on election days.
Public election records in Orange County include voter registration lists (available under New York Election Law Section 3-222 with restrictions on commercial use), campaign finance filings for county candidates (maintained by the Board of Elections), candidate petitions and certificates, and certified election results by Election District. Applications must be received by the Board of Elections at least seven days before the election, though ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received within seven days to be counted.
Early voting is available at designated sites throughout Orange County for nine days preceding Election Day. Orange County provides transparency through publicly posted election results on election night, detailed statements of canvass by Election District, and maintained records of voting machine test results and audit procedures as required by New York Election Law Article 9.