About Paterson
Paterson, New Jersey is known for being the birthplace of the industrial revolution in the United States. It is also known for its rich cultural diversity and its vibrant arts scene. The city council of Paterson is composed of nine members, each elected to a four-year term. The council is responsible for setting policy, approving the budget, and enacting laws. The council meets twice a month and is chaired by the mayor.
The City Clerk's Office at 155 Market Street, Paterson, NJ 07505 is the central repository for municipal documents throughout the city. This office records and preserves everything from city council minutes and ordinances to resolutions and various licensing and permit records. Residents seeking access to these public documents can visit the City Clerk's website at https://www.patersonnj.gov/department/index.php?structureid=12 or submit requests in person or by mail to the Market Street address.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement in Paterson
Paterson Police Department
Paterson Police Department Announces Graduation of Lieutenant Eric Montoya from FBI National Academy
Passaic County Sheriff's Office
Passaic County Sheriff's Office, Wayne. 9,704 likes · 1,744 talking about this · 218 were here. 𝙎𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙛𝙛 𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙨 𝘼𝙙𝙖𝙢𝙤
⚖️ Courts & Case Records in Paterson
Passaic County, New Jersey Public Records Lookup | PassaicRecords.us
Passaic County Clerk's Office 401 Grand Street, Room 130 Paterson, NJ 07505 973-881-4788 Passaic County Clerk · Search Online Databases: Passaic County provides several online resources for public records: Court records through the New Jersey Courts public access portal
🏠 Property & Public Records in Paterson
Land Records | Passaic County, NJ
Land Records Vault 77 Hamilton Street Basement, Across from the Cafeteria Paterson, NJ 07505 Directions. Deed Tax Update: As of July 10, 2025, any deed with a consideration over $1,000,000.00 received in this office for recording may be subject to a revised realty transfer tax fee as adopted.
🔗 https://www.passaiccountynj.org/government/passaic-county-clerk/land-records
About Paterson, New Jersey — In Depth
Jail & Inmate Records
The Passaic County Jail is the primary detention facility For people arrested throughout Passaic County, with its location in Paterson. Upon arrest, the booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. Residents seeking information about inmates can use Passaic County's online inmate lookup tool. Visitation at the facility requires advance scheduling and strict adherence to established guidelines.
New Jersey's bail reform laws have shifted the focus from cash bail to risk assessment, allowing for pretrial release under certain conditions based on individual circumstances rather than financial capacity.
Arrest Records
Arrest records throughout Passaic County are maintained by both the Sheriff's Office and local police departments across the region. Residents and attorneys can request these records through formal applications that typically require identification and payment of a processing fee. An arrest record from the county generally includes personal details of the individual, the nature of the offense, and which agency made the arrest. The New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA) governs how these records can be accessed, balancing transparency with the protection of sensitive information.
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Passaic County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Passaic County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the New Jersey State Police oversee the statewide criminal database. Residents can request background checks through the New Jersey State Police, which provide criminal history information. The New Jersey State Police offers additional resources for accessing criminal records and making sure of public safety.
Vital Records
The Paterson Vital Records Office, located at 155 Market Street, Paterson, NJ 07505, is responsible for maintaining and issuing birth, death, and marriage certificates for the city. Residents can obtain copies of these records by visiting the office in person, submitting a request by mail, or accessing the online portal at https://www.patersonnj.gov/department/index.php?structureid=12.
Business & Licensing Records
The business community in Paterson receives support from the city's Economic Development Department at 125 Ellison Street, Paterson, NJ 07505. This department oversees the issuance of business licenses, permits, and other commercial records necessary for operating in the city. Businesses seeking information about starting, operating, or expanding their operations locally can find resources on the city's website at https://www.patersonnj.gov/department/index.php?structureid=9.
Economy & Demographics
Paterson's economy is diverse, with industries ranging from manufacturing and textiles to healthcare and education. The city is home to several major employers, including St. Joseph's University Medical Center, Paterson Public Schools, and various small businesses. Economic data and other relevant information can be found on the city's website at https://www.patersonnj.gov/department/index.php?structureid=9 or by contacting the Economic Development Department.
Elections & Voter Records
Voters in Paterson receive election services through the Passaic County Clerk's Office, Elections Division, located at 401 Grand Street, Room 130, Paterson, NJ 07505. The office can be reached at 973-881-4127 or online at www.passaiccountyclerk.org/elections. This division administers all elections for city residents, maintains voter registration records, processes mail-in ballot applications, and certifies results. New Jersey residents can register to vote online at https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/register, the state's official portal, with a deadline of 21 days before any election.
Acceptable identification includes a New Jersey driver's license or a signed voter registration affirmation. The city operates under a mayoral system with nonpartisan municipal elections held each May, separate from state and federal contests. The Mayor and nine-member City Council - six ward representatives and three at-large members - serve four-year terms. The next mayoral and council elections are scheduled for May 2026. Candidate petitions and local ballot measures can be researched through the City Clerk's office at 973-321-1300. Residents find their assigned polling place using the New Jersey Division of Elections lookup tool at https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/polling-place-search or by contacting the Passaic County Clerk. No U.S. New Jersey's universal mail-in voting allows residents to request vote-by-mail ballots online at https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/applications or through the Passaic County Clerk, with applications due seven days before the election for regular processing. Public election records in the state include voter registration lists available to campaigns and political committees, campaign finance reports filed with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission at www.elec.nj.gov, candidate filing documents maintained by the Passaic County Clerk, and certified election results by precinct published after each contest. The County Clerk's website posts unofficial results on election night and certified results within two weeks.
Official Government Resources
Paterson New Jersey Census and Vital Statistics
U.S. Census Bureau quick facts, demographics, and population statistics for Paterson.
Paterson New Jersey Archives and Genealogy
New Jersey State Archives genealogy and historical records for Paterson.
Paterson New Jersey Bankruptcy Court
US Bankruptcy Court District of New Jersey for Paterson.
New Jersey Courts, Paterson Case Search
New Jersey Courts eCourts case search for Paterson.
Paterson New Jersey Vital Records
New Jersey Department of Health vital records for Paterson.
Paterson New Jersey Missing Persons
New Jersey State Police missing persons for Paterson.
Paterson New Jersey Most Wanted
New Jersey State Police most wanted for Paterson.
Paterson New Jersey Sex Offender Registry
New Jersey Megan's Law sex offender registry for Paterson.
Paterson New Jersey Criminal History Records
New Jersey State Police criminal history for Paterson.
City of Paterson
Directory of Paterson city records and information 155 Market St Paterson, NJ 07505-1414 973-321-1500 info@patcity.com
Paterson New Jersey City Clerk
Contact and search Paterson clerk office official city records 155 Market Street Paterson, NJ 07505 973-321-1310
Paterson Police Department
111 Broadway Paterson, NJ 07505 973-321-1150
Paterson Fire Department
850 Madison Ave. Paterson, NJ 07505 973-321-1400
Paterson New Jersey Criminal Records Search and Depository
Division of State Police Attn.: CIU P.O. Box 7068 West Trenton, NJ 08628-0068 (609) 882-2000
Paterson New Jersey Civil Cases, Criminal History and Filings
Search criminal cases, divorces and other civil matters Email WebMaster. Mailbox@judiciary.state.nj.us
Center for Missing & Exploited Children
Quick search for missing children, sex offenders, Amber alerts, records and more public information.
Paterson New Jersey Inmate Search
Department of Corrections Whittlesey Road PO Box 863 Trenton, NJ 08625 Mercer County Telephone (609) 292-4036
Nearby Cities in Passaic County, New Jersey
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register to vote in Paterson, New Jersey?
To register to vote in Paterson, New Jersey, residents can register online through the New Jersey Division of Elections website, by mail, or in person at the Passaic County elections office. New Jersey requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the New Jersey Division of Elections voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Paterson, contact the Passaic County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
How do I look up property records in Paterson, New Jersey?
Property records for Paterson, New Jersey are maintained by the Passaic Municipal Tax Assessor's Office and the Passaic County Clerk. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Passaic County, including parcels in Paterson. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Passaic County Clerk maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many New Jersey counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. The Passaic County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Paterson, New Jersey?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Paterson, New Jersey residents are available through both county and state offices. The New Jersey Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics, located in Trenton, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in New Jersey. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Passaic County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Passaic County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.