About Saint Lawrence County
Saint Lawrence County is located in the far northern region of New York State, bordered by the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec to the north and west, making it a significant international border county. Saint Lawrence County seat is Canton, which houses the main government offices at Saint Lawrence County Government Center, 48 Court Street, Canton, NY 13617. Established in 1802, Saint Lawrence County is the largest county in New York by land area, covering approximately 2,686 square miles. The population is approximately 108,000 residents according to recent Census estimates. Saint Lawrence County is characterized by its rural scene, with the Saint Lawrence River forming much of its northern boundary and the Adirondack Park including the southern portion. Major communities include Potsdam, home to SUNY Potsdam and Clarkson University; Massena, known for its industrial corridor along Saint Lawrence County Seaway; Ogdensburg, a historic port city; and Canton. Saint Lawrence County contains significant natural landmarks including the Grasse River, Raquette River, and numerous lakes. The Akwesasne Mohawk territory spans Saint Lawrence County's northwestern corner. Key government agencies include Saint Lawrence County Clerk's Office at 48 Court Street, Canton; the County Real Property Tax Services Office at 48 Court Street; and various town and village clerk offices throughout Saint Lawrence County. The economy historically relied on agriculture, mining (talc, zinc), and manufacturing, with increasing emphasis on education, healthcare, and cross-border commerce.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Saint Lawrence County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Saint Lawrence County. It operates Saint Lawrence County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is also involved in various community programs, including DARE and neighborhood watch initiatives, meant to enhancing public safety and community relations.
Police Departments
Saint Lawrence County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Saint Lawrence County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments in cities such as Ogdensburg, Massena, and Potsdam. Each city department handles law enforcement within its jurisdiction, while the Sheriff's Office covers unincorporated areas. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of a coordinated response across Saint Lawrence County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Saint Lawrence County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 48 Court Street, Canton, NY 13617 (phone: 315-379-2222), is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas and provides countywide services.
- Requests for arrest records should be submitted in writing to the specific law enforcement agency that made the arrest, identifying the individual's name and approximate date of arrest.
- Booking photographs (mugshots) are generally available through FOIL requests to the Sheriff's Office or the arresting agency, though some recent photographs may be restricted pending ongoing investigations.
- Processing fees may apply for copying and certification of records.
Saint Lawrence County Correctional Facility, located at 59 Outer Court Street, Canton, NY 13617, houses county inmates, and inmate lookup can be conducted by contacting the facility at 315-379-2225 during business hours or by visiting the Sheriff's Office in person. Municipal police departments operate independently in cities and larger villages, including the Potsdam Village Police Department (, Potsdam), Massena Police Department (60 Main Street, Massena), Ogdensburg Police Department (330 Ford Street, Ogdensburg), Canton Village Police Department (60 Main Street, Canton), and Gouverneur Police Department (33 Clinton Street, Gouverneur). The Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service also operates within the Saint Regis Mohawk Reservation territory.
Arrest records in Saint Lawrence County are public records subject to New York's Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), codified in Public Officers Law Article 6, Sections 84-90. The New York State Police Troop B also operates in Saint Lawrence County with a barracks in Malone (Franklin County) serving Saint Lawrence County.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Saint Lawrence County, NY are maintained by local law enforcement agencies and the court system. Background checks are typically obtained through state-level repositories or authorized vendors. For an authoritative source, see Criminal History Records, Background Checks - NY DCJS.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Saint Lawrence County, NY are public under most state public-records laws unless sealed or expunged by a court. They are maintained by the arresting agency, primarily the County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Saint Lawrence County jail is operated by the County Sheriff's Office and houses pretrial detainees and short-sentence inmates. Inmate locator tools allow public searches by name or booking number.
- Look up current inmates and booking information at St. Lawrence County, NY Detainee Lookup.
- Sheriff's Office: Contact Sheriff's Office | St. Lawrence County.
- The bond and bail process allows for the release of detainees under conditions set by the court; inquiries about recently arrested individuals can be directed to the jail's administrative office.
Courts & Case Records
Saint Lawrence County's court system operates under the New York Unified Court System framework. The Supreme Court of Saint Lawrence County, located at 48 Court Street, Canton, NY 13617 (315-379-2219), handles felony criminal cases, major civil matters over $25,000, divorce and family law cases, and appeals from lower courts. Saint Lawrence County Court, sharing the same address and phone, has jurisdiction over felony cases and civil cases. Surrogate's Court at the same location handles probate, estate administration, and guardianship matters (315-379-2217).
- The New York State Courts Electronic Filing system (NYSCEF) provides online access to some Supreme Court civil case documents.
- Fees for certified copies are $5 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page.
- Case information can be requested by phone or in person; some docket information is available through the statewide WebCivil Supreme system for civil cases.
Family Court (315-379-2410) addresses child custody, support, paternity, juvenile delinquency, and family offense matters. Justice Courts operate in each town and village, handling misdemeanors, traffic violations, small claims (up to $5,000), and preliminary felony hearings; these include Canton Town Court, Potsdam Town and Village Courts, Massena Town and Village Courts, and numerous others throughout Saint Lawrence County's 43 towns and incorporated villages. Court records are governed by New York Judiciary Law Section 255 and Court Rules, which generally provide public access to most civil and criminal case files, though certain sealed or confidential matters are restricted.
In-person record searches can be conducted at the County Clerk's Office, which serves as clerk to the Supreme and County Courts, during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM).
Property & Public Records
Saint Lawrence County Clerk's Office, located at 48 Court Street, Canton, NY 13617 (315-379-2237, website: www.stlawco.org/Departments/CountyClerk), is the official repository for land records and maintains an extensive collection of deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, maps, and other instruments affecting real property in Saint Lawrence County dating back to the early 1800s. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Real property documents can be searched by grantor/grantee name, property location, or liber and page number.
- Certified copies of recorded instruments cost $5 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page.
- Requests for historical land records or complex title searches should be directed to the County Clerk's Recording Department, which can assist researchers and provides copy services for a fee.
Saint Lawrence County Clerk has implemented a digital land records system, and many records from recent decades are available for online searching through a subscription service or in-person terminals at the Clerk's office. Saint Lawrence County Real Property Tax Services Office, also at 48 Court Street (315-379-2272), maintains property assessment records, tax maps, and parcel data for all municipalities in Saint Lawrence County. Property tax information, assessment rolls, and parcel data are accessible through Saint Lawrence County's online Real Property Portal, which provides free public access to parcel information, tax map sheets, property characteristics, and assessment history.
The GIS mapping system allows users to search by address, owner name, or parcel ID number. Tax bills and payment information are maintained by individual town and village tax collectors. Saint Lawrence County Treasurer's Office (315-379-2242) handles foreclosed properties and in-rem tax sales.
Vital Records
Vital records for Saint Lawrence County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates occurring within Saint Lawrence County are filed with Saint Lawrence County Clerk's Office, 48 Court Street, Canton, NY 13617 (315-379-2237). Certified birth certificates cost $30 for the first copy and $15 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously; certified death certificates cost $15 each. Requests must include proper identification, proof of relationship (for birth certificates), and a completed application form.
- Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks for mail requests.
- Requestors must be the person named on the certificate, parents, legal guardian, or other qualified applicant as defined by New York Public Health Law Section 4174.
- The marriage license fee is approximately $40, and there is a 24-hour waiting period before the ceremony.
- Divorce decrees are filed with the County Clerk's Office and cost $5 for a certified copy.
- Online ordering of state vital records is available through VitalChek for an additional processing fee.
Marriage licenses are issued by any Town or City Clerk in New York State; in Saint Lawrence County, couples commonly obtain licenses from the Canton Town Clerk, Potsdam Town Clerk, or clerks in their county of residence. Marriage certificates (certified copies of the marriage record) can be obtained from the issuing Town or City Clerk or from Saint Lawrence County Clerk for marriages performed in Saint Lawrence County. For births and deaths occurring before 1914 or for records not found at Saint Lawrence County level, requests should be directed to the New York State Department of Health Vital Records Section, PO Box 2602, Albany, NY 12220-2602 (855-322-1022, website: www.health.ny.gov/vital_records).
Acceptable identification includes driver's license, passport, or other government-issued photo ID.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Saint Lawrence County are maintained by various agencies depending on the business type and activity. Saint Lawrence County Clerk's Office, 48 Court Street, Canton, NY 13617 (315-379-2237), processes and maintains Doing Business As (DBA) certificates, also known as certificates of assumed name or fictitious business name statements. DBAs must be filed when a business operates under a name other than the owner's legal name; the filing fee is $25 for a sole proprietor or general partnership and $100 for a corporation or LLC.
- For formal business entity formation and registration, the New York Department of State Division of Corporations (www.dos.ny.gov/corps) maintains the statewide business entity database, searchable online at no cost.
- This database includes corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and other registered entities, showing formation date, status, registered agent, and filing history.
- Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce (877-228-4327, website: www.northcountryguide.com) provides business development resources and networking opportunities.
- Home improvement contractors must register with Saint Lawrence County; these records are maintained by the County Clerk.
These records are public and can be searched at the County Clerk's office. Sales tax certificates of authority are issued by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. Professional licenses (medical, legal, real estate, etc.) are regulated by the New York State Education Department Office of Professions or other state agencies, not at Saint Lawrence County level.
Building permits and certificates of occupancy are issued by municipal code enforcement officers in incorporated villages and cities, and by town building inspectors in unincorporated areas; contact the specific county's building department for records. Saint Lawrence County Planning Office (315-379-2292) handles certain zoning matters and can provide information on land use regulations. The St.
Occupational licenses such as food service permits are issued by Saint Lawrence County Public Health Department (315-386-2325).
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Saint Lawrence County
Explore public records for 46 cities and communities in Saint Lawrence County, New York.
Economy & Demographics
Saint Lawrence County's economy is diverse, reflecting its geography spanning from the St. Lawrence River industrial corridor to the rural Adirondack interior. Major employers include Clarkson University and SUNY Potsdam in the education sector, contributing significantly to the local economy through employment and student spending. Healthcare is another major sector, with Canton-Potsdam Hospital, Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center in Ogdensburg, and Massena Hospital employing hundreds.
- Saint Lawrence County's median household income is approximately $49,000, below the New York State average, reflecting the rural character and limited high-wage employment.
- The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe operates the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort, which provides significant employment and economic activity.
The Alcoa aluminum smelter in Massena historically was Saint Lawrence County's largest industrial employer, though the facility has reduced operations in recent years; General Motors Components Holdings operates a powertrain plant in Massena. Agriculture remains important, with dairy farming predominating; Saint Lawrence County typically ranks among New York's top counties for dairy production, with hundreds of family farms. The tourism and recreation sector benefits from proximity to the Thousand Islands region, Adirondack Park hiking and camping, and cross-border Canadian tourism.
Talc mining has historical significance, with NYCO Minerals operating talc mines in the Gouverneur area. The correctional sector employs many residents through state correctional facilities in Saint Lawrence County. Unemployment rates have historically tracked slightly above state averages, typically in the 4-6% range in recent years.
Economic development efforts focus on using Saint Lawrence County's location along major transportation routes to Canada, expanding renewable energy projects including wind and solar farms, promoting agritourism, and supporting small business development through the St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) and Chamber of Commerce initiatives.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Saint Lawrence County are administered by Saint Lawrence County Board of Elections, located at 48 Court Street, Canton, NY 13617 (phone: 315-379-2202, website: www.stlawco.org/Departments/BoardOfElections). The Board is responsible for voter registration, maintaining voter rolls, managing polling places, processing absentee ballots, and certifying election results for all federal, state, county, and local elections.
- New York election law (Election Law Article 3) provides for public access to most election records, promoting transparency, though individual voter histories and certain security-related information are protected.
Voter registration in Saint Lawrence County can be completed online through the New York State Board of Elections website (www.elections.ny.gov) or by submitting a paper application available from the County Board of Elections, town and city clerks, the Department of Motor Vehicles, or various public agencies. The registration deadline is 25 days before any election; New York does not offer same-day registration. Voters can check their registration status, find their polling place, and view a sample ballot through the state's voter lookup tool at voterlookup.elections.ny.gov.
Saint Lawrence County operates approximately 80-90 polling places across its 43 towns and several incorporated villages on Election Day, typically open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Election records that are public include voter registration lists (available for purchase for lawful purposes), campaign financial disclosure reports filed by candidates and committees (maintained by the New York State Board of Elections and county board), candidate petitions and filings, and certified election results by election district. Precinct-level results are published after each election and are available through the County Board of Elections.
S. Senate seat, the New York Governor's race, other statewide offices, State Senate and Assembly seats, and county positions.
Absentee ballots can be requested through the County Board of Elections by submitting an application online through the state absentee ballot portal, by mail, or in person; applications must be received by the Board at least seven days before the election (or postmarked by that date), though voters can apply in person until the day before the election. Early voting was implemented in New York in 2019; Saint Lawrence County typically offers early voting at 3-5 designated sites nine days before Election Day.