About Ulster County
Ulster County, New York is located in the Hudson Valley region of the Mid-Hudson area, approximately 60 miles north of New York City. Ulster County Seat is Kingston, which served as New York's first capital in 1777. Ulster County includes approximately 1,161 square miles and has a population of approximately 181,000 residents according to recent census estimates. Ulster County is bounded by the Hudson River to the east and includes portions of the Catskill Mountains to the west.
Major landmarks include the Ashokan Reservoir, Mohonk Preserve, Minnewaska State Park, and the historic Huguenot Street in New Paltz, one of the oldest streets in America with original stone houses dating to the 1600s. Ulster County was established in 1683 as one of New York's original twelve counties. Ulster County's economy historically centered on agriculture, bluestone quarrying, and cement manufacturing, though today tourism, healthcare, and technology play significant roles.
Ulster County Clerk's office is located at 244 Fair Street, Kingston, NY 12401. Ulster County Clerk functions are handled by the County Clerk, maintaining land records and vital statistics. Ulster County Real Property Tax Services (Assessor) office operates at 244 Fair Street as well, providing property assessment data and tax information.
Ulster County comprises 23 towns and three cities: Kingston, Ulster County Seat and largest county; and the smaller villages spread throughout the scenic Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountain region.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Ulster County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in Ulster County, particularly in unincorporated areas. The office patrols rural regions, manages Ulster County Jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office also runs community programs such as the School Resource Officer program and the Ulster Regional Gang Enforcement Narcotics Team (URGENT), which focuses on drug-related crimes and gang activity.
Police Departments
In addition to Ulster County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within Ulster County. These include the Kingston Police Department, New Paltz Police Department, and Saugerties Police Department, among others. Each department serves its respective city or town, handling local law enforcement and coordinating with the sheriff's office on major crimes and regional issues. This collaboration ensures full coverage and response to criminal activities across Ulster County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Ulster County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 380 Boulevard, Kingston, NY 12401, is the primary law enforcement agency for Ulster County. The Sheriff's Office can be reached, and their website is www.ulstercountyny.gov/sheriff. Ulster County Law Enforcement Center, located at the same address, operates Ulster County jail and detention facility. Inmate information can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website, which provides an online inmate lookup system showing current detainees, booking dates, charges, and bond information.
- Requests for arrest records should be submitted in writing to the specific law enforcement agency that made the arrest, either the Sheriff's Office or the applicable municipal police department.
- Processing times vary but agencies must respond within five business days acknowledging receipt.
- Mugshots and booking photos from Ulster County jail are generally available through the Sheriff's Office inmate lookup system online, though historical booking photos may require a formal FOIL request.
- Fees for copies of records vary by agency but typically range from $0.25 per page for paper copies.
Municipal police departments operate independently in several communities, including the City of Kingston Police Department (1 Garraghan Drive, Kingston), New Paltz Police Department, Saugerties Police Department, and Ellenville Police Department, each with jurisdiction within their respective municipalities. The New York State Police Troop F also maintains barracks serving Ulster County. Arrest records and incident reports are considered public records under New York's Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), codified in Public Officers Law Article 6, Sections 84-90.
The Sheriff's Office also operates civil enforcement, court security, and maintains sex offender registry information for Ulster County.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Ulster County's criminal records system includes felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Ulster County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services provides additional resources. Residents can run background checks through the New York State Office of Court Administration, which offers statewide criminal history searches. The New York Bureau of Investigation also supports local law enforcement with investigative services and data sharing.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Ulster County are maintained by Ulster County Sheriff's Office and local police departments. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through formal requests, often requiring a written application or an online form submission. An Ulster County arrest record typically includes the individual's personal details, charges, and arrest circumstances. The New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) governs public access to these records, for public access.
Jail & Inmate Records
Ulster County Jail, located in Kingston, is the primary detention facility for Ulster County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrestee. Inmate lookup services are available online through Ulster County Sheriff's Office website, allowing the public to search for current detainees. Visitation rules require scheduling in advance, and visitors must adhere to strict guidelines. The bond and bail process follows New York State laws, where bail can be posted in cash or through a bail bond service.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Ulster County are taken by Ulster County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the arrest record and can be accessed through the sheriff's website or by submitting a FOIL request. While New York does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals may petition for removal or sealing under certain circumstances, such as dismissed charges or acquittals.
Courts & Case Records
Ulster County's court system operates under the New York State Unified Court System structure. Ulster County Supreme Court, located at 285 Wall Street, Kingston, NY 12401 (phone: 845-340-3377), handles felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $25,000, divorce and family law matters, and appeals from lower courts. Ulster County Family Court, at the same address (phone: 845-340-3600), has jurisdiction over child custody, support, abuse and neglect, juvenile delinquency, and family offense matters.
- Ulster County Surrogate's Court (phone: 845-340-3348), also at 285 Wall Street, handles probate, estate administration, guardianships, and adoptions.
- The City of Kingston operates the Kingston City Court at 1 Garraghan Drive (phone: 845-338-2974), which handles similar local matters.
- The New York State Courts Electronic Filing system (NYSCEF) provides online access to many civil case documents for a fee.
- In-person searches are available at the County Clerk's office, which is the clerk for Supreme and County Court, charging $5 for a two-year name search and $65 per hour for extensive searches.
- Certified copies of judgments, orders, and case documents cost $5 for the first page and $1.25 for each additional page.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Ulster County are maintained by Ulster County Clerk's office at 244 Fair Street, Kingston, NY 12401 (phone: 845-340-3288, website: www.co.ulster.ny.us/clerk). Ulster County Clerk is the Register of Deeds, recording all real property transactions including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, judgments, lis pendens, mortgage satisfactions, and subdivision plats. Ulster County offers a free online property record search system through their website, allowing users to search land records by grantor/grantee name, property address, or book and page number.
- Certified copies must be requested in person or by mail for a fee of $5 for the first page and $1.25 for each additional page.
- Ulster County Real Property Tax Services office (phone: 845-340-3355) maintains property assessment records, tax maps, and parcel data.
- Property tax bills and payment information are handled by Ulster County Department of Finance (phone: 845-340-3520).
- Recording fees for deeds and mortgages vary based on document type and number of pages, with standard deed recording costing approximately $81 plus transfer tax calculations.
The database includes documents recorded from the 1970s to present, with some older records available. Digital images of recorded documents can be viewed and printed for free online. Their online GIS (Geographic Information System) property viewer at ulstercountyny.gov/realproperty allows free searches by owner name, address, or parcel ID number, displaying property characteristics, assessed values, sales history, and tax information.
Digital tax maps are available through the GIS system. All property records are public under New York's Real Property Tax Law and Freedom of Information Law. Ulster County Clerk's office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Vital Records
Vital records for Ulster County are maintained by Ulster County Clerk's office at 244 Fair Street, Kingston, NY 12401 (phone: 845-340-3288). Birth certificates for births occurring in Ulster County can be obtained from the County Clerk for events from 1881 to present. The fee is $30 for a certified birth certificate, with an additional $15 for each extra copy ordered at the same time. Applicants must complete a written application, provide valid photo identification, and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest as defined by New York Public Health Law Section 4174.
- Death certificates are available from the County Clerk for deaths occurring in Ulster County, also costing $30 per certified copy ($15 for additional copies).
- Processing time for in-person requests is typically immediate if records are readily accessible; mail requests take approximately 2-4 weeks.
- Marriage licenses must be obtained in person from Ulster County Clerk's office by both applicants together, requiring valid photo ID, Social Security numbers, and a $40 fee.
- Marriage certificates (proof of a completed marriage) cost $30 for certified copies.
- Alternatively, vital records can be requested from the New York State Department of Health Vital Records Section, PO Box 2602, Albany, NY 12220-2602 (phone: 855-322-1022, website: www.health.ny.gov/vital_records).
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Ulster County are managed by multiple agencies depending on the business type and activity. Ulster County Clerk's office at 244 Fair Street, Kingston, NY 12401 (phone: 845-340-3288) handles filings for Doing Business As (DBA) certificates, also known as certificates of assumed name or trade name certificates, required when operating under a name different from the legal entity name. DBA certificates cost $25 and must be filed in Ulster County where business is conducted. Business certificates can be searched in person at the County Clerk's office.
- The state maintains a free online database at appext20.dos.ny.gov/corp_public/corpsearch.entity_search_entry allowing searches of all registered business entities in New York, including those based in Ulster County.
- The database shows entity name, type, filing date, status, registered agent, and jurisdiction.
- Ulster County Planning Department (phone: 845-340-3340) handles certain land use and development matters.
- Ulster County Industrial Development Agency (phone: 845-943-4600) provides information on economic development incentives and projects.
- Ulster County Chamber of Commerce (website: ulsterchamber.org) provides business networking and resources for county businesses.
For formal business entity formation and registration, corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, filings are made with the New York Department of State, Division of Corporations at www.dos.ny.gov/corps. Building permits and certificates of occupancy are typically issued by individual municipal building departments in each town, village, or city, not at Ulster County level. Sales tax permits are issued by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.
Professional licenses (medical, legal, cosmetology, etc.) are regulated by the New York State Education Department's Office of Professions.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Ulster County are administered by Ulster County Board of Elections, located at 244 Fair Street, Kingston, NY 12401. The office can be reached, and information is available at www.ulstercountyboedelections.com. The Board consists of two commissioners, one from each major political party, as required by New York Election Law.
- The deadline to register for an election is 25 days before the election date.
- In the November 2024 general election, Ulster County recorded a voter turnout of approximately 71% of registered voters, reflecting high engagement in the presidential election.
- Absentee ballots in Ulster County can be requested online through the Board of Elections website, by mail, or in person.
- Applications must be received by the Board of Elections at least seven days before the election if requesting by mail, or the day before the election if applying in person.
- Citizens can request copies of petitions, campaign finance reports, and other election documents under the Freedom of Information Law.
Voter registration in Ulster County can be completed online through the New York State Board of Elections website at elections.ny.gov, by mail using a voter registration form available from the County Board of Elections or New York State, or in person at Ulster County Board of Elections, Department of Motor Vehicles offices, or various social service agencies. New York offers same-day voter registration during the early voting period for those who miss the standard deadline. Voters can find their polling place by visiting Ulster County Board of Elections website, calling the office, or using the New York State Board of Elections polling place locator at voterlookup.elections.ny.gov.
Early voting is available at designated sites across Ulster County for nine days before Election Day, typically from the last Saturday before the election through the Sunday before Election Day. Ulster County public election records include voter registration lists (available for inspection but with restrictions under Election Law Section 5-216), campaign finance disclosure reports filed with the New York State Board of Elections, candidate petitions and filings, and election results broken down by election district. Precinct-level election results are posted on the Board of Elections website after certification.
The next major election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, New York State Senate and Assembly seats, and potentially special elections or local ballot measures. New York Congressional District 19 includes Ulster County.
Valid reasons for absentee voting include absence from Ulster County on Election Day, illness or disability, and several other circumstances defined by Election Law Article 8. No-excuse absentee voting is not currently available in New York outside of the early voting period. Campaign finance records for local candidates are filed with Ulster County Board of Elections and state candidates with the New York State Board of Elections, accessible at publicreporting.elections.ny.gov.
Ulster County Board of Elections provides transparency through published election results, voter statistics, and accessible staff.
Economy & Demographics
Ulster County's economy is diverse, blending traditional industries with emerging sectors. Ulster County's location in the Hudson Valley provides proximity to New York City while maintaining a rural character that attracts tourism and remote workers. Major employment sectors include healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, accommodation and food services, educational services, and manufacturing. Kingston Hospital (now HealthAlliance Hospital Broadway Campus) and Northern Dutchess Hospital are among the largest employers.
- The median household income in Ulster County is approximately $72,000, above the state median for rural counties.
- Manufacturing includes food processing, furniture, and specialized products.
IBM formerly maintained a significant presence in Ulster County and still influences the local economy through spinoff technology companies. Tourism represents a substantial economic driver, with visitors attracted to the Catskill Mountains, Mohonk Mountain House resort, Minnewaska State Park, hiking, skiing at Belleayre Mountain, and historic sites. The arts community in Woodstock and surrounding areas contributes cultural tourism revenue.
Agriculture remains economically significant, with farms producing apples, wine grapes, vegetables, dairy, and livestock; farm-to-table restaurants and farmers markets support local agriculture. Ulster County has experienced growth in the craft beverage industry, including breweries, cideries, and distilleries. The cement industry, once dominant with companies like Lone Star Cement in the Rosendale area, has declined but left a legacy of industrial heritage tourism.
Recent economic development initiatives focus on attracting technology companies and remote workers from New York City, handled by improved broadband infrastructure. The unemployment rate typically tracks close to or slightly below the New York State average. Downtown Kingston has undergone revitalization with state funding through programs like NY Main Street and Restore NY.
Ulster County's economic development strategy emphasizes sustainable tourism, agricultural preservation, and using quality-of-life factors to attract talent and investment.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Free Search | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Inmate Lookup | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail | Business: Yes: Online (State) | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 8.5/10, Ulster County provides excellent digital access to property records, inmate information, and election data, with online court case searching and free GIS mapping tools.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Ulster County
Explore public records for 57 cities and communities in Ulster County, New York.