New Jersey court records are filed with the Superior Court Clerk (state-run, by vicinage). The Superior Court (unified) handles trial-level cases. New Jersey offers a statewide court search through NJ Courts Online, which covers most case types across all counties courts.
What this page covers: New Jersey state court case records — criminal, civil, family, and probate filings. What it does not cover: Federal court cases (those are on PACER) or sealed/juvenile records.
Where to start: Use NJ Courts Online for online case search. If you need documents beyond docket information, contact the Superior Court Clerk (state-run, by vicinage) in the specific county where the case was filed.
Common mistake: NJ Courts Online covers state courts only. Federal cases filed in New Jersey (bankruptcy, federal criminal, federal civil) require PACER — a separate federal system.
Court Records Databases
10 official New Jersey court records sources.
Court Records
New Jersey Counties
All 21 New Jersey counties. Click any county for local court, sheriff, recorder and assessor links.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a free statewide criminal search in New Jersey?▼
New Jersey's official criminal-history repository is operated by the state law-enforcement agency. Free public access to a complete criminal history is generally not available; an official background check typically requires fingerprints and a fee. County-level court records can be searched at no cost through individual court websites.
How do I search New Jersey court cases?▼
New Jersey's court system is headed by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. Trial-court business is handled by the Superior Court (15 vicinages), Tax Court, Municipal Court. Many New Jersey courts publish docket searches and case lookups online — see the Court Records tab above for direct links.
Where do I search New Jersey business entities?▼
The New Jersey Secretary of State (or equivalent agency) operates the official business-entity search. You can typically search corporations, LLCs, LPs, and other registered entities by name or registration number. See the Licenses or Business tab above.
What is the difference between Assessor and Recorder in New Jersey?▼
The Assessor determines property values for tax purposes. The Recorder (or Clerk-Recorder) records deeds, mortgages, liens, and other property documents. Some county offices combine these roles, others keep them separate. Check the specific county page for details.
How do I obtain a New Jersey birth or death certificate?▼
New Jersey vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce certificates) are issued by the New Jersey Office of Vital Statistics and Registry and, in many cases, by local county clerks. Fees and ID requirements are set by the issuing agency.
Are New Jersey property records free to search?▼
Most county-level property and recorded-document searches are free for basic information through the Assessor or Recorder website. Certified copies of deeds typically have a per-page fee. Direct links are in the Property Records tab above.
How do I check a New Jersey sex offender?▼
The New Jersey sex offender registry is maintained by the state law-enforcement agency under the Sex Offender Registration and Community Notification Act. The registry is searchable by name, ZIP code, or address.