Recorded documents in New York — deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and other land records — are filed with the County Clerk in each county.
What this page covers: New York recorded document searches — deeds, mortgages, assignments, liens, plats, and other instruments filed in the public land records. What it does not cover: Property valuations or tax data (those are on the Property Records page).
Where to start: Go to the County Clerk in the county where the property is located. Many county county clerks offer online document search by grantor/grantee name, book/page, or instrument number.
Common mistake: Recorded documents show what was filed — they do not confirm current ownership or lien status without a full title search. A deed in the index does not mean it is the most recent transfer.
Recorded Documents Databases
18 official New York recorded documents sources.
Recorded Documents
New York Counties
62 New York counties are indexed on SearchSystems.net — top 28 counties shown below. Browse the full directory or click any county for local court, sheriff, recorder and assessor links.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a free statewide criminal search in New York?▼
New York'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 York court cases?▼
New York's court system is headed by the Court of Appeals (highest court). Trial-court business is handled by the Supreme Court, County Court, Family Court, Surrogate's Court, City/Town/Village Courts. Many New York courts publish docket searches and case lookups online — see the Court Records tab above for direct links.
Where do I search New York business entities?▼
The New York 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 York?▼
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 York birth or death certificate?▼
New York vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce certificates) are issued by the New York State Department of Health (Vital Records); NYC records via NYC DOHMH and, in many cases, by local county clerks. Fees and ID requirements are set by the issuing agency.
Are New York 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 York sex offender?▼
The New York 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.