Bronx County Public Records
What Are Public Records in Bronx County?
Public records in Bronx County are documents, files, and information created, received, or maintained by government agencies that are accessible to the public according to the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), codified under New York Public Officers Law § 84-90. These records document official government business and are maintained for transparency and accountability purposes.
Bronx County, as one of the five boroughs of New York City, maintains various types of public records including:
- Court Records: Civil, criminal, family court, and probate records maintained by the New York State Unified Court System
- Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, and property assessments accessible through the Automated City Register Information System (ACRIS)
- Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage records maintained by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the City Clerk's Office
- Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and registrations maintained by the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection
- Tax Records: Property tax statements and assessment records available through the NYC Department of Finance
- Voting and Election Records: Voter registration and election results maintained by the NYC Board of Elections
- Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Records from Bronx Community Board meetings and other public bodies
- Budget and Financial Documents: Financial reports and budgets from the NYC Office of Management and Budget
- Law Enforcement Records: Certain police reports and incident data from the NYPD (subject to exemptions)
- Land Use and Zoning Records: Zoning maps, land use applications, and building permits from the NYC Department of City Planning
Each record type is maintained by specific government agencies with designated custodians responsible for record preservation and access. The NYC Department of Records and Information Services serves as the central repository for many historical records.
Is Bronx County an Open Records County?
Bronx County adheres to New York State's open records laws, primarily the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), which is codified under Public Officers Law Article 6, § 84-90. This law establishes the public's right to access government records with certain exceptions.
Under Public Officers Law § 84, the legislature declares that:
"The people's right to know the process of governmental decision-making and to review the documents and statistics leading to determinations is basic to our society. Access to such information should not be thwarted by shrouding it with the cloak of secrecy or confidentiality."
Bronx County government agencies must comply with FOIL requirements, including:
- Responding to records requests within 5 business days
- Providing records in the requested format when feasible
- Charging only the actual cost of reproduction
- Providing written explanations when denying access to records
Additionally, Bronx County agencies must comply with the New York State Open Meetings Law, codified under Public Officers Law Article 7, § 100-111, which requires that meetings of public bodies be open to the public.
The Committee on Open Government oversees and advises on the implementation of these laws throughout New York State, including Bronx County. This committee provides advisory opinions and guidance on compliance with open records laws.
How to Find Public Records in Bronx County in 2026
Members of the public seeking records in Bronx County may follow these procedures to access various document types:
For Court Records:
- Identify the specific court holding the records (Supreme, Civil, Family, Criminal)
- Submit a request to the Bronx County Clerk's Office or specific court clerk
- Provide case information including names, dates, and case numbers if available
- Pay applicable search and copy fees
For Property Records:
- Access the Automated City Register Information System (ACRIS) online
- Search by address, block and lot number, or party name
- View and download document images directly from the system
- For in-person assistance, visit the Office of the City Register
For Vital Records:
- Birth and Death Certificates: Submit requests to the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
- Marriage Records: Apply through the City Clerk's Office
- Provide required identification and relationship documentation
- Pay the applicable fees
For General FOIL Requests:
- Identify the agency that maintains the desired records
- Submit a written FOIL request specifying the records sought
- Use the agency's designated FOIL request form or NYC OpenRecords portal
- Include contact information and preferred format for receiving records
- Allow the statutory response time (5 business days for acknowledgment)
For Business Records:
- Visit the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection website
- Search the business license database by name or license number
- For more detailed information, submit a FOIL request to the department
For Tax and Assessment Records:
- Access the NYC Department of Finance website
- Search by borough, block, and lot number or address
- View assessment information, tax bills, and payment history
For Historical Records:
- Contact the NYC Department of Records and Information Services
- Search the online archives and digital collections
- Schedule an appointment to view physical records at the Municipal Archives
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Bronx County?
The cost of obtaining public records in Bronx County varies by record type and format. Pursuant to Public Officers Law § 87(1)(b)(iii), agencies may charge fees for copies of records, but fees must reflect the actual cost of reproduction.
Standard Copy Fees:
- Paper copies (up to 9×14 inches): $0.25 per page
- Larger format copies (maps, plans): Actual cost of reproduction
- Electronic records: No fee when records are available electronically and can be emailed
- Records provided on storage media: Actual cost of the storage device
Vital Records Fees:
- Birth Certificate: $15 per copy
- Death Certificate: $15 per copy
- Marriage Certificate: $15 per copy
- Marriage License: $35
Court Record Fees:
- Case file searches: $30-$65 depending on court and search type
- Certified copies of court documents: $8.00 per document plus $0.25 per page
- Exemplified copies: $8.00 plus certification fee
Property Record Fees:
- ACRIS online searches: Free
- Printed copies of property records: $5.00 per document plus $0.25 per page
- Certified copies of deeds or mortgages: $5.00 plus $0.25 per page
Accepted Payment Methods:
- In-person: Cash, credit/debit cards, money orders, certified checks
- By mail: Money orders or certified checks
- Online: Credit/debit cards for applicable services
Agencies may waive fees when disclosure primarily benefits the general public, as determined by the records access officer. Additionally, indigent persons may request fee waivers for certain records under specific circumstances.
Does Bronx County Have Free Public Records?
Bronx County provides several avenues for accessing public records at no cost to requestors. Under current New York State law, the public has the right to inspect records without charge, though fees may apply for copies.
Free Record Inspection:
- All public records may be inspected free of charge during normal business hours at the maintaining agency
- Appointments may be required for in-person inspection
- Agencies must provide adequate space for record examination
Free Online Resources:
- ACRIS - Free online access to property records including deeds, mortgages, and liens
- NYC Open Data - Comprehensive database of city datasets including Bronx County information
- NYC Department of Finance Property Tax Public Access - Free property tax and assessment information
- NYC Planning ZoLa - Zoning and land use maps for Bronx County
- NYC Board of Elections Voter Information Portal - Voter registration verification and polling place information
- Bronx Community Board Meeting Minutes - Free access to public meeting records
Free Records Available at Government Offices:
- Public notices and announcements posted at the Bronx County Courthouse
- Meeting agendas available at public meetings
- Certain budget summaries and financial reports at the Comptroller's Office
Pursuant to Public Officers Law § 87(2), agencies must provide records in the format requested when feasible, including electronic formats that may eliminate copy fees.
Who Can Request Public Records in Bronx County?
Under the New York Freedom of Information Law (Public Officers Law § 84), any person may request access to public records in Bronx County regardless of citizenship or residency status. The law establishes that government records are presumptively open to public inspection without regard to the requestor's status, interest, or intended use of the records.
Eligibility Requirements:
- No residency or citizenship requirements exist for general public records
- Requestors need not state a reason or purpose for their request
- Identification is generally not required for most record requests
- Anonymous requests are permitted for certain records
Special Considerations for Specific Record Types:
- Vital Records: Access to birth and death certificates is restricted to the person named on the record, their parents, spouse, children, or other persons with a documented legitimate interest. Proper identification is required.
- Criminal Records: Complete criminal history information is available only to the subject of the record or their designated representative with proper authorization.
- Juvenile Records: These records are generally confidential and available only to the juvenile, parents/guardians, or attorneys involved in the case.
- Medical Records: Access is restricted to the patient or their authorized representative pursuant to HIPAA regulations.
Requesting Your Own Records vs. Others' Records:
- When requesting your own records, identification is typically required
- When requesting another person's records, authorization may be required depending on record type
- Executors and administrators may access records of deceased persons with proper documentation
- Attorneys may access client records with written authorization
Government agencies may not inquire about the purpose of a request except to determine if the request is for commercial purposes (which may affect fees) or to establish if the requestor is entitled to access restricted records.
What Records Are Confidential in Bronx County?
While New York's Freedom of Information Law presumes government records are accessible to the public, Public Officers Law § 87(2) establishes specific categories of records that are exempt from disclosure in Bronx County and throughout New York State.
Exempt Records Include:
-
Personal Privacy Information: Records that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Home addresses and telephone numbers of public employees
- Medical and health records
- Personal financial information
-
Law Enforcement Records:
- Active investigation records that would interfere with law enforcement proceedings
- Records that would deprive a person of a right to a fair trial
- Confidential source or witness information
- Criminal background information accessible only through DCJS
-
Court-Protected Records:
- Sealed court records pursuant to court order
- Family Court proceedings under Family Court Act § 166
- Juvenile delinquency records
- Youthful offender records
-
Security and Safety Information:
- Critical infrastructure details that could endanger public safety
- Computer access codes and security measures
- Emergency response plans
-
Inter/Intra-Agency Materials:
- Deliberative process materials
- Draft documents not in final form
- Recommendations and opinions (non-factual portions)
-
Business and Commercial Information:
- Trade secrets submitted to government agencies
- Information that would cause substantial competitive injury if disclosed
- Certain vendor contract information during competitive bidding
-
Educational Records:
- Student records protected under FERPA
- Teacher personnel files
-
Other Protected Records:
- Adoption records
- Child welfare and protective services records
- Mental health treatment records
- Attorney-client privileged communications
- Records specifically exempted by state or federal statute
When a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, agencies must redact the exempt information and release the remainder. Agencies denying access must explain the reason for denial in writing, citing the specific statutory provision justifying the denial, and advise the requestor of the right to appeal.
Bronx County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Bronx County Clerk's Office
851 Grand Concourse, Room 118
Bronx, NY 10451
(718) 618-3300
Bronx County Clerk
Public Counter Hours:
Monday through Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and legal holidays
Services Provided:
- Recording of deeds, mortgages, and other land records
- Filing of business certificates and notary public registrations
- Issuance of certified copies of recorded documents
- Passport application processing
- Naturalization records (historical)
- Supreme Court case file maintenance
NYC Department of Finance - Bronx Business Center
3030 Third Avenue, 2nd Floor
Bronx, NY 10455
(212) 291-2000
NYC Department of Finance
Public Counter Hours:
Monday through Friday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and legal holidays
Services Provided:
- Property tax payment processing
- Property tax exemption applications
- Property record searches
- Notice of Property Value inquiries
- ACRIS assistance for property records
NYC Department of Records and Information Services
31 Chambers Street
New York, NY 10007
(212) 788-8590
NYC Department of Records
Public Counter Hours:
Monday through Thursday: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Closed on weekends and legal holidays
Services Provided:
- Historical records access
- Municipal Archives research
- Historical vital records (birth, death, marriage)
- City government publications
- Tax photograph collection