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Queens County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Queens County?

Public records in Queens County are defined as information or documents made or received pursuant to law or ordinance in connection with the transaction of official business by any government agency. According to New York Public Officers Law § 86, public records include "any information kept, held, filed, produced or reproduced by, with or for an agency or the state legislature, in any physical form whatsoever."

Queens County maintains numerous categories of public records accessible to citizens:

  • Court Records: Civil, criminal, family court, and probate proceedings maintained by the Queens County Clerk and various court divisions
  • Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and property tax assessments
  • Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees
  • Business Records: Business licenses, permits, fictitious business names, and corporate filings
  • Tax Records: Property tax information, assessment records, and tax maps
  • Voting and Election Records: Voter registration data, election results, and campaign finance reports
  • Meeting Minutes: Records of proceedings for Queens Borough Board, Community Boards, and other public bodies
  • Budget Documents: County financial records, expenditure reports, and annual budgets
  • Law Enforcement Records: Arrest logs, incident reports (with legally required redactions)
  • Land Use Records: Zoning information, building permits, and environmental reviews

The Queens County Clerk's Office serves as the primary custodian for many official records, while specialized departments maintain records specific to their functions. The Department of Finance manages property records through the Automated City Register Information System (ACRIS), which allows public access to property documents.

Is Queens County an Open Records County?

Queens County adheres to New York State's Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), codified under Public Officers Law Article 6, §§ 84-90. This law establishes the public's right to access government records with limited exceptions.

The statute's declaration of legislative intent (§ 84) clearly states: "The legislature hereby finds that a free society is maintained when government is responsive and responsible to the public, and when the public is aware of governmental actions... 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."

Queens County government agencies comply with FOIL requirements and the state's Open Meetings Law, which ensures public access to meetings of public bodies. The county has established procedures for requesting records in accordance with state law.

Each Queens County agency has designated a Records Access Officer responsible for ensuring compliance with FOIL requests. The New York State Committee on Open Government provides oversight and guidance on the implementation of these transparency laws.

Under current law, Queens County must respond to FOIL requests within five business days, either by providing the requested records, denying access with written explanation, or acknowledging receipt with an approximate date when the request will be granted or denied.

How to Find Public Records in Queens County in 2026

Members of the public seeking records in Queens County may utilize several methods to locate and obtain documents:

  1. Online Access: Many records are available through dedicated online portals:

  2. Submit a FOIL Request: For records not available online, individuals may submit a Freedom of Information Law request to the appropriate agency:

    • Identify the specific agency that maintains the desired records
    • Complete the agency's FOIL request form or submit a written request
    • Provide sufficient detail to identify the requested records
    • Submit the request via email, mail, or in person

  3. Visit In Person: Many records may be inspected in person at the relevant agency office:

    • The Queens County Clerk's Office provides access to court and land records
    • The Department of Finance offers property tax information
    • The City Clerk's Office maintains marriage records and business certificates

  4. Contact Records Access Officer: Each agency has a designated Records Access Officer who can provide guidance on locating specific records:

    • Identify the appropriate agency
    • Contact the Records Access Officer for assistance
    • Request information about record availability and access procedures

Pursuant to Public Officers Law § 89(3), agencies must respond to requests within five business days by either providing the records, denying access with explanation, or acknowledging receipt with an estimated date for completion.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Queens County?

Queens County agencies charge fees for public records in accordance with New York Public Officers Law § 87(1)(b)(iii), which permits agencies to charge a reasonable fee for copying or reproducing records. Current standard fees include:

  • Photocopies: $0.25 per page for standard letter/legal size documents
  • Certified Copies: Additional certification fees apply (typically $5-$10 per document)
  • Large Format Documents: Variable rates based on size (maps, plans, etc.)
  • Electronic Records: May be provided at no charge when records are maintained electronically and can be emailed
  • Media Storage Devices: Actual cost of the storage medium when electronic records are provided on CD, DVD, or USB drive

Specific record types have statutorily established fees:

  • Vital Records:

    • Birth Certificates: $15 per copy
    • Death Certificates: $15 per copy
    • Marriage Certificates: $10 per copy

  • Court Records:

    • Case File Copies: $0.25 per page
    • Certified Court Documents: $8.00 per document
    • Exemplified Court Documents: $10.00 per document

  • Property Records:

    • Deed Copies: $5 per document plus $0.25 per page
    • Recording Fees: Variable based on document type and length

Accepted payment methods include cash, check, money order, and credit/debit cards at most agencies. Some online services require credit card payment.

Under FOIL provisions, agencies may waive fees when disclosure primarily benefits the general public. Additionally, in-person inspection of records is available at no charge during regular business hours.

Does Queens County Have Free Public Records?

Queens County provides free access to certain public records as required by state law. Members of the public may inspect available records without charge during normal business hours at the respective agency offices. According to Public Officers Law § 87(1)(b)(iii), agencies must provide opportunity for public inspection and copying of records.

Free public records resources in Queens County include:

  • In-Person Inspection: All non-exempt public records may be viewed free of charge at the appropriate agency office during regular business hours

  • Online Databases: Several free electronic resources are maintained:

  • Public Libraries: The Queens Public Library system offers free access to various public records and research materials

  • Public Terminals: Computer terminals at government offices provide free access to certain electronic records

While inspection is free, reproduction costs apply when copies are requested, as detailed in the fee schedule section above. Additionally, certain specialized searches or certified documents will incur statutory fees regardless of the request method.

Who Can Request Public Records in Queens County?

Under New York Public Officers Law § 84, any person may request access to public records in Queens County. The law does not restrict access based on citizenship, residency, age, or purpose of the request. Key eligibility provisions include:

  • Universal Access: Any individual, organization, business, or government entity may submit a FOIL request
  • No Residency Requirement: Non-residents of Queens County or New York State have equal rights to access public records
  • No Purpose Requirement: Requestors are not required to explain why they seek records or how they will use them
  • No Identification Requirement: For most records, requestors need not provide identification (exceptions apply for certain sensitive records)
  • Commercial Use Permitted: Records may be requested for commercial purposes without restriction

Certain record types have specific eligibility restrictions:

  • Vital Records: Access to birth and death certificates is limited to:

    • The person named on the record
    • Parents, spouses, children, or siblings with proper identification
    • Legal representatives with proper authorization
    • Persons with a documented judicial or other proper purpose

  • Criminal History Records: Access is restricted to:

    • The subject of the record (for personal record review)
    • Law enforcement agencies
    • Authorized agencies for specific statutory purposes
    • Others with court orders or specific statutory authorization

  • Sealed Court Records: Generally accessible only to parties to the case and their attorneys

  • Juvenile Records: Subject to strict confidentiality under Family Court Act § 375.1

Agencies may require verification of identity when records contain personal information protected by privacy laws or when specific statutory provisions limit access to certain categories of requestors.

What Records Are Confidential in Queens County?

Queens County maintains certain records as confidential pursuant to Public Officers Law § 87(2), which establishes specific categories of records exempt from disclosure. These exemptions include:

  • Personal Privacy: Records that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, including:

    • Social Security numbers
    • Medical records (protected under HIPAA)
    • Personal financial information
    • Employment, medical, or credit histories

  • Law Enforcement Records:

    • Active investigation materials that would interfere with proceedings
    • Records that would identify confidential sources
    • Criminal history information not specifically authorized for release
    • Information that would endanger the life or safety of any person

  • Court Records:

    • Sealed court records pursuant to court order
    • Family Court proceedings under Family Court Act § 166
    • Juvenile delinquency records
    • Youthful offender records

  • Critical Infrastructure: Information that could endanger public safety if disclosed:

    • Critical infrastructure details
    • Security plans and procedures
    • Computer access codes and security measures

  • Inter/Intra-Agency Materials: Deliberative process documents, including:

    • Draft documents
    • Pre-decisional memoranda
    • Recommendations and opinions (non-factual portions)

  • Trade Secrets: Commercial information submitted to an agency that would cause substantial injury to the competitive position of the subject if disclosed

  • Specifically Exempted Records: Information specifically exempted from disclosure by state or federal statute, including:

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 reasons for denial in writing and advise of the right to appeal.

Queens County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Queens County Clerk's Office
88-11 Sutphin Boulevard
Jamaica, NY 11435
(718) 298-0601
Queens County Clerk

Hours of Operation:
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 commissions
  • Naturalization records
  • Supreme and Civil Court case files
  • Judgment dockets
  • Jury services

NYC Department of Finance - Queens Business Center
144-06 94th Avenue
Jamaica, NY 11435
(212) 291-2000
NYC Department of Finance

Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and legal holidays

Services Provided:

  • Property tax payments and information
  • Property assessment records
  • ACRIS assistance for property records
  • Business and excise tax filings

Queens Borough Hall - Land Records Division
120-55 Queens Boulevard
Kew Gardens, NY 11424
(718) 286-2900
Queens Borough President

Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and legal holidays

Services Provided:

  • Land use records
  • Zoning maps
  • Community board information
  • Borough Board minutes

Lookup Public Records in Queens County

Automated City Register Information System (ACRIS)

Criminal History Records and Background Checks

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