Yonkers Public Records Lookup
Public records in the City of Yonkers come from the City Clerk, the Westchester County Clerk, and several state agencies. Yonkers is the fourth largest city in New York State, with a population of about 211,000 people. It sits just north of the Bronx in Westchester County. The City Clerk at City Hall handles local vital records, municipal government files, and FOIL requests. Court records, property deeds, and other county-level documents are managed by the Westchester County Clerk in White Plains. This page covers both sources and tells you where to look for different types of public records in the Yonkers area.
Yonkers Public Records Overview
Westchester County Court and Land Records
The Westchester County Clerk handles court filings and land records for Yonkers. The Clerk's office is at 110 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd in White Plains. Supreme Court cases, property deeds, mortgages, liens, and judgments are all filed there. Westchester County has an online records search system where you can look up land documents and court case information.
Westchester County is in the 9th Judicial District. Civil cases from Yonkers can go to Supreme Court or Yonkers City Court depending on the amount at issue and the case type. The eCourts portal covers Supreme Court civil cases from Westchester County. It is free. For Yonkers City Court cases, the WebCivil Local search tool has that data. Small claims, evictions, and misdemeanors within city limits are handled by City Court.
The Criminal History Record Search covers all courts in the state for $95 per search. This includes any cases filed in Westchester County. It uses exact name and date of birth. Results come by email.
Property records go through the Westchester County Clerk. Deeds, mortgages, and other land instruments are recorded there. Tax records are handled by the city assessor for properties within Yonkers city limits. The Westchester County Real Property Tax Service also maintains assessment information.
Yonkers City Clerk
The City Clerk is at City Hall, 40 South Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10701. Call (914) 377-6300 for hours and information.
| Office | City Clerk, City of Yonkers |
|---|---|
| Address | City Hall, 40 S. Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10701 |
| Phone | (914) 377-6300 |
| County | Westchester County |
The City Clerk keeps vital records for events that happened in Yonkers. Birth, death, and marriage records are on file. You can get certified copies from this office. The Clerk also maintains city council minutes, local laws, ordinances, and resolutions. Licenses and permits issued by the city are filed here too.
The City Clerk serves as the Records Access Officer for the City of Yonkers. FOIL requests for any city department should be directed to this office or to the specific department's Records Access Officer. The Clerk's office can tell you where to send your request if you are not sure which department has the records you need.
For vital records the City Clerk does not have, try the New York State Department of Health. State records go back to 1881. Certified copies cost $30 and take 8 to 10 weeks by mail. For faster service, the local clerk is usually a better option for events that took place in Yonkers.
How to Search Yonkers Public Records
The search method depends on what you are looking for. Court and property records are at the county level. Local government files and vital records are with the city.
Court cases start with the eCourts portal. It is free and covers Supreme Court civil cases from Westchester County. Search by name or case number. For Yonkers City Court cases, WebCivil Local is the tool. For criminal history, the statewide search costs $95 and covers every county.
Property records go through the Westchester County Clerk. The online search covers deeds, mortgages, and other recorded instruments. For property tax records, the Yonkers city assessor has assessment data, and the county has a separate tax service as well. Both maintain public records that you can look up.
Building permits, code violations, and other city records are at the Yonkers Department of Planning and Development or the Building Department. Some of this information may be available at the counter or on the city website. For records that are not readily available, file a FOIL request through the City Clerk.
Police records from the Yonkers Police Department may be available through a FOIL request. Accident reports and incident reports are commonly requested. Contact the police department's records division to ask about their process and fees. Some records may be withheld if they involve open cases or sensitive information.
FOIL Requests in Yonkers
You have the right to request records from the City of Yonkers under FOIL. Write to the City Clerk at 40 South Broadway or to the Records Access Officer at the specific department. Be clear about what records you want. Include dates, names, and other details.
The city must respond within five business days. Copies cost up to 25 cents per page. If you want electronic copies, the city should provide them if the records exist in digital form. Appeals go to the city's appeals officer within 30 days of a denial. The Department of State FOIL page has the full rundown on the law and your options.
For Westchester County records, file your FOIL request with the county agency that has the files. Each department has its own Records Access Officer. The Committee on Open Government is available for questions and complaints about FOIL at any level.
Legal Resources in Yonkers
Westchester County has several free legal aid providers. Legal Services of the Hudson Valley offers free civil legal help to low-income residents. They cover housing, family law, public benefits, and consumer matters. The Westchester County Bar Association has a lawyer referral service. LawHelp NY at lawhelpny.org can connect you with legal aid in your area.
The 9th Judicial District courts have Help Centers where self-represented litigants can get assistance with forms and procedures. Yonkers City Court also has resources for people representing themselves. For records-related questions, the Committee on Open Government can explain your rights under the law.
Nearby Cities
Other cities near Yonkers with public records pages: