Ulster County Public Records Search
Ulster County public records are kept by the County Clerk's office in Kingston. This mid-Hudson Valley county offers an Online Records System for searching land records, court records, and other filed documents. The Clerk's office records deeds, mortgages, liens, and judgments, and serves as Clerk of the Supreme and County Courts. Ulster County is part of the Third Judicial District, and its Clerk's office provides better online access than many counties in New York. You can search by name, document type, or date range through the online system.
Ulster County Quick Facts
Ulster County Clerk
The Ulster County Clerk is the primary office for land and court records. All deeds, mortgages, liens, judgments, and lis pendens for the county are recorded here. The Clerk manages Supreme Court and County Court civil case files. The office also handles passports, pistol permits, and other services that fall under the County Clerk's authority in New York.
| Office | Ulster County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 244 Fair Street, Kingston, NY 12401 |
| Phone | (845) 340-3040 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Website | ulstercountyny.gov |
Fees are standard across New York. Plain copies cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies of recorded documents are $5.00 for the first page and $1.25 for each page after. Court record copies run $5.00 per document. Document recording starts at $15.00 for the first page. The office accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Credit cards may be accepted for some services.
Ulster County's Online Records System is a big advantage for people searching records remotely. You can search by name, document type, or date range. Some documents can be viewed online, while others need to be inspected in person. The system covers land records and court filings, which makes it one of the more useful county clerk websites in the state. Check the Clerk's website for access details and any subscription or fee requirements.
How to Search Ulster County Records
The Ulster County Clerk's Online Records System is your first stop for land records. Search by name, document type, or date range. Some records can be viewed right on screen. Others may need an in-person visit to see the full document. This system covers deeds, mortgages, and other recorded documents.
For court cases, the eCourts system handles Supreme Court civil case searches. Look up cases by name or index number. The tool is free and covers all 62 counties.
Criminal history checks go through the Criminal History Record Search. This state-run tool checks convictions across all New York courts. A name, date of birth, and fee are needed.
In-person searches at the Kingston office work well if you need records not available online. The Clerk's office has index books and computer terminals. Staff can help guide your search. Call ahead at (845) 340-3040 to ask about what is available online before you visit.
FOIL requests cover any government record in the county. Write to the agency, describe what you want, and wait for a response within five business days. The FOIL page has details on the process.
Types of Records
The Clerk files deeds, mortgages, mortgage satisfactions, easements, liens, lis pendens, maps, and subdivision plats. Court records include Supreme Court and County Court civil case files, judgments, and orders. Business certificates, notary commissions, and military discharge papers are also on file.
Vital records are not at the County Clerk. Birth and death certificates come from the Department of Health or local registrars. Marriage licenses are from the town or city clerk. Contact those offices for vital record needs.
Surrogate's Court handles wills, probate, and estate records. Family Court covers custody, support, and juvenile matters, with most records sealed. Each court maintains its own files, separate from the County Clerk.
Property tax records are kept by the Ulster County Real Property Tax Service Agency. The Clerk records property transfers and mortgages, but tax bills and assessments come from the tax office. Each town in Ulster County has its own assessor for local property values. For tax data on a specific parcel, contact the Real Property office or the town assessor.
FOIL in Ulster County
The Freedom of Information Law gives you the right to request records from any Ulster County government agency. Put your request in writing. Be specific. No reason is required.
Agencies must respond in five business days. They can grant access, deny with a cited reason, or request more time. Appeals go to the agency head first, then to the Committee on Open Government. FOIL copy fees are $0.25 per page for standard documents. Electronic copies may be free if the agency can produce them easily. You can also ask what format the records are kept in before you file a formal request.
State Court Search Portal
The eCourts portal lets you search civil cases filed in Ulster County Supreme Court. Enter a name or index number to see case details and status. The tool is free and works for every county in New York.
Ulster County Resources
- Ulster County Clerk - Land records, court filings, online records system
- NYS eCourts - Search Supreme Court civil cases
- Criminal History Record Search - Criminal conviction records
- NYS Vital Records - Birth, death, marriage certificates
- FOIL Information - Public records access rights
Cities and Towns in Ulster County
Ulster County includes Kingston (the county seat), New Paltz, Saugerties, and Woodstock, among other towns. No cities in this county meet the population threshold for a dedicated page. Kingston City Court handles local criminal and civil matters within the city. For land records and Supreme Court cases, the Ulster County Clerk serves all communities. Town clerks handle marriage licenses and some local records in their own jurisdictions.