Access Westchester County Public Records

Westchester County public records cover one of the most populated counties in New York State, with nearly one million residents. The County Clerk's office in White Plains maintains Supreme Court civil records and land records, including deeds, mortgages, liens, and judgments. Westchester County offers online access to many of its records through various search systems. The county is part of the Ninth Judicial District and handles a high volume of filings each year given its large population and active real estate market. Whether you need a property deed, a court case file, or other government documents, the Clerk's office is the central point for access.

Westchester County Clerk

The Westchester County Clerk is one of the busiest Clerk's offices in New York. It handles Supreme Court civil records and all land record filings for the county. Deeds, mortgages, liens, judgments, lis pendens, and satisfaction pieces are recorded here. The Clerk also manages civil case files, court orders, and other court documents.

Fees are set by New York State law. 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 cost $5.00 per document. Recording a deed or mortgage starts at $15.00 for the first page. The office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards for some services.

Westchester County processes a very high volume of real estate transactions. The county's proximity to New York City drives constant property sales, refinancing, and commercial deals. The Clerk's office has invested in technology to keep up with this volume, offering online search tools and electronic filing options that not all counties provide. This makes it easier to search records remotely.

The Clerk's website at westchesterclerk.com provides access to online land record and court record searches. You can look up documents by name, date, or document type. Some records can be viewed online while others require an in-person visit or a certified copy request. Check the website for current access details and any subscription or registration requirements.

How to Search Westchester County Records

Westchester County gives you several search options. The Clerk's website offers online search tools for land records and court records. You can search by name, document type, or date. This is often the fastest way to start a search, especially for property records.

The eCourts system covers Supreme Court civil cases. Search by name or index number for free. This state tool works for all 62 counties including Westchester.

Criminal history checks go through the Criminal History Record Search. This statewide system checks for convictions across all New York courts. A name, date of birth, and fee are needed.

In person, the Clerk's office on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard has public search terminals and index books. Staff can help with complex searches. Given the volume of records here, it helps to know what you are looking for before you visit. Have names, dates, or property addresses ready.

FOIL requests cover any government record. Write to the agency, describe what you want, and they respond within five business days. The FOIL page explains the full process.

Types of Public Records

The Clerk records deeds, mortgages, mortgage satisfactions, assignments, easements, liens, lis pendens, and maps. Court records include Supreme Court civil case files, judgments, and orders. The office also files business certificates, notary commissions, and military discharge papers.

Vital records are handled separately. Birth and death certificates come from the Department of Health or local registrars. Marriage licenses are from the town or city clerk where the couple applies. Westchester has many cities and towns, each with its own clerk for vital records.

Westchester County has its own Family Court and Surrogate's Court. Family Court handles custody, support, and related matters. Most of those records are sealed. Surrogate's Court manages wills, probate, and estate records. Contact each court directly for access. The County Clerk does not maintain those files.

Local city courts in Yonkers, White Plains, New Rochelle, and Mount Vernon handle their own criminal and civil matters. Those records are kept by each city court clerk. Town and village courts have their own records too. For anything beyond Supreme Court records, you need to contact the specific court.

FOIL in Westchester County

The Freedom of Information Law applies to all government agencies in Westchester County. This includes the County Clerk, the County Executive's office, the District Attorney, the Sheriff, and every city, town, and village government in the county. Send a written request to the records access officer at the relevant agency.

Agencies have five business days to respond. They can grant access, deny with a cited exemption, or ask for extra time. If denied, appeal to the agency head. The Committee on Open Government assists with questions and appeals. FOIL copy fees are $0.25 per page.

Westchester County Clerk Website

The Westchester County Clerk's website shown above provides access to online record searches, filing information, and office details. You can search land records and court records through the Clerk's online tools.

Westchester County Resources

• Westchester County Clerk - Land records, court filings, online search
• NYS eCourts - Search Supreme Court civil cases
• Criminal History Record Search - Criminal conviction records
• NYS Vital Records - Birth, death, marriage certificates
• FOIL Information - Records access rights

Cities in Westchester County

Westchester County has several cities and large towns with dedicated pages on this site. These communities are among the most populated in the county and have their own local government offices in addition to the County Clerk.

Nearby Counties