New York public records and people search guide
In New York, the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) (N.Y. Pub. Off. Law § 84 et seq.) governs access to government records. Court cases are generally public at the court where they were filed, and you can search many online through NY eCourts (WebCivil, WebCrims and more). Searching public records for personal reasons is legal; using them to screen tenants or employees requires an FCRA-compliant report.
At a glance
What is usually public in New York
- Court records: civil, criminal, small claims and most probate filings, unless sealed or confidential by law.
- Property records: owner of record, deeds and tax assessments, from the county assessor and recorder. See how to find a property owner.
- Business filings: companies registered with the New York Secretary of State (or equivalent office).
- Professional licenses: through New York's licensing boards. See how to verify a license.
- Sex offender registry: New York's registry is included in the national search at NSOPW.gov.
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce): access rules vary; many are restricted to the people named or their families. Contact the New York vital records office or the county.
How to request records from a New York agency
- Identify the agency that holds the record (city, county or state).
- Send a written request that describes the records as specifically as you can, citing the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL). Many agencies have an online portal.
- Expect a response within the statutory period: 5 business days to grant, deny or acknowledge the request.
- Ask about copy fees up front.
- If denied, ask for the specific exemption relied on. You can appeal to the Committee on Open Government (advisory opinions).
Detailed, maintained legal summary: Reporters Committee Open Government Guide: New York.
Searching New York court records
- New York Judicial Branch: court directory, forms and access policies.
- NY eCourts (WebCivil, WebCrims and more)
- Federal cases in New York: PACER.
Reading results: an arrest is not a conviction, and similar names are easy to confuse. Match the date of birth and county. See how to check criminal records legally.
Public profiles, photos and phone data. Private: nobody is notified.
New York area codes
Questions
Are court records public in New York?
Most New York court records are open to the public unless sealed, expunged or confidential by law (for example juvenile and many family matters). You can search online through NY eCourts (WebCivil, WebCrims and more).
What is New York's public records law?
The Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) (N.Y. Pub. Off. Law § 84 et seq.) gives the public a right to inspect and copy government records, with exemptions set by law. Response time: 5 business days to grant, deny or acknowledge the request.
Can I run a background check on someone in New York?
You can search public records yourself for personal reasons. For hiring, renting, lending or insurance decisions, federal law (the FCRA) requires a consumer reporting agency and the person's permission, and New York may add its own rules.
How do I look up a New York phone number?
Enter it in a reverse phone lookup. New York area codes include 212, 315, 332, 347, 516, 518 and more.
Updated 2026-10-28. Links checked 2026-10-28. General information, not legal advice; statutes change, so confirm details with the agency or the Reporters Committee guide.
TrueSearch is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Do not use TrueSearch or anything on this page to make decisions about employment, housing or tenant screening, credit, insurance, or any other FCRA-covered purpose. Results come from publicly available information and licensed telecom data and may be incomplete or out of date.