Richmond County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Richmond County in 2026
RichmondCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to public records maintained by government agencies serving Richmond County, New York. Members of the public seeking court documents, property filings, vital records, or other official documents may locate relevant resources through official county offices, state repositories, and authorized online portals. The record categories available through these channels include:
- Court records (civil, criminal, family, and surrogate)
- Property deeds, mortgages, and liens
- Vital records (birth, death, and marriage certificates)
- Business filings and licenses
- Tax and assessment records
- Land use and zoning documents
- Meeting minutes and government financial records
Records may be searched through official court resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools.
Online Access: The Richmond County Clerk serves as the official records repository for Staten Island and maintains searchable indexes for property-related documents and court filings. Members of the public may also access property deed information through the NYC 311 property deed portal. The New York City Department of Finance provides additional resources for recording property-related documents in Staten Island. Some records require account registration or in-person verification before full digital access is granted.
In-Person Requests: Members of the public may visit the Richmond County Clerk's Office to inspect records at the public counter. The office is located at 130 Stuyvesant Place, Staten Island, NY 10301. Counter hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Written/Mail Requests: Written requests should be directed to the Richmond County Clerk's Office at 130 Stuyvesant Place, Staten Island, NY 10301. Requests must include the requester's name, contact information, a description of the records sought, and any applicable fees. Under New York Public Officers Law § 89, agencies are required to respond to FOIL requests within five business days of receipt.
Phone/Email: The Richmond County Clerk's Office may be reached by telephone at (718) 675-7700. Email inquiries may be submitted through the contact form available on the official county clerk website.
What Are Public Records in Richmond County?
Public records in Richmond County are defined under New York Public Officers Law § 86, which broadly defines a "record" as any information kept, held, filed, produced, or reproduced by, with, or for an agency in any physical form. The following record types are maintained by designated county offices:
| Record Type | Maintaining Office |
|---|---|
| Civil and criminal court records | Richmond County Supreme Court / County Clerk |
| Property deeds, mortgages, liens | Richmond County Clerk |
| Vital records (birth, death, marriage) | NYC Department of Health / City Clerk |
| Business licenses and permits | NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection |
| Property tax and assessment records | NYC Department of Finance |
| Voting and election records | NYC Board of Elections |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | Relevant municipal agency |
| Land use and zoning records | NYC Department of City Planning |
| Law enforcement records | NYPD (subject to applicable exemptions) |
The Richmond County Clerk functions as the Chief Recording Officer and maintains the official repository for property instruments and court-related filings. As stated on the office's official website, "As Chief Recording Officer, we provide a wide range of public services and serve as the official records repository for Richmond County."
Is Richmond County an Open Records County?
Richmond County, as a county within New York State, is fully subject to the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), codified at New York Public Officers Law § 84 through § 90. Under this framework, all government records are presumed to be open to public inspection unless a specific statutory exemption applies. The New York State Committee on Open Government, which operates under the Department of State, oversees compliance with FOIL statewide and issues advisory opinions to guide agencies and requesters alike.
The New York State Legislature declared in enacting FOIL that "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." This principle governs how Richmond County agencies respond to public records requests. County offices are required to acknowledge receipt of a request within five business days and must either provide the records, deny the request with a written explanation, or furnish an estimated date of completion.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Richmond County?
The current fee structure for public records in Richmond County is governed by New York Public Officers Law and applicable county schedules. Standard fees are as follows:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Photocopies (per page, up to 9" x 14") | $0.25 per page |
| Certification of records | $1.25 per document (county clerk) |
| Property deed copies | Varies by document length |
| Electronic copies | No charge in many cases |
| Search fees | Not permitted under FOIL for standard requests |
Accepted payment methods at the Richmond County Clerk's Office include cash, money order, and credit or debit card. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requesters or when disclosure is determined to be in the public interest, pursuant to agency discretion. Fees for certified copies of vital records are set separately by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and differ from standard FOIL copy fees.
Does Richmond County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available to members of the public under New York Public Officers Law, which requires agencies to make records available for in-person review at no charge. The following resources provide free access to certain records:
- Richmond County Clerk's Office: Members of the public may inspect property indexes and court filing records at the public counter without charge.
- NYC Department of Finance online portal: Property assessment and tax records for Staten Island properties are accessible at no cost through the department's online search tools.
- NYC Open Data: The City of New York publishes a broad range of government datasets, including land use, permits, and agency records, at no charge through the NYC Open Data platform.
- NYC Board of Elections: Voter registration status and election-related records may be reviewed without charge.
The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: while inspection is provided at no cost, agencies may charge the standard per-page fee for physical or electronic copies of records.
Who Can Request Public Records in Richmond County?
Any person may submit a public records request in Richmond County, regardless of residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. New York's Freedom of Information Law does not require requesters to be New York State residents, to provide identification, or to explain the reason for their request. This broad access framework reflects the state's commitment to government transparency.
Certain record types carry additional access requirements. Sealed court records, for example, may only be accessed by parties to the proceeding or by court order. Individuals requesting their own records — such as personal court filings or agency correspondence — follow the same FOIL process as any other requester. Requests for records pertaining to third parties are subject to applicable privacy exemptions, particularly where personal identifying information is involved.
Non-residents retain the same rights as residents under state law. Organizations, businesses, and legal representatives may also submit requests on behalf of clients or constituents.
What Records Are Confidential in Richmond County?
New York Public Officers Law § 87(2) enumerates the categories of records that agencies may withhold from public disclosure. The following record types are exempt from routine public access in Richmond County:
- Sealed court records: Records sealed pursuant to court order or statute, including certain criminal case dispositions under CPL § 160.50
- Juvenile records: Records pertaining to persons adjudicated as juvenile delinquents
- Ongoing investigation records: Law enforcement records that, if disclosed, would interfere with active investigations
- Personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, financial account data, and similar identifiers
- Medical records: Protected under both state law and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
- Adoption records: Sealed by statute and accessible only under specific legal circumstances
- Child welfare records: Records maintained by child protective services agencies
- Personnel records: Employee records exempt to the extent that disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information: Submitted to agencies in confidence
- Security plans and critical infrastructure details: Withheld to protect public safety
Agencies applying these exemptions must balance the public interest in disclosure against the potential harm of release. Requesters who receive a denial may appeal to the agency head and, thereafter, seek judicial review under Article 78 of the New York Civil Practice Law and Rules.
Richmond County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Richmond County Clerk's Office
130 Stuyvesant Place
Staten Island, NY 10301
(718) 675-7700
Richmond County Clerk
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on New York State and federal holidays.
Additional Offices:
NYC Department of Finance – Staten Island Business Center
350 St. Marks Place
Staten Island, NY 10301
(212) 504-4080
NYC Department of Finance
NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene – Vital Records
125 Worth Street
New York, NY 10013
(212) 788-4500
NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
NYC Board of Elections – Staten Island Office
1 Edgewater Plaza, 4th Floor
Staten Island, NY 10305
(718) 876-0079
NYC Board of Elections