Obtain Free Westchester County Public Records (Resource)

Free Westchester County Public Records Search
Access Westchester County Records: marriage, divorce, warrants, arrests, probation, criminal, court, background checks, and all public records.

Westchester County public records are available online for anyone to access and review at no cost; it’s just a matter of figuring out which types of records are available and where to look.

Residents can obtain records of marriage, divorce, warrants, arrests, criminal proceedings, prisoner details, and court trials. Additionally, searchers can look up information about someone’s property ownership or prisoner details and verify if someone is currently on probation.

The New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) and the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) are the laws that make these records public. However, interested parties must know where to turn and how to conduct a free public records search. This resource provides this resource to guide citizens to the proper online lookup tools, record custodians, and helpful search tips.

How To Find Westchester County Arrest Records & Mugshots at No Cost

Look up Westchester County arrest records to find information about an individual’s criminal activity and arrests within the county.

Made available by the Westchester County Sheriff’s Office and city police departments within the county, these arrest documents contain details surrounding the circumstances in which an individual was detained regarding a crime. The free criminal record check will provide you with:

  • Personal specifics such as name, gender identity, ethnicity, age upon being arrested and date of birth
  • Information regarding the time and place when the incident happened
  • The name of the officer who made the arrest

As these records are public, anyone can access their content without any hassle. The data provides detailed insights into judicial proceedings at any given time, giving greater transparency to residents while serving as objective evidence during court proceedings.

Look Through the Westchester County Jail Log

The Commissioner of the county heads the correctional facility. The facility maintains a record of Westchester County bookings database that provides information related to the jail records and the facility.

To search for inmates or find someone’s mugshot, the Westchester County Jail’s Inmate Lookup Tool can be utilized.1 The following information is required:

  • First Name
  • Last Name
  • Type of Search
  • Date of Birth
  • Age
A screenshot of the Westchester Inmate Lookup from the Department of Correction page requires users to input necessary information for more precise results.
Source: Westchester County Department of Correction1

To request police reports or further arrest information, individuals can also contact the Westchester County Department of Correction at the following address:

Westchester County Department of Correction
10 County Road
Valhalla, NY 10595

Phone: +1(914)-231-1000

A screenshot of the Westchester Inmate Lookup tool displays search results, including inmate name, birth date, alias, booking number, custody status, booking date, and next court date, along with search and back buttons.
Source: Westchester County Department of Correction1

Additionally, the sheriff’s office can also be approached directly and contacted to request details of the criminal record. The sheriff’s office can be contacted at the following address or phone number:

Westchester County Sheriff’s Office
1 Saw Mill River Parkway
Hawthorne, NY 10532

Phone: 914-995-2000

Find Arrest Details & Reports via Municipal Police Departments in Westchester County

If a county search doesn’t yield results, local police departments exist throughout each city within Westchester County and can be contacted to obtain arrest reports and details.

Those who need to submit specific inquiries through these local police departments are advised to contact them directly at the following phone numbers and addresses:

Police Department Address Phone
Westchester County Department of Correction 10 County Road
Valhalla, NY 10595
+1-914-231-1000
Westchester County Police Civil Unit 110 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Rm L-217
White Plains, NY 10601
914-995-3053
Westchester County Police Headquarters 1 Saw Mill River Parkway
Hawthorne, New York 10532
914-864-7700
White Plains City Police Department 77 S Lexington Ave
White Plains, NY 10601
914-422-6111
Rye Police Department 21 McCullough Pl
Rye, NY 10580
914-967-1234
Yonkers Police Department – Headquarters 104 S Broadway
Yonkers, NY 10701
914-377-7900
New Rochelle Police Department City Hall, 475 North Ave #2
New Rochelle, NY 10801
914-654-2300
Scarsdale Police Department 50 Tompkins Rd
Scarsdale, NY 10583
914-722-1200
Tarrytown Police Department 1 Depot Plaza
Tarrytown, NY 10591
914-631-5544
Mt Vernon Police Department 2 Detective Christopher Ridley Way,
Mt Vernon, NY 10550
914-665-2500
Peekskill Police Department 2 Nelson Ave # 3
Peekskill, NY 10566
914-737-8000
Pelham Police Department 34 Fifth Ave # A
Pelham, NY 10803
914-738-2000
Village of Ossining Police Department 88 Spring St
Ossining, NY 10562
914-941-4099
Eastchester Police Department 40 Mill Rd
Eastchester, NY 10709
914-961-3464
Westchester County Police, Mt. Kisco station 40 Green St
Mt Kisco, NY 10549
914-241-1100
Bronxville Police Department 200 Pondfield Rd
Bronxville, NY 10708
914-337-0500
Irvington Police Headquarters 85 Main St
Irvington, NY 10533
914-591-8080
Port Chester Police Department 350 N Main St #1
Port Chester, NY 10573
914-939-1000
Harrison Police Department 650 North St.
Harrison, NY 10528
914-967-5111
Larchmont Police Department 120 Larchmont Ave.
Larchmont, NY 10538
914-834-1000
Town of Mamaroneck Police Department 740 W Boston Post Rd # 1
Mamaroneck, NY 10543
914-381-6100
Dobbs Ferry Police Department 112 Main St.
Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522
914-693-5500
Hastings-On-Hudson Police 7 Maple Ave #1
Hastings-On-Hudson, NY 10706
914-478-2344
Ardsley Police Department 507 Ashford Ave
Ardsley, NY 10502
914-693-1700
Tuckahoe Police Headquarters 65 Main St
Tuckahoe, NY 10707
914-961-4800
Briarcliff Manor Police 1111 Pleasantville Rd
Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510
914-941-2130
Pleasantville Police Headquarters 80 Wheeler Ave.
Pleasantville, NY 10570
914-769-1500
Croton-on-Hudson Police Department Stanley H. Kellerhouse Municipal Bldg.
1 Van Wyck St.
Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520
914-271-5177
North Salem Police Department Town of North Salem, NY
266 Titicus Road
North Salem, NY 10560
914-669-5577
Elmsford Village Police Department 15 S Stone Ave.
Elmsford, NY 10523
914-592-8383
Somers Police Department 100 Primrose St.
Somers, NY 10589
914-232-9622
Pound Ridge Police Department 177 Westchester Ave.
Pound Ridge, NY 10576
914-764-4206

How To Perform a Free Public Criminal History Check in Westchester County NY

Westchester County criminal records are maintained to provide information about the crimes committed by any individual and are publicly available for county residents and anyone who is interested in searching these public indexes and records.

The Office of the Westchester County Clerk is the public records repository for local criminal records and processes the requests for criminal history record checks. On the other hand, the Westchester Department of Public Safety is the law enforcement agency that files all crime-related records.

Criminal records can be of several types, such as charges, probation, sex offender registries, warrants, and more. There are several record custodians that file these records, for viewing purposes. Keep in mind that residents cannot simply look up someone’s criminal record; these documents can only be accessed by the record’s subject, or a public member must file a claim for viewing a criminal record.

These records differ from arrest records as they provide conviction information as well. The following information is available through public criminal records:

  • Subject’s name, age, date of birth, sex, and race
  • Fingerprints
  • Physical characteristics
  • Arrest history
  • Pending indictments
  • Convictions

Execute a Public Criminal Record Check in Westchester County New York

If the conviction occurred at the Westchester County Court level, you have multiple options available to access public records. Submit a request by mail along with payment of $5 (check or pay order) under the name of ‘Westchester County Clerk’ or come to the office of Westchester County Clerk personally.2

When using either option, include information regarding when and who was named in the charge. A $5 search fee (payable only via mail requests) will be charged if you require finding an Indictment Number but don’t know it initially.

It’s important to remember that certain types of convictions are sealed due to New York State Civil Rights Law, Criminal Procedure Law, or other applicable statutes, which could affect potential access rights or limit them altogether in some cases.

If going for the mail option, send it to the following address:

Office of the Westchester County Clerk
Legal Division
Rm. 330, 110 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
White Plains, New York 10601

Run a Warrant Search in Westchester County New York

Westchester County public records include warrants, which are issued when a police department makes a formal request to a criminal court, allowing them to take legal action against a criminal. People can perform a warrant search using Westchester’s Warrant Watch.

A screenshot shows the individuals listed on Westchester's Warrant Watch page with information such as full name, alias, location, age, date and mugshot.
Source: Westchester’s Warrant Watch3

This is an online service that is offered by the Westchester County Department of Public Safety in collaboration with the Westchester County Department of Probation.

Moreover, individuals can go through the list displayed on Warrant Watch’s search page or make their own searches using name, zip, tattoos, and other physical features. They can also look up current and prior Westchester County warrants, view the ID gallery, and access multiple features to make refined searches.

Westchester County Department of Public Safety can also be contacted for more information related to warrant searches at the following address:

Westchester County
148 Martine Ave.
White Plains, New York 10601

Phone: 914-995-2000

View Probationer Details Through the Westchester County Department of Probation

Individuals who have been released from jail to supervision within the community are considered probationers, and information on them can be retrieved by contacting any of the Westchester County Probation Offices during their business hours.4

Most probation office locations are open from 9am-5pm, although some have extended appointment hours.

Interested parties can review further probation information and their contact details before visiting an office or inquiring.

At the state level, the New York State Office of Probation & Correctional Alternatives governs access to probation records in Westchester County (and other counties within the state). This organization handles all requests regarding release from custody or individuals under correctional supervision.

While anyone can inform the department of their concerns regarding an individual on probation, the department may not be able to divulge any specific information without permission from the court or through other direct legal means.

Additionally, information concerning persons adjudicated as youthful offenders in Criminal Court or juveniles in Family Court may not be discussed due to privacy laws protecting minors. However, individuals can always contact the New York State Office of Probation & Correctional Alternatives to request probate records or data.

New York City Department of Probation
Juanita Holmes, Commissioner
33 Beaver Street, Room #2310
New York, New York 10004-2306

Tel: (212)-510-3710
Fax: (212)-361-8985

Although specific records regarding probation cannot be obtained online, the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision does provide access to records concerning individuals on parole (when someone is released from prison rather than jail).

Parole information can be found through their online search tool and interested individuals can search these public records by entering name, birth year, DIN, and NYSID.

A screenshot of the Parolee Lookup from the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision website with the required information such as NYSID, DIN, name, and birth year to search.
Source: Department of Corrections and Community Supervision5

Acquire a Westchester County Background Check & Report

Interested parties can conduct screenings and personal background checks to obtain information by contacting the Westchester County Clerk as highlighted above, or through the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services for professional purposes such as licensing, employment and more.6

However, if it’s for personal purposes, citizens can also opt for third-party people finder sites or perform a public record search through the government agencies seen in this resource.

These records can be obtained without permission as long as they are not used to make any decisions or for stalking and harassing people.

Moreover, background checks are also done for professional purposes, such as employment, licensing, insurance, housing, and many other instances that require these checks. However, professional background checks must be conducted after fulfillment of the following criteria:

  • Obtaining written consent from the subject
  • Ability to request the background check report
  • Actionable if any discrimination takes place against the subject

All Westchester County public records searches–including background checks–must comply with the regulatory laws. For example, any check related to financial transactions must be in accordance with the Federal Credit Rating Agency (FCRA).

Those interested can also report to the relevant authorities in case of discrimination. If an individual feels that he or she has been discriminated against based on criminal, arrest, and protected class records, they can file a charge of employment discrimination through the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

Additionally, if you believe a prospective employer has performed or requested a background check on you without your permission, you can report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Any employer who wants to retrieve criminal records must complete the Request for Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) after notarizing, attaching the check for the applicable fee, and mailing it to the following address:

Office of Legal Services
New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services
Alfred E. Smith Building, 80 South Swan St.
Albany, NY 12210

A screenshot of the Request for Access to Criminal Information form from the New York Division of Criminal Justice Services where the requestor must provide information such as requesting agency, contact name, address, phone number, email address, etc.
Source: New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services7

Personal record reviews are also made available to persons interested in retrieving criminal history information for personal and unofficial purposes.

Citizens can contact a Fingerprinting Vendor authorized by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice. A full set of fingerprints will be made available for $63.50 upon request.

How To Find All Criminal Records in New York via State & Federal Agencies

Individuals who want to look up criminal records throughout New York can also use different tools provided by the state and federal governments. Several of these agencies and databases are listed below with a brief snippet about what each offers.

Department of Corrections & Community Supervision: The department provides a lookup tool for anyone interested in finding imprisoned men and women. The DOCCS maintains records of individuals imprisoned in New York jails since the early 1970’s, along with records of certain released persons.

Those seeking information on inmates can either enter the DIN, NYSID number or date of birth, along with the first and last name of the inmate.

New York State Unified Court System: The process begins with submitting a request for a criminal history record search (CHRS). This can be done in two ways: either via the online Direct Access program or through filling out an application form and mailing it to the Office of Court Administration (OCA), which charges $95.00.8

Companies can also use background checks as part of the same program under specific conditions set forth by state law enforcement agencies.

New York State Police: The Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) provides the public with the ability to view or inspect New York public records maintained by government agencies. It is important to note that some exceptions exist that may prevent certain documents from being accessed.

To assist in requesting such records, use their Open FOIL NY online form and make sure to include relevant details such as incident number(s), type, date/time, location and names/dates of birth for involved parties.

Additionally, you can also make use of the physical form provided by New York State Police through which all requests can be sent to [email protected].

Bureau of Prisons: Federal inmates and their histories can be found using an online inmate search tool provided on the website.

Through this database, individuals with authorized access can obtain information regarding inmates currently held by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) — including their names, BOP register numbers, DCDC numbers, FBI numbers and INS numbers.

Division of Criminal Justice Services: A Request for Criminal History Record Information can help people get information related to criminal records.

The above-mentioned form should be notarized and enclosed with the applicable fees and relevant documents mailed to the following address:

New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services
Office of Legal Services
Alfred E. Smith Building, 80 South Swan St.
Albany, NY 12210

Official New York State Sex Offender Registry: The Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) maintains an online directory that can be used by the public, law enforcement agencies, businesses and other entities to find individuals registered as sex offenders.

This directory provides two different types of information – Level 2 or 3 offenders are listed with full address details, while those shown with a risk level 1 or unclassified must be accessed through DCJS’s toll-free number 800-262-3257.

Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW): The site enables access to sex offender data from all over the country. NSOPW is a partnership between the U.S. Department of Justice and almost all state, tribal and territorial governments, which brings together public safety professionals for the benefit of adults and children alike.

A screenshot of the Incarcerated Lookup page from the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision website shows the results, which include information such as the offender's full name, DIN, race, status, housing/releasing facility, county, date received, admission type and crime information.
Source: Department of Corrections and Community Supervision9

There are two main ways to check public records about convicted sex offenders: either entering their first and last name or searching through the location by inputting your address, city and state into the designated fields. Once that’s done, NSOPW will list all known sex offenders in your area right away.

How To Search Westchester County Court Records & Cases

The Office of the County Clerk maintains all of the Westchester County judicial records of the cases filed in the Westchester Supreme Court.

Unless the records are sealed through court orders or contain confidential information, they can be accessed online by the public using the Westchester County Court Records Search Tool. The tool provides the option of searching both Civil and Criminal cases.

The information collected for civil cases is available from 1980 onwards and from 1978 onwards for criminal cases.

People looking for a particular court record are encouraged to visit the public viewing terminals containing documents filed after 2002. Those who need to access a record prior to 2002 can visit the following address Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Richard J. Daronco Courthouse 
111 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd

Westchester County case search records can also be accessed through mail requests by providing the following information:

  • Victim or witness name(s)
  • Case number
  • The date on which the case was filed
  • Parties to the action
A screenshot from the Office of the Westchester County Clerk website displays the list of cases, including information such as index number, defendant name, plaintiff name, file date, type and details.
Source: Office of the Westchester County Clerk10

Individuals must enclose a check of $10 payable to “Westchester County Clerk” for all requests that do not contain the index number of the record being searched and $5 for each additional record required. Mail requests must be made to the following address:

Westchester County Supreme Court
111 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd,
White Plains, NY 10601

For inquiries related to court records, users can refer to the following phone numbers according to the type of record required:

Phone: (914)-824-5300 Fax: (914)-824-5873 (Civil)
Phone: (914)-824-5400 Fax: (914)-824-5065 (Criminal)

All of the court addresses located in Westchester County are as follows:

Court Address Contact Information
Westchester County Family Court – New Rochelle 420 North Avenue
New Rochelle, NY 10801
Phone: 914.831.6590
Fax: 914.831.6588
Mount Vernon City Court 2 Roosevelt Square North,
Mount Vernon, NY 10550
Phone:914.831.6440
Fax: 914.358.8027
Westchester County Family Court – New Rochelle 420 North Avenue
New Rochelle, NY 10801
Phone: 914.831.6590
Fax: 914.831.6588
New Rochelle City Court 475 North Avenue
New Rochelle, NY 10801
Phone: 914.358.8000
Fax: 914.654.0344
Rye City Court 21 McCullough Place
Rye, NY 10580
Phone: 914.831.6400
Fax: 914.831.6546
Peekskill City Court 2 Nelson Avenue
Peekskill, NY 10566
Phone: 914.831.6480
Fax: 914.736.1889
White Plains City Court 77 South Lexington Avenue
White Plains, NY 10601
Phone: 914.824.5675
Fax: 914.824.5858
Ardsley Village Court 507 Ashford Avenue,
Ardsley, NY 10502
Phone: 914.693.1703
Fax: 914.693.4216
Yonkers City Court Robert W. Cacace Justice Center
100 South Broadway
Yonkers, NY 10701
Phone: 914.831.6450
Fax: 914.377.6395
Bedford Justice Court 321 Bedford Road
Bedford Hills, NY 10507
Phone: 914.666.6965
Fax: 914.666.2490
Ardsley Village Court 507 Ashford Avenue
Ardsley, NY 10502
Phone: 914.693.1703
Fax: 914.693.4216
Briarcliff Manor Justice Court 1111 Pleasantville Road
Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510
Phone: 914.944.2788
Fax: 914.944.4007
Bronxville Justice Court 200 Pondfield Road,
Bronxville, NY 10708
Phone: 914.337.2454 ext. 117
Fax: 914.337.6751
Buchanan Village Court 236 Tate Avenue,
Buchanan, NY 10511
Phone: 914.737.1033
Cortlandt Justice Court 1 Heady Street,
Cortlandt Manor, NY 10566
Phone: 914.734.1090
Fax: 914.734.1089
Croton-on-Hudson Village Court Stanley H. Kellerhouse Municipal Building
1 Van Wyck Street,
Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520
Phone: 914.271.6266
Fax: 914.271.2021
Dobbs Ferry Justice Court P.O. Box 122, 112 Main Street
Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522
Phone: 914.693.6161
Fax: 914.693.6364
Eastchester Town Court 40 Mill Road,
Eastchester, NY 10709
Phone: 914.771.3353
Fax: 914.793.0947
Elmsford Village Court 15 South Stone Avenue,
Elmsford, NY 10523
Phone: 914.592.8949
Fax: 914.347.4726
Greenburgh Town Court 188 Tarrytown Road,
White Plains, NY 10607
Phone: 914.989.1850
Fax: 914.682.5378
Harrison Town Court Municipal Bldg., 1 Heineman Place
Harrison, NY 10528
Phone: 914.670.3010
Fax: 914.835.1262
Hastings-on-Hudson Village Justice Court Municipal Bldg., 7 Maple Avenue
Hastings-on-Hudson, NY 10706
Phone: 914.478.3403
Fax: 914.478.4165

Accessing Westchester County public records for civil cases can be made easier with the help of New York’s Unified Court System’s E-Court option.11 This is an incredibly accessible platform that allows users to view information on individual cases and court documents, as well as utilize interactive maps to locate courtrooms, court dates and times, and other necessary info for any given case.

Not only is this system convenient when it comes to researching an individual’s past legal journals, but using this system grants people access to WebCivil Local, which contains all of the local Civil Courts in New York State, including 61 City Courts spread across Nassau and Suffolk Counties, and the New York City Civil Courts.

Apart from the above tool, you can also visit the websites of the Supreme and County Court of Westchester County and the New York State Unified Court System, where you can find court calendars for civil and criminal cases, file legal papers online and view different fee/form requirements.

How To View Westchester County Vital Records (Marriage, Divorce, Birth & Death)

The New York State Department of Health is the custodian of vital records to help the public access essential information about any person’s life events.12 People interested can view marriage, divorce, birth, and death records available in Westchester County. Citizens can look up these certificates when researching the family history of any person.

The Vital Records Office of the New York Department of Health enables viewers to access these records after the fulfillment of certain eligibility requirements.

In order to obtain vital records after 1880, individuals can view the list of local municipalities for contact information. Those who want to retrieve information prior to 1880 will find it challenging to search such public records, unless they know the exact date of the event, such as a marriage, divorce, birth, or death.

Track Down Marriage & Divorce Records (Certificates) via the Westchester Supreme Court Clerk & New York State Department of Health

Westchester County marriage records can be assessed through the New York State Department of Health.

In Westchester County, marriage registrations dating from 1908 to 1936 can be collected from the Westchester County Archives. The marriage documents during this time period can be obtained from their online index tool by providing one of the following:

  • Last Name
  • First Name
  • Year Certificate Issued
  • Certificate Number
A screenshot from the Westchester County Archives website shows the marriage records search results, including information such as the subject's full name, certificate number, and year.
Source: Westchester County Archives13

However, any other documents involving marital status must be sourced from the local clerk in the village, town or city. Individuals can contact the relevant clerks by going through the list of phone numbers for village, town and city clerks.

Westchester County marriage records need to be assessed through the New York State Department of Health. The marriage records are available starting from 1880, as by then the New York State had made it mandatory for municipal governments to keep marriage-related information of its people.

To check if someone is married, you will need to complete a Marriage Certificate Application.14 Each certificate can be accessed by paying a fee of $30. In order to proceed with the certificate request, individuals must complete the form and send it via first-class mail, along with a valid ID, to the following address:

New York State Department of Health
Vital Records Certification Unit
P.O. Box 2602
Albany, NY 12220-2602

An image displays the Mail-in Application for a Copy of Marriage Certificate provided by the New York State Department of Health website, which presents a comprehensive list of details that the applicant needs to furnish, along with the mailing address and payment information for the request.
Source: New York State Department of Health14

To find out if someone is married, people can also look up marriage records. This requires knowing the city where the marriage certificate was obtained from. All such records are maintained at the City Registrar’s Office.

Additionally, those looking for Westchester County divorce records need to consult the Westchester Supreme Court Clerk, as this office maintains all such information. A divorce certificate can be viewed through VitalChek’s Divorce Certificate Ordering System. According to state laws, anyone who wants to obtain a divorce certificate can visit the Clerk’s Office in person or make a request through mail.

To obtain divorce-related information, the following information is required:

  • Spouses’ names
  • Court record’s case file number
  • Date of divorce
  • The place where the divorce event happened

All in-person and mail requests must be directed to:

Westchester County Supreme Court
111 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd,
White Plains, NY 10601

Phone: 914-824-5300
Fax: 914-824-5873 (Civil)

A divorce decree can be obtained from the Legal Division of Westchester County Clerk after proper identification of the person requesting it. In order to retrieve any such record, the person must be an attorney of the record requested or a party to the action. If either of the above-mentioned conditions is not fulfilled, the person should obtain a notarized release from one of the parties to the action.

Moreover, a certified copy of a divorce decree can be purchased for a nominal fee of $1.25 per page, with the minimum and the maximum fees being $5 and $40, respectively. If someone does not know the Index Number of the record requested, an additional fee of $5 must be paid to complete the process. The fee is payable in cash, check, money order, or credit card.

In case of a mail request, the fee is payable only through check or money order and must be accompanied by a letter including the names of both parties, the divorce date, and the requester’s notarized signature. Individuals can visit the office in person between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays. All mail requests must be made to the following address:

Office of the Westchester County Clerk – Legal Division
110 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Room 330
White Plains, New York 10601

Phone: 914-995-3070
Email: [email protected]

Obtain Birth & Death Records in Westchester County via the New York Department of Health

First, it must be noted that the Vital Records office within the state provides access to birth and death certificates across all parts of New York except for five boroughs (Kings (Brooklyn), Manhattan, Bronx, Queens and Richmond) which come under the purview of New York City.

In order to obtain a copy of either a death or birth certificate from the New York Department of Health, there are specific steps and requirements that must be met in order to do so successfully.15

The birth records are available from 1881 onwards and are not available for public viewing. Only people having some kind of relationship with the individual are able to request it.

To be eligible to procure someone’s certificate of birth, one of the following requirements must be met:

  1.  The person must be named on the certificate
  2. The person should be a parent of such an individual
  3. A spouse, child or a third party can only obtain records by the order of an NYS court

People can either place an order via phone ($45 plus vendor processing fee per transaction) or send the required documents and form by mail ($30). If opting for mail orders, make sure that copies submitted with the application form fall under two categories – one being category A which requires:

  • Driver’s license
  • Passport
  • State-issued non-driver photo-ID card
  • U.S Military-Issued photo-ID

While Category B calls for either:

  • Utility/telephone bill or
  • Any other letter issued within the last six months from a government agency containing the name and address of the applicant
An image of the Mail-in Application for a Copy of Birth Certificate provided by the New York State Department of Health website shows the mailing address and payment information for the request, including the list of details the applicant must provide.
Source: New York State Department of Health16

For acquiring someone’s certificate of death, the following are the cases that apply:

  • The parent, spouse, child or sibling of the decedent is eligible to get a copy of the death record.
  • Other individuals can also obtain one if they have a documented lawful claim or right; this includes those with a medical need or having New York State court order.
  • If you are not related to the deceased and require a copy for legal reasons–such as making a benefit claim–then an official letter from said agency is required.

A request for the certificate can be made over the phone ($45 plus vendor processing fee per transaction) or by mail ($30) with the same documents stated above and the form included.

All mail requests must be directed to the following address:

New York State Department of Health
Vital Records Certification Unit
P.O. Box 2602
Albany, NY 12220-2602

How To Review Free Property Ownership & Tax Information in Westchester County NY

The Land Records Division of the Office of the Westchester County Clerk maintains the property records and offers an online search tool that enables users to retrieve their desired information conveniently.17

To view public records in Westchester County, you will require one of the following:

  • Name Search
  • Control Number Search
  • Address Search
  • Date Range Search
A screenshot of the Westchester Records Online search tool on the Office of the Westchester County Clerk website displays the necessary information for conducting a land records search.
Source: Office of the Westchester County Clerk18

Any search made will offer comprehensive results about the property, such as information related to the owner and parcel information. The land records dating back to the 1680s can also be viewed. People can view their desired information by choosing from the multiple available sections.

If you have any queries, contact the Land Records Division Office at 914-995-3080. Alternatively, you can visit the office in person and look for a property ownership record at the below address between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday:

Office of Westchester County Clerk
Land Records Division
110 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
White Plains, NY 10601

Those who wish to retrieve information by mailing a request need to provide the following details:

  • Name or type of document
  • Owner’s name
  • Property address
  • Transaction date
  • Control number

Those who want to get certified copies can do so by paying a nominal fee of $5 for copies up to 4 pages and $1.25 for every additional page. The Westchester County Clerk accepts payments in cash or checks to cater to the mailing requests.

Property taxes in Westchester County are not paid directly to the Tax Commission of the County; instead they are paid to the relevant town, city or village where the property resides.

A Municipal Tax Assessor is responsible for calculating the exact rates of taxation for each individual piece of real estate located in Westchester County and can be contacted to retrieve more information.

All property records in the state of New York are handled by their Department of Taxes & Finance. New York’s Department of Taxation & Finance provides the breakdown for property taxes and assessments for all of Westchester municipalities.

A Summary of Citizens’ Rights & Using Westchester County Public Records Responsibly

While the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) enables citizens to access government and personal records, it is the responsibility of every individual to use these records responsibly in personal as well as professional settings.19

The information contained in public records can be used for a variety of major purposes, such as locating criminals and molesters in your area, tracing inheritance to rightful owners, checking criminal or civil records, checking marital status and more.

According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), public records are not usable in cases of creditworthiness assessment, screenings, and business-related transactions.20 Similarly, these records cannot be used in professional settings unless the subject gives consent – but for personal reasons, consent isn’t necessary, and the primary legal stipulation is that the records can’t be used to stalk, harass, intimidate or for other illegal purposes.

It is essential that individuals take necessary precautions when accessing these documents to prevent any potential misuse or disclosure of private information.

Additionally, all professional uses of public records should adhere to federal and state laws put into place by government bodies—like statutes surrounding sensitive information access through the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and the Fair Credit Reporting Act—to ensure responsible use of public records.

When seeking information, sometimes you’ll be able to find a record by simply using an online search tool, while in other instances, you might have to contact a government agency or visit the relevant office to get the required information.

No matter what you’re looking up, this article provides all of the necessary resources to begin the search through official channels, making finding Westchester County public records quick and seamless; for a wider search radius of state records, check out the steps for finding New York public information.


References

1Westchester County Department of Correction. (n.d.). Westchester Inmate Lookup. Retrieved September 18, 2023, from <https://correction.westchestergov.com/westchester-inmate-search>

2Westchester County Clerk. (n.d.). Criminal Dispositions. Retrieved September 18, 2023, from <https://www.westchesterclerk.com/legal-division/criminal-dispositions>

3Westchester County Department of Public Safety (n.d.). Westchester’s Warrant Watch. Retrieved September 18, 2023, from <https://warrantwatch.westchestergov.com/api/v1/warrantwatch/>

4Department of Probation. (n.d.). Contact Us. Retrieved September 18, 2023, from <https://probation.westchestergov.com/about-us/contact-us>

5Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. (n.d.). Parolee Lookup. Retrieved September 18, 2023, from <https://publicapps.doccs.ny.gov/ParoleeLookup/default>

6Division of Criminal Justice Services. (n.d.). Requesting Your New York State Criminal History. Retrieved September 18, 2023, from <https://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/ojis/recordreview.htm>

7New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services. (n.d.). Request for Access to Criminal History Record Information. Retrieved September 18, 2023, from <https://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/ojis/documents/Request-for-CHRI-Access-Form.pdf>

8NY Courts. (n.d.). Criminal History Record Search. Retrieved September 18, 2023, from <https://ww2.nycourts.gov/APPS/chrs/onlinedirectaccess.shtml>

9Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. (n.d.). Incarcerated Lookup. Retrieved September 18, 2023, from <https://nysdoccslookup.doccs.ny.gov/>

10Office of the Westchester County Clerk. (n.d.). Legal Records. Retrieved September 18, 2023, from <https://wro.westchesterclerk.com/legalsearch.aspx>

11New York State Court. (n.d.). WebCivil Local – Case Search. Retrieved September 18, 2023, from <https://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/webcivilLocal/LCSearch?param=I>

12New York State Department of Health. (n.d.). About the New York State Department of Health. Retrieved September 18, 2023, from <https://www.health.ny.gov/about/>

13Westchester County Archives. (n.d.). Marriage Records Index. Retrieved September 18, 2023, from <http://recordcenter.westchestergov.com/MarriageSearchResult.aspx>

14New York State Department of Health. (2011, July). Mail in Application for Copy of Marriage Certificate. Retrieved September 18, 2023, from <https://www.health.ny.gov/forms/doh-4382.pdf>

15New York Department of Health. (n.d.). Birth Certificates. Retrieved September 18, 2023, from <https://www.health.ny.gov/vital_records/birth.htm>

16New York State Department of Health. (2019, September). Mail-in Application for Copy of Birth Certificate. Retrieved September 18, 2023, from <https://www.health.ny.gov/forms/doh-4380.pdf>

17Westchester County Clerk. (n.d.). Land Records Division. Retrieved September 18, 2023, from <https://www.westchesterclerk.com/land-records#:~:text=The%20Land%20Records%20Division%20of,in%20the%20County%20of%20Westchester.>

18Office of the Westchester County Clerk. (n.d.). Land Record Search. Retrieved September 18, 2023, from <https://wro.westchesterclerk.com/landsearch.aspx>

19New York State Government. (n.d.). Freedom of Information Law. Retrieved September 18, 2023, from <https://opengovernment.ny.gov/freedom-information-law>

20Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. (n.d.). A Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Retrieved September 18, 2023, from <https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/pdf-0096-fair-credit-reporting-act.pdf>