How to Search New York Property Records
Searching for property records in New York is relatively straightforward if you know where to look. Here’s a comprehensive guide to finding mortgage documents, deeds, titles, and lien information: PROPERTY RECORDS SEARCH
Online County Clerk Offices
Most New York counties maintain their property records online through the County Clerk’s office:
- ACRIS (Automated City Register Information System) – For NYC boroughs (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx)
- Visit: https://www.nyc.gov/acris
- Search by address, block and lot, or party name
- Access deeds, mortgages, liens, and other recorded documents
- County-Specific Websites – For other NY counties
- Each county maintains its own property records database
- Most offer online search capabilities for deeds and mortgages
- Example: Suffolk County’s website allows property searches by name, address, or tax map number
In-Person Searches
If you prefer searching in person or need certified copies:
- Visit your local County Clerk’s office
- Bring property information (address, owner name, or tax ID)
- Staff can assist with accessing physical records
- Pay applicable fees for copies or certified documents
Title Companies and Abstract Services
For comprehensive title searches:
- Hire a title company or abstractor who specializes in NY property records
- They can provide complete title searches including chain of title, liens, and encumbrances
- Costs typically range from $150-$500 depending on complexity
New York State Tax Department
For tax liens and property tax information:
- Visit the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance website
- Search for tax warrants and liens by name
- County tax offices also maintain property tax records
Tips for Effective Searches
- Have the property address, current owner’s name, and tax ID/parcel number ready
- Be prepared to pay fees for copies (typically $5-15 per document)
- Some older records may only be available in physical form at the clerk’s office
- Title insurance companies can provide professional searches if needed for real estate transactions
OBTAIN A COPY OF YOUR PROPERTY DEED HERE
U.S. Title Records provides national property records and document retrieval for all recorded documents and land records. Obtain full chain of title, sale, lien and release records directly from the county for all 50 states and U.S. territories. Gain access to the latest and most current technology available for digitized real estate data, images, property records and mortgage payoffs. Abstractor services available for the retrieval of records on microfilm and microfiche. Using a proprietary network of county title plants and local abstractors, U.S. Title is able to deliver a single, comprehensive and complete service for Preliminary Title Reports, document images and property data. Our staff is comprised of real estate professionals who are experts in the field, and our reputation is based on customer service excellence.
New York counties and boroughs covered.
- Bronx
- Brooklyn
- Manhattan
- Queens
- Staten Island
- Richmond