Your Comprehensive Guide to New Jersey Public Records

New Jersey Public Records

Public records in New Jersey comprise a variety of documents and records created, maintained, or stored by state or local government agencies. These records are regulated under the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA), designed to give the public greater access to government records maintained by public agencies in the state. Detailed information about OPRA can be found at the New Jersey Government Records Council.

Are New Jersey Records Public?

Yes, records in New Jersey are public. The Open Public Records Act (OPRA) mandates that most records held by state and local government agencies are accessible to the public, with certain exceptions for privacy and security.

What do New Jersey Public Records Include?

Public records in New Jersey typically include:

• Government Contracts: Details of contracts entered into by state or local government entities.
• Minutes of Public Meetings: Records of meetings held by government bodies.
• Vital Statistics: Records of births, marriages, deaths, and civil unions.
• Criminal Records: Information on criminal investigations and proceedings.
• Property Records: Data on property ownership, assessments, and maps.
• Financial Records: Budgets, expenditures, and financial statements of government agencies.

How to Find Public Records in New Jersey

To find public records in New Jersey, follow these steps:

1. Determine the Type of Record Needed: Identify the specific type of record you are looking for, such as vital or property records.
2. Identify the Custodian of the Record: Different types of records are held by different agencies. For example, vital records are maintained by the New Jersey Department of Health.
3. Submit an OPRA Request: Requests can be made online or in writing to the agency holding the records. The OPRA request form is available for convenience.
4. Wait for Response: The agency must respond within a specific time frame, usually within seven business days.
5. Review and Copy Records: Upon approval, review the records and make copies if necessary. There may be a fee for copying documents.

Lookup Public Records in New Jersey

To look at public records in New Jersey, visit the following department websites:

• New Jersey Department of Health for vital statistics.
• New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services for business and property records.
• New Jersey Courts for court and criminal records.
• Contact the relevant municipal clerk's office for local municipal records, including meeting minutes and local ordinances.
• The New Jersey Government Records Council provides resources and guidance for accessing public records under OPRA.