Start with the New Jersey Courts online case search at njcourts.gov for statewide court records. For criminal background checks, use the NJ State Police criminal history check. For property, use the NJ Division of Taxation property records search for a statewide lookup, then the County Clerk for deeds. New Jersey has only 21 counties, making it relatively easy to navigate.
SearchSystems.net: the first public-records directory since 1997.
New Jersey Counties — Most Searched
Statewide Databases
Official government databases are listed below, organized by record type.
Sex Offender Registry — NJSP
DOC — Offender Search
Vital Records — Birth, Death, Marriage, Divorce
Business Search — Treasury
How to Search New Jersey Criminal Records
New Jersey restricts criminal court record access — there is no free public criminal case search online. The NJ Courts website provides court information but not case lookups by name for criminal matters. Your best option: the State Police consent name search at njportal.com/NJSP/CHRC — $5, returns conviction records statewide. Civil court records are available through eCourts at portal.njcourts.gov, but criminal access is deliberately limited. The DOC offender search is online. Megan's Law Registry at njsp.org handles the sex offender list. NJ criminal court access is restricted by design — the $5 State Police check is the public-facing option.
How to Search New Jersey Court Records
Use njcourts.gov — Superior Court is the sole trial court in New Jersey. It has three divisions: Criminal, Civil, and Family. Municipal Courts handle disorderly persons offenses (misdemeanors), traffic, and ordinance violations. Tax Court handles property tax appeals. New Jersey's 21 counties each have a Superior Court vicinage.
How to Search New Jersey Property Records
Start with the NJ Division of Taxation property records search for a quick statewide lookup. For deeds, mortgages, and recorded documents, go to the County Clerk (or Register of Deeds in some counties). For detailed assessments, go to the municipal Tax Assessor. New Jersey assesses property at the MUNICIPAL level.
How to Get New Jersey Vital Records
For birth and death certificates, order from the NJ Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics and Registry, or the local registrar. For marriage licenses, go to the municipal Registrar of Vital Statistics. For divorce records, search njcourts.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I search New Jersey court records? ▼
Use the NJ Courts electronic access system at njcourts.gov. Civil, criminal, family, and municipal case records are available online.
Is there a free statewide criminal search? ▼
No free statewide criminal database. The NJ State Police offers background checks for a fee. Court records are searchable through the judiciary website.
How are NJ property records organized? ▼
Each county has a County Clerk who records deeds and mortgages. Tax assessment is handled by municipal (town-level) Tax Assessors, not county offices.
Why can't I search NJ criminal cases online? ▼
New Jersey restricts public online access to criminal case searches. For a criminal background check, use the State Police $5 consent name search at njportal.com/NJSP/CHRC. Civil case records are available through eCourts at portal.njcourts.gov.
What is the Surrogate in New Jersey? ▼
The Surrogate is a separately elected county official who handles probate matters — wills, estates, guardianships, and adoptions. This is separate from the Superior Court and the County Clerk. Each of NJ's 21 counties has its own Surrogate's office.
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