Public Records Research

New York City construction codes require owners to build and maintain their properties in safe condition. Find violations, compliance, disciplinary actions and resolutions, construction codes and codes for fuel, gas, mechanics, plumbing and more.

Find birth certificates for all people born in New York Ciry. These can be ordered by mail, online through Vital Check or in person. Other types of birth certificates include pre-1910, deceased persons and pre-adoption. An attorney request form is available and there is a help line.

The public can access records relating to compiance with Federal, State and NYC laws. Obtain building-related reports, copies of violations and special reports, fire incident reports, ambulance call reports, emergency related reports, and more, in-person, by mail or online.

Here is the permanent, searchable online repository of New York City government publications. Beginning in 2006, agencies were required to send digital reports to the Municipal Library at the Department of Records and Information Services (DORIS) within ten days of publication. Users can search by keyword, relevance, agency name, subject, title, report type, or date. For hard copy reports, search the electronic catalog.

Use the Incarcerated Person Lookup Service to get the following information about incarcerated people in the Department of Correction (DOC) jail system: Charges, Court date and location, Book and case number, Jail mailing address, New York State Identification Number (NYSID), Holding location, Release date, and Bail or bond amount. Incarcerated people are not listed in the DOC Incarcerated Person Lookup Service if they are not in DOC’s custody or have been transferred to a State or Federal facility.

Request records from every New York City agency by filing a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request. Here is the form: https://a860-openrecords.nyc.gov/request/new
Some government information is already available online so the FOIL process is not needed. Check the links to sites that host government reports and data.

Get access to disciplinary records, officer profiles, crime statistics, traffic safety, vehicle collision reports, applications for permits and license, hate crime dashboard, and NYPD careers.

Do you need a notary? Would you like to become a notary? Here is information about free notarial services, licensing and renewal procedures and recent changes.

Find almost everything about the City, from progams and initiatives, local events by borough, date or agency, an A-Z directory of New York Citry resources, jobs, and the Mayor.

Access the official web site of the New York City Department of Records and Information Services. Content includes historical records, government records, exhibits and education. It has quick links to order vital records.