Kings County NY Court Records Online gives you direct access to civil, criminal, probate, and land records filed in Brooklyn’s court system. The official records are maintained by the Kings County Clerk’s Office at 360 Adams Street, Room 189, Brooklyn, NY 11201. The office opens Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and helps the public with questions about case filings, document requests, and record searches. You can call 347-404-9772 to speak with staff, reach the Vital Records Section at extension 212, or contact the Land Records Division at extension 318. For secure email requests, use the encrypted link [email protected]. The office is led by Hon. Nancy T. Sunshine, County Clerk and Commissioner of Jurors, who has served since 2019. Deputy Clerk James Blain manages daily operations, while Chief of Operations Francis J. Sheridan Jr. oversees the electronic docket system that handles over 250,000 filings each year.
How to Search Kings County Court Records Online
You can search Kings County NY court records online through several official and third-party portals. The UniCourt platform indexes every civil case filed in Kings County Civil Court since 2002. As of December 2024, it holds more than 1.2 million docket entries. You can search by case number, litigant name, attorney bar number, or judge’s last name. Results show timestamps, PDF complaints, motions, and summary judgments. The database updates nightly from the court’s e-filing system. Public users can request certified copies through the NY Courts online form. Standard docket entries cost $5 each, and judgments cost $10. Processing takes 7–10 business days. Sealed records like juvenile or adoption files are not available due to FOIL exemptions.
Official NY Courts Portal for Kings County
The New York State Unified Court System provides real-time access to case information through its iApps portal. This system covers all courts in Kings County, including Supreme Court, Civil Court, and Criminal Court. You can view docket entries, check case status, and download documents. The portal supports e-filing for attorneys and litigants. It also sends case status notifications. To use iApps, you need a government-issued user ID. The system is updated daily and reflects filings from the previous business day. For certified copies, you must submit a written request with payment to the County Clerk. Fees are $10 for a judgment copy and $5 for a standard docket entry. Requests take 7–10 days to process.
Types of Records Available Online
Kings County NY court records online include civil cases, criminal dockets, probate filings, and land records. Civil cases cover disputes over money, contracts, evictions, and small claims. Criminal records show arrests, charges, and dispositions. Probate records include wills, estate administrations, and guardianship cases. Land records contain deeds, mortgages, liens, and property transfers. Most records are public under New York’s Freedom of Information Law (FOIL). However, sealed records such as juvenile cases, adoption files, and mental health proceedings are not accessible. The County Clerk’s office provides on-site terminals for free searches. Remote users can request documents online or by mail for a fee.
- Civil case filings and judgments
- Criminal arrest logs and court dispositions
- Probate and estate documents
- Deeds, mortgages, and property liens
- Family court orders (non-sealed)
Fees and Payment Methods
Accessing Kings County NY court records online involves specific fees. A standard docket entry copy costs $5. A certified judgment copy costs $10. Bulk requests over 50 pages cost $15. Payment must be made by certified check or money order payable to the Kings County Clerk. Credit cards are not accepted for mail-in requests. Online payments through NY Courts’ portal use secure processing. Processing time is 7–10 business days. Expedited service is not available. If you visit in person, you can pay with cash, check, or money order at the public counter. The office does not accept debit or credit cards for walk-in transactions.
| Document Type | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Standard docket entry | $5 | 7–10 business days |
| Certified judgment copy | $10 | 7–10 business days |
| Bulk request (50+ pages) | $15 | 7–10 business days |
| Single-page document | $2 | 7–10 business days |
How to Request Certified Copies
To get certified copies of Kings County NY court records online, you must submit a written request. Use Form NY-C-121, available on the NY Courts website. Include the case number, parties’ names, and document type. Mail the form with a certified check or money order to the Kings County Clerk’s Office at 360 Adams Street, Room 189, Brooklyn, NY 11201. You can also submit requests in person during business hours. Certified copies carry an official seal and are accepted for legal purposes. Processing takes 7–10 business days. You can pick up documents in person or request UPS Ground delivery at your expense. The office does not offer email or fax delivery for certified copies.
Public Access Terminals and In-Person Services
The Kings County Clerk’s Office offers free public access terminals inside the courthouse. These computers let you search civil, criminal, and land records without charge. Staff members are available to help with basic searches. The public information desk answers questions about filing procedures, fees, and record availability. Multilingual support is offered in English, Spanish, and Chinese. The office also hosts self-service kiosks that print civil case summaries 24 hours a day. For complex requests, such as historical microfiche records, you may need to schedule an appointment. The Records Center at 516 Third Avenue, Room E609, holds older files and provides scanning services for $0.25 per page.
Restricted and Sealed Records
Not all Kings County NY court records online are publicly available. Certain files are sealed by law. These include juvenile delinquency cases, adoption records, and mental health proceedings. New York Civil Practice Law and Rules §§ 4503–4506 protect these records from disclosure. Expunged criminal records are also inaccessible. If a case is sealed by court order, it will not appear in public searches. Researchers must file a motion with the court to access restricted files. The County Clerk cannot release sealed documents without judicial approval. Always check the docket status before assuming a record is public.
Using Third-Party Services
Several third-party websites offer access to Kings County NY court records online. Platforms like UniCourt, CourtCaseFinder, and StateRecords.org index public filings. These sites may charge fees for detailed reports or bulk downloads. While convenient, they are not official sources. Always verify information with the County Clerk’s office. Some third-party sites provide maps, parking details, and case summaries. They may also offer email alerts for new filings. However, they cannot issue certified copies. For legal use, always obtain documents directly from the court.
E-Filing and Case Management
Kings County uses an electronic filing system for new cases. Attorneys and self-represented litigants can submit documents online through NY Courts’ e-filing portal. The system reduces paperwork and speeds up processing. Over 250,000 filings are processed each year. The electronic docket is updated nightly. You can track case progress, view motions, and download PDFs. The court’s case management software was upgraded in 2022, cutting average processing time by 14 days. This system supports equitable access and helps the court resolve 85% of cases within six months.
Contact Information and Office Hours
The Kings County Clerk’s Office is located at 360 Adams Street, Room 189, Brooklyn, NY 11201. It is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The main phone number is 347-404-9772. For vital records, call extension 212. For land records, call extension 318. Email requests should use the encrypted link [email protected]. The office is closed on federal holidays. For urgent matters, visit in person during business hours. Staff can assist with record searches, fee payments, and document pickup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about accessing Kings County NY court records online. Below are answers to the most common inquiries. These cover search methods, fees, restrictions, and legal use. Each answer is based on current policies as of December 2024.
Can I view Kings County court records for free?
Yes, you can view basic case information for free using public terminals at the Kings County Clerk’s Office. The UniCourt portal also allows free searches of civil cases filed since 2002. However, downloading PDFs or requesting certified copies requires payment. Fees start at $2 for a single page and go up to $15 for bulk requests. The NY Courts iApps portal provides real-time docket access but does not offer free document downloads. Always check the case status before requesting copies, as sealed records are not available to the public.
How long does it take to get court records from Kings County?
Processing time for Kings County NY court records online requests is typically 7–10 business days. This applies to both mail-in and online submissions. The County Clerk’s office does not offer expedited service. If you visit in person, you may receive uncertified copies immediately from public terminals. Certified copies must be processed and sealed, which takes longer. During high-volume periods, such as after holidays, delays may occur. Always include a return address and phone number on your request form to avoid processing issues.
Are criminal records available online in Kings County?
Criminal records in Kings County are partially available online. Arrest logs and court dispositions can be found through the NY Courts portal and third-party sites. However, full criminal history reports require a fingerprint-based search through the NY State Department of Corrections. This process costs $95 and includes arrests, convictions, and dispositions. Not all criminal files are public; sealed or expunged records are not accessible. Always verify the case status before assuming a record is available.
Can I get a certified copy of a judgment online?
Yes, you can request a certified copy of a judgment from Kings County NY court records online. Use the NY Courts online request form and pay $10 per copy. You must provide the case number, parties’ names, and judgment date. Payment must be by certified check or money order. The office will mail the certified copy within 7–10 business days. Certified copies include an official seal and are valid for legal use. The office does not email or fax certified documents for security reasons.
What records are not available to the public?
Several types of Kings County NY court records online are not available to the public. These include sealed juvenile cases, adoption files, mental health proceedings, and expunged criminal records. New York law protects these documents under CPLR 4505 and FOIL exemptions. Even if a case appears in a search, it may be restricted. The County Clerk cannot release sealed records without a court order. Researchers must file a motion to access such files. Always check the docket status before assuming a record is public.
How do I search for land records in Kings County?
You can search for land records in Kings County through the County Clerk’s online portal or in person. Records include deeds, mortgages, liens, and property transfers. Use the Land Records Division at extension 318 for assistance. Online searches allow filtering by document type, date, and party name. Certified copies cost $5 per page. The office also maintains historical records dating back to the 19th century. For older files, you may need to visit the Records Center or request microfiche scans.
Is there a fee to search court records online?
There is no fee to search Kings County NY court records online using public terminals or third-party portals like UniCourt. However, downloading documents or requesting certified copies incurs fees. Standard docket entries cost $5, and judgments cost $10. Bulk requests over 50 pages cost $15. Payment must be by certified check or money order. The office does not accept credit cards for mail-in requests. Online payments through NY Courts’ portal are secure and processed within 7–10 days.
Official Website: https://ww2.nycourts.gov/courts/2jd/kingsclerk/index.shtml Phone: 347-404-9772 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Address: 360 Adams Street, Room 189, Brooklyn, NY 11201