Monmouth County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Monmouth County?

Public records in Monmouth County are defined as government records made, maintained, kept on file, or received in the course of official business by any officer, commission, agency, or authority of the county, as established under the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA), N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-1 et seq. These records document the activities and operations of government entities and are generally accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.

Monmouth County maintains a comprehensive collection of public records including:

• Court Records: Civil, criminal, probate, and family court cases are maintained by the New Jersey Judiciary through the Monmouth County Superior Court.

• Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, and property assessments are recorded and maintained by the Monmouth County Clerk's Office. These documents provide a historical record of property ownership and encumbrances within the county.

• Vital Records: Birth certificates (from 1925), death certificates, marriage licenses, and civil union records are maintained by the New Jersey Department of Health's Office of Vital Statistics and Registry and local registrars within Monmouth County municipalities.

• Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and fictitious name registrations (trade names) are available through the Monmouth County Clerk's Office and various municipal offices depending on the type of business activity.

• Tax Records: Property tax information, assessment records, and tax maps are maintained by the Monmouth County Board of Taxation and individual municipal tax assessors.

• Voting and Election Records: Voter registration data, election results, and campaign finance reports are maintained by the Monmouth County Clerk's Office and the Monmouth County Board of Elections.

• Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Records of proceedings for the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners, planning boards, and other county agencies are maintained by the respective departments.

• Budget and Financial Documents: County budgets, financial statements, audits, and expenditure reports are maintained by the Monmouth County Finance Department.

• Law Enforcement Records: Arrest logs, incident reports (where not exempt), and other public safety records are maintained by the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office and local police departments.

• Land Use and Zoning Records: Development applications, permits, and zoning maps are maintained by the Monmouth County Planning Board and municipal planning departments.

Each record type is maintained by specific county departments or agencies as mandated by state law. The primary portal for many county records is the Monmouth County Clerk's Office, which serves as the official repository for property records, business filings, and election information.

Is Monmouth County an Open Records County?

Monmouth County adheres to the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA), N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-1 et seq., which establishes the state's framework for public access to government records. Under this statute, all government records are presumed to be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law or executive order.

The preamble of OPRA explicitly states: "government records shall be readily accessible for inspection, copying, or examination by the citizens of this State, with certain exceptions, for the protection of the public interest." This foundational principle guides Monmouth County's approach to records access.

Monmouth County complies with the state's sunshine laws, including the Open Public Meetings Act (N.J.S.A. § 10:4-6 et seq.), which requires that meetings of public bodies be open to the public with adequate notice. This commitment to transparency extends to the county's records management practices.

The county has established specific procedures for requesting and accessing public records in accordance with state law. Each county department and agency has designated custodians of records responsible for responding to OPRA requests within the statutorily mandated seven business day timeframe, unless an extension is warranted due to the nature or volume of the request.

Monmouth County's compliance with OPRA is overseen by the New Jersey Government Records Council, a state agency that adjudicates disputes regarding access to government records and provides guidance on the implementation of the law.

How to Find Public Records in Monmouth County in 2026

Members of the public seeking access to Monmouth County records may utilize several methods to locate and obtain the information they need:

1. Submit an OPRA Request: Individuals may submit a formal request under the Open Public Records Act to the specific county department that maintains the desired records. The Monmouth County Clerk's Office provides standardized OPRA request forms that may be submitted in person, by mail, fax, or email to the appropriate records custodian.

2. Visit County Offices: Many records are available for in-person inspection during regular business hours at the respective county departments:

   • Property records at the County Clerk's Office
   • Court records at the Monmouth County Superior Court
   • Tax records at the Board of Taxation
   • Planning documents at the Planning Board

3. Access Online Databases: Monmouth County provides several online portals for accessing public records:

   • The County Clerk's Public Records Search for property documents
   • The New Jersey Courts public access system for court records
   • The Board of Elections voter information portal
   • The Tax Board's property assessment database

4. Contact Records Custodians: Each county department has designated records custodians who can provide guidance on locating specific records. The county maintains a directory of records custodians with contact information for each department.

5. Review Meeting Minutes: Board of County Commissioners meeting minutes and other public meeting records are typically posted on the county website and are available for review at the County Clerk's Office.

6. Request Vital Records: Birth, death, and marriage certificates can be requested through the New Jersey Department of Health's Vital Records Office or the local registrar in the municipality where the event occurred.

7. Search Land Records: Property deeds, mortgages, and liens can be searched through the County Clerk's land records database, with certified copies available upon request.

When submitting requests, individuals should provide specific information about the records sought, including relevant dates, names, and document types to facilitate efficient processing.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Monmouth County?

Monmouth County assesses fees for public records in accordance with the fee provisions established in N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-5 of the Open Public Records Act. The current fee structure for standard record types is as follows:

• Paper Copies:

  • Letter size (8.5" x 11") and legal size (8.5" x 14"): $0.05 per page
  • Larger sizes: Actual cost of reproduction

• Electronic Records:

  • Records transmitted electronically: No charge for the cost of transmission
  • Special service charge may apply for extensive use of technology or staff time

• Certified Copies:

  • Property records: $10.00 for the first page, $1.00 for each additional page
  • Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates): $25.00 per copy

• Maps and Large Format Documents:

  • Tax maps: $5.00 per page
  • Zoning maps: Varies by size, typically $3.00-$10.00
  • Engineering plans: Actual cost of reproduction

• Specialized Records:

  • Court records: Varies by document type, set by the New Jersey Judiciary
  • Election records: Varies by format and volume

The county accepts payment by cash, check, money order, and credit card (where available). Some departments may have specific payment requirements.

Fee waivers may be available in certain circumstances, particularly for requests that serve the public interest. News media organizations, non-profit entities, and researchers may qualify for reduced fees or waivers at the discretion of the records custodian, in accordance with OPRA provisions.

Special service charges may be applied for requests requiring extraordinary time or effort to fulfill, but the requestor must be notified in advance and given the opportunity to review and approve such charges before they are incurred.

Does Monmouth County Have Free Public Records?

Monmouth County provides free access to certain public records in compliance with state law. Under N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-5, all government records must be available for inspection during regular business hours at no cost. This means that members of the public may visit county offices to view records without paying a fee, though charges may apply for copies or certified documents.

The following records are currently available at no cost:

• In-Person Inspection: All non-exempt public records may be examined in person at the appropriate county office during regular business hours without charge.

• Online Records: Several categories of records are freely accessible through the county's online portals:

  • Board of County Commissioners meeting agendas and minutes
  • County budgets and financial reports
  • Election results and campaign finance reports
  • Property ownership information (basic search functions)
  • County ordinances and resolutions

• Public Terminals: The Monmouth County Clerk's Office provides public access terminals where visitors can search property records and other documents without charge.

• Public Notices: Legal notices, public hearing announcements, and bid solicitations are freely available on the county website and published in designated newspapers.

• County Publications: Annual reports, newsletters, and informational brochures produced by county departments are typically available at no cost.

The New Jersey Courts also provides free public access to basic case information through its online portal, though fees may apply for detailed documents or certified copies.

While inspection is free, requestors should note that fees will apply for physical or certified copies of documents as outlined in the county's fee schedule and in accordance with state law.

Who Can Request Public Records in Monmouth County?

Under the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA), N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-1, any person has the right to request access to government records in Monmouth County. The statute defines "person" broadly to include individuals, corporations, associations, and other legal entities.

Key eligibility considerations include:

• Residency: New Jersey residency is not required to submit an OPRA request. Any person, regardless of citizenship or residency status, may request public records from Monmouth County agencies.

• Identification Requirements: While requestors must provide contact information for receiving the records, OPRA does not require individuals to show identification or state the reason for their request in most cases. However, for certain records such as vital statistics or records with personal information, proper identification may be required to verify eligibility for access.

• Anonymous Requests: Anonymous requests are permitted under OPRA, though practical considerations may limit the ability to fulfill such requests if payment is required or if clarification is needed.

• Requesting Personal Records: Individuals seeking their own records (such as personal vital records or property documents) may need to provide identification to verify their identity. In some cases, additional documentation may be required to establish legal authority to access records.

• Requesting Others' Records: Access to records containing personal information about others may be limited by privacy provisions in OPRA (N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-1.1) and other applicable laws.

• Commercial Use: OPRA does not restrict access based on the intended use of the records, including commercial purposes. However, bulk requests for commercial purposes may be subject to special service charges if they require extraordinary time or effort to fulfill.

• Government Agencies: Other government agencies may request records through both OPRA and through interagency information sharing agreements.

The right to access public records is not absolute and is subject to the exemptions and exclusions specified in OPRA and other applicable laws. Records custodians evaluate each request to determine if access is permitted under the law.

What Records Are Confidential in Monmouth County?

While the New Jersey Open Public Records Act establishes a presumption of access to government records, N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-1.1 and other statutes specify numerous categories of records that are exempt from public disclosure. In Monmouth County, the following record types are generally considered confidential:

• Personal Identifying Information: Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, unlisted telephone numbers, and drivers' license numbers are protected from disclosure.

• Criminal Investigatory Records: Records pertaining to ongoing investigations by law enforcement agencies are exempt under OPRA, though certain basic information about arrests must be disclosed.

• Juvenile Records: Court records and law enforcement records involving minors are confidential pursuant to N.J.S.A. § 2A:4A-60.

• Victim Information: Records that would reveal the identity of victims of domestic violence or sexual offenses are protected from disclosure.

• Medical and Mental Health Records: Patient records, including those maintained by county health facilities, are confidential under both OPRA and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

• Personnel and Pension Records: Employee records containing personal information, performance evaluations, and disciplinary actions are generally exempt, though certain basic employment information is public.

• Emergency Response Plans: Security measures, surveillance techniques, and emergency evacuation plans for public buildings and infrastructure are exempt to protect public safety.

• Attorney-Client Privileged Materials: Communications between county attorneys and county officials that fall under attorney-client privilege are exempt from disclosure.

• Deliberative Process Materials: Records reflecting pre-decisional deliberations of county officials are protected to encourage candid advice and recommendations.

• Trade Secrets and Proprietary Information: Confidential business information submitted to the county by private entities is protected from disclosure if release would give advantage to competitors.

• Certain Financial Information: Information related to pending bond sales, investment strategies, or banking information that could harm the county's financial interests if disclosed.

• Adoption Records: Records related to adoption proceedings are sealed by court order and accessible only through court procedures.

• Certain Vital Records: Birth certificates less than 80 years old and death certificates less than 40 years old have restricted access under N.J.S.A. § 26:8-62.

Records custodians in Monmouth County apply a balancing test when considering requests for records that contain both exempt and non-exempt information. In such cases, the custodian must redact the exempt information and release the remainder of the record, unless the redaction would render the document meaningless.

Monmouth County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Monmouth County Clerk's Office
33 Mechanic Street
Freehold, NJ 07728
Phone: (732) 431-7324
Monmouth County Clerk

Regular Office Hours:
Monday through Friday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Extended hours for passport services: Thursday until 7:00 PM (by appointment only)
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Services Provided:

• Recording of deeds, mortgages, and other land records
• Processing of business trade name certificates
• Passport application processing
• Issuance of veteran ID cards
• Notary public registrations
• Election services and voter information
• County archives and historical records

Satellite Office - Neptune:
Monmouth County Connection
3544 State Highway 66
Neptune, NJ 07753
Phone: (732) 303-2828

Neptune Office Hours:
Monday through Friday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Closed on county-observed holidays

Records Search Room:
The public records search room at the main Freehold office provides access to computerized indexes of recorded documents dating back to 1800. Public access terminals are available for searching property records, with assistance from staff available upon request.

Lookup Public Records in Monmouth County

Monmouth County Clerk's Office

New Jersey Courts

Open Public Records Act Information

New Jersey State Government

New Jersey Vital Records