State Public Records Guide
Public Records in New Jersey
Your comprehensive guide to accessing public records in New Jersey under the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA) (est. 2002).
Overview of Public Records in New Jersey
New Jersey's Open Public Records Act, enacted in 2002 to replace the older Right to Know Law, provides one of the more modern frameworks for public records access in the United States. OPRA was designed to make government records more accessible and to put clear obligations on agencies to respond promptly. The law established the Government Records Council (GRC) as an independent body to mediate disputes and issue binding decisions. New Jersey's dense population and complex municipal structure make records access particularly important for citizens monitoring local government.
Quick Reference: Requesting Records in New Jersey
Response Time
Agencies must respond within 7 business days. They may extend the deadline for a specific, stated reason. Failure to respond within 7 business days is deemed a denial of the request.
Fees and Costs
Government agencies may charge $0.05 per page for letter-sized copies and $0.07 per page for legal-sized copies. These are among the lowest statutory copy fees in the country. Special service charges apply for records requiring additional effort.
How to Submit a Request
Requests must be made in writing on an official OPRA request form, which every agency must make available to the public. Forms can be submitted in person, by mail, by fax, or electronically.
Appeal Process
The Government Records Council (GRC) hears complaints at no charge and issues binding decisions. Requesters may also file suit in Superior Court, which can award reasonable attorney fees to prevailing parties.
Types of Public Records Available in New Jersey
Property Records
Property records in New Jersey include deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, and property tax assessments. These records document real estate ownership, transfers, and encumbrances. They are typically maintained at the county level and are valuable for researching property history, verifying ownership, and conducting due diligence before purchasing real estate.
How property records work →Voter Registration
Voter registration records in New Jersey contain information about registered voters including names, addresses, party affiliation, and voting history. The availability of voter data varies based on New Jersey election law and may be subject to restrictions on permitted uses and commercial distribution.
Understanding voter records →Court Records
New Jersey court records encompass civil litigation, criminal cases, family law matters, probate proceedings, and small claims cases. These records are maintained by the state judiciary and are generally open to the public, with exceptions for sealed cases, juvenile proceedings, and certain family matters.
Guide to court records →Business Filings
Business filings in New Jersey include articles of incorporation, annual reports, trade name registrations, and UCC filings. These records are maintained by the Secretary of State and provide information about business entities operating in the state, including their registered agents, officers, and current standing.
Searching business records →Vital Records
New Jersey vital records include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. These documents are maintained by the state's vital records office and are essential for establishing identity, proving familial relationships, and handling legal matters such as estate settlements.
Vital records overview →Campaign Finance
Campaign finance records in New Jersey document political contributions, expenditures, and donor information for state and local elections. These records are maintained by the state's election commission or ethics board and are valuable for tracking political spending and identifying donor patterns.
Campaign finance explained →How to Access New Jersey Public Records
To request records under OPRA, you must submit a written request using the official OPRA request form (or substantial equivalent) to the custodian of records at the relevant government agency. Each public agency must designate a custodian. Agencies must respond within seven business days, which can be extended for complex requests. If your request is denied, you can file a complaint with the Government Records Council at no cost, or file an action in superior court. New Jersey counties maintain property records through county clerk offices, and the New Jersey Judiciary provides online case searches.
Online Access
New Jersey courts provide online access through eCourts. The Division of Revenue maintains online business entity databases. County clerk offices provide varying levels of online property record access.
Key Exemptions and Restrictions in New Jersey
While the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA) establishes a strong presumption that government records are open to public inspection, certain categories of information are exempt from disclosure. Understanding these exemptions is important when submitting records requests in New Jersey.
- Criminal investigation records in active cases
- Victims' records and personal information
- Trade secrets and proprietary commercial information
- Security measures and surveillance techniques
- Attorney-client privileged records involving government
- Records that would jeopardize public safety if disclosed
If you believe records have been improperly withheld, New Jersey provides avenues for appeal. Contact the relevant oversight body or consult our guide to filing public records requests for tips on handling denials.
Key Laws and Regulations
New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA)
Enacted: 2002
New Jersey's Open Public Records Act is codified in N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1 through 47:1A-13. OPRA replaced the older Right to Know Law and significantly strengthened public access provisions. The Government Records Council was created as an independent body within the Department of Community Affairs to adjudicate records disputes. OPRA has been amended several times, most recently in 2024 to modify provisions related to fee shifting and attorney fee awards.
Key Features of New Jersey's Records Law:
- New Jersey's Government Records Council provides free adjudication of records disputes
- OPRA requires the use of an official request form or substantial equivalent
- New Jersey has a seven-business-day response deadline
- The law was substantially updated in 2024 modifying attorney fee provisions
New Jersey Public Records Facts
New Jersey has 21 counties and 565 municipalities maintaining local records
The Government Records Council handles hundreds of complaints annually
The state has approximately 6.4 million registered voters
New Jersey Division of Revenue maintains records for over 1 million business entities
Search New Jersey Public Records
Use OpenDataUSA to find publicly available records across New Jersey. Enter a name below to search public records in NJ.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey Public Records
What is the New Jersey Government Records Council?
How do I access New Jersey court records?
Do I need to use a specific form for OPRA requests?
How do I search New Jersey property records?
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Additional Resources
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational purposes and reflects publicly available information about the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA). Laws and procedures change over time. For the most current requirements, contact the relevant oversight agency in New Jersey or consult a legal professional. OpenDataUSA is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA. Do not use information obtained from this site for employment, tenant screening, or credit decisions.