Nassau County public records can be accessed at no cost and contain information on arrests, warrants, probation, and additional detailed criminal history. Court cases, tax information, property ownership, and vital records outlining births, deaths, marriages, and divorces are also publicly available.
Records can often be obtained through several means, such as through streamlined online databases or requests submitted by phone, email, mail, or in-person inquiries. This information is disclosed per the federal Freedom of Information Act and the state-level New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL).
While there are several methods to gather desired public information, it is important to understand these statutes and to respect all individuals’ right to privacy. Keeping this in mind, the tools outlined in this article allow for simplified and efficient searches of public records in Nassau County–and provide contact information for the custodians who host them.
How To Perform a Nassau County Inmate Search Through Local Law Enforcement Agencies
When searching for inmates or trying to find out if someone is in jail, it is essential to know the individual’s name, birth date, and an estimation of when they were arrested. This information is used to aid in identifying the researched individual.
While the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office does not maintain an online tool, their office and both the adult and juvenile detention centers are available by phone. Individuals can reach out to these custodians for inmate details and jail records via the following contact information:
The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office
100 Carman Avenue
East Meadow, New York 11554
Phone: 516.572.4195
The Nassau County Correctional Center
100 Carman Avenue,
East Meadow, New York 11554
Phone: 516.572.4200
The Nassau County Juvenile Detention Center
400 County Seat Drive
Mineola, New York 11501
Phone: 516.571.5700
Local municipal police departments can also provide this pertinent information, as long as they were the arresting agency. Contact information for various city police agencies through Nassau County can be found below:
Nassau County Police Department
1490 Franklin Avenue
Mineola, New York 11501
Non-Emergency Phone: 516.573.8800
City of Glen Cove Police Department
1 Bridge Street
Glen Cove, New York 11542
Non-Emergency Phone: 516.676.1000
Town of Hempstead Police Department
200 N Franklin Street
Hempstead, New York 11550
Non-Emergency Phone: 516.538.1900
Long Beach Police Department
1 West Chester Street
Long Beach, New York 11561
Non-Emergency Phone: 516.431.1800
Oyster Bay Police Department
Berry Hill Road & Route 25A
Oyster Bay, New York 11771
Non-Emergency Phone: 516.922.6363
An additional option is to use an independent service; Vinelink is endorsed by the New York Commission of Corrections and allows searchers to locate inmates within city jails through this system. Finally, while searching Nassau County bookings, inquiries about arrests that happen on the county level should be directed to the Sheriff’s office or county jail.
When searching for a juvenile inmate, the situation is a tad more complex. These individual’s privacy is protected and they will not be searchable in any public system. The best way to locate these individuals is to reach out to the Nassau County Juvenile Detention Center or call directly at 516.571.5700.1
Only authorized persons will be able to communicate with the Detention Center staff and ask questions about the juvenile inmate or their case.
Requesters who can verify their identity and relationship will be able to access information about the juvenile inmate. By requiring that all interested parties provide this extra information, the State of New York can further protect the rights and privacy of juveniles in the community.
How To Find Nassau County Marriage & Divorce Records
For individuals trying to find out if someone is married or divorced, these Nassau County public records are available in 5 locations throughout the county as well as through a New York state custodian. Nassau County maintains marriage records at each of the locations where marriage licenses are issued; these can be requested either in person or by mail from these local offices.
The Vital Records Section of the New York Department of Health also maintains official copies of marriages and public divorce records.2 These records can be requested via mail or through a third-party vendor. The third-party vendor charges an extra fee, so it is cheapest to request documents from the state either in person or by mail.
Note: The Department of Health relies on county reporting, so in case a researcher is looking for a recent marriage, it is recommended to reach out to the local town.
Marriage certificates are public records of ceremonies located within Nassau County. These are available to parties who want to check if someone is married, but will require information about one of the individuals in the marriage and a rough estimate of when the marriage took place. Almost all marriage records are public knowledge, but only authorized persons can request copies.
Track Down Marital Records via the Town Hall Clerks Within Nassau County
Nassau County marriage records are issued and maintained by three towns and two cities’ respective town halls.3 Copies of licenses can be requested in person from each town hall clerk’s office for a small fee. Interested parties can also send in an application by mail to the respective town clerk with payment to request a certified copy.
It is important to send mail requests to the appropriate town hall where the ceremony took place, or the clerk’s office will have to return the application. Each town clerk location can be found below, with their contact information:
City of Glen Cove
9 Glen Street
Glen Cove, New York 11542
Phone: 516.676.3345
Hempstead Town Hall
One Washington Street
Hempstead, New York 11550
Phone: 516.812.3014
Long Beach Town Hall
1 West Chester Street
Long Beach, New York 11561
Phone: 516.431.1000
Town Hall of Oyster Bay
54 Audrey Avenue
Oyster Bay, New York 11771
Phone: 516.624.6333
Town of North Hempstead
200 Plandome Rd.
Manhasset, New York 11030
Phone: 516.869.6311
In addition, if an individual was looking for historical records, the Nassau County Clerk’s Office does have a record of marriages from 1907 to 1935.
Request Records of Marriage & Divorce From the New York State Department of Health
All marriage licenses maintained by the town and city clerks are also sent to the New York State Department of Health, Vital Records Section, so certificates of marriage–and Nassau County divorce records–can be acquired from this state custodian.
Official copies of marriage records from 1880 forward can be obtained from the Department of Health. A requester must be a spouse or have a documented proper judicial purpose and submit a marriage certificate request form, identification information, and the $30 fee.
Similar to a marriage record application, requesting a copy of a divorce certificate can be done via mail by submitting the divorce certificate request form, payment, and a copy of the photo identification of the requester. The packet would be mailed to:
The New York State Department of Health
Vital Records Certification Unit
P.O. Box 2602
Albany, New York 1220-2602
To order a divorce certificate, an individual must be the former spouse or attorney of record of a former spouse.
A certificate of marriage or divorce can be obtained by mail for $30, while online and phone orders cost $45 plus a processing fee. Individuals can pay for their records online, by phone, or by mail with a personal check, money order, or certified check to the NYS Department of Health.
How To Retrieve Criminal Records in Nassau County
When checking public criminal records, Nassau County reports its records in a few different ways. The first way to look up someone’s criminal record is through the Nassau County Criminal Court.4 This contains Nassau County arrest records, incarceration history, public court files, and other relevant information.
In certain cases, members of the public can request police reports as well under the Freedom of Information Act. Interested parties can request records in person or over the phone. Individuals will have to disclose their relationship to the researched party. The court’s information is:
Nassau County Court
262 Old Country Road
Mineola, New York 11501
Phone: 516.493.3710
The Court has maintained Nassau County criminal records from 1899 to the present day. While performing a Nassau County case search, records before 1899 may be available but will have to be researched by the Nassau County Clerk’s office.
Access Nassau County Criminal Records Through The New York E-Court Portal
A different search option to find Nassau County court records is to use some of the resources available through the State of New York to conduct a free criminal record check.
In New York, all state courts are part of the New York eCourt system, which allows for the free and accessible access of criminal records and criminal court documents to the general public. This includes recent arrest reports.
As a reminder, juvenile records are generally not considered public record and will not be available through this system.
This New York eCourt system requires knowing an individual’s first name and last name. It will search all counties and courts in New York or it can be limited to a specific county, such as Nassau County. If an individual has multiple different cases against them, it will show a list of each unique matter pertaining to the individual.
While this free government site may not find someone’s mugshot, it will give the researcher all pertinent information about the individual’s criminal history within the State of New York. For those individuals struggling to locate records or needing assistance with the tool, check with the local court’s office.
Conduct a Background Check To Investigate Anyone in Nassau County New York
Conducting background checks is important for a variety of reasons, ranging from personal matters to employment and it is important to know if someone has a criminal record. In many employment situations, this information can be used as a determining factor during the awarding process.
In Nassau County and the state of New York, any individual can request their own criminal history. This system is monitored and maintained by the Division of Criminal Justice Services.6
To receive an official report from the DCJS requires submitting a fingerprint card to match fingerprint records within the agency. It is important to know this requested criminal history can only be done by an individual and it is not considered public access, so third parties and businesses cannot access the service (outside appointed counsel).
When performing a background check this way, an individual can also request an unsuppressed criminal history record. This is a record that contains all criminal history records, and any information available on the jail roster if previously incarcerated, including suppressed or sealed items ordered under New York law.
The DCJS uses IdentoGo as its fingerprint partner, and interested individuals should use either code “15464Z” for a suppressed record or code “15465F” for an unsuppressed record. It costs $13.50 to have your fingerprints done for either request and credit cards, checks, and money orders are accepted. Payments are to be made out to “Idemia” if paying by check or money order.
The other type of check is a professional background check performed for purposes such as employment or licensing. This examines the individual’s current and previous addresses, previous employment, schooling verification, and even looks into court cases and legal records. When performing this type of check, it is crucial to adhere to all necessary state and federal regulations.
Performing a professional background check without the express permission of the individual can lead to severe legal consequences. Consent for this type of background check is typically acquired during the onboarding process of a new employee, licensee, or applicant.
The New York State Office of Court Administration (OCA) provides a New York, Statewide criminal history record search based on an exact match of name and date of birth. It costs $95 to run and is a service available to the general public, including businesses. However, this search does not disclose sealed records.
Individuals can either create an online account or mail in an application form with payment. For questions or assistance, reach out directly to OCA by mail or email at:
NYS Office of Court Administration
Office of Administrative Service
Criminal History Record Search Unit
25 Beaver Street – 9th Floor
New York, NY 10004
Email: [email protected]
Personal background checks, on the other hand, provide insight into any individual from a local coffee shop barista to a new neighbor and can help searchers assess their risk level or simply investigate their past.
This type of background check can be performed by simply tracking down the various public records described throughout this resource from the agencies and custodians who host them. Search tools can be very helpful and convenient as well.
How To Search for Warrants in Nassau County
Nassau County public records include warrant information, and to check if someone has a warrant, interested parties should call the local Sheriff’s Office. Local police departments can also help provide additional insight and information to assist with your warrant search on wanted individuals in the county.
They will be able to share pertinent details on Nassau County warrants and help answer questions individuals may have. Their offices’ respective contacts are:
The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office
100 Carman Avenue
East Meadow, New York 11554
Phone: 516.572.4195
Nassau County Police Department
1490 Franklin Avenue
Mineola, New York 11501
Non-Emergency Phone: 516.573.8800
City of Glen Cove Police Department
1 Bridge Street
Glen Cove, New York 11542
Non-Emergency Phone: 516.676.1000
Town of Hempstead Police Department
200 N Franklin Street
Hempstead, New York 11550
Non-Emergency Phone: 516.538.1900
Long Beach Police Department
1 West Chester Street
Long Beach, New York 11561
Non-Emergency Phone: 516.431.1800
Oyster Bay Police Department
Berry Hill Road & Route 25A
Oyster Bay, New York 11771
Non-Emergency Phone: 516.922.6363
How To Look Up if Someone Is on Probation in Nassau County
In general, the US probation office does not disclose who is on probation. Likewise, the New York Office of Probation & Correctional Alternatives cannot disclose information on supervised individuals.7 However, most convictions and pleas are public records.
The primary way to check public records and determine if someone is on probation in Nassau County is to use the New York State Unified Court system to look up an individual’s case. This system is the same system mentioned earlier to research an individual’s criminal history.
The eCourt system enables individuals to access the state’s database and find relevant information to the requested individual’s record, this includes a summary, appearances, charges, contact information for relevant attorneys, and motions. It even displays the next court date.
Keeping in mind New York’s restrictions on public access to probation information, qualified individuals can also reach out to the Office of Probation and Correctional Alternatives for additional information. They can be reached at:
The Office of Probation & Correctional Alternatives
New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services
Gov. Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
80 South Swan Street
Albany, New York 12210
Phone: 518.485.7692
Fax: 518.485.5140
How To Check Court Records in Nassau County Using the E-Courts System
Nassau County judicial records–from civil and criminal to probate and other case types–are all available as part of the New York eCourts system. This system allows an individual to search civil, supreme, criminal, and family court cases that are available to the public. Individuals must use the system with good faith and need party information as well as other relevant details per court to execute a search.
By using the New York eCourts system, it is also possible for the public to identify upcoming court dates. That aside, it is always best practice to call the court where the hearing will be held to confirm the date and time.
The eCourts system includes information from across the state of New York in many different types of courts. While conducting a search, researchers may find it useful to view each respective eCourt’s online directory. It will allow the researcher to see if an individual has civil, criminal, or family court cases against them.
Individuals trying to locate historical records or that would prefer to make a request in person can appear before the Nassau County Clerk:
Nassau County Clerk’s Office
240 Old Country Road,
Mineola, New York 11501
Phone: 516.571.2660
At the Clerk’s office, it is possible to request copies of court records from the public index. It is important to note; however, that the Surrogate, Family, and District Courts maintain separate records at their respective facilities.10
Furthermore, the Nassau County 10th Judicial Court can be visited at the location below:
Nassau County Courthouse
262 Old Country Rd.
Mineola, NY 11501
How To Request Other Vital Records in Nassau County: Birth & Death Certificates
The Nassau County Clerk’s Registrar of Vital Statistics, as the local office hosting birth or death records, can assist with requesting copies.
However, the most efficient way to obtain an official copy of these vital records is through either the applicable town clerk or through the state custodian.
Nassau County public records including marital records and both birth and death certificates are available from the New York State Department of Health, Vital Records Section.
Obtain Birth & Death Certificates in Nassau County via the Local Town Clerks or the New York Department of Health
Like marital records, certificates of birth and death are available from the town and village clerks throughout Nassau County and are the most proximate locations for acquiring these records. If a birth or death occurred in a hospital, the local clerk closest to the hospital should be contacted, but if such an event happened at home, the records will be hosted by the clerk relevant to the home’s location.
The Bureau of Vital Records of the New York State Department of Health also offers several vital record types to requesters, with a few stipulations that must be met for particular types.
There are two different versions of birth certificates one could obtain from the New York Department of Health. The first is a pre-adoption certificate of birth; this is restricted to an adult adoptee (over 18 years old), a direct line descendant of the adoptee, or their respective lawful representative.
To request the forms via mail, an individual has to fill out this form as an adoptee, or this form as a descendant, submit copies of identification information, and mail the packet to:
New York State Department of Health
Bureau of Vital Records, PAC Unit
P.O Box 2602
Albany, New York 12220-2602
The fee for pre-adoption birth certificates is $45.
For a regular birth certificate or post-adoption birth certificate, the requester must be the person named on the birth certificate, a parent whose name is on the birth certificate, or a spouse or descendant only by order of a state court. The requester must also similarly submit identification information and fill out the birth certificate application form. The final packet would need to be mailed to the address above.
The fee for mailed-in requests of birth or post-adoption birth certificates is $30 per copy.
The New York Department of Health also maintains statewide death records from 1881 forward. To request a copy of a certificate of death, the requester must be a spouse, child, or sibling of the departed, or another individual who has a documented lawful claim, medical need (such as a donor-recipient), or possess a New York State Court Order.13
Similar to a birth certificate, requesters must submit a certificate of death application as well as identification information. The packet should be mailed to the New York State Department of Health at the address listed above.
The fee for mailed-in requests of death certificates is $30 per copy.
Before 1881, New York did not maintain vital records registration; however, the Department of Health generally provides uncertified copies for genealogy research purposes.14 This includes previous residents of Nassau County. To find these records requires the genealogical records team to conduct a search which can take an extended period of time.
To begin this process, complete the mail-in application for genealogical services. For more information or assistance researching genealogical records contact the genealogy department at:
New York Department of Health: Genealogy Records & Resources
Vital Records Section – Certification Unit
P.O Box 2602
Albany, New York 12220-2602
Phone: 855.322.1022
How To View Property Information in Nassau County Through the Department of Assessment
Nassau County allows individuals to check New York public records maintained by the Department of Assessment in the Land Records Viewer.
This helpful tool includes information such as assessment roll data, district information, tax maps, public property photographs, previous year taxes, current & previous tax rates, exemptions, and comparable sales. It also provides information from Nassau County’s Geographic Information System (GIS).15
An individual can use this system to ascertain relevant property information. For more advanced questions or system issues, reach out directly to the Nassau County Department of Assessment.
To use Nassau County’s Department of Assessment Land Records Viewer, an individual must know either the address or SBL information of the property.
It is important to note that this is designed to be a helpful free public resource to find public records in Nassau County; if official certified records are necessary, an individual has to request them either in person or by mail. Nassau County is the second largest assessing entity in New York with over 423,000 properties, their office has numerous outreach programs designed to help the general public.
Their contact information is:
Nassau County Assessor’s Office
240 Old Country Road, – 4th Floor
Mineola, New York 11501
Phone: 516.571.1500
An Overview of Nassau County Public Records
Nassau County has a large public records repository that includes marriage, divorce, warrants, arrests, criminal, and court records. To conduct a free public records search, some of the most reliable custodians and search tools are listed below for the convenience of searchers:
Arrest Records — Nassau County Sheriff’s Office
Criminal Records & Background Checks — Nassau County Criminal Court & New York State Office of Court Administration (OCA)
Vital Records — Local Town Clerks (birth, death, marriage) or the New York State Department of Health, Vital Records Section (all)
Property Records — Land Records Viewer & Nassau County Assessor’s Office
Court Case Records — Nassau County Clerk’s Office & New York eCourts system
Probation Information — The Office of Probation & Correctional Alternatives
Warrant Details — The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office
While researching Nassau County public records, utilize these various resources to obtain the necessary information for free through reliable record custodians.
References
1Juvenile Detention Center. (n.d.). Nassau County. Retrieved July 22, 2023, from <https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/3437/Juvenile-Detention-Center>
2Birth, Death, Marriage & Divorce Records. (n.d.). New York State Department of Health. Retrieved July 22, 2023, from <https://www.health.ny.gov/vital_records/>
3New York Department of Health. (n.d.). Marriage Record. Vinelink. Retrieved August 22, 2023, from <https://www.health.ny.gov/vital_records/marriage.htm>
4County Court – Nassau – 10th JD | NYCOURTS.GOV. (n.d.). New York Courts. Retrieved July 22, 2023, from <https://ww2.nycourts.gov/COURTS/10JD/nassau/county.shtml>
5Court Records. (n.d.). E Courts. Retrieved July 22, 2023, from <https://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/webcrim_attorney/DefendantSearch>
6Criminal History Records, Background Checks – NY DCJS. (2022, January 1). New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services. Retrieved July 22, 2023, from <https://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/ojis/recordreview.htm>
7New York Division of State Criminal Justices. (n.d.). FAQ. Retrieved July 22, 2023, from <https://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/opca/general_faq.htm>
8New York Government. (n.d.). Inmate Details. New York State Unified Court System. Retrieved August 22, 2023, from <https://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/webcrim_attorney/Detail?which=case&docketNumber=PQY5jLyDq6B3AW4B0UwJnA==&courtType=U&countyId=mrCX7QXfm4mhD408RkGxHg==&docketId=0jeFyVb0dJYM5PVzHfSMyQ==&docketDseq=T/O1YN_PLUS_BG65HkOeqEnpAkw==&defendantName=Smith,+John&cou>
9Rochester City Court – Civil. (n.d.). E Courts. Retrieved July 22, 2023, from <https://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/webcivilLocal/LCSearch?param=P>
10Nassau County Historical Court Records. (n.d.). Historical Society of the New York Courts. Retrieved July 22, 2023, from <https://history.nycourts.gov/county-court-records/nassau/>
11New York State Department of Health. (2019, September). Mail-in Form. Bureau of Vital Records. Retrieved August 22, 2023, from <https://www.health.ny.gov/forms/doh-4380.pdf>
12New York State Department of Health. (2013, November). Mail-in Form for Death Record. Bureau of Vital Records. Retrieved August 22, 2023, from <https://www.health.ny.gov/forms/doh-4376.pdf>
13Birth Certificates. (n.d.). New York State Department of Health. Retrieved July 22, 2023, from <https://www.health.ny.gov/vital_records/birth.htm>
14Death Certificates. (n.d.). New York State Department of Health. Retrieved July 22, 2023, from <https://www.health.ny.gov/vital_records/death.htm>
15Genealogy Records & Resources. (n.d.). New York State Department of Health. Retrieved July 22, 2023, from <https://www.health.ny.gov/vital_records/genealogy.htm>
16Nassau County Department of Assessment. (n.d.). Lookup SBL or Address. Retrieved July 22, 2023, from <https://lrv.nassaucountyny.gov/>