Ocean County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Ocean County?

Public records in Ocean County are defined under the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA), N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1 et seq., as government records made, maintained, kept on file, or received in the course of official business by any government agency. These records are generally available for public inspection and copying, with certain exceptions as provided by law.

Ocean County maintains a comprehensive collection of public records that includes:

• Court Records: Civil, criminal, probate, and family court cases processed through the Ocean County Superior Court
• Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and property assessments
• Vital Records: Birth certificates (for births occurring in Ocean County), death certificates, marriage licenses, and civil union records
• Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and fictitious name registrations
• Tax Records: Property tax information, assessment records, and tax maps
• Voting and Election Records: Voter registration information and election results
• Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Records of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners and various county boards and committees
• Budget and Financial Documents: County budgets, financial statements, and expenditure reports
• Law Enforcement Records: Arrest logs and incident reports (with legally required redactions)
• Land Use and Zoning Records: Planning board decisions, zoning maps, and development applications

The Ocean County Clerk's Office maintains property records, business records, and election information. Vital records are maintained by the Ocean County Health Department. Court records are maintained by the Ocean County Superior Court, and tax records are kept by the Ocean County Board of Taxation.

Is Ocean County an Open Records County?

Ocean County fully complies with the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA), N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1 et seq., which establishes the public's right to access government records. Under N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-1, the statute explicitly states that "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."

The county adheres to OPRA's mandate that all government records must be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law or court rule. Ocean County has implemented comprehensive procedures to facilitate public access to records in accordance with state requirements.

Additionally, Ocean County complies with the Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A. 10:4-6 et seq., commonly known as the "Sunshine Law," which requires that meetings of public bodies be open to the public and properly noticed.

The Ocean County Board of Commissioners has established a formal records access policy that designates custodians of records for various departments and outlines procedures for requesting and obtaining public records. This policy ensures that the county maintains transparency and accountability in its operations while protecting confidential information as required by law.

How to Find Public Records in Ocean County in 2026

Members of the public seeking access to Ocean County records may utilize the following procedures:

1. Identify the appropriate records custodian: Different types of records are maintained by specific county departments. The Ocean County Clerk maintains property records, business filings, and election information. Court records are available through the Ocean County Superior Court. Vital records are managed by the Ocean County Health Department.

2. Submit an OPRA request: Complete the county's OPRA Request Form which can be submitted:

   • In person at the appropriate department
   • By mail to the relevant department
   • Electronically through the county's online portal
   • By fax to the designated records custodian

3. Specify records clearly: Requests must identify the specific records sought with reasonable clarity. Overly broad requests may be denied.

4. Allow processing time: Under OPRA, custodians must respond within seven business days of receiving a request. Complex requests may require additional time.

5. Arrange for inspection or copies: Once records are located, requestors may inspect them during regular business hours or request copies for the applicable fees.

6. Online access options: Many records are currently available through online portals:

   • Property records can be searched through the Ocean County Clerk's Property Records Search
   • Court records can be accessed through the New Jersey Courts Public Access System
   • Meeting minutes and agendas are posted on the Ocean County Government website

7. Special requests: For records requiring special handling or containing confidential information that must be redacted, additional time and procedures may apply.

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

Ocean County follows the fee structure established under N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-5, which governs charges for public records access. Current standard fees include:

• Paper copies:

  • Letter size (8.5" x 11"): $0.05 per page
  • Legal size (8.5" x 14"): $0.07 per page

• Electronic records:

  • No charge when records are transmitted electronically
  • Actual cost of media (CD, DVD, flash drive) when physical media is required

• Special service charges: May apply for extraordinary requests requiring extensive use of technology, staff time, or other resources. These charges must reflect actual direct costs and be documented.

• Certified copies:

  • Court records: $10.00 per document
  • Property records: $10.00 first page, $1.00 each additional page
  • Vital records: $25.00 per certificate

• Maps and large format documents:

  • 24" x 36": $5.00 per page
  • Larger formats: Actual cost of reproduction

Accepted payment methods include:

• Cash (in-person only)
• Check or money order
• Credit/debit cards (in-person and online)
• Electronic payment through the county portal

Fee waivers may be available for requests made by news media, non-profit organizations, or researchers serving a public purpose, as determined by the records custodian. Additionally, pursuant to N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-5(b), a custodian may waive fees if doing so would be in the public interest.

Does Ocean County Have Free Public Records?

Ocean County provides free access to certain public records as required by New Jersey law. Under N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-5, all government records must be available for inspection during regular business hours at no cost. Members of the public may examine records without charge, though fees apply for copies as detailed above.

The following records are currently available at no cost:

• Online property information: Basic property ownership and assessment data through the Ocean County Property Records Portal

• Meeting minutes and agendas: Available on the Ocean County Government website

• Budget documents: Annual county budgets and financial reports posted on the Ocean County Finance Department page

• Election results: Available through the Ocean County Clerk's Election Division

• Court docket information: Basic case information through the New Jersey Courts Public Access System

• Public notices: Legal notices and announcements posted on the Ocean County Public Notices page

Additionally, public terminals are available at various county offices for free access to electronic records, including:

• Ocean County Clerk's Office: Property records and business filings
• Ocean County Law Library: Legal research materials and court records
• Ocean County Board of Elections: Voter registration and election information

Who Can Request Public Records in Ocean 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 Ocean 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 request public records. Any person, regardless of citizenship or residency status, may submit an OPRA request.

• Identification requirements:

  • For most records, requestors need not provide identification
  • For certain records (such as vital records or records containing personal information), proper identification may be required
  • Anonymous requests are permitted for most records

• Purpose disclosure:

  • Requestors generally do not need to state the purpose of their request
  • Records custodians cannot deny access based on the requestor's intended use of the records
  • Exception: Commercial use of certain bulk data may be restricted

• Requesting personal records:

  • Individuals seeking their own records may need to provide identification
  • Authorized representatives must provide documentation of their authority to act on behalf of another person

• Special categories of requestors:

  • Incarcerated individuals have limited OPRA rights pursuant to N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-2.2
  • Government agencies requesting records for official purposes may have expedited access
  • News media may receive priority processing for time-sensitive requests

The right to access public records applies equally to individuals and organizations, though certain records with personal identifying information may require additional verification steps before release.

What Records Are Confidential in Ocean County?

While Ocean County strives for transparency, certain records are exempt from public disclosure under N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-1.1 and other applicable laws. These confidential records include:

• Personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, unlisted telephone numbers, and drivers' license numbers

• Medical and health records: Patient records protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

• Criminal investigatory records: Information pertaining to ongoing investigations that would be harmful if disclosed

• Juvenile records: Court and law enforcement records involving minors, as protected under N.J.S.A. § 2A:4A-60

• Domestic violence records: Information that could compromise victim safety, including locations of domestic violence shelters

• Personnel and pension records: Employee evaluations, disciplinary actions, and personal information, with limited exceptions for specific employment information

• Attorney-client privileged materials: Communications between county attorneys and officials protected by legal privilege

• Deliberative process materials: Pre-decisional records that reflect advisory opinions and recommendations

• Emergency or security information: Records that would jeopardize building, facility, or computer system security

• Inter-agency or intra-agency advisory consultative or deliberative material: Internal working papers and draft documents

• Trade secrets and proprietary commercial information: Confidential business information submitted to the county

• Certain educational records: Student records protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

• Sealed court records: Records ordered sealed by a court, including expunged criminal records

When a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, the county will redact the confidential portions and release the remainder, as required by N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-5(g).

Ocean County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Ocean County Clerk's Office
118 Washington Street, Room 107
Toms River, NJ 08754
(732) 929-2018
Ocean County Clerk

Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Extended hours: Wednesday until 7:00 PM (Recording Department only)
Closed on weekends and county holidays

Recording Department Services:

• Recording of deeds, mortgages, and liens
• Property records searches
• Trade name certificates
• Veterans' discharges
• Notary public services

Additional Locations:

Ocean County Clerk's Southern Service Center
179 South Main Street
Manahawkin, NJ 08050
(609) 597-1500
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Ocean County Administration Building
101 Hooper Avenue
Toms River, NJ 08754
(732) 929-2000
Ocean County Government

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