New York Property Records Search: Free Deed, Owner, Tax, Assessment Roll, ACRIS & Parcel Lookup Guide
New York property records are not kept in one statewide “owner lookup” box. Outside New York City, start with the county clerk for deeds and mortgages, the city/town assessor for assessment rolls and exemptions, and the local tax receiver/treasurer for bills. In New York City, use ACRIS for Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn and Bronx recorded documents, and use NYC Department of Finance tools for tax bills, BBL, notices, exemptions and digital tax maps.
Which New York Property Record Do You Need?
The fastest route depends on location. New York City uses different tools from most counties. Outside NYC, county clerks and local assessors control most of the records homeowners search for.
| Your Task | NYC Route | Outside NYC Route | What to Prepare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Find deed / mortgage | ACRIS for Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx; Richmond County Clerk for Staten Island. | County Clerk / Recorder land records. | Owner name, grantor/grantee, date range, book/page, BBL or tax map/parcel ID. |
| Find owner / assessed value | NYC DOF property data, notices and tax maps. | Local assessor or county real property tax service assessment roll. | Address, municipality, parcel/tax map ID, owner name. |
| Pay or check tax bill | NYC DOF property tax bills and payments. | Local tax receiver, county treasurer or school tax collector. | BBL or parcel ID, bill number, tax year, owner/address. |
| Challenge assessment | NYC assessment challenge routes, including Tax Commission where applicable. | Assessor discussion, RP-524 complaint and Board of Assessment Review. | Tentative roll value, comps, appraisal, photos, income/expense data if applicable. |
| STAR / exemptions | NYC DOF and NYS STAR rules depending on benefit type. | NYS STAR registration plus local assessor for many exemptions. | Primary residence proof, ownership, income, age/disability/veteran documents where required. |
How to Search Property Records Outside NYC by County, Town or Parcel
Outside NYC, New York property records are local. A county clerk usually handles deeds and mortgages, while the assessor or real property tax service handles assessment rolls, parcel IDs, taxable value and exemptions. Tax bills can be collected by towns, cities, villages, schools or county treasurers depending on the bill.
Deeds and mortgages
Use for recorded land documents, mortgages, satisfactions, easements, liens and transfers.
Value and exemptions
Use for assessment rolls, property class, taxable status, exemptions and grievance questions.
Tax bills
Use for county, town, village, city or school tax payment status depending on location.
Parcel map
Use for tax map number, parcel location, school district and map context.
1
Identify the county and municipalityCounty alone is not enough in many New York searches.
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Write down the county, town/city, village if any, school district if known, property address and parcel/tax map number. For upstate and Long Island properties, the town or city assessor is often the key to assessment records.
2
Use the county clerk for recorded documentsThis is the deed/mortgage route.
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Step 1: Search “[county name] New York county clerk land records.” Step 2: choose the official county clerk page. Step 3: choose public records, land records, deeds, mortgages or online records. Step 4: search grantor/grantee, date range, book/page or document number. Step 5: compare property description with the assessor parcel record before relying on the document.
3
Use the assessor or county real property tax office for parcel/assessment dataThis is the owner/value/tax-map route.
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Step 1: Search the county or municipality official website. Step 2: look for Assessor, Real Property Tax Services, Parcel Search, Assessment Roll or GIS. Step 3: search by address, owner name or tax map number. Step 4: verify assessed value, full value, exemptions, taxable status and property class. Step 5: save the tax map ID for deed and tax-bill lookup.
How to Search NYC Property Records in ACRIS by BBL, Name, Document Type or CRFN
NYC is different. The Department of Finance says ACRIS provides access to property documents and images for Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx from 1966 to present. The City Register records real estate documents for those four boroughs; Staten Island recording is handled by the Richmond County Clerk.
Best exact search
Borough, Block and Lot is usually the cleanest NYC property-record identifier.
Good for deeds
Search grantor/grantee, lender, trust, LLC, estate or owner variations.
Best document ID
City Register File Number is the precise reference when you already have it.
Useful filter
Search deeds, mortgages, satisfactions, UCC, federal liens and other recorded types.
1
Find the BBL firstBBL prevents wrong-building results in NYC.
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Use the NYC DOF property data/lot tools or ACRIS parcel search to identify the borough-block-lot. For condos and co-ops, verify the unit/building context carefully before using a document result.
2
Open ACRIS and choose the right search typeACRIS is not only name search.
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Step 1: Open NYC ACRIS. Step 2: choose Search Property Records. Step 3: select Party Name, Parcel Identifier, Document Type, Document ID/CRFN, Transaction Number, Reel/Page or UCC/Federal Lien File Number. Step 4: enter the cleanest clue. Step 5: open the document and compare BBL, parties, document type and recording date. Official action link: NYC ACRIS Property Records.
3
Use the right tool for pre-1966 or Staten Island recordsNot every NYC document is handled the same way.
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For NYC documents before 1966, NYC directs users to the Land Records Research Library at the Queens City Register Office, 144-06 94th Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11435. For Staten Island/Richmond County recording, follow Richmond County Clerk guidance rather than assuming ACRIS deed-image coverage works the same way.
| ACRIS Search Option | Use It When | Common Mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Party Name | You know buyer, seller, lender, owner, LLC, trust or lienor name. | Searching only one spelling or missing prior owner names. |
| Parcel Identifier | You have borough, block and lot. | Using street address instead of BBL for exact document matching. |
| Document Type | You need deeds, mortgages, satisfactions, liens or UCC filings. | Ignoring later satisfaction/release documents. |
| CRFN / Document ID | A tax bill, title report, closing paper or prior search gives you the exact number. | Entering an old reel/page reference in the wrong field. |
| Reel and Page | Older records use reel/page style references. | Assuming reel/page is the same as BBL or tax map number. |
What Deeds, RP-5217 and Transfer Records Mean in New York
A deed is the recorded legal document. An assessment roll or property-tax record is not a deed. New York’s RP-5217 Real Property Transfer Report is part of transfer reporting and sales data, but county clerks review the form for completeness, not legal accuracy.
Legal transfer document
Search through ACRIS in NYC or the county clerk outside NYC.
Transfer reporting
Used for real property transfer reporting and state/local sales data matching.
Outside NYC data
NYS says Sales Web includes ten years of New York State transfer data outside NYC; NYC transfer data is in ACRIS.
| Transfer Detail | Official Rule / Meaning | Practical Tip |
|---|---|---|
| RP-5217 residential/farm filing fee | $125 generally for residential and farm properties. | County clerk collects the filing fee; confirm local recording costs separately. |
| RP-5217 other property filing fee | $250 generally for all other properties. | Commercial and non-residential transfers can cost more. |
| Book/page | NYS says book and page must match the deed exactly and are key identifiers. | Copy book/page exactly when searching county clerk records. |
| County clerk review | County clerks review RP-5217 forms for completeness, not accuracy. | Do not treat the transfer report as a legal opinion. |
How to Check a New York Assessment Roll, Owner Record, Value and Exemptions
Assessment rolls list information for every property in an assessing unit. NYS says tentative and final assessment rolls are published annually; in most towns and cities, the tentative assessment roll is published on May 1 and the final assessment roll is published on or around July 1.
Usually May 1
Review assessment, market value and exemptions while there is still time to act.
Usually 4th Tuesday in May
Most jurisdictions use this deadline, but you should confirm with your assessor.
Around July 1
Tax bills are based on information on the final assessment roll.
Municipality ID
Statewide Information System code identifies county, city/town and village.
1
Find your local assessment rollCounty and municipality both matter.
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Step 1: Identify the city/town assessing unit. Step 2: open the municipal or county real property tax services site. Step 3: look for tentative roll, final roll, assessment lookup or parcel search. Step 4: search by owner, address or tax map number. Official statewide help link: NYS: Check your assessment.
2
Check the key fields before Grievance DayDo this by mid-May when possible.
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Review assessed value, full/market value, uniform percentage of value, property class, exemption status, taxable value, address, owner and school district. If a field is wrong, contact the assessor before filing a formal complaint.
3
Use RP-524 only if discussion does not resolve the issueAssessment grievance has formal paperwork and deadlines.
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Step 1: Talk with your assessor. Step 2: gather comparable sales, appraisal, photos or corrected property facts. Step 3: complete Form RP-524, Complaint on Real Property Assessment. Step 4: file before the local deadline. Official forms link: NYS Assessment Grievance Forms.
How to Find New York Property Tax Bills and Payment Status
Tax bills are local in most of New York. Outside NYC, one property may have separate county/town, school, village or city bills. In New York City, Department of Finance bills are posted online and mailed on a schedule tied to assessed value.
| Location | Tax Bill Route | Important Timing | Search Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| NYC assessed value $250,000 or less | NYC Department of Finance | Bills are quarterly; due July 1, October 1, January 1 and April 1, with 15-day interest-free grace for quarterly payers. | Use BBL for the cleanest lookup. |
| NYC assessed value over $250,000 | NYC Department of Finance | Bills are semi-annual; due July 1 and January 1. | Check bill status even if mortgage company pays. |
| Outside NYC | Local tax receiver, county treasurer, school tax collector or city/village collector. | Varies by county, municipality and school district. | Use tax map/parcel ID and school district/municipality. |
| Delinquent county taxes | County treasurer or tax enforcement office. | Varies; penalties, interest and foreclosure/tax-sale processes are local. | Ask for payoff by parcel ID and tax year. |
1
Find the correct bill collectorSchool taxes and county/town taxes may be separate outside NYC.
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Step 1: Use your parcel/tax map ID and municipality. Step 2: identify county/town/city/village and school tax collectors. Step 3: search the official site for tax bill lookup or pay taxes. Step 4: verify tax year, owner, address, parcel ID, penalties and receipt before paying.
2
Use NYC DOF for New York City billsACRIS is for recorded documents; DOF tax tools handle bills.
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Step 1: Find your BBL. Step 2: open NYC property bills and payments. Step 3: download or review the bill. Step 4: check due date, balance, credits, exemptions and payment history. Official action link: NYC Property Bills and Payments.
STAR Credit, Senior, Veterans and Other New York Property Tax Exemptions
New York property-tax savings can come from STAR and local exemptions. STAR for new homeowners is generally handled through the NYS Tax Department credit registration, while many other exemptions are local-option benefits handled by the assessor.
Income up to $500,000
For eligible owner-occupied primary residences, with no age restriction.
Old program
New STAR exemptions are no longer granted to new homeowners, but some existing exemption recipients may continue if eligible.
$110,750 limit
For qualifying senior homeowners, subject to age, income and residency rules.
Local option
Veterans exemptions are not automatic; eligible veterans apply to the assessor, often by March 1 in many communities.
1
Register for STAR after the home becomes your primary residenceNew buyers should not file for a new STAR exemption with the assessor.
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Step 1: Create or log into your NYS Individual Online Services account. Step 2: open Real property tax. Step 3: choose Homeowner Benefit Portal. Step 4: register for STAR or update your registration. Step 5: enroll in direct deposit if desired. Official action link: Register for STAR or update STAR registration.
2
Ask the assessor about local exemptionsNot every exemption is offered in every municipality.
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Step 1: Identify your assessor. Step 2: ask about senior, veterans, disability, agricultural and local exemptions. Step 3: confirm taxable status date and application deadline. Step 4: gather proof of ownership, residence, income, age, disability, service or agricultural use as required. Official overview link: NYS Property Tax Exemptions.
How NYC Owners Can Monitor Recorded Documents
NYC offers an ACRIS Notice of Recorded Document registration program that notifies eligible registrants when certain deed, mortgage or related documents affecting ownership interests are recorded against a property.
1
Register only after checking the BBLAlerts are only useful when the property identifier is clean.
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Step 1: Find the BBL. Step 2: open the Notice of Recorded Document page. Step 3: review who may register. Step 4: register the property. Step 5: investigate any alert through ACRIS and professional help if suspicious. Official action link: ACRIS Notice of Recorded Document.
If Your New York Property Record Search Fails
| Problem | Likely Cause | Best Fix |
|---|---|---|
| No NYC ACRIS result by address | ACRIS works best with BBL or document/party clues. | Find the BBL first, then use Parcel Identifier search. |
| Staten Island deed not found in ACRIS | Richmond County Clerk handles Staten Island recording. | Use Richmond County Clerk recording access or NYC DOF direction for Staten Island. |
| Outside NYC owner search fails | Wrong municipality, name variation, trust/LLC, old owner, county-only search. | Search the city/town assessor roll and use tax map number. |
| Tax bill missing | Wrong tax collector, escrow, old mailing address or separate school/town bills. | Search by parcel/BBL and contact the correct collector before the due date. |
| Assessment seems wrong | Reassessment, property class error, exemption missing or market value dispute. | Review tentative roll in May, talk to assessor, then file RP-524 by deadline if needed. |
| STAR not showing | New owner not registered, income/residency issue, exemption vs credit confusion. | Use Homeowner Benefit Portal and verify primary residence, ownership and income details. |
New York Property Records Visit Planning Map
For statewide questions, the NYS Tax Department is in Albany; for property-specific action, use the local county clerk, local assessor, local tax collector or NYC Department of Finance depending on the record.
Outside NYC
Use county clerk for deeds, city/town assessor for assessment roll and exemptions, and local collector/treasurer for tax bills.
NYC
Use ACRIS for recorded documents in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn and Bronx; use NYC DOF for bills, BBL, tax maps, notices and exemptions.
NYS Tax
Use NYS Tax Department for STAR credit registration, transfer-report guidance, assessment roll/grievance guidance and statewide exemption rules.
New York Property Records Tips That Actually Save Time
Use these when researching NYC buildings, Long Island homes, Hudson Valley parcels, upstate county records, tax bills, STAR, assessment rolls, old deeds or buyer closing questions.
NYC: BBL first
Street addresses can be messy. Borough-block-lot makes ACRIS, tax bill and map searches much cleaner.
Outside NYC: municipality first
The county matters, but the assessing unit is often the city or town. Confirm both before searching.
May is assessment-check month
Most towns/cities publish tentative rolls May 1. Review before Grievance Day, not after final roll.
Separate deed and tax records
A deed shows recording history. A tax bill shows payment status. You often need both.
New buyers should register for STAR
New STAR exemptions are no longer granted, so new homeowners should register for the STAR credit.
Old documents need old references
Book/page, liber/page, reel/page, CRFN and county clerk index years matter for older records.
New York Property Records FAQs
QHow do I search New York property records for free?▾
For NYC, start with ACRIS for recorded documents and NYC Department of Finance tools for tax bills and BBL/property data. Outside NYC, start with the county clerk for deeds and the local assessor or county real property tax service for assessment rolls and parcel records.
QWhere do I find New York City deeds and mortgages?▾
Use NYC ACRIS for Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn and Bronx deeds, mortgages and document images from 1966 to present. For Staten Island/Richmond County, follow Richmond County Clerk recording access.
QWhat is a BBL in New York City property records?▾
BBL means borough, block and lot. It is the cleanest NYC property identifier for ACRIS, tax bill, digital tax map and NYC Department of Finance property searches.
QWhere do I find property records outside NYC?▾
Use the county clerk for deeds, mortgages, liens and recorded land documents. Use the local assessor or county real property tax office for assessment rolls, parcel IDs, assessed values, taxable status and exemptions.
QAre New York assessment rolls public?▾
Yes. NYS guidance says assessment roll information must be available from the municipal or county website. Most towns and cities publish a tentative assessment roll on May 1 and a final roll around July 1.
QWhen is New York Grievance Day?▾
In most jurisdictions, Grievance Day is the fourth Tuesday in May, but you should confirm with your local assessor because dates can vary by assessing unit.
QHow do new homeowners get STAR in New York?▾
New homeowners generally register for the STAR credit through the NYS Tax Department after the home becomes their primary residence. New STAR exemptions are no longer granted to new homeowners.
QWhat is the Basic STAR income limit?▾
NYS lists the Basic STAR credit income limit as $500,000 or less. The older Basic STAR exemption has a $250,000 income limit for those who are still eligible to receive it.
QWhat is the Enhanced STAR income limit for 2026?▾
NYS lists the Enhanced STAR income limit for 2026 benefits as $110,750 or less, and at least one resident owner must meet the age requirement by December 31 of the benefit year.
QIs Property-Recordss.org the official New York property records website?▾
No. Property-Recordss.org is an independent informational guide. Always verify deeds, mortgages, tax bills, assessment rolls, exemptions, BBL, STAR status, fees and deadlines through official New York State, New York City, county or municipal sources.
Final Takeaway
For New York property records, identify the location first. In NYC, use ACRIS for recorded documents and NYC Department of Finance for property tax bills, BBL, notices and tax maps. Outside NYC, use the county clerk for deeds and mortgages, the local assessor or real property tax service for assessment rolls and exemptions, and the correct local tax collector or treasurer for tax bills.
Verification note: This guide summarizes official details from the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, NYC Department of Finance ACRIS/property recording/property tax pages, assessment roll and grievance guidance, STAR eligibility and exemption resources, RP-5217 transfer reporting guidance, and NYC Notice of Recorded Document resources. Use official pages only when you need to search live records, register for STAR, pay taxes, download forms, verify deadlines, check BBL/parcel data, or request official documents.
Independent guide notice: Property-Recordss.org is not affiliated with New York State, NYC Department of Finance, NYC ACRIS, any county clerk, county recorder, assessor, treasurer, tax receiver, school tax collector, court, title company, attorney or surveyor. This page is for educational help only. Always verify parcel data, ownership, recorded documents, liens, tax bills, exemptions, STAR eligibility, assessment rolls, maps, fees and deadlines directly with official sources before making legal, financial, tax, title or real estate decisions.