Free New Jersey Records Search (Warrants, Arrests, Inmates)

X

Free New Jersey Records Page Search

Access New Jersey Records: warrants, divorce and marriage, arrests, driver's license, and all public records.

First Name

Last Name

City (Optional)

State ALAKAZARCACOCTDEDCFLGAHIIDILINIAKSKYLAMEMDMAMIMNMSMOMTNENVNHNJNMNYNCNDOHOKORPARISCSDTNTXUTVTVAWAWVWIWY

Some people aren’t sure how to find free New Jersey public records because they don’t think it’s possible or think it would be time-consuming.

This resource provides information to find free marriage records, divorce records, warrant search, and more. We assist in tracking down government information tin the easiest—and quickest way possible.

New Jersey Freedom of Information Laws Surrounding Public Records

The Freedom of Information Act, or FOIA, permits American citizens to inquire about state or federal records. The New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA) grants residents the right to request government records like maps, books, photographs, online databases, and microfilm. But, the law has some limitations.

For example, convicted felons are forbidden to research details on crime victims. Also, records associated with pending criminal justice investigations and child abuse are confidential.¹

Many individuals utilize private websites to locate open records because some government databases are limited by jurisdiction and charge a fee. Nonetheless, most state and federal repositories store documents with complete information, plus they even offer ancient documents for those interested in studying their town’s history. That said, people should use the sources that are suitable for them.

Moreover, someone has to figure out how to search for correct files, jails, and government agencies before they begin their research.

Criminal Records of New Jersey (An Overview)

As detailed in our New Jersey criminal and arrest record search guide, criminal proceedings typically consist of arrest dates, convictions, and any pending lawsuits. Knowing this information lets property and business owners determine if an individual poses a threat to themselves and their clients. Even if someone does have a criminal past, they may be granted another chance if their crime is mild enough.

How To See Someone’s Criminal History in New Jersey

Some criminal history reports are New Jersey public records such as those found on police websites. However, people can only inquire about their own criminal records.² No one else can obtain another person’s criminal history records except potential employers, private detectives, and authorized government personnel.³

Where To Find Someone’s Criminal Records in NJ

The NJSP (New Jersey State Police) provides many criminal history check options. Below are the instructions for in-state and out-of-state requestors:

In-State

Personal Records Request – Residents can schedule an appointment online via IdentoGo. If that isn’t feasible, they can dial (877)-503-5981 to speak with an agent. They have to pay $43.13 for fingerprinting. (The vendor fee of $14.13 is included.) Additionally, there’s a Service Code patrons have to enter during their appointment to avoid fingerprinting errors:

• Service Code for Standard Personal Records Request- 2F1BJG
• Service Code for Notarized Personal Records Request- 2F1BH1
• Service Code for Employee Personal Records Request- 2F1BGJ
• Service Code for Employer Personal Records Request- 2F1BF3

Out-of-State

Within Restricted Zip Codes – Those who dwell within a 10-mile radius outside New Jersey’s borders should consult the list of restricted Pennsylvania and New York zip codes before making an appointment at an NJ IdentoGo location or an approved out-of-state IdentoGo site.

Outside of Restricted Zip Codes – If someone lives outside the zip codes on the aforementioned list and is unable to travel to an approved out-of-state IdentoGo location, they’re required to use an IdentoGo Card Scan.

First, they need to get out-of-state fingerprint hard cards and follow the New Jersey non-resident Card Scan procedures. Afterward, the individual has to mail their NJSP out-of-state fingerprint verification form and fingerprints to this address:

IdentoGo – CS Dept.-New Jersey Prgm
340 7 Sprngs Wy #250
Brentwood TN 37027

In addition to New Jersey resident and non-resident personal record checks, people associated with volunteer organizations can retrieve criminal history records from their members.

To register with the VRO (Volunteer Review Operation), they must submit a New Jersey Department of Treasury Short Form of Standing, an IRS Exemption Determination Letter, and an executed Memorandum of Understanding. An executed Memorandum of Understanding comes in the forms of:

• Non-Profit Organization Application
• Government/Church Application

Fees for VRO registration are $57.38 for employees and $25.38 for volunteers. Applicants need to use the service codes when obtaining fingerprints from IdentoGo:

• Service Code for Youth-Serving Organization Volunteer- 2F1J3Y
• Service Code for Youth-Serving Organization Employee- 2F1J2G

Furthermore, there are non-criminal justice VCP (Volunteer Care Provider) checks that come in two forms: fingerprint-based and named-based.

• Fingerprint-Based Volunteer Check- Patrons have to pay $32.13 for their fingerprint-based checks. The service code they should use is 2F1HRF.
• Name-Based Volunteer Check- The cost for volunteers is $12.00. (For government entities or private detectives, it’s $20.00.)

Residents and non-residents can contact the NJSP with any comments or questions about criminal checks:

NJSP
CIU
Ph: 609-882-2000, 2918
Email: ciu@njsp.org

Individuals can also obtain criminal histories via sources like offender search tools and court records, subjects that are discussed later in this guide.

Look at Mugshots of New Jersey Arrestees

Interested parties can use their favorite search engine to locate mugshots of arrestees in New Jersey. (By using this method, they may even find a friend or relative and assist them with bail if need be.)

They can type the words “New Jersey arrests mugshots” and choose from the correctional facilities and sheriff’s offices from the results list. For instance, the Tinton Falls Mugshots page contains photos of recently booked people in Monmouth County.

Residents shouldn’t discount offline methods, which are particularly beneficial for those who lack easy access to the Internet. They can scan their local newspaper or check a TV news channel for mugshots.

Juvenile Records in NJ

Juvenile records aren’t considered New Jersey public records.

The only individuals who have access to juvenile records are the subject (who is at least 18 or older), the parent or guardian, and a court-ordered representative.

To request these records, a person has to submit a records request form as well as a form permitting authorization of protected info release.⁴ Requesters can fax or email these forms to the state’s Juvenile Justice Commission:

Fax: (609)-943-4611
Email: Juvrecords@jjc.nj.gov

Though juvenile records are confidential, they can negatively affect someone’s life. However, it doesn’t have to. An individual can request a record expungement three years after they paid any restitution and served their sentence. They also have to meet the following conditions:

• No pending charges
• No convictions
• No disqualifying offenses like violent or sexual crimes (Some of the crimes that can be expunged from a person’s record include shoplifting, graffiti, and drug possession.)

Once they reach adulthood, the subject needs to fill out any necessary paperwork, send copies of said paperwork to New Jersey law enforcement, and take part in a trial to qualify for juvenile record expungement.⁵

How To Run a New Jersey Warrant Check (Free Wanted Search in NJ)

People need to be up to date on any outstanding warrants against them. If they possess an arrest or bench warrant, it’s better for someone to turn themselves in rather than wait for police officers to do it. In some cases, they may be in luck.

In May 2022, the Attorney General stated that law enforcement would no longer go after those with unpaid fines or traffic tickets worth less than $500. This was done to prevent wrecking someone’s life with an arrest record as well as to lessen the tension between the police and the general public.⁶

With that said, residents still have to be on the lookout for arrest or bench warrants, especially if they involve more severe situations.

They can begin by checking out the NJSP’s Most Wanted page. It contains a list of fugitives along with their mugshots, physical descriptions, and crimes. Additionally, it provides a hotline and email address where people can provide information about any individuals on the run:

NJSP Tip Line
Ph: (800)-437-7839
Email: Fugitive@gw.njsp.org

The New Jersey Municipal Courts offer a search tool called NJMCdirect for residents to check the status of a traffic ticket.

They enter the court I.D., prefix, and ticket number before inputting the captcha code. Then, they pay their fee to avoid a possible bench warrant.

People can also search the words “New Jersey warrant search” to get results related to police departments, sheriff’s offices, and their warrant policies. For example, the fugitive unit at the Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office collaborates with the USMS NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force to catch escapees around the state and country.

How To Check for New Jersey Sex Offenders

The NJSP provides a state sex offender registry featuring Tier 2 (moderate risk) and Tier 3 (high risk) offenders. Upon clicking the “I agree” button, users are directed to the Sheriff Alerts website, where they next click on “Search Offenders in Your Area.”

Then, they’re taken to an ICrimeWatch site that allows them to locate an offender by address, name, compliance status, and Internet alias. Site visitors are welcome to sign up for email alerts, which notify them of offenders who move near their home or business.

Residents can also use the Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website. It allows them to view sex offender information all over the country.

Background Checks in New Jersey (NJ)

Background checks are commonly used as screening devices for jobs, home rentals, and professional license renewals. Some of the details that come up on these checks include a person’s employment history, former and present home addresses, and any criminal charges.

Anyone needing to conduct criminal history checks can read the guidelines written in the criminal records portion of this article.

A background check is mandatory for those working in the nursing industry. New and reciprocity applicants need to go through a criminal history check as well as submit fingerprints. (Nurses seeking rectification are exempt from this requirement.) Once they finish their application, they have to send the yellow copy to the below address:

Criminal Bureau Investigation-NJ Department of Health
P.O. Box 359
Trenton NJ 08625

New Jersey educators and school bus drivers also have to get background checks, and they need to obtain them through the Office of Student Protection Unit. They can apply as a new, archive, or transfer applicant.

New Jersey Court Records & Cases

New Jersey court records usually contain details related to transcripts of cases, names of the parties involved in a lawsuit, and court decrees. Certain court information is accessible to anyone. Nevertheless, trials associated with domestic violence and juvenile delinquency aren’t in New Jersey public records.⁷

Six different courts make up the New Jersey Judiciary Court System, including the County Courts, the Municipal Courts, the Superior Court Clerk, the Tax Court, the Appellate Division, and the Supreme Court:

• The County Courts — deal with trials associated with child support, restraining orders, financial issues, and other related issues.
• The Municipal Courts — handle mild civil and criminal cases like those involving bad checks, traffic violations, and minor assaults.
• The Superior Court Clerk — manages records, foreclosures, and the Bail Surety Program.
• The Tax Court — listens to appeals involving business and sales taxes, homestead rebates, and county board tax decisions.
• The Appellate Division — hears out “do-over” cases transferred from administrative agencies, the Tax Court, and trial courts.
• The Supreme Court — is based in Trenton, New Jersey, and is the highest court in the state. It listens to appeals brought over from the lower courts. It also supervises the other courts.

Where To Search New Jersey Court Cases & Records

Whether someone needs a case or record of themselves or another person, the New Jersey Courts offer both electronic and hardcopy versions of what they’re looking for. For instance, an individual can choose from the list of county courts to inquire about retrieving public or confidential records.

As mentioned previously, people can use the NJMCdirect feature to search for and pay any outstanding traffic fines. Additionally, they can research any dismissed cases via the Supreme Court Municipal Omnibus Dismissal site. There’s a list of municipal courts residents can contact as well.

The Superior Court Clerk provides the EAP (Electronic Access Program), an online database that lets users look up information associated with lien judgments, family-related cases, and more. People can also request records related to situations like criminal cases and chancery general equity. They have to download, complete, and submit a New Jersey Records Request form to the Judiciary Electronic Document Submission page.

New Jersey eCourts offers an electronic filing system with case details available for the general public and lawyers. This feature lets site users access e-files of criminal, civil, appellate, and tax information.

The Tax Courts keep records of docket lists from local and state cases. Residents can find their docket number by county, case title, or assessment year.

The Supreme Court Appeals page has appeals trials dating from 2011 to the present day. Users can filter results by “Argued,” “Decided,” “Posted,” and more.

For questions or comments about records or anything else can contact the courts below:

• Superior Court Clerk
• Tax Court
• Appellate Division
• Supreme Court

Look Up New Jersey Bankruptcy Information on Anyone

Those interested in hunting down local bankruptcy records can visit the US Bankruptcy Court in the District of New Jersey. It has courthouses based in Trenton, Camden, and Newark.

Each location provides terminals with public computers. Though it costs nothing to examine records, the courts charge $0.10 a page to print them. (Making copies of these documents costs $0.40 more per page.)

In addition, the courts offer a VCIS (Voice Case Information System). By dialing (866)-222-8029 ext. 624, people can obtain information like filing dates, names of attorneys and judges, and case numbers through this no-cost service.

The National Archives at Kansas City is a great distance from New Jersey, but travelers can see it as a mini-vacation. It houses bankruptcy cases from the 1800s and the 1900s. They can find the best route to the address below:

NA at Kansas City
400 West Pershing Road
Kansas City MO 64108

If desired, people can skip the road trip and enlist the assistance of any of the NARA’s independent researchers.

Additionally, they can consider PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records). This website makes it simple for others to find bankruptcy records via a federal court or nationwide. Users can purchase them in the form of documents ($0.10/page) or audio files ($2.40/file).

Checking New Jersey Inmate Records

There are currently 10,670 jail inmates in the state. Over 18,600 inmates reside in New Jersey’s prison system.⁸

Inmate records in New Jersey usually consist of distinctive markings, photos, charge information, and birthdate. If an inmate tries to escape, police officers can use these details to locate them faster. Also, depending on the mildness of their conviction and behavior, an inmate may be eligible for parole.

How To Verify if Someone Is in Jail or Was Recently Arrested

To commence their search for a jail inmate in New Jersey, locals can enter the words “jail inmate search NJ” to receive results from many police department and sheriff’s office sites.

For instance, the Hunterdon County Division of Corrections keeps a weekly report of its inmate population. The reports list the inmates’ names, charge descriptions, bail amount (if any), and jail numbers.

VINE (Victim Information & Notification Everyday) is a free service that gives users up-to-date alerts about an inmate’s jail status. Members also get access to sources to assist victims and their families.

How To Locate a Prisoner in New Jersey

Anyone interested in locating a state prisoner in NJ can consult the State of New Jersey Department of Corrections (DOC).

People can find an offender by name, SBI number, sex, and physical characteristics. They can also narrow searches by county and facility.

Its offender’s search form isn’t just limited to those dwelling in New Jersey DOC prisons. Site visitors can even locate offenders by escape, parole, or deceased status.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) has a database of several federal prisons in the country. There are four ways someone can locate prisoners:

• Inmate Locator
• Map
• Facility Search
• Locations List 

Visiting a Prisoner in New Jersey

Those eager to visit a loved one have to contact a New Jersey DOC correctional institution to schedule an appointment. The visitation policies differ from facility to facility, so locals need to ensure they get information about rules, hours, and visiting days before their scheduled time.

Sending Money to a New Jersey Prisoner

Family members and friends can send money to their imprisoned loved ones through JPay. Here are its five funding methods:

• Walk-In– JPay works with MoneyGram to aid customers in making cash payments at their local supermarket. The number they should use is 1233.

• Phone– Patrons can dial 800-574-5729 to be connected with a customer service representative.

• Online– Individuals can make payments via the JPay website with their debit or credit card.

• Mobile App– Using their phones, people can send money through Google Play or the Apple Store.

• Money Order– Anyone can download an English or Spanish money order deposit form and mail it to:

JPay
PO Box 170770
Hialeah FL 33017

NJ Vital Records Information (Free New Jersey Divorce & Marriage Records)

New Jersey vital records include adoption records, marriage certificates, civil union records, stillbirth certificates, birth records, death records, divorce decrees, and domestic partnership records. This section focuses on divorce, death, birth, and marriage records.

Can Anyone Gain Access to Free Records in New Jersey?

Vital records are not public records. State law restricts people’s access to them.⁹ People can only obtain them via the New Jersey Department of Health (DOH).

How To See if Someone is Married or Divorced in New Jersey (Free)

The New Jersey DOH offers marriage records from 1931 to today. Interested (and authorized) parties can buy them in-person, by phone, online, and by mail:

• In-person: People can stop by the Walk-In Center located at this address:

New Jersey DOH – Office of Vital Statistics
140 East Front St
Trenton NJ 08608

• Phone: Customers can call VitalChek at (877)-622-7549 to place an order.
• Online: The New Jersey DOH has a Vital Records Online Service that patrons can order from day or night. There are three different fees for this option: $5.00 processing fee, $5.00 Web authentication fee, and $12.00 UPS shipping fee.
• Mail: Mail orders can also be placed through the VitalChek website. It offers standard and rapid service options.

Additionally, marriage and divorce rates are made public by the US Census Bureau and the image below shows the percentage of divorced individuals in every New Jersey county.

The cost for certified copies through all purchasing methods is $25.00. (It costs $2.00 for extra copies.)

People need to turn in a Delegation of Authority (marriage) form with their order. Marriage records can also be obtained through a local vital records office.

Divorce decrees have to be ordered through the Superior Court records center.

How To Get a Replacement Birth Certificate or Copy of Death Certificate in NJ

Residents who need to buy a replacement birth or death certificate can follow the steps outlined in the previous section. (Anyone born in the Jersey City area can purchase their birth certificate at the Jersey City office.) In addition, they need to submit a Delegation of Authority (birth/death certificate) form with their order.

People don’t have to let life’s obligations interfere with their search for state or federal information. Learning a few handy techniques is enough to prepare them for tracking New Jersey public records so they have time left over for their careers or hobbies.