2025 guide to using ACRIS NYC to search NYC Property Records
Go Back To Previous PageThe New York real estate world is full of acronyms. Please read our guide to learn how to use the ACRIS New York database and explore the main options for searching NYC property records and related documents. Therefore, we’ll review how to search for properties by address, block, lot, and borough. This guide will teach you how to effectively use ACRIS NYC to search for real property records, deeds, and other essential documents. We aim to clarify the Automated City Register
Information System and how to use its main options to perform a successful search query.. Here are the questions and themes we will address:
NYC ACRIS- What is it?
In the United States, property sales and records are public information. This includes every state and city, like New York City. Anyone can access accurate property records, including buyers, sellers, attorneys, and brokers, to gather information about a particular property. The City Register in New York City maintains and records all official real property documents.
ACRIS, which stands for Automated City Register Information System, is New York City’s online database of public property records. Acris property search is a
perfect starting point for anyone interested in doing preliminary due diligence on a property.
For instance, you can search for and find various property records, including deeds, mortgages, and liens. The system contains files dating back to 1966, which are managed by the NYC register’s offices.
You can find important documents related to property, such as deeds, mortgages, and mortgage satisfactions, as well as Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) financing statements and Notices of Federal Tax Liens (FTL). If you’re in New York City, you can access these records on the ACRIS website. ACRIS stands for the Automated City Register Information System.
However, records before 2005 may be incomplete. If you can’t find what you need on the system, you can get additional information by contacting one of the borough offices of the city registers (for Bronx County, Kings County, New York County, or Queens County).
Otherwise, you can call the ACRIS for the New York City Help Line at 212-487-6300.
Do you need to register or pay to use ACRIS to search for properties in New York City?
Usage is free; you don’t need to log in or create a profile.
You do not need to register to search for property records on the system.
Therefore, this service is a relatively modern online database that eliminates the need to visit your borough register’s office in person.
What are the main options on ACRIS?
The main menu on ACRIS NYC includes six options: search NYC property records, find addresses and parcels, apply for personal exemptions, create tax forms and cover pages, calculate taxes and fees, and provide electronic data services. The most commonly used option is the property record search.
The calculators are also handy, as they provide a great way to compute your real estate property transfer taxes and mortgage recording tax.
What are the standard ways to search for ACRIS for NYC Properties? How do I use this database?
You can run numerous searches on ACRIS. However, the most common way to look up accurate property records is to search by address or the 10-digit BBL number, which stands for borough, block, and lot number.
The BBL number, also known as the parcel identifier, can be found on various city documents and records.
Then, you can search for “party name” on ACRIS. That means you’d be searching for the party to a transaction, an individual, or some other entity, such as an LLC or a corporation.
When searching by party name, use the available filters to narrow the results down to a specific borough. You can run various other searches on the system if needed.
They include searches by document type, transaction number, and federal lien file number.
Whatever you’re searching for on ACRIS, you’ll have plenty of options to filter things down as necessary.
For example, you can filter by location (county or borough), date range, and document type or class. These advanced search filters can make tracking specific document recordings much more effortless.
Can you use ACRIS as a substitute for a title report?
We do not recommend using ACRIS as an alternative to a title report. However, running a preliminary search on the database can be helpful. Some documents include mortgage satisfactions, UCC financing statements, and notices of federal tax liens.
Therefore, while this system can be an excellent tool for gaining insight into a property’s background, you shouldn’t rely solely on the website.
The New York City Department of Finance does not approve the web page, and there may be filing errors or incomplete public records.
Are there alternatives to ACRIS for searching for properties in New York City?
If you dislike the old and clunky interface on-site, you can try using a site that aggregates data from ACRIS.
A few sites do this, including some oldies like PropertyShark and AddressReport. These websites are excellent for finding the contact information of property owners.
Still, we’d recommend Marketproof. Acris is free and has an excellent, user-friendly design. Some of these sites also provide additional information on the address, which can be helpful if you’re considering purchasing a home there.
Is there an ACRIS equivalent for Long Island, Westchester, New Jersey, and other New York City suburbs?
Most counties have a website with public property records, although some might not be as comprehensive.
For example, you can find
- Nassau County, Long Island property records,
- Hudson County, NJ, and
- Westchester’s county clerk at https://wro.westchesterclerk.com/
You can also search for property records and ownership information online, in person, or over the phone with a 311 representative.
Property owners of all boroughs except Staten Island can visit ACRIS New York.
Lastly, visit the Richmond County Clerk’s website to search for documents on Staten Island property.
ACRIS NYC Conclusion
Knowing how to utilize ACRIS to search for New York City property records is extremely helpful. Therefore, ACRIS NYC is an excellent resource that provides easy access to all the information you may need about a property’s history.
Although it may not be necessary for first-time homebuyers, NYC real estate investors and developers can significantly benefit from using the ACRIS search to assist with their due diligence.
Georges has been working in Wall Street for the last 16 years trading derivatives with hedge funds. He has been an active real estate investor for over a decade. Georges graduated from HEC Business School in Paris and holds a master in Finance from ESADE Barcelona.
