Montgomery County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Montgomery County in 2026
Members of the public seeking government documents in Montgomery County, New York may access a range of publicly available information through official county offices, online portals, and public access terminals. MontgomeryCountyRecords.org provides data and publicly available information related to public records maintained by government agencies in Montgomery County. The records available through official channels may include, but are not limited to, the following categories:
- Property deeds, mortgages, and land records
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family)
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce)
- Business licenses and fictitious name filings
- Tax assessment and property tax records
- Voting and election records
- County commission meeting minutes and agendas
- Budget and financial documents
- Law enforcement records, where permitted by law
- Land use and zoning records
Records may be searched through official court resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by county and state agencies.
Online Access:
The Montgomery County Clerk's office maintains online resources for certain record types. Members of the public may conduct a parcel history search through the county's real property portal to locate property ownership and transfer history. The county also offers e-Recording for land instruments submitted electronically. No registration is required to use the public parcel search tool, though the county notes that the information is provided as a service and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.
In-Person Requests:
Members of the public may visit the Montgomery County Clerk's Office to inspect records at public access terminals located within the office. In-person visits allow requestors to search indexes and view documents directly. The office is located at 64 Broadway, Fonda, New York 12068. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Written/Mail Requests:
Written requests for copies of documents may be submitted by mail to the Montgomery County Clerk's Office at 64 Broadway, Fonda, NY 12068. Requests should include the requestor's name, mailing address, a description of the record sought, and applicable fees. Under New York Public Officers Law § 89, agencies are required to respond to FOIL requests within five business days of receipt.
Phone/Email:
The Montgomery County Clerk's Office may be reached by telephone at (518) 853-8111. The office does not provide recording information or copies of documents via email, fax, or phone, as noted in the county's official document request policy.
What Are Public Records in Montgomery County?
Public records in Montgomery County are defined under New York State law as any information kept, held, filed, produced, or reproduced by, with, or for a government agency. Under New York Public Officers Law § 86, a "record" includes any information maintained by a state or municipal agency in any physical form. The following record types are currently maintained by county offices:
| Record Type | Maintaining Office |
|---|---|
| Deeds, mortgages, liens | County Clerk's Office |
| Court records (civil, criminal, probate) | Montgomery County Supreme and County Court |
| Vital records (birth, death, marriage) | NYS Dept. of Health / Town/City Clerks |
| Business certificates | County Clerk's Office |
| Property tax assessments | Real Property Tax Services |
| Election and voting records | Montgomery County Board of Elections |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | County Legislature / individual agencies |
| Land use and zoning records | Planning Department |
| Law enforcement records | Montgomery County Sheriff's Office |
The Montgomery County Clerk's office serves as the primary repository for land records, court filings, and business certificates at the county level. Property deed and mortgage records, including land records in Montgomery County, are recorded and indexed by the Clerk's Office and are available for public inspection.
Is Montgomery County an Open Records County?
Montgomery County operates in full compliance with New York State's Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), which governs public access to government records. Under New York Public Officers Law § 84–90, all state and local government agencies, including those in Montgomery County, are required to make records available to the public upon request, subject to specific statutory exemptions.
As stated by the New York State Committee on Open Government: "The Freedom of Information Law is based on the premise that the public is vested with an inherent right to know and that the government is the public's servant, not its master." This principle applies to all county agencies operating within Montgomery County.
The New York State Attorney General's office further affirms that "every person has the right to inspect and copy government records," reinforcing the county's obligation to provide access to non-exempt documents. Montgomery County agencies are required to designate a records access officer responsible for coordinating responses to FOIL requests and ensuring compliance with state law.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Montgomery County?
The current fee structure for obtaining copies of public records from the Montgomery County Clerk's Office is established in accordance with New York Public Officers Law and county fee schedules. Standard fees applicable to document requests are as follows:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of a recorded document | $5.00 per document (first page) + $1.00 per additional page |
| Plain copy of a recorded document | $0.25 per page (at public terminals) |
| Search fee (per name, per two-year period) | $5.00 |
| Mortgage tax (at time of recording) | 0.75% of mortgage amount |
| e-Recording submission fee | Set by e-Recording provider |
As outlined in the county's official document copy request procedures, the Clerk's Office does not provide recording information or copies via email, fax, or phone. Payment is accepted in person by cash, check, or money order made payable to the Montgomery County Clerk. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or qualifying nonprofit organizations, subject to applicable state provisions. Fees for vital records maintained by the New York State Department of Health are governed separately under New York Public Health Law.
Does Montgomery County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available to members of the public at the Montgomery County Clerk's Office through public access computers located within the office. Inspection of records does not require payment; fees apply only when copies are requested. The distinction between free inspection and paid copies is an important one under New York law: the right to inspect is broadly available at no cost, while reproduction fees are governed by the county's established fee schedule.
The county's online parcel history search tool provides free access to property ownership and transfer history without requiring registration or payment. Members of the public may also access certain court records at no charge through the New York State Unified Court System's eCourts portal. The Montgomery County Board of Elections provides free access to voter registration and election records at its office located at 9 Park Street, Fonda, NY 12068.
Who Can Request Public Records in Montgomery County?
Any person may submit a public records request in Montgomery County, regardless of residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. Under New York Public Officers Law, there is no requirement that a requestor be a New York State resident, provide identification, or explain the reason for the request. This broad access right applies to individuals, organizations, businesses, and members of the press alike.
Certain record types carry additional access restrictions. Sealed court records, juvenile records, and adoption records require a court order or demonstrated legal standing for access. Requestors seeking their own records—such as personal vital records—may be required to provide proof of identity and, in some cases, proof of relationship. Non-residents retain the same general right of access as residents for non-restricted records. Requests for law enforcement records, such as arrest logs or incident reports, are subject to review under FOIL exemptions that protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy.
What Records Are Confidential in Montgomery County?
Certain categories of records are exempt from public disclosure under New York Public Officers Law § 87(2), which enumerates specific grounds for withholding records. The following record types are currently treated as confidential or restricted in Montgomery County:
- Sealed court records: Accessible only by court order or authorized parties
- Juvenile records: Protected under New York Family Court Act
- Adoption records: Sealed by statute; access requires court authorization
- Ongoing criminal investigation records: Exempt where disclosure would interfere with law enforcement
- Personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, financial account data, and similar identifiers are redacted prior to disclosure
- Medical and health records: Protected under HIPAA and New York State law
- Child welfare and protective services records: Confidential under New York Social Services Law
- Personnel records: Exempt to the extent that disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information: Exempt under § 87(2)(d)
- Security plans and critical infrastructure details: Withheld to protect public safety
New York Public Officers Law § 89(2) further provides that agencies must redact exempt portions of a record and release the remainder, rather than withholding an entire document solely because part of it is exempt. This balancing requirement ensures that maximum disclosure is achieved while protecting legitimately confidential information.
Montgomery County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
The Montgomery County Clerk serves as the county's recorder of deeds and official custodian of land records, court filings, and business certificates. The office is the primary point of contact for public records requests at the county level.
Montgomery County Clerk's Office
64 Broadway
Fonda, NY 12068
(518) 853-8111
Montgomery County Clerk's Office
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Additional Offices:
Montgomery County Supreme and County Court
58 Broadway
Fonda, NY 12068
(518) 853-8108
New York State Unified Court System
Montgomery County Board of Elections
9 Park Street
Fonda, NY 12068
(518) 853-8180
Montgomery County Board of Elections
Montgomery County Real Property Tax Services
64 Broadway
Fonda, NY 12068
(518) 853-8134
Montgomery County Real Property Tax Services
New York State Department of Health – Vital Records
800 North Pearl Street
Menands, NY 12204
(518) 474-3077
NYS Vital Records