New York employers should always conduct thorough pre-employment background checks in order to hire qualified and trustworthy staff, avoid legal liabilities, and ensure compliance with FCRA and state laws.
Here at iprospectcheck, our expertise covers all aspects of the background check process, offering detailed reports to employers across New York City, Albany, Buffalo, Rochester, and beyond.
This overview will guide you through adhering to New York’s pre-employment screening requirements.
Key Takeaways
- A New York background check investigates a candidate’s criminal history, education, employment, professional license, and other details to confirm their qualifications, suitability, experience, and safety.
- Employers in New York must comply with numerous federal, state, and local laws when they conduct background checks.
- Common searches on New York background checks include criminal history, employment verification, education verification, professional license verification, and MVR checks.
- To get a New York background check, create a comprehensive policy, train HR staff, choose a reliable provider, comply with notice and consent rules, review and communicate results, individually assess convictions, and complete the adverse action process when necessary.
What is a NY Background Check?
A New York background check is an investigation into a candidate’s criminal record, work history, education, professional credentials, and other important details related to the position for which they’ve applied.
Pre-employment background checks help employers confirm the claims applicants have made on their resumes and during interviews and assess their qualifications, honesty, experience, safety, and competence for their open positions.
What Comes Up on a New York State Background Check?
When you conduct a pre-employment background check in New York, the information you might see will depend on what you request. When you partner with iprospectcheck, you can customize your background check requests to only receive the specific types of information you require.
While the other types of requested information might vary, most New York employers ask for criminal history reports, verification of employment, and verification of education. Below is a brief description of what you might see for these types of reports.
Criminal History Reports
If a job candidate has a criminal conviction, his or her criminal history report will contain the following information:
- Case number
- Date of arrest
- Charge(s)
- Disposition
- Date of disposition
- Severity of the offense (misdemeanor or felony)
- Sentence information
Information about sealed records is not reportable.
Employment Verification
When you ask for the employment information of an applicant to be verified, you will be able to see each former employer for which the applicant worked, the titles that he or she held, and his or her dates of employment at each company.
Employment verification allows you to verify that your applicants have the requisite experience for their positions. It also helps you to confirm that your applicants are trustworthy and loyal.
Education Verification
Verifying a candidate’s educational information lets you verify all of the educational institutions he or she attended, the attendance dates, and any diplomas, certificates, or degrees awarded.
Education verification allows employers to confirm that their applicants have honestly reported their educational qualifications and helps to protect the companies from potential negligent hiring lawsuits.
Professional License Verification
A professional license verification reports the following details about a candidate’s claimed credentials:
- License validity
- License number
- License issuance date
- License type
- License expiration date
- Debarments, suspensions, and other public sanctions
Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) Check
An MVR check reveals the following information about an applicant’s driving record and license:
- License number
- Licensee’s full legal name
- Licensee’s physical descriptors
- Registered address
- Issuance date
- Expiration date
- Date of birth
- Traffic violations
- Major traffic convictions
- License suspensions or revocations
Know Before You Hire
How to Get a New York State Background Check
1. Develop a Background Check Policy
Before you order background checks, start by developing a comprehensive background check policy.
Your policy should include provisions that track all federal and state legal requirements.
Provide information about the types of searches your company performs for jobs at various levels of authority. Provide uniform background checks at each level to prevent bias.
Detail the steps your HR staff should take before, during, and after conducting background checks.
2. Train HR Staff
Train your HR staff on your background check policy and the steps they need to take.
Educate them about the laws that govern background checks.
3. Choose a Reliable Provider
Choose a reliable background check provider like iprospectcheck to ensure your reports will be accurate, up-to-date, and legally compliant.
We have access to numerous reliable information sources and use advanced research methods to return reliable, current, and FCRA-compliant background checks to our clients quickly.
4. Follow Notice and Consent Rules
You must comply with the FCRA’s notice and consent rules when you conduct background checks.
Notify applicants that your company intends to conduct background checks.
This notice must be on a separate form and not contain extra information.
Obtain their written, signed authorization for a background check before you place your order.
5. Review and Communicate Results
When you receive background check results, review them carefully.
If you feel satisfied with the applicant’s qualifications and background information, contact them to schedule onboarding and a start date.
If you instead have concerns after reviewing the background check reports, proceed with the following steps:
6. Individually Assess Convictions
Avoid blanket policies to deny applicants with convictions.
Under Title VII, you should individually assess a conviction as it directly relates to a job’s duties and workplace safety before deciding not to hire an applicant based on that information.
7. Comply with the Adverse Action Process
Under the FCRA, you must complete the adverse action process before deciding not to hire an applicant based on information learned from a background check.
If you don’t want to hire a candidate after reviewing their background check, take the following steps:
- Send a pre-adverse action notice to the applicant and include a copy of the report with the problematic information highlighted.
- Give a reasonable time to respond (typically five days) for the applicant to provide evidence the information is wrong or of rehabilitation.
- Send a final adverse action notice if you ultimately decide not to hire the applicant. Include a copy of their FCRA rights.
Important Laws and Regulations
In New York, consumer reporting agencies (CRAs) like iprospectcheck and employers are required to follow the state, local, and federal laws governing employment background checks, including the information that can be gathered and used to make hiring decisions.
If you do not comply with the employment background check laws, your company could be at risk of legal liability and other penalties.
Below, some of the primary laws that cover pre-employment background checks in New York are detailed for employers that rely on third-party CRAs for information about applicants during the hiring process.
Federal Laws
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 are the two main federal laws New York employers should understand when conducting pre-employment background checks.
FCRA
The FCRA is a comprehensive federal law that was first enacted in 1970.
Its purpose is to protect consumer privacy in the information gathered and used by CRAs, including information of applicants for employment during the hiring process.
Under the FCRA, CRAs are restricted in the types of information CRAs can access and disclose, and employers are restricted in the types of information they can use to make hiring decisions.
Under the FCRA, there is a seven-year lookback period that prohibits CRAs from disclosing arrest information that is seven or more years old when the arrests did not lead to convictions.
CRAs are also not allowed to disclose information about civil lawsuits, judgment liens, collection accounts, or bankruptcies that are at least seven years old.
These restrictions do not apply to positions paying salaries of at least $75,000. Records of criminal convictions can be gathered and disclosed no matter their age or the salaries offered for the open positions.
Employers that conduct pre-employment background checks must inform their candidates that they intend to complete New York background checks in writing.
They must also secure the written consent of candidates before completing a background check for employment in New York.
If negative background information about a candidate is revealed on an employment background check report, employers are required to adhere to the FCRA’s two-step adverse action procedure before they make final hiring decisions.
Title VII
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) promulgates and enforces regulations under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
This is a landmark law that prohibits discrimination based on the protected statuses of applicants and employees in the workplace.
Title VII applies to criminal history information that might be revealed in New York employment background checks.
According to guidance from the EEOC, employers should individually assess criminal history information in relation to the specific jobs for which the applicants are being considered before deciding not to hire them based on this information.
State Laws
New York employers and CRAs must comply with multiple state laws covering pre-employment background checks.
Changes to New York City’s Fair Chance Act
In July 2021, New York City amended its Fair Chance Act to expand its protection for applicants and employees with certain types of criminal records.
Under this law, employers must now wait until after a conditional offer of employment has been extended before conducting criminal background checks.
Employers are expected to separate their pre-employment background checks into two reports.
The first check, which can be conducted before a conditional offer of employment, can include non-criminal background information such as an applicant’s employment history, education, and reference checks.
The second report will only include the applicants’ criminal history information.
If convictions are revealed, employers must complete the Fair Chance process before making a final decision not to hire the applicants.
New York State Reporting Limitations
Under NY Gen Bus L § 380-J (2019), CRAs may not report information about arrests not resulting in convictions unless the cases are pending.
This statute also prohibits the reporting of drug or alcohol addiction records that are seven or more years old, satisfied judgments that are five or more years old, confinement in mental institutions seven or more years old, or retail thefts without uncoerced confessions and signed statements.
This statute also prohibits reporting of criminal convictions antedating the report by seven or more years. However, the time restriction does not apply to positions paying at least $25,000.
Article 23A of the New York Corrections Law includes several statutes governing how employers must treat applicants who have one or more prior criminal convictions.
Discrimination Against Criminal Convictions
Under NY Corr L § 752 (2019), employers may not discriminate against applicants with one or more criminal convictions unless the convictions directly relate to the position, or hiring the applicant would place others at an unreasonable risk of harm.
Employers must consider several factors under NY Corr L § 753 (2019 when an applicant has one or more criminal convictions, including the following:
- The public policy to encourage employment of people with criminal convictions
- The position’s specific duties and responsibilities
- Whether the conviction relates to the applicant’s fitness to perform any one of the duties or responsibilities
- How much time has elapsed since the conviction
- The person’s age when the offense was committed
- The seriousness of the offense
- Any mitigating information produced by the applicant showing good conduct and rehabilitation
The analysis must be made on a case-by-case basis, and employers must consider all of the factors individually when determining whether or not to hire the applicant.
If an applicant who has a criminal record is denied employment, the applicant must be given 30 days to ask for a reason for the adverse decision under NY Corr L § 754 (2019).
All employers in New York are prohibited from asking about salary history information from job applicants. This law went into effect on Jan. 6, 2020.
New York Clean Slate Act
The New York Clean Slate Act is effective on Nov. 16, 2024.
Beginning on that date, the Unified Court System will have three years to establish a process for automatically sealing conviction records.
Beginning Nov. 16, 2027, people with most misdemeanor or felony convictions will have their records automatically sealed once they have completed their sentences and a relevant waiting period.
Certain offenses, including murder, sex offenses, and class A felonies unrelated to drugs are not eligible.
When a conviction is automatically sealed under this law, CRAs can’t report it on background checks.
Employers will not be able to inquire about automatically sealed records or base employment decisions on them.
Local and Municipal Laws
Multiple counties and municipalities in New York also have laws that cover pre-employment background checks.
In New York City, the city council expanded the scope of the Fair Chance Act. Under N.Y.C. Admin. Code § 8-107(10)-(11), private and public employers may not discriminate against applicants with criminal convictions for employment purposes without conducting the individual assessment required by Art. 23A of the New York Corrections Law.
Employers also are prohibited from asking applicants about arrests that did not lead to convictions, and they cannot ask about criminal history information on applications. New York City’s ban-the-box law applies to employers with four or more employees.
In Buffalo, employers must comply with the city’s ban-the-box ordinance found in Buffalo City Code § 154-25.
Under this law, employers may not ask about criminal convictions on applications or before the initial interview for a position.
Rochester has a similar ban-the-box law found in Roch. Mun. Code §§ 63-12 – 63-15.
Under this ordinance, employers may not ask about criminal history information on applications or until after the first interview.
Employers in New York City may not perform credit checks on prospective employees or employees unless they are for positions that require credit checks under federal or state laws under the NYC Human Rights Law.
Get a New York Background Check with iprospectcheck
All of our staff complete in-depth training and know the correct methods for gathering and analyzing critical information for job applicants. When you work with us, you can be confident that the information you receive complies with the FCRA and other laws, is comprehensive, and accurate.
At iprospectcheck, we make customer service a priority. We are USA-based and never offshore our services to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of your sensitive data. We are available to answer any questions that might arise and always respond promptly to inquiries.
Contact iprospectcheck today to learn more about how we can help to streamline your hiring process through scheduling a no-obligation, free consultation.
DISCLAIMER: The resources provided here are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Consult your counsel if you have legal questions related to your specific practices and compliance with applicable laws.
FAQs
How Much Does a Background Check Cost in New York?
If you send a request through the New York Office of Court Administration, you will have to pay a fee of $95 per report. However, the information you might receive will only include New York state criminal history information and will not include out-of-state conviction records or other important information you need for employment purposes.
If you try to gather all of the relevant background check information on your own, you will have to send multiple requests to different institutions, agencies, and employers. This could be a time-consuming process that could cost substantial amounts of money.
Relying on websites that promise free pre-employment background check reports in New York could expose you to substantial losses through lawsuits and penalties.
The best method for gathering information is to work with a reputable, FCRA-compliant pre-employment background check company like iprospectcheck.
When you partner with us, you can choose the types of specific information you need for your positions by tailoring your requests.
We offer packages at different price levels, many other types of reports, and a menu of clinical services, including pre-employment drug tests.
If you plan to order pre-employment background checks at volume, you can also benefit from significant discounts. Contact iprospectcheck today to learn more and obtain a free, no-obligation quote.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Background Check Completed in New York?
The methods you choose for conducting pre-employment background checks will impact how long it will take for you to receive the information.
If you submit a request through the Office of Court Administration’s direct access site, the state normally returns reports by the next business day. However, this information will only provide New York state criminal records, and information from towns and villages will be limited. It will not include information about out-of-state convictions or data about employment or education.
If you try to collect information by sending requests to numerous agencies, institutions, and employers, it can take weeks for you to receive all of the information you need.
When you work with iprospectcheck, you can receive comprehensive information that fully complies with the laws in a fast turnaround time. We can provide information in a few hours up to a couple of days.
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go in New York?
The FCRA’s seven-year lookback period limits how long adverse information can be reported and used for hiring decisions for applicants in New York. Arrests that are older than seven years not resulting in convictions will not be reported.
Liens, civil judgments, collection records, and bankruptcies will also not be reported when they are seven or more years old on pre-employment background check reports.
However, the FCRA’s restrictions are not applicable to positions offering salaries of at least $75,000. The reporting of criminal conviction records is also not restricted by the seven-year lookback period.
Background report information about a candidate’s education, employment, and credentials is not restricted by the FCRA. These types of information can be reported and used regardless of age.
County Resources
Albany County
Albany County is located in eastern New York and is home to Albany, the state capital, county seat, and largest city. It was named for King James II of England when he was the Duke of Albany before ascending the throne. It has a population of just over 316,650.
Available information sources for Albany County include:
Allegany County
Allegany County is situated in the southwestern part of the state along the state’s border. It was named as a variation of the spelling for the Allegheny River. It has a population of slightly more than 46,600 people. The county seat is Belmont.
Available information sources for Allegany County include:
Bronx County
Bronx County, synonymous with the Bronx borough of New York City, is known for its cultural diversity and landmarks like the Bronx Zoo and Yankee Stadium. It has a population of slightly more than 23,600 but is located within the borders of New York City in a very populous region.
Available information sources for Bronx County include:
Broome County
Broome County is located in south-central New York along the state’s border and was named for John Broome, the state’s 4th lieutenant governor. The county seat is Binghamton. The county has a population of slightly more than 196,000.
Available information sources for Broome County include:
Cattaraugus County
Cattaraugus County is located in southwestern New York along the state’s southern border and was named after an Iroquois word that means “bad-smelling banks”. The county seat is Little Valley. The county has a population of slightly more than 75,500.
Available information sources for Cattaraugus County include:
Cayuga County
Cayuga County is located in west-central New York and is a part of the Finger Lakes region. It was named for the Cayuga people. Auburn serves as the county seat. Cayuga County has a population of slightly less than 75,000.
Available information sources for Cayuga County include:
Chautauqua County
Chautauqua County is located in the far southwestern corner of the state. It was named for Chautauqua Lake. The county seat is Mayville, and the county has a population of slightly more than 124,000.
Available information sources for Chautauqua County include:
Chemung County
Chemung County is located on the southern border of New York that was named for a Lenape word that means “big horn”. Elmira is the county seat. The county has a population of slightly more than 81,300.
Available information sources for Chemung County include:
Chenango County
Chenango County is located in central New York and was named for an Onondaga word that means “large bull-thistle”. Norwich is the county seat. The county has a population of slightly more than 45,900.
Available information sources for Chenango County include:
Clinton County
Clinton County is located in New York’s far northeastern corner on the Canadian border and was named for George Clinton, the first governor of New York and the fourth U.S. vice president. The county seat is Plattsburgh. The county has a population of just over 78,100.
Available information sources for Clinton County include:
Columbia County
Columbia County is located in the Hudson Valley on New York’s western border and boasts picturesque landscapes. It was named for Christopher Columbus. Hudson is the county seat. The county has a population of more than 64,400.
Available information sources for Columbia County include:
Cortland County
Cortland County is located in central New York and is home to SUNY Cortland. It was named for New York’s first lieutenant governor, Pierre Van Cortlandt. The county seat is Cortland, and the population is slightly more than 45,000.
Available information sources for Cortland County include:
Delaware County
Delaware County is located in the Catskill Mountains and is known for its natural beauty. Delhi serves as the county seat. The population is slightly more than 44,400.
Available information sources for Delaware County include:
Dutchess County
Dutchess County is a part of the Hudson Valley in western New York and offers a mix of urban and rural environments. It was named for the Dutchess of York, Mary of Modena. Poughkeepsie is the county seat, and the population is more than 297,000.
Available information sources for Dutchess County include:
Erie County
Erie County is a major economic and cultural center in western New York and is named for the Erie people. The county seat is Buffalo, and the population is more than 946,000.
Available information sources for Erie County include:
Essex County
Essex County is located in northeastern New York in the Adirondack Mountains. It was named for Essex County in England. Its county seat is Elizabethtown. The population is slightly more than 36,700.
Available information sources for Essex County include:
Franklin County
Franklin County is located in the northern part of New York and borders Canada. It was named for Benjamin Franklin. Malone is its county seat. The county has a population of slightly more than 46,500.
Available information sources for Franklin County include:
- Franklin County Official Website
- Franklin County Public Records Request
- Franklin County Court Case Records
Fulton County
Fulton County is located in central New York. It was named for Robert Fulton, the inventor of the steamship. Johnstown is the county seat. The population is slightly more than 52,200.
Available information sources for Fulton County include:
Genesee County
Genesee County is located in western New York and derives its name from a Seneca word that means “good valley”. Its county seat is Batavia. The county has a population of slightly more than 57,500.
Available information sources for Genesee County include:
Greene County
Greene County is located in the Hudson Valley and was named for American Revolutionary War General Nathaniel Greene. Catskill is its county seat. The county is known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities in the Catskill Mountains and has a population of slightly more than 47,000.
Available information sources for Greene County include:
Hamilton County
Hamilton County is the least populous county in New York and is located entirely within the Adirondack Park. It was named for Alexander Hamilton, and its county seat is Lake Pleasant. The county’s population is just over 5,000.
Available information sources for Hamilton County include:
- Hamilton County Official Website
- Hamilton County Public Records Request
- Hamilton County Court Case Records
Herkimer County
Herkimer County is located in central New York and is known for its historical significance and scenic landscapes. Herkimer County is named for Nicholas Herkimer, a general in the American Revolutionary War. The county seat is Herkimer, and the population is slightly more than 59,400.
Available information sources for Herkimer County include:
Jefferson County
Jefferson County is located in northern New York along Lake Ontario and was named after Thomas Jefferson. Its county seat is Watertown. The county is known for the Thousand Islands region and Fort Drum. The population is slightly more than 114,700.
Available information sources for Jefferson County include:
Kings County (Brooklyn)
Kings County is synonymous with the borough of Brooklyn in New York City and was named for King Charles II of England. The county has a population of more than 2.5 million and is a part of New York City.
Available information sources for Kings County include:
Lewis County
Lewis County is located in northern New York and is known for its rural character and outdoor recreational activities. Its county seat is Lowville, and the population is slightly more than 26,500.
Available information sources for Lewis County include:
Livingston County
Livingston County is located in the Finger Lakes region of western New York. The county seat is Geneseo, which is known for its historic district and SUNY Geneseo. It was named for Robert Livingston, a delegate to the Continental Congress. The population is slightly more than 61,000.
Available information sources for Livingston County include:
- Livingston County Official Website
- Livingston County Public Records Request
- Albany County Court Case Records
Madison County
Madison County is located in central New York and was named for James Madison. Wampsville is its county seat. The area is known for its agricultural economy and historical landmarks and has a population of slightly less than 67,000.
Available information sources for Madison County include:
Monroe County
Monroe County is located in western New York and was named for James Monroe. Rochester is its county seat. The county is a center for industry, education, and cultural activities in western New York and has a population of slightly more than 748,000.
Available information sources for Monroe County include:
Montgomery County
Montgomery County is located in central New York and was named for General Richard Montgomery from the American Revolutionary War. The county seat is Fonda, and the area is known for its historic sites and rural communities. The county has a population of slightly more than 49,300.
Available information sources for Montgomery County include:
Nassau County
Nassau County is located on Long Island, just east of New York City, and was named for the Princes of Orange-Nassau, the ruler of the Netherlands when the county was a Dutch colony. The county seat is Mineola. It has a population of more than 1.3 million.
Available information sources for Nassau County include:
New York County (Manhattan)
New York County is synonymous with Manhattan and is the heart of New York City. It was named for the Duke of York, who was King James II of England before he ascended the throne. It is a global financial, cultural, and commercial hub with a population of nearly 1.6 million.
Available information sources for New York County include:
Niagara County
Niagara County is located in western New York and is home to Niagara Falls, one of the most famous natural attractions in the world. It was named for a tribe of the Iroquois people. The county seat is Lockport, and the population is slightly more than 209,000.
Available information sources for Niagara County include:
Oneida County
Oneida County is located in central New York and was named for the Oneida people. The county seat is Utica, and the population is slightly more than 227,500.
Available information sources for Oneida County include:
Onondaga County
Onondaga County is located in central New York and was named for the Onondaga people. Syracuse is its county seat. It is a regional hub for education and healthcare and has a population of slightly less than 468,000.
Available information sources for Onondaga County include:
- Onondaga County Official Website
- Onondaga County Public Records Request
- Onondaga County Court Case Records
Ontario County
Ontario County is part of the Finger Lakes region of western New York and was named for an Iroquois word that means “beautiful lake”. Canandaigua is the county seat. It is known for its wineries, outdoor recreation, and scenic beauty and has a population of slightly less than 112,500.
Available information sources for Ontario County include:
- Ontario County Official Website
- Ontario County Public Records Request
- Ontario County Court Case Records
Orange County
Orange County is located in the Hudson Valley and was named for William of Orange-Nassau, who later became King William III of England. Goshen is its county seat. It has a population of slightly less than 407,500.
Available information sources for Orange County include:
Orleans County
Orleans County is located in western New York and was named for a French royal house. Albion is its county seat. The county is known for its proximity to Lake Ontario and has a population of slightly more than 39,100.
Available information sources for Orleans County include:
Oswego County
Oswego County is located on the southeastern shore of Lake Ontario and was named for the Oswego River. The county seat is Oswego, and the population is slightly more than 118,100.
Available information sources for Oswego County include:
Otsego County
Otsego County is located in central New York and is named after a Native American word that means “a place of rock”. Cooperstown is its county seat and is famous for the National Baseball Hall of Fame. The county’s population is slightly more than 60,100.
Available information sources for Otsego County include:
Putnam County
Putnam County is located in the Hudson Valley and was named for General Israel Putnam of the American Revolutionary War. Carmel is its county seat, and the county’s population is slightly more than 98,000.
Available information sources for Putnam County include:
Queens County
Queens County is synonymous with the borough of Queens in New York City and was named for King Charles II of England’s wife, Catherine of Braganza. It is known for its cultural diversity and bustling neighborhoods and is the largest borough by area. The county’s population is more than 2.2 million.
Available information sources for Queens County include:
Rensselaer County
Rensselaer County is located in eastern New York and was named for a family of early landholders in the Dutch New Netherlands colony. Troy is its county seat. The county is known for its historic sites and educational institutions and has a population of slightly more than 159,300.
Available information sources for Rensselaer County include:
- Rensselaer County Official Website
- Rensselaer County Public Records Request
- Rensselaer County Court Case Records
Richmond County (Staten Island)
Richmond County is also known as Staten Island and is the least populated borough of New York City. It was named for the 1st Duke of Richmond, Charles Lennox, who was the illegitimate son of King Charles II of England. The population is slightly more than 490,600.
Available information sources for Richmond County include:
Rockland County
Rockland County is located in the lower Hudson Valley in western New York and was named for its rocky terrain. New City is its county seat. The county has a population of slightly less than 341,000.
Available information sources for Rockland County include:
- Rockland County Official Website
- Rockland County Public Records Request
- Rockland County Court Case Records
Saratoga County
Saratoga County is located in eastern New York. Ballston Spa is its county seat. It is home to the Saratoga Race Course and known for its mineral springs. It has a population of more than 238,700.
Available information sources for Saratoga County include:
- Saratoga County Official Website
- Saratoga County Public Records Request
- Saratoga County Court Case Records
Schenectady County
Schenectady County is located in eastern New York and was named for a Mohawk word that means “the other side of the pines.” Schenectady is its county seat. It is a part of the Albany metropolitan area and has a population of slightly less than 160,000.
Available information sources for Schenectady County include:
Schoharie County
Schoharie County is located in central New York and was named for a Mohawk word that means “floating driftwood”. Schoharie is its county seat. It has a population of just over 30,100.
Available information sources for Schoharie County include:
Schuyler County
Schuyler County is located in western New York in the Finger Lakes region and was named for Phillip Schuyler, a general of the American Revolutionary War. Watkins Glen is its county seat. It is famous for Watkins Glen State Park and its wineries and has a population of just over 17,500.
Available information sources for Schuyler County include:
- Schuyler County Official Website
- Schuyler County Public Records Request
- Schuyler County Court Case Records
Seneca County
Seneca County is located in the Finger Lakes region of western New York and is known for its wine trails and historical landmarks. It was named for the Seneca people, and its county seat is Waterloo. The population is slightly more than 32,300.
Available information sources for Seneca County include:
St. Lawrence County
St. Lawrence County is the largest county by area in New York and was named for the Saint Lawrence River. It is located in the northern part of the state, and Canton is its county seat. The population is slightly more than 106,900.
Available information sources for St. Lawrence County include:
Steuben County
Steuben County is located in west-central New York on the state’s southern border. It was named for Prussian General Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben, who helped the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. Bath is its county seat. The county has a population of slightly more than 92,100.
Available information sources for Steuben County include:
Suffolk County
Suffolk County is located on the eastern end of Long Island and is known for its beautiful beaches and affluent communities. It was named for Suffolk County, England. The county seat is Riverhead, and its population is more than 1.5 million.
Available information sources for Suffolk County include:
Sullivan County
Sullivan County is located in the Catskill Mountains and was named for John Sullivan, a general of the American Revolutionary War. Monticello is its county seat. It has a population of slightly less than 80,000.
Available information sources for Sullivan County include:
Tioga County
Tioga County is located in the Southern Tier of New York and is named for a Native American word that means “at the forks”. Owego is its county seat. The population is slightly more than 47,700.
Available information sources for Tioga County include:
Tompkins County
Tompkins County is home to Ithaca and prestigious institutions like Cornell University. It was named for the 6th vice president of the U.S., Daniel Tomkins. The county seat is Ithaca, and the population is slightly more than 103,500.
Available information sources for Tompkins County include:
Ulster County
Ulster County is located in western New York in the Hudson Valley and was named for the Irish province of Ulster. Kingston is its county seat. It has a population of more than 182,300.
Available information sources for Ulster County include:
Warren County
Warren County is located in northeastern New York and was named for American Revolutionary War General Joseph Warren. Lake George is its county seat. The population is slightly less than 63,400.
Available information sources for Warren County include:
Washington County
Washington County is located in eastern New York and was named for President George Washington. Fort Edward is its county seat. The area is known for its historical landmarks and has a population of just over 60,000.
Available information sources for Washington County include:
- Washington County Official Website
- Washington County Public Records Request
- Washington County Court Case Records
Wayne County
Wayne County is located in west-central New York and is a part of the Finger Lakes region. It was named for American Revolutionary War General Anthony Wayne. Lyons is its county seat, and the population is slightly more than 90,800.
Available information sources for Wayne County include:
Westchester County
Westchester County is located just north of New York City and is known for its affluent suburbs. It was named for Chester, England. The county seat is White Plains, and the population is more than 990,800.
Available information sources for Westchester County include:
Wyoming County
Wyoming County is located in western New York and was named for a Lenape word that means “broad bottom lands”. Warsaw is the county seat, and the county’s population is slightly more than 39,500.
Available information sources for Wyoming County include:
- Wyoming County Official Website
- Wyoming County Public Records Request
- Wyoming County Court Case Records
Yates County
Yates County is part of the Finger Lakes region of west-central New York and was named for Joseph Yates, an early state governor. Penn Yan is its county seat. It is a rural county known for its wineries and has a population of just over 24,400.
Available information sources for Yates County include:
