camden county nj public records: what to know before you search

Overview

Access to public records in Camden County helps residents verify property history, check court outcomes, and review local government actions. New Jersey’s Open Public Records Act (OPRA) gives you a right to inspect records unless an exemption applies, such as privacy or security concerns.

Where records are kept

Property deeds and mortgages are recorded by the County Clerk; probate files sit with the Surrogate; criminal and civil dockets are maintained by the Superior Court; and vital records like births and deaths are requested through state or municipal registrars. Many indexes are searchable online, while certified copies usually require a formal request and fees.

Practical tips

• Be specific: Include names, dates, block and lot, or docket numbers to narrow results.
• Choose the right office: Clerk for land records, Surrogate for wills, courts for case files, municipalities for permits.
• Mind timelines: OPRA responses follow set deadlines, but older archives may take longer to retrieve.
• Ask about formats: Digital copies, certified paper, or in-person review may be available.
• Check fees: Per-page copies and certification charges vary by record type.