Salem County Public Records Guide
Salem County is one of New Jersey's oldest and smallest counties. Its seat of government is the city of Salem. The County Clerk office records over 150 types of documents, making it a key source for public records in the area. From property deeds to marriage records, the county maintains files that stretch back centuries. Researchers, home buyers, and residents can access these records in person at offices in Salem. This guide covers how to search for and obtain public records in Salem County, including what each office holds and how to make requests.
Salem County Clerk Office
The Salem County Clerk office is at 110 Fifth Street, Suite 200, Salem, NJ 08079. Call (856) 935-7510 for general questions. For recording matters, use extension 8300. The record room can be reached at extension 8219. The clerk records deeds, mortgages, liens, maps, and many other document types for Salem County.
The Salem County Clerk website has information on office hours, services, and the types of records available.
The office handles a wide range of filings. In fact, it records over 150 different document types. Since May 1, 2017, a cover sheet has been required with all documents submitted for recording. This rule comes from P.L. 2011, c.217. If you plan to file a document in Salem County, make sure to include the cover sheet or your submission may be rejected.
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Salem County Clerk 110 Fifth Street, Suite #200 Salem, NJ 08079 Phone: (856) 935-7510 Recording: ext. 8300 Record Room: ext. 8219 |
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Recording Services for Salem County
The recording division of the Salem County Clerk is where most public records are filed. Every deed, mortgage, and lien goes through this office. The Salem County recording services page explains what types of documents can be filed and what the requirements are.
When you bring a document to be recorded, it gets stamped with a date, time, and recording number. This creates an official public record. The document is then indexed so it can be found later by name, date, or type. Anyone can search these indexes during business hours at the clerk office. The record room has books, microfilm, and other materials that cover decades of filings in Salem County.
Note: All documents submitted for recording must include a cover sheet as required by state law since May 2017.
Salem County Surrogate and Probate Records
Nicki A. Burke is the Salem County Surrogate. The office is at 92 Market Street, Suite A122, in Salem. Call (856) 935-7510, extension 8323, or email surrogate@salemcountynj.gov. The Surrogate handles probate of wills, appointment of administrators, and issuance of short certificates for Salem County estates.
The Salem County Surrogate website has forms, instructions, and contact information for estate matters.
Short certificates cost $5 each. All estate matters are handled by appointment only. You must call or email ahead to schedule a time. Probate records are public in New Jersey. This means anyone can request copies of filed wills and estate documents. These records are commonly used for property title work, family history research, and settling disputes over inheritance.
| Surrogate |
Nicki A. Burke 92 Market Street, Suite A122 Salem, NJ Phone: (856) 935-7510 x8323 Email: surrogate@salemcountynj.gov |
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Note: Estate appointments fill up quickly, so contact the Surrogate office well in advance to book your visit.
Historical Public Records in Salem County
Salem County has some of the oldest records in New Jersey. The New Jersey State Archives holds a large collection of historical Salem County records on microfilm. Deeds span from 1786 to 1900 across 91 reels of microfilm. Marriage records cover 1680 to 1956 on 7 reels. These are among the earliest recorded documents in the state.
The historical collection also includes unique records. Slave Manumissions from 1800 to 1841 document the formal release of enslaved people in Salem County. Military Records from 1860 to 1940 cover service during the Civil War and later conflicts. These documents have great value for genealogists and historians. They paint a picture of life in southern New Jersey over centuries.
Key historical record sets for Salem County include:
- Deeds from 1786 to 1900 on 91 microfilm reels
- Marriage records from 1680 to 1956 on 7 reels
- Slave Manumissions from 1800 to 1841
- Military records from 1860 to 1940
Researchers can access these materials at the State Archives in Trenton. Some records may also be available through local libraries or the Salem County Historical Society. The depth of these records makes Salem County a rich resource for anyone tracing family roots in New Jersey.
Requesting Records Through OPRA
The Open Public Records Act governs access to government records in New Jersey. You can file an OPRA request with any Salem County office. Each department has a custodian who handles these requests. Fill out the OPRA form, describe the records you need, and submit it to the correct office.
The office has seven business days to respond. They will either provide the records, explain why they cannot, or request more time. If your request is turned down, you have the right to appeal. The Government Records Council reviews complaints from the public about denied OPRA requests. This process protects your access to Salem County public records.
Salem County Court Records
Court records for Salem County are part of the New Jersey court system. The New Jersey Courts public access page provides information on how to find case filings, docket entries, and judgments. Civil and criminal cases filed in Salem County can be searched through this portal.
Some court records are available online through the state system. For others, you may need to visit the Salem County Courthouse. Court staff can help locate specific case files if you have a docket number or party name. Judgments filed through the courts also appear in the county clerk records. They can affect property titles and are part of the public record in Salem County. Liens from court judgments are indexed alongside other recorded documents at the clerk office.
Property Records for Salem County
Property deeds are a core part of the public records in Salem County. Every real estate transaction creates a deed that is filed with the clerk. Mortgages, discharges, and liens are also recorded. These documents form the chain of title for each parcel of land in the county. Title companies and attorneys rely on these records daily.
The clerk office record room has deed books and indexes going back to the late 1700s. Salem County's records are older than most in the state. For in-person searches, visit the clerk office at 110 Fifth Street in Salem. Staff can help you find the right books or direct you to the microfilm collection. The State Archives also holds deed records from 1786 to 1900 on 91 reels of microfilm. Between the local and state sources, property records for Salem County are well preserved and accessible to the public.