Step-by-step
Access the ACRIS Portal
Go to the Automated City Register Information System (ACRIS) at a836-acris.nyc.gov. ACRIS is maintained by the NYC Department of Finance and contains all documents recorded with the City Register since 1966 (Manhattan) or 2003 (other boroughs).
Choose Your Search Method
ACRIS offers three search methods: by Party Name (grantor/grantee), by Address (borough, street number, street name), or by Block and Lot (BBL). Address search is easiest for most users; BBL search is the most precise.
Enter Search Criteria
For address searches, select the borough, enter the house number and street name. For party name searches, enter the last name (or business name) in the Last/Business Name field. You can filter by document type and date range.
Review Document List
The search results show all recorded documents matching your criteria. Each entry displays the document type (deed, mortgage, satisfaction, etc.), recording date, parties involved, and document ID (CRFN).
View Document Images
Click on any document to view its full image. ACRIS provides scanned copies of recorded instruments. You can view individual pages or download the entire document as a PDF.
Cross-Reference with RegWatch
RegWatch integrates ACRIS data with DOB, HPD, DOF, and other agency records. Search any address to see the owner of record, liens, and violations in one unified view — with the full transfer history available in a property report.
Overview
ACRIS (Automated City Register Information System) is the official NYC portal for accessing property records filed with the City Register. It contains deeds, mortgages, satisfactions, liens, UCC filings, and other recorded instruments for all five boroughs.
What Records Are Available in ACRIS?
ACRIS contains virtually all documents recorded with the NYC City Register, including:
- Deeds - Bargain and sale deeds, warranty deeds, executor deeds, referee deeds
- Mortgages - Original mortgages, assignments, modifications, satisfactions
- Liens - Tax liens, mechanic liens, judgment liens, federal tax liens
- UCC Filings - Uniform Commercial Code financing statements
- Other - Power of attorney, memoranda of contract, restrictive declarations
Coverage and Limitations
Manhattan records go back to 1966. Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island records are available from approximately 2003 onward. For older records in the outer boroughs, you may need to visit the County Clerk office in person. ACRIS does not include co-op unit records (since co-ops are personal property, not real property) unless a blanket mortgage or ground lease is recorded.
Tips for Effective Searches
When searching by party name, try variations (LLC vs L.L.C., abbreviations). When searching by address, ensure the street name matches the city register format. Using the BBL (Borough-Block-Lot) number provides the most reliable results and eliminates address formatting issues.
Frequently asked
Is ACRIS free to use?
Yes. ACRIS is a free public portal. There is no charge to search or view document images online.
Does ACRIS include co-op records?
Co-op unit transfers are typically not recorded in ACRIS because co-ops are shares of a corporation, not real property. However, blanket mortgages and ground leases for co-op buildings are recorded.
Skip the manual research.
RegWatch aggregates 250+ government sources, including DOB, HPD, ACRIS, and DOF, into one searchable platform.