Find Bergen County Property Records

Bergen County property records are managed by the County Clerk's office in Hackensack. As the most populous county in New Jersey, Bergen County handles a high volume of deed and mortgage recordings each year. The clerk's office provides online access to property records and accepts documents for recording in person and through eRecording. Anyone can search Bergen County property records through the clerk's public portal or by visiting the office at One Bergen County Plaza.

Bergen County Clerk Office and Property Records

John S. Hogan serves as the Bergen County Clerk. The office is at One Bergen County Plaza in Hackensack. This is the central location for recording deeds, mortgages, and other land documents in Bergen County. The clerk also handles passport applications, notary commissions, and trade name certificates. For property records, the recording division is on the ground floor in Room 120.

The Bergen County Clerk's website has full details on office hours, recording requirements, and search options. You can also call the office at (201) 336-7000 for specific questions about Bergen County property records.

The Bergen County Clerk's homepage outlines the recording services and document search tools available to the public.

From this page you can access links to the online record search, fee schedules, and filing requirements for Bergen County.

How to Search Bergen County Property Records

Bergen County provides online access to property records through the clerk's website at bergencountyclerk.org. The online system includes deed records from 2004 and mortgage records from 2007 to the present. You can search by name, document type, or recording date. Results show the index information and allow you to view document images.

For records older than 2004, you need to visit the Bergen County Clerk's office in person. Staff can look up older deeds and mortgages using the grantor/grantee index books. Bring the names of the parties or the property block and lot number. The clerk's staff will search the records and can make copies for you. Bergen County charges $10 for a search fee.

Under the Open Public Records Act (N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1), property records in Bergen County are public documents. Anyone can request to view or copy them. You do not need to explain why you want the records. Title companies, attorneys, and individual homeowners all use the Bergen County Clerk's search tools regularly.

Note: Online record images may have watermarks on basic access; contact the clerk's office for clean certified copies of Bergen County property records.

Bergen County Recording Fees for Property Documents

Bergen County charges standard fees for recording property documents. The first page of a deed costs $40. Each added page is $10. Mortgages follow the same fee structure. A certified copy costs $10 plus $2 for each additional page. These rates apply to all documents filed at the Bergen County Clerk's office.

Bergen County began accepting eRecording submissions through Corporation Service Company in May 2024. This allows title companies and law firms to submit documents for recording without visiting the office. The New Jersey eRecording portal handles the submission process. Recording fees for electronic filings are the same as in-person filings in Bergen County. Documents must meet the format standards set by N.J.S.A. 46:26A-1 before the clerk will accept them.

• Deed recording: $40 first page, $10 each added page
• Mortgage recording: $40 first page, $10 each added page
• Certified copy: $10 plus $2 per page
• Search fee: $10

Payment methods vary. Call ahead to confirm what the Bergen County Clerk's office accepts. In-person payments may include cash, check, or money order.

Bergen County Property Tax and Assessment Records

Property tax records in Bergen County are handled at the municipal level. Each of the 70 towns has its own tax assessor who determines property values. The Bergen County Board of Taxation oversees the assessment process and hears tax appeals. The appeal deadline is April 1st each year under N.J.S.A. 54:4-1.

The Bergen County Board of Taxation provides information on the appeal process, assessment ratios, and tax rates for each municipality. You can review current assessment data through the board's website or check the New Jersey Property Tax Transparency portal for comparative data across Bergen County.

The Bergen County Board of Taxation page explains how property assessments work and how to file an appeal.

Property owners in Bergen County who believe their assessment is too high can use this page to learn the appeal steps and deadlines.

Types of Property Records Filed in Bergen County

The Bergen County Clerk records a wide range of real estate documents. Deeds are the most common. They transfer ownership of real property from one person or entity to another. Bergen County records warranty deeds, quit-claim deeds, and bargain and sale deeds. Each deed creates a public record that anyone can search.

Mortgages and mortgage discharges make up another large category. When you take out a home loan, the mortgage is recorded in Bergen County. Once paid off, the lender files a discharge. Lis pendens notices, judgment liens, and federal tax liens are also recorded. Construction lien claims protect contractors and suppliers who have not been paid. All of these documents become part of the permanent Bergen County property records.

Title searchers review these records before every real estate closing in Bergen County. A clear title search confirms that the seller owns the property and that there are no hidden liens or claims. The Bergen County Clerk's records are the primary source for this work.

Historical Land Records in Bergen County

Bergen County is one of the original counties in New Jersey, established in 1683. Its property records stretch back more than three centuries. The oldest records are in physical books stored at the clerk's office vault. Colonial-era deeds and proprietary grants may also be found at the New Jersey State Archives in Trenton.

Researchers looking for historical Bergen County property records should start at the clerk's office in Hackensack. Staff can help you find older deed and mortgage books. For very early records, the NJ Tax Records website and the state archives are good secondary resources. Bergen County was split in 1840 when Passaic County was created from its northern portion, so some older records may reference areas now in Passaic County.

Note: Historical property records in Bergen County before 2004 are not available in the online system and must be searched in person.

Cities and Towns in Bergen County

Bergen County contains 70 municipalities. This is the most of any county in New Jersey. Major towns include Hackensack, Fort Lee, Paramus, Teaneck, Englewood, Ridgewood, and Fair Lawn. All property records for these places are filed at the Bergen County Clerk's office. Each town has its own tax assessor for property tax records, but deeds and mortgages are always filed at the county level in Bergen County.

The large number of municipalities in Bergen County means each town sets its own tax rate. Property values and tax bills vary widely across the county. Use the state transparency portal to compare rates between Bergen County towns.

Nearby Counties

Bergen County sits in the northeast corner of New Jersey. If you need property records from a neighboring county, visit the correct clerk's office. Each county has its own recording system.