Public documents include civil court cases such as lawsuits, foreclosures, real property disputes, and money judgments. While court records are usually public record, some records such as divorces, adoptions, and guardianship are placed under seal by law. These documents are not accessible to the public. If you wish to search our public records, you may do so in our office or online at your own convenience.
Civil Actions
A civil action must start with an index number. A civil action file may include court orders, affidavits, summons, complaints or any document pertaining to that action and bearing the assigned index number.
Divorce Records
Divorce records are considered sealed and require photo identification to view. ONLY the persons named in the case or their attorney of record may access a divorce. You may obtain your divorce record in one of two ways:
In Office: Must provide ID that contains both photo and signature (e.g. Driver’s License). The fee is $5 for a certified copy up to four pages; plus a $1.25 per page over four (caps at 32 pages or $40.00).
By Mail: You will need to send a letter of request along with your notarized signature, a self-addressed stamped envelope and an in-state check (with phone number) or money order for payment.
Index Numbers
An index number must be purchased at the County Clerk’s Office to start a civil action proceeding. The fee for an index number is $210 (except for mortgage foreclosure actions, for which the fee is $400). Index numbers open a file where all later papers are kept and which bear this same index number.
E-Filing
Mandatory e-filing took effect Wednesday, November 20, 2019. All legal papers must be filed by electronic means. For more information visit www.nycourts.gov/efile.
For further research and records availability, contact the County Historian’s Office at (518) 884-4749. More information is also available on the County Historian’s webpage.
Deeds
All deeds in Saratoga County are recorded in the Saratoga County Clerk’s Office. Deed filings must also include a completed TP-584 and RP-5217 (equalization form). You may obtain a copy of your deed by printing it from our online records, or by coming into our office and printing it from the system at a fee of 50 cents per page.
E-recordings
E-recording allows you to electronically submit recordings of land documents, skipping the trip to our office. Currently, we offer the following registered electronic recording facilitators:
• Simplifile
• CSC
• eRecording Partners Network (ePN)
Map Filings
For fees and map filing requirements, please go to Map Filing Requirements (located on the Real Property department page of the Saratoga County website).
Mortgages
All mortgages related to land in Saratoga County are recorded in the Saratoga County Clerk’s Office. Mortgage instruments must include all mortgagors and mortgagees, legal description of the property and the type of dwelling. Applicable mortgage tax is also due at time of recording.
Real Property (GAR Pros)
Saratoga County Real Property allows access to an online database that incorporates all real property information. This database gives people the ability to view tax maps, compare assessments and sale prices to similar properties, and view County tax information. Users can compare assessments and sale prices to that of similar properties with an easy to use “comparable assessments” or “comparable sales” tool. To begin your search, go to saratogacounty.prosgar.com.
• Land-related legal documents, such as deeds, mortgages, satisfactions of mortgages, judgments and liens.
• Civil court cases such as lawsuits, foreclosures, real property disputes, and money judgments. (While court records are usually public record, some records such as divorces, adoptions, and guardianship are placed under seal by law. These documents are not accessible to the public.)
How to access online records
Apply for free access to our online records:
1. Visit the “Search IQS” page.
2. Click on “See Subscription Plans/Create an Account” and click “next” to create a free account.
3. Fill out the required information and click “Submit”.
4. You will be instructed to verify your account through an email that has been sent to you. Once verified, you can begin searching using the system.
How to search online records
View the instructions on how to search Saratoga County online records
