If someone told you to “look it up in ACRIS,” or you need to record a deed or mortgage in New York City, this guide explains exactly what ACRIS is, how to search it, and how recording actually works.
What is ACRIS?
ACRIS stands for the Automated City Register Information System. It is the New York City Department of Finance’s online system where property documents are recorded and made publicly searchable. Through ACRIS you can find deeds, mortgages, liens, and other property records for Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens, from 1966 to the present, and it is free to search.
One important note: Staten Island (Richmond County) records are not in ACRIS. Staten Island property documents are handled by the Richmond County Clerk’s office, so for a Staten Island property you would search there instead.
How to search ACRIS
There are three main ways to search:
- By address, using the property’s Borough, Block, and Lot (its BBL)
- By party name, such as the buyer, seller, or current owner
- By document type and date range
To do it: open ACRIS on the NYC Department of Finance website, choose “Search Property Records,” select the borough, and enter the address or BBL. You will see a list of every document recorded against that property, which you can open, view, and download.
How to find a deed on ACRIS (deed search)
To find a deed, search the property by address, open the document list, and look for the most recent entry with the document type DEED. You can view the image right there. If you need an official certified copy rather than just a screen image, see our guide on how to get a copy of your deed in NYC. And yes, because these are public records, anyone can look them up, more on that in are deeds public record in New York?
What documents are recorded in ACRIS?
ACRIS holds the documents that affect ownership and debt on a property, including deeds, mortgages, satisfactions of mortgage, assignments, and liens. When one of these is recorded, it becomes part of the public chain of title for that property.
How to record a document with ACRIS
Recording is not simply uploading a file. To record a deed or other document with ACRIS, you generally need the properly executed and notarized document, an ACRIS cover page (which captures the recording and tax data), the correct recording fees, and any applicable taxes, such as the mortgage recording tax on a new mortgage or the real property transfer tax on a deed. Mistakes on the cover page, missing taxes, or an improper notarization are the most common reasons a recording gets rejected.
That is exactly what we handle for you. NotarEaseNYC notarizes and records deeds and property documents with ACRIS, prepares the cover page, submits electronically, and confirms once it is recorded. See our NYC deed and document recording services, or if you are doing it yourself, our step-by-step guides on how to record a deed in NYC and the recording process.
Need a document recorded with ACRIS? We prepare, notarize, and file it for you.
Frequently asked questions
Is ACRIS free to use?
Yes. Searching and viewing property records on ACRIS is free. Fees only apply when you record a document or order an official certified copy.
How do I find out who owns a property in NYC?
Search the address in ACRIS and open the most recent deed, which shows the current owner (grantee). For a full picture, also check how deeds are transferred.
Can I record a document online?
Yes, NYC uses electronic recording through ACRIS, typically submitted by an authorized party. We can record on your behalf so it is done correctly the first time.
Related guides
- How to Record a Deed in NYC
- How to Get a Copy of Your Deed in NYC
- Mortgage Recording Tax in NYC, Explained
- Who Pays for Recording the Deed in NYC?
- Are Deeds Public Record in New York?
- How to Find a Property Owner in NYC
- NYC BBL Lookup: What It Is and How to Find It
- How to Read a Deed
- ZoLa NYC: Zoning & Land Use Map
- HPD Online NYC: Check Building Violations
This article is for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. ACRIS is operated by the New York City Department of Finance; confirm current procedures and fees on the official NYC Department of Finance website.
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