New Jersey Public Records

State Level Information

OPRA - the Open Public Records Act became law on January 8, 2002 when it was signed by Donald DiFrancesco. It replaced the previously enacted right to know law. In the new law, citizens of the state of New Jersey may request public records of any state governmental agency.

The New Jersey Government Records Council enforces the provisions of the OPRA as well as:


The State of New Jersey Department of Law & Public Safety
State of New Jersey Department of State
New Jersey Department of Agriculture
New Jersey Real Estate Commission
New Jersey Division of Taxation
New Jersey Department of Transportation
New Jersey State Veterinary Medical Examining Board

Court Record Resources

Criminal history background checks in the state of New Jersey will be required by those in the medical professions (including licensed practical nurses as of January 16, 2008) who have never gone through a criminal history background check. The initial request for such a check will be sent to the individual licensee in the form of a letter.

These checks are conducted by both the FBI and the state bureau of investigation with the use of a fingerprint check.

New Jersey Judicial Branch
New Jersey Criminal Justice Commission
New Jersey State Capitol Police
New Jersey Department of Corrections
New Jersey Office of Administrative Hearings

Vital Records Facts

New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services
New Jersey Public Records and Archives