Camden County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Camden County?

Public records in Camden County are governed by the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA), codified under N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-1 et seq. This comprehensive statute defines public records as any document, paper, letter, map, book, photograph, data processed or image processed document, or sound recording that has been made, maintained, or kept on file in the course of official business by any government officer, agency, or authority of the State of New Jersey or any of its political subdivisions.

Camden County maintains numerous types of public records, including:

Court Records: Civil, criminal, probate, and family court cases maintained by the Camden County Superior Court
Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, and property assessments maintained by the Camden County Clerk's Office
Vital Records: Birth certificates (from 1923), death certificates (from 1927), marriage licenses (from 1887), and civil union records maintained by the Camden County Clerk's Office
Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and fictitious name registrations (trade names)
Tax Records: Property tax information, assessment records, and tax maps available through the New Jersey Transparency Center
Voting and Election Records: Voter registration information, election results, and campaign finance reports
Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Records of Camden County Board of Commissioners meetings and other county boards
Budget and Financial Documents: Annual budgets, financial statements, and expenditure reports
Law Enforcement Records: Certain police reports, arrest logs, and incident reports where permitted by law
Land Use and Zoning Records: Planning board decisions, zoning maps, and development applications

The Camden County Clerk's Office serves as the primary custodian for many of these records, while specialized departments maintain others. The New Jersey State Archives also houses historical Camden County records dating back to the county's formation.

Is Camden County an Open Records County?

Camden County fully adheres to the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA), which establishes the public's right to access government records. Under N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-1, the law explicitly states: "government records shall be readily accessible for inspection, copying, or examination by the citizens of this State, with certain exceptions, for the protection of the public interest."

The statute further declares that "all government records shall be subject to public access unless exempt from such access by: [OPRA]; any other statute; resolution of either or both houses of the Legislature; regulation promulgated under the authority of any statute or Executive Order of the Governor; Executive Order of the Governor; Rules of Court; any federal law, federal regulation, or federal order."

Camden County has implemented specific procedures to comply with OPRA requirements. The county maintains a dedicated OPRA request system through which members of the public may submit formal requests for records. Each county department has designated records custodians responsible for responding to these requests within the statutorily mandated seven business day timeframe.

Additionally, Camden County complies with the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A. § 10:4-6 et seq., commonly known as the "Sunshine Law," which requires that meetings of public bodies be open to the public and properly noticed. This commitment to transparency extends to the publication of meeting agendas, minutes, and other public documents on the county's official website.

How to Find Public Records in Camden County in 2026

Members of the public seeking records from Camden County may utilize several methods to access information. The county has established streamlined processes to facilitate public access to government documents.

To obtain public records in Camden County, requestors may:

Submit an OPRA Request Form: The official OPRA request form may be submitted to the appropriate records custodian. Requests must include the requestor's name, address, and a clear description of the records sought.
Visit the Camden County Clerk's Office: For property records, business filings, and vital records, individuals may visit the County Clerk's Office in person during regular business hours.
Access Online Databases: Camden County provides several online resources for public records:
- Court records through the New Jersey Courts public portal
- Criminal case information via the PROMIS/Gavel Public Access system
- Property tax records through the NJ Transparency Center
Contact Specific Departments: For specialized records, contacting the relevant department directly may expedite the process:
- Planning and zoning records: Camden County Planning Division
- Health inspection records: Camden County Health Department
- Sheriff's records: Camden County Sheriff's Office
Research Historical Records: For historical documents, the New Jersey State Archives maintains extensive Camden County records dating back to the county's establishment.

Records custodians are required by law to respond to OPRA requests within seven business days. If a request is denied, the custodian must provide a specific legal basis for the denial. Requestors who believe their request was improperly denied may file a complaint with the Government Records Council or the New Jersey Superior Court.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Camden County?

Camden County follows the fee structure established by the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA) under N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-5. The current standard fees for public records are as follows:

Paper Copies:
- Letter size (8.5" x 11") and legal size (8.5" x 14"): $0.05 per page
- Larger sizes: Actual cost of reproduction
Electronic Records:
- Records sent via email and records downloadable from the internet: No charge
- Records provided on storage media (CD, DVD, USB drive): Cost of the medium
Special Service Charges: May apply when:
- The record cannot be reproduced using ordinary equipment
- Reproduction requires extraordinary expenditure of time and effort
- Special service charges must be reasonable and based on actual direct costs
Certified Copies:
- Additional fees apply for certified copies of vital records:
  - Birth certificates: $25 for the first copy, $2 for each additional copy
  - Marriage certificates: $25 for the first copy, $2 for each additional copy
  - Death certificates: $25 for the first copy, $2 for each additional copy
Property Records:
- Recording fees for deeds, mortgages, and other land records: First page $40, each additional page $10
- Copies of recorded documents: $10 for the first page, $1 for each additional page

Camden County accepts payment by cash, check, money order, and credit card (in person). For mail requests, payment must be made by check or money order payable to "Camden County Clerk" or the specific department handling the request.

Under OPRA, a records custodian must notify the requestor of any special service charges prior to producing the records. The requestor has the right to review and object to such charges before proceeding with the request.

Does Camden County Have Free Public Records?

Camden County provides several avenues for accessing public records at no cost to requestors. Pursuant to the New Jersey Open Public Records Act, members of the public have the right to inspect most government records during regular business hours without charge. The following free options are available:

In-Person Inspection: Members of the public may examine non-exempt records at no cost during regular business hours at the appropriate county office. Advance appointments are recommended for extensive research.
Online Access: Camden County and the State of New Jersey provide numerous free online resources:
- Camden County Board of Commissioners meeting agendas and minutes
- Camden County budget documents
- New Jersey Courts public case access
- Property assessment data through the NJ Transparency Center
- Election results and voter information
Electronic Delivery: Records that exist in electronic format and can be emailed are provided without charge under current OPRA regulations.
Public Terminals: Computer terminals are available at the Camden County Clerk's Office and the Camden County Library System for public use in accessing digital records.
Public Notices: Legal notices, public meeting schedules, and other official announcements are published on the county website at no cost to viewers.

It is important to note that while inspection is free, fees may still apply if copies are requested. Additionally, certain specialized records may require payment of statutory fees regardless of the method of access, particularly certified vital records and officially recorded documents.

Who Can Request Public Records in Camden County?

Under the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA), N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-1, any person has the right to request access to government records in Camden County. The statute specifically states that government records shall be readily accessible for inspection, copying, or examination "by the citizens of this State," but in practice, this right extends to:

New Jersey residents
Out-of-state residents
Foreign nationals
Organizations, businesses, and associations
News media representatives
Government agencies

OPRA does not require requestors to:

Provide identification (except for certain restricted records)
State the reason or purpose for their request
Complete a specific form (though using the county's official OPRA form is recommended)
Be physically present in New Jersey

However, certain limitations apply to specific record types:

Vital Records: Birth, death, and marriage certificates are restricted to the person of record, immediate family members, legal representatives, or those who can demonstrate a direct interest affected by the record. Proper identification is required.
Criminal Records: While basic information about arrests and charges is public, detailed criminal history information may be restricted to the individual of record or their legal representative.
Medical Records: Protected by both HIPAA and state privacy laws, medical records are generally only available to the patient or their authorized representative.
Juvenile Records: Generally confidential under N.J.S.A. § 2A:4A-60, with limited exceptions for specific authorized parties.

For records that are not subject to public access, requestors must demonstrate their legal authority to access such records, which may include providing identification, proof of relationship, court orders, or other documentation establishing their right to the information.

What Records Are Confidential in Camden County?

While Camden County strives for transparency in government operations, certain records are exempt from public disclosure under the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA) and other state and federal laws. Pursuant to N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-1.1, the following categories of records are considered confidential and not subject to public access:

Personal Information: Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, unlisted telephone numbers, and drivers' license numbers
Medical and Health Records: Patient records, health data, and medical examiner reports except for the cause and manner of death
Criminal Investigatory Records: Records pertaining to an investigation in progress, if disclosure would be detrimental to the public interest
Victim Information: Records pertaining to victims of crimes, particularly in cases of domestic violence or sexual offenses
Juvenile Records: Records related to juveniles charged with delinquency or involved in family court matters under N.J.S.A. § 2A:4A-60
Personnel and Pension Records: Employee personnel files, though certain basic information such as title, salary, and length of service is public
Attorney-Client Privileged Materials: Communications between the county and its attorneys that fall under attorney-client privilege
Deliberative Process Materials: Pre-decisional, deliberative materials used in the decision-making process
Emergency or Security Information: Records pertaining to security measures, emergency response protocols, or critical infrastructure
Computer Security Information: Information regarding computer network security or the design of government technology systems
Certain Financial Information: Trade secrets, proprietary commercial information, and competitive business data
Test Questions and Scoring Keys: Materials used for testing or examination purposes
Sealed Court Records: Records that have been sealed by court order

The determination of whether a record is exempt from disclosure involves a balancing test weighing the public's right to access against the need for confidentiality. Records custodians must cite the specific legal basis for any denial of access. Requestors who believe records have been improperly withheld may appeal to the Government Records Council or file an action in New Jersey Superior Court.

Camden County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Camden County Clerk's Office
Camden County Hall of Justice
520 Market Street, Room 102
Camden, NJ 08102
(856) 225-5300
Camden County Clerk

Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Extended hours until 7:30 PM on Wednesdays
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Camden County Surrogate's Office
Camden County Hall of Justice
520 Market Street, Room 234
Camden, NJ 08102
(856) 225-7282
Camden County Surrogate

Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Camden County Board of Taxation
Camden County Administration Building
600 Market Street
Camden, NJ 08102
(856) 225-5238
Camden County Board of Taxation

Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Camden County Superior Court
Hall of Justice
101 South 5th Street
Camden, NJ 08103
(856) 379-2200
New Jersey Courts - Camden Vicinage

Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and state-observed holidays