Access Onondaga County Civil Court Records
Onondaga County civil court records are filed at the County Clerk's office in Syracuse. The Clerk maintains court records dating back to 1794 and serves as the filing clerk for both the Supreme Court and County Court. You can search civil cases online through state tools or go to the courthouse at 401 Montgomery Street. Onondaga County is in the 5th Judicial District and handles a large number of civil filings each year. Syracuse City Court also operates within the county for smaller cases. This page covers where to search, what fees to expect, and how to get copies of civil court records in Onondaga County.
Onondaga County Overview
Onondaga County Clerk Records
The Onondaga County Clerk is the official custodian of civil court records in the county. The office keeps land records from 1794, court filings, business certificates, and notary documents. Online records are searchable through the county website and the SearchIQS portal. Public search terminals are also available at the office for walk-in visitors.
E-filing through NYSCEF is required for most Supreme Court civil case types in Onondaga County. This means many newer case documents are available online as soon as they are filed. The Onondaga County Clerk services page lists everything from court filing to passport applications. Copy fees are $0.65 per page. The search fee is $5 per name for each two-year period, as set by CPLR Section 8018.
| Office | Onondaga County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address |
401 Montgomery Street Syracuse, NY 13202 |
| Phone | (315) 435-2227 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | ongov.net - County Clerk |
Find Onondaga County Civil Cases
Use the WebCivil Supreme tool for free online searches. Select Onondaga County and type in the party name or case number. The system covers all Supreme Court civil filings and shows docket entries, case status, and party details. This is the quickest way to check if a civil case exists in Onondaga County.
The SearchIQS portal for Onondaga County indexes deeds, mortgages, and court records from 1794 forward. Guest access is free for basic searches. Subscription accounts give you access to document images and wider search options. This portal is popular with attorneys, title companies, and people doing property research in Onondaga County.
The NYS Unified Court System provides a central access page for court records. The screenshot below shows this resource.
The CourtHelp page covers how to request records, what to bring, and what fees apply when searching for civil court records in any New York county.
In person, head to 401 Montgomery Street in Syracuse. The Clerk's staff can pull case files for you. Reading files is free. Copies cost $0.65 per page. Bring a case number or party names to speed up the process.
Onondaga County Civil Court System
The Onondaga County Supreme Court is the main trial court for civil cases. It sits at 401 Montgomery Street in Syracuse. The phone is (315) 435-2227. It handles commercial disputes, personal injury cases, real estate litigation, and matrimonial actions. Under Judiciary Law Section 140-b, the Supreme Court has general original jurisdiction in civil matters. Court records are maintained by the County Clerk.
Syracuse City Court handles smaller civil matters within the city. The Family Court at 401 Montgomery Street manages custody and support cases. Phone: (315) 435-2228. Records there are confidential. The Surrogate's Court handles probate and estates. Phone: (315) 435-2229. Probate records date back to 1794. You can look up estate cases through the WebSurrogate portal online.
Note: Criminal History Record Searches through the NYS OCA cost $95.00 and are handled separately from civil court record requests.
Onondaga County Court Record Fees
Fees for civil court records in Onondaga County follow the state schedule. Plain copies are $0.65 per page. Name searches cost $5 per name per two-year period. Certified copies have additional charges. You can pay at the Clerk's office in person or include a check with a mail request. Under Judiciary Law Section 255, the Clerk must provide copies of public court records to anyone who requests them.
- Plain copies: $0.65 per page
- Name search: $5 per name per 2-year period
- Certified copies: varies by document
- In-person file viewing: free
- Criminal history search (OCA): $95.00
Cities in Onondaga County
Onondaga County includes Syracuse and several surrounding towns. Civil court cases go through the Onondaga County court system.
Nearby Counties
Check these nearby counties if you are not sure where your civil case was filed. Your case goes to the county where the claim happened.