Article · NYC311

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The Municipal Library and Archives research rooms are open to the public, by appointment only, Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 12 PM and 1 PM to 4 PM.

To schedule an appointment, you must email:

research@records.nyc.gov for library and archive research
familyhistory@records.nyc.gov for family history research

In 1940, and again in the mid-1980s, the Department of Taxes (now called the Department of Finance) took one photograph of every building in New York City as part of the property assessment process. Vacant land wasn’t photographed.

You can view the tax photograph collection for free online or on microfilm at the Municipal Archives. You can also purchase black and white prints of the 1940 photographs, and color prints of the 1980s photographs.

1940 Black and White Print

8-inch by 10-inch print: $35
11-inch by 14-inch print: $50

1980s Color Print

8-inch by 10-inch print: $45
11-inch by 14-inch print: $60

View tax photographs.

Order a tax photograph.

You can order a tax photograph by mail using the Tax Photograph Order Form. The fee must be paid by check payable to NYC Department of Records.

Mail to:

Municipal Archives
31 Chambers Street, Room 103
New York, NY 10007

You can request the form by mail or pick it up at the Municipal Archives.

By Mail

Call 311 to request a paper copy.

In Person

Visit the Municipal Archives at:

31 Chambers Street, Room 103
New York, NY 10007

Hours of operation:

Monday: 9 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday: 9 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 9 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday: 9 AM - 6 PM
Friday: 9 AM - 4:30 PM
2nd and 4th Saturday of the month: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM

No appointment is necessary.

You can view tax photos on microfilm and purchase copies at the Municipal Archives

It's free to view the photos. If you want to order copies, you can pay the fee by cash, credit card, or check payable to the NYC Department of Records.

Visit the Municipal Archives at:

31 Chambers Street, Room 103
New York, NY 10007

Hours of operation:

Monday: 9 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday: 9 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 9 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday: 9 AM - 6 PM
Friday: 9 AM - 4:30 PM
2nd and 4th Saturday of the month: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM

No appointment is necessary.

You can get help if you need the status of your order or you didn't get the correct photograph.

Call 311 for assistance.

Property Tax Photograph

Cost

Online

By Mail

In Person

Status or Complaint