Finance

Bail Refunds

When a case is concluded in Supreme Court (County Court), the judge will issue an order, called a Bail Exoneration Order, directing the Commissioner of Finance to refund the cash bail.

It is advisable to contact the Department of Finance to verify the County is holding the bail. Some bail is held at the local justice court.

The following documents are required to obtain a bail refund:

• Original, certified copy of the Bail Exoneration Order (available at the office of the Rockland County Clerk)
• Photo ID
• Original Bail Receipt received when you paid the bail

If the original receipt is lost, complete the lost bail receipt Affidavit, have it notarized and submit to the Department of Finance. This may result in a delay beyond the five days.

If bail is to be refunded to someone other than the person who originally posted bail, complete the Bail Assignment form, have it notarized and submit with original, certified copy of the Bail Exoneration Order and Photo ID.

If for any reason, the address on the original receipt is no longer valid, complete the Cash Refund Change of Address Notice, have it notarized and submit with original, certified copy of the Bail Exoneration Order and Photo ID.

A bail refund check will be issued in approximately five (5) business days. All bail refund checks will be mailed.

Requests may be made in person with the requirements listed above or mailed to:

County of Rockland
Department of Finance
50 Sanatorium Road
Building A-8th Floor
Pomona NY 10970
845-364-3829

All mailed requests must have the original documents and a copy of the photo ID.

Return of Funds Held in Court and Trust

Prior to the release of court held funds, the Commissioner of Finance must receive the following documents:

• An original certified court order, signed by the judge, ordering the Commissioner of Finance of the County of Rockland to release the funds, plus accumulated interest, less fees (unless case pertains to a matter of eminent domain).
• A W-9 form with the name and address of the party who will receive the funds, as named in the certified court order.
• A cover letter stating whether the funds are to be mailed or picked up.

A check for the return of funds will be mailed in approximately five (5) business days.

These documents may be mailed or delivered to:

County of Rockland
Department of Finance
50 Sanatorium Road
Building A-8th Floor
Pomona NY 10970

Faxed or emailed documents are not accepted.

If you have any questions, please contact the Department of Finance (845) 364-3870.

College Certificate of Residence

Rockland County residents may obtain a College Certificate of Residence to reduce tuition costs while attending a two-year SUNY/CUNY college outside of Rockland County.

Any student who is a resident of Rockland County must prove residency and meet the guidelines required by the New York State Education Department.

• A post office box address or envelope addressed to you does not qualify as proof of residence.
• Once issued, certificate is valid for one year.
• Bring your Certificate of Residence to the college at the time of your registration for courses.

How to Obtain a College Certificate of Residence

Follow the steps below to ensure smooth processing of your certificate.

1. Visit the new College Certificate of Residence Online Application.
2. The application must be completed by the student, not the parent or guardian unless student is a minor, and all required documents attached.
3. Declare Citizenship: Immigrant aliens must have held an Alien Identification Card for one full year and be able to establish NYS residency to be eligible for certificate of residency. An undocumented alien is eligible for a certificate of residency if the student received a GED or graduated from a Rockland County high school after attending at least two years and applies for SUNY admission within five years of receiving the Rockland County diploma.
4. Proper proof of residence must be submitted along with the application to prove student's residency. Acceptable forms of identification are as follows:
   
   • Driver's license, which must be at least 6 months old
   • Non-drivers license
   • Tax return
   • Student transcript
   • Utility bill
   • Paycheck stub
   • Bank statement
   • Car registration/insurance card.
   All forms of identification must have the student's Rockland County address clearly visible in order to be acceptable.
5. If the online application cannot be completed, print the Affidavit and Application for Certificate of Residence and mail or bring it in person together with the required documents to the following address:
   
   Rockland County Department of Finance
   Attn: College Certificate of Residence
   50 Sanatorium Road
   Building A-Room 184
   Pomona NY 10970

Note: Whether in person or by mail, the application has to be notarized.

If you have further questions, please call (845) 364-3829.