How to Search California Public Records

California's court, criminal, vital, property, voter, and licensing records are maintained across state agencies and the 58 counties listed below. Use the tabs to filter by record type, or jump directly to any source.

  • Courts: The California Supreme Court sits at the top of the system; trial-court business is handled by the Superior Court (one in each of 58 counties). Most courts publish dockets and case lookups online.
  • Criminal history: The state's criminal-history repository handles official background checks. Fees and procedures are set by the state agency — see the linked official source.
  • Vital records: Birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates are issued by the California Department of Public Health (Vital Records) and may also be available locally.
  • Property & recorded documents: Maintained at the county level by the Assessor, Recorder, or Clerk's office.
  • Business filings: The Secretary of State (or equivalent) operates the official business-entity search.
Population
39,431,263
Households
13,628,600
Median Income
$96,334
Median Home Value
$715,900

Recorded Documents Databases

38 official California recorded documents sources.

Court Records Criminal Records Wants & Warrants Vital Records Voter Records Licenses Recorded Documents Property Records

Recorded Documents

Alameda County Auditor-Controller/Clerk-Recorder |
Official Free
The Auditor-Controller/Clerk-Recorder is a combined agency delivering essential services such as countywide auditing, accounting, financial management, and issuing and safeguarding vital records.
🌐 auditor.alamedacountyca.gov
RecorderWorks
Official Free
We cannot provide a description for this page right now
🌐 mint.amadorgov.org
Clerk Recorder - Calaveras County
Official Free
Preserves the official archive of legally recordable documents. Maintains records of all marriages, births, and deaths occurring within Calaveras County.
🌐 clerkrecorder.calaverasgov.us
El Dorado County Recorder-Clerk - Self-Service
Official Free
El Dorado County Recorder-Clerk · cart Home Log in · Document Type · GRANT DEED · Recording Information · Book Page · Names · Image Not Available · Close · Session about to time out
🌐 recorderclerkservice.edcgov.us
Home - County of Fresno
Official Free
On Display Indefinitely · In response to the rapid rate of growth of the Fresno June Lightning Complex Fire (Bolt, Hog and Flash) and subsequent evacuation orders, the Fresno County Administrative Officer/Emergency Services Director Paul Nerland has proclaimed a Local Emergency
🌐 www.fresnocountyca.gov
Home Page
Official Free
California law requires that FBN’s are filed at the County level; there is no State-wide registry or national registry.
🌐 recorder.co.imperial.ca.us
Count_HtmlCumulativeReport
Official Free
Final HTML Cumulative Results · Official Results · Run Time · 10:57 AM · Run Date · 12/08/2022 · County of Lake, California · November 8, 2022 General Election · 11/8/2022
🌐 publicapps2.lakecountyca.gov
Search Assessor records and maps | County of Marin Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk
Official Free
Further, this subdivision shall ... of the county or the assessor for errors, omissions, or other defects in any other information or records provided by the assessor pursuant to the provisions of this part. California Revenue and Taxation Code section 408.3(d) . By continuing to use this application you are agreeing to this disclaimer. This information has been scanned by the Mapping Division of the Marin County Assessor's ...
🌐 apps.marincounty.gov
Planning Commission Review Draft | June 2011 1 PART I: GENERAL PLAN OVERVIEW
Official Free
The County encompasses approximately 1,980± square miles, of which 1.2 million acres · or 98 percent is unincorporated. Approximately 24,128 acres, or 1.9 percent of the total · land area, lies within one of the six incorporated cities: Atwater, Dos Palos, Gustine, Livingston, Los Banos, and Merced.
🌐 web2.co.merced.ca.us
AT A GLANCE: Monterey County | County of Monterey, CA
Official Free
Monterey County is located on the Central Coast of California just south of the San Francisco Bay Area , about 45 miles from San Jose and 106 miles from the City of San Francisco.
🌐 www.countyofmonterey.gov
“E” Use Permit Application Packet Kenzo Estates Winery P15-00293
Official Free
1195 Third Street, Napa, CA 94559 - (707) 253-4417 - www.countyofnapa.org
🌐 services.napacounty.gov
Occlerkrecorder
Official Free
FBN Types · FBN Name · FBN Addresses · FBN Registrants · Penalty of Perjury · Document Copies · FBN Report · Finish · FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME · Your session is about to end due to inactivity. Click Ok to stay online, otherwise your session will expire in seconds
🌐 cr.occlerkrecorder.gov
Public Access System Recorder-County Clerk - Self-Service
Official Free
This search site is provided as a service to our customers. All data contained herein is subject to change without notice. By using this service, in any form, the user agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the County and anyone involved in storing, retrieving, or displaying this information ...
🌐 arcselfservice.sbcounty.gov
San Diego County Public Records
Official Free
CALIFORNIA STATE LAW CHANGE - NO ... – California Public Records Act, the Assessor Parcel Number (APN) search functionality is no longer available in our online Official Record Search. APN searches remain available only at our in-person kiosks conveniently located at our five offices across the County of San Diego...
🌐 arcc-acclaim.sdcounty.ca.gov
SF Recorder
Official Free
We cannot provide a description for this page right now
🌐 recorder.sfgov.org
San Mateo County :: Clerk. Assessor. Recorder. Elections.
Official Free
SAN MATEO CITY ELEM GENL PUR · SAN MATEO HIGH GENRL PURPOSE · SEQUOIA HIGH GENRL PURPOSE · SM JR COLLEGE GEN PUR · SO SAN FRAN UNIFIED GENL PUR · TOWN OF COLMA · TOWN OF HILLSBOROUGH · TOWN OF PORTOLA VALLEY · UNINCORPORATED ·
🌐 apps.smcacre.org
Self-Service - Santa Clara County Clerk-Recorder
Official Free
There are a variety of ways you can access Services at The Clerk-Recorder's Office. You may visit in person but, for the most efficient and least amount of wait time, we suggest the convenience of booking an appointment to have a set time for your service · Please visit the Office of the Clerk ...
🌐 scccroselfservice.org
Self-Service
Official Free
This search site is provided as a service to our customers. All data contained herein is subject to change without notice. By using this service, in any form, the user agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the County and anyone involved in storing, retrieving, or displaying this information ...
🌐 recorderselfservice.shastacounty.gov
Solano County Recorder's office
Official Free
We cannot provide a description for this page right now
🌐 recorderonline.solanocounty.gov
Self-Service
Official Free
The “Restrictive Covenant Modification” form can be obtained from the County Recorder’s office and may be available on its internet website (sonomacounty.gov/clerk). The form may also be available from the party that provided you with this document. Lawful restrictions under state and federal law on the age of occupants in senior housing or housing for older persons shall not be construed as restrictions based on familial status.
🌐 crarecords.sonomacounty.ca.gov
Self-Service
Official Free
This search site is provided as a service to our customers. All data contained herein is subject to change without notice. By using this service, in any form, the user agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the County and anyone involved in storing, retrieving, or displaying this information ...
🌐 crrecords.suttercounty.org
County Main | Tulare
Official Free
Find County Supervisor contact information. ... Request services of our Department for your function or event. ... Contact the Fraud Hotline. ... Click here for department contact information. ... TipNow receives anonymous real-time SMS/text, voice, and email tips from the community to help prevent crime, theft, and emergency situations. ... Submit a tax-deductible donation to one of the 28 programs that are a part of our Tulare County 501(c)(3) non-profit, Friends of Tulare County.
🌐 tularecounty.ca.gov
Tuolumne County
Official Free
NOTE: YOU MUST LOG OUT OF THE PREVIOUS DATABASE BEFORE SWITCHING YOUR USER ID · Public Access Recorders login User Id: web (with no password) Public Access Carlo De Ferrari Archive login User Id: research (with no password)
🌐 www.records.co.tuolumne.ca.us
Self-Service
Official Free
This search site is provided as a service to our customers. All data contained herein is subject to change without notice. By using this service, in any form, the user agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the County and anyone involved in storing, retrieving, or displaying this information ...
🌐 clerkrecorderselfservice.venturacounty.gov
Self-Service
Official Free
Users should remember that the index is similar to a library card catalogue; it is a guide to the information contained within the documents referenced and should not be relied upon in making any decision or determination regarding the underlying document. The user is advised to search all possible spelling variations of names, as well as other search criteria, to maximize search results. If you choose not to accept the conditions stated above, please click the Back button to exit this search application.
🌐 recorder.buttecounty.net
the contra costa county clerk-recorder's office
Official Free
Skip to main content · WELCOME TO THE CONTRA COSTA COUNTY CLERK-RECORDER'S OFFICE · Kristin B. Connelly County Clerk-Recorder · Recorded Documents Search & Ordering · Recorded Documents Search & Ordering is available in the following languages: · English - Recorded Documents Search & Ordering ...
🌐 crsecurepayment.com
Self-Service
Official Free
This search site is provided as a service to our customers. All data contained herein is subject to change without notice. By using this service, in any form, the user agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the County and anyone involved in storing, retrieving, or displaying this information ...
🌐 inyococa-web.tylerhost.net
Departments | Kern County, CA
Official Free
Kern County Organizational Chart (PDF) See also Board of Supervisors and Other Agencies · Administrative Office (see County Administrative Office) Aging & Adult Services · Agriculture/Measurement Standards · Airports · America's Job Center of California ·
🌐 www.kerncounty.com
Nevada County, CA | Official Website
Official Free
Tuesday’s recognition marks the beginning of a yearlong celebration to commemorate Nevada County’s 175th anniversary. Activities include community exh... Learn More View All News ... Nevada County Commercial Cannabis Dispensary Application Evaluation Committee-May 21, 2026 View Full Calendar
🌐 www.nevadacountyca.gov
Placer County - CountyFusion County Access Portal
Official Free
This site will not function properly if IE Compatibility Mode is enabled. Please disable Compatibility Mode and refresh the page. If you do not know how to disable Compatibility Mode please submit a ticket to our support team and they will be happy to assist you. Technical Data:
🌐 countyfusion4.kofiletech.us
Self-Service
Official Free
This is a new grantor/grantee searching website · This search site is provided as a service to our customers. All data contained herein is subject to change without notice. By using this service, in any form, the user agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the County and anyone involved in ...
🌐 sanjoaquincountyca-web.tylerhost.net
Official Records Search - Web - Santa Barbara County
Official Free
After searching, copies or certified copies may be added to your shopping cart. Copy Fees: $10.00 per document and $2.00 per document for certification. Information on this web site is collected, maintained and provided by the County of Santa Barbara Clerk-Recorder's Office as a service to ...
🌐 records.sbcrecorder.com
Self-Service
Official Free
This search site is provided as a service to our customers. All data contained herein is subject to change without notice. By using this service, in any form, the user agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the County and anyone involved in storing, retrieving, or displaying this information ...
🌐 santacruzcountyca-web.tylerhost.net
STANISLAUS clerk-recorder Event Reservation Page
Official Free
Event Details · Finish · STANISLAUS clerk-recorder Event Reservation Page · Español · Open Modal · Event Scheduler · Your session is about to end due to inactivity. Click Ok to stay online, otherwise your session will expire in seconds. Do you want to keep your session · Logout
🌐 crweb.stancounty.com
CLS - Landing Page | County Records
Official Free
Click a link below to view a tutorials about using CountyRecords.com.
🌐 www.countyrecords.com
Yolo County Clerk and Recorder's Office - Self-Service
Official Free
Code §12956.1 Any discriminatory ... redacted copy of the document to the County Recorder. Forms are available from the County Recorder’s office or its website, (clerk-recorder@yolocounty.gov)....
🌐 yolocountyca-web.tylerhost.net
Self-Service - Yuba County, CA Recorder
Official Free
By using this service, in any form, the user agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Yuba County Clerk-Recorder and anyone involved in storing, retrieving, or displaying this information for any damage of any type that may be caused by retrieving this information over the Internet.
🌐 recorder.co.yuba.ca.us
Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder
Official Free
Forms to correct or amend birth, death, or marriage records for events that occurred in California are available online from the California Department of Public Health. Contact us for more information about County Clerk/Recorder services including: recording documents, birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses and certificates, preliminary 20-day notices, and professional registrations. In Person Visit one of our office locations. By Mail Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder 3636 American River Drive, Suite 110 Sacramento, CA 95864 ​
🌐 ccr.saccounty.gov

California Counties

58 California counties are indexed on SearchSystems.net — top 28 counties shown below. Browse the full directory or click any county for local court, sheriff, recorder and assessor links.

Los Angeles San Diego Orange Riverside San Bernardino Santa Clara Alameda Sacramento Contra Costa Alpine Amador Butte Calaveras Colusa

Frequently Asked Questions

California's official criminal-history repository is operated by the state law-enforcement agency. Free public access to a complete criminal history is generally not available; an official background check typically requires fingerprints and a fee. County-level court records can be searched at no cost through individual court websites.

California's court system is headed by the California Supreme Court. Trial-court business is handled by the Superior Court (one in each of 58 counties). Many California courts publish docket searches and case lookups online — see the Court Records tab above for direct links.

The California Secretary of State (or equivalent agency) operates the official business-entity search. You can typically search corporations, LLCs, LPs, and other registered entities by name or registration number. See the Licenses or Business tab above.

The Assessor determines property values for tax purposes. The Recorder (or Clerk-Recorder) records deeds, mortgages, liens, and other property documents. Some county offices combine these roles, others keep them separate. Check the specific county page for details.

California vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce certificates) are issued by the California Department of Public Health (Vital Records) and, in many cases, by local county clerks. Fees and ID requirements are set by the issuing agency.

Most county-level property and recorded-document searches are free for basic information through the Assessor or Recorder website. Certified copies of deeds typically have a per-page fee. Direct links are in the Property Records tab above.

The California sex offender registry is maintained by the state law-enforcement agency under the Sex Offender Registration and Community Notification Act. The registry is searchable by name, ZIP code, or address.

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