How to Search San Mateo County, California Records (Start Here)
San Mateo County, California — Superior Court for all case types. Check whether the Assessor and Recorder are combined or in this county.
- Court cases: Superior Court — civil, criminal, family, probate, traffic.
- Property: County Assessor for values. Clerk-Recorder (or Recorder) for deeds and recorded documents.
- Criminal background: No free statewide search in California. Live Scan through CA DOJ for full background.
Start with the database that matches your record type.
Criminal & Court Records
Criminal & Court Records
Court Records
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Search this San Mateo County Superior Court database of Civil, Small Claims, Family Law, Probate cases by case number, name, calendar, or master name.
Court Records
Visit →Criminal & Court Records
Official Free
Search this San Mateo County Superior Court database of Civil, Family Law, Probate, Small Claims and Criminal cases by name or case number.
Property & Tax Records
Property | Secured Tax
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San Mateo county Treasurer-Tax Collector real property (secured) tax records.
Property | Unsecured Tax
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San Mateo County personal (unsecured) property tax roll.
Recorded Documents
Visit →Property & Tax Records
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Search this database of the San Mateo County Assessor, Clerk-Recorder's office for recorded documents (deeds, mortgages, liens, etc.
Business, Voter & Other
Fictitious Business Names
Visit →Business, Voter & Other
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Search for San Mateo County fictitious business names. Gives name of holder. Site also includes fictitious business name filing application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who handles court records in San Mateo County? ▼
Go to the Clerk of the Superior Court for court records in San Mateo County. Start at the Clerk of the Superior Court's office for case lookups — California has no statewide court search portal.
Who handles property records in San Mateo County? ▼
For deeds, mortgages, and liens, go to the County Recorder. For property values and assessment data, go to the County Assessor. For tax bills and payments, go to the Tax Collector-Treasurer.
How do I get birth, death, or marriage records in San Mateo County? ▼
Marriage licenses in San Mateo County are issued by the County Clerk. Birth and death certificates are available from County Recorder (local) / CDPH (state). Divorce records come from the court that granted the decree.
Are San Mateo County records available online? ▼
San Mateo County has partial online coverage — 6 databases are listed on this page, covering court records, property records, and business filings. Other record types may require an in-person visit or written request.
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