How to Search Los Angeles County Records (Start Here)
LA County runs the largest Superior Court system in the United States — over 40 courthouses. The court, the Assessor, and the Registrar-Recorder are three with three separate search systems.
- Court cases: lacourt.org. Use "Access a Case" to search by case number or party name. Covers civil, criminal, family, probate, and small claims. The online search runs 24/7 except Friday maintenance after 11 PM.
- Property values and assessments: LA County Assessor at assessor.lacounty.gov. Property search returns assessed value, tax class, and parcel details.
- Recorded deeds, mortgages, liens: The Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk at lavote.gov — this is a separate office from the Assessor. Real estate records go back to 1850.
- Criminal background: No free statewide criminal search in California. Live Scan fingerprint check through the CA DOJ is the only comprehensive option.
In most California counties, the Assessor and Recorder are the same office. In LA County, they are not. Search both if you need property ownership and document history.
Pick the database that matches what you’re looking for.
Criminal & Court Records
Criminal & Court Records
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Court | Civil Case Documents
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Official Free
Download LA Superior Court General Jurisdiction Civil case documents. Requires registration.
Court | Civil, Probate, Family Law Case Search
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Los Angeles County Superior Court Party Name Search. Find unlimited civil, limited civil, small claims, probate, and family law case records.
Jail & Inmate Records
Inmates | Sheriff
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Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department inmate database.
Most Wanted
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Persons considered most wanted by the Los Angeles Police Department.
Vehicle Inspections - Sheriff
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Browse this interactive map provided by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for Vehicle Inspection areas in Los Angeles County.
🌐 lasd.org
Property & Tax Records
GIS Maps
Visit →Property & Tax Records
Official Free
Use this Geographic Information System from Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning to view various interactive maps.
Property | Assessor GIS
Visit →Property & Tax Records
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Los Angeles County Office of the Assessor property record search and interactive GIS maps.
Property | Tax Roll
Visit →Property & Tax Records
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Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector tax bill payments and payment histories.
Business, Voter & Other
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Animal Shelters
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Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control directory of animal shelters.
Business Licenses
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Los Angeles County Treasurer/Tax Collector's office business license records.
Checks | Lost and Stolen
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Los Angeles County Auditor-Controller search for lost, missing, and stolen checks.
Child Abductions | Missing Children
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Official Free
Los Angeles County District Attorney Office's list of missing children abducted in Los Angeles County.
Coroner | Unidentified Persons
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Los Angeles County Coroner index of unidentified persons by case number, gender, race, and date last seen.
Fictitious Business Name Filings
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Los Angeles County fictitious business name filings. Gives name taken, document number, and date filed.
Polling Places
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Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder lookup for polling places.
Surplus Properties
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Los Angeles County Department of Public Works surplus real property available for auction.
Voters
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Check the status of your Los Angeles County voter registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who handles court records in Los Angeles County? ▼
Go to the Clerk of the Superior Court for court records in Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles County? ▼
Marriage licenses in Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles County records available online? ▼
Yes — Los Angeles County has good online coverage. This page lists 19 searchable databases covering court records, jail and inmate records, property records, and business filings. Each links directly to an official government portal.
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