California has no free statewide criminal database. Court records are at the county Superior Court level. Property and recorded documents vary by county - some combine the Assessor and Recorder, others keep them separate.
- Court cases: each county's Superior Court runs its own case search. No unified statewide portal.
- Criminal background: Live Scan fingerprint check through CA DOJ is the only comprehensive option.
- Business entities: bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov - Secretary of State business search.
- Sex offenders: meganslaw.ca.gov - DOJ sex offender database with map search.
- Property: county-level - each county Assessor/Recorder handles its own records.
Statewide Databases
60 official California government databases. Click a tab to filter by record type.
Court Records
Criminal Records
Vital Records
Property Records
Licenses
Business Records
Civic Records
Other Records
California Counties
All 58 California counties. Click any county for local court, sheriff, recorder and assessor links.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a free statewide criminal search in California?▼
No. California does not offer a free public criminal history database. You can search individual county Superior Court websites for court-level criminal cases. For a full background, you need a Live Scan fingerprint check through the California Department of Justice - this requires the subject's consent.
How do I search California court cases?▼
Each county runs its own Superior Court case search - there is no single statewide court portal. Go to the county Superior Court website where the case was filed. Major counties like LA (lacourt.org), San Diego (sdcourt.ca.gov), and SF (sf.courts.ca.gov) have online case search.
Where do I search California business entities?▼
The Secretary of State at bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov. Search corporations, LLCs, LPs, and other business entities filed in California.
What is the difference between Assessor and Recorder in California?▼
The Assessor determines property values for tax purposes. The Recorder (or Clerk-Recorder) records deeds, mortgages, liens, and other property documents. Some counties combine them into one office (San Diego, Sonoma, Marin). Others keep them separate (LA, Santa Clara). Check the specific county page for details.