Start Your Records Search:

California

Anyone who has ever tried to get public records in California knows that it can be a challenging process.

Records are maintained across several departments within the state.

The California Constitution and the California Public Records Act state that all Californians have the right to access public records housed by both a local agency and state government agencies.

California public records include

  • Criminal records
  • Court records
  • Inmate records
  • Vital records

California has public records laws that specify response times and has limited exemptions for a public records search.

If a records request is denied in California, there is no appeals process in place.

California public records include criminal records, inmate records, court records, and vital records.

Table of Contents

What does the California public records law say?

The California Public Records Act says that every individual has the right to access records that relate to the conduct of the people.

The California Public Records Act exempts information that is deemed solely personal that happens to be included on a public record.

Under California law, responses must be met within ten days and apply to executive and state agencies.

Residency within California is not required. However, there is no appeal option if a public records request is denied.

How can I access public records in California?

In California, you must submit a public records request to access public documents regardless of the agency. Every governmental department has a different process, procedures, and price.

A California public records request is sent via mail, email, or phone to the record-holding agency.

Some departments require you to submit a physical form.

Every department is different, so expect some variation to the rules if accessing government records from multiple places.

In general, a public records request should include:

  • Your contact information
  • The name of the document with a detailed description
  • A time frame that you’d like to receive the materials by
  • Document delivery method, whether by email or mail

California governmental public agencies and offices have different office hours and procedures. It is a good idea to always call before arriving in person.

California criminal records

California criminal records, or criminal history, can include all information relating to interactions with law enforcement and the court system.

The State of California Department of Justice maintains California criminal records.

Depending on the state and agency, it typically doesn’t have traffic offenses and sometimes won’t include misdemeanors.

  • Date of arrest
  • Charge
  • Prosecution date
  • Guilty Pleas
  • Convictions
  • Felony or misdemeanor charge

Criminal records are often accessed by employers who want to conduct a background check on a possible hire.

The Office of the Attorney General does release public criminal records to non-profit organizations.

What’s on a California criminal record?

A person’s criminal record includes a thorough overview of their interaction with law enforcement and is maintained by multiple agencies.

California public criminal records consist of arrests, convictions, and incarcerations.

Specifically, a criminal record or background check includes the following information:

  • Personal information (name, birth date, nationality)
  • Mugshot
  • Fingerprints
  • Distinguishing physical features, such as tattoos, scars, moles
  • Any misdemeanors or felonies
  • Descriptions of the crime(s)
  • Arresting agency – sheriff’s office, police departments, or California state police
  • Sex offender status

Where can I find California criminal records?

The Office of the Attorney General and the California Department of Justice maintains criminal records in California.

The OAG provides background checks that can be accessed through law enforcement agencies and the official California State Records Online Database.

Manual fingerprints are required as part of the government code to initiate a background search as criminal records are not provided without a person’s knowledge.

Office of the Attorney General
455 Golden Gate Avenue
Suite 11000
San Francisco, CA 94102-7004

Phone number: 415-703-5500

Criminal Inmate Records

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation maintains California state prison records.

Every state maintains records on its prison population. For people interested in an inmate’s location, prison term, and pending transfers, inmate records are the best source of information.

What’s on a California inmate record?

California, records typically contain a combination of personal information and specific details about a person’s incarceration and arrest.

The following information can be acquired when public access is provided to inmate records:

  • Name
  • Birth Date
  • Gender
  • Arrest Records
  • Mugshot
  • Inmate location
  • Inmate registration ID number
  • Custody status
  • Jail transfer info

Where can I find California inmate records?

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation website provides prison contact information and links that allow you to locate offenders and provide information for victims and advocates.

You will use the California Inmate Locator to find an inmate’s public record.

California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
1515 S St #101n
Sacramento, CA 95811

Phone number: 916-324-7308

California court records

California court records provide extensive information from court cases. Court hours and complicated processes make obtaining public court records more difficult than other documents.

The California judiciary includes:

  • The Supreme Court
  • Courts of Appeal or California Appellate Court
  • Superior Courts

What’s on a California court record?

The information on a court record varies depending on the court.

California court records include the following information:

  • Court minutes
  • Case number
  • Dockets
  • Orders of the court
  • Judgment documentation
  • Jury records and files
  • Witness documentation

Where can I find California court records?

In California, court records for background checks are maintained by the California Judicial Branch.

The state of California imposes restrictions on employers that request court documents.

You can access California court records by physically going to the courthouse. You have the right to access hard copies as well as electronic court records.

You will need to find the specific court you’re making the request to in order to access public records online. You can find a complete list of courts using the California Courts website.

California vital records

The California Department of Public Health maintains vital records in the state.

California Vital Records includes:

  • Birth Certificates
  • Marriage Licenses
  • Divorce Decrees
  • California Death Records

Public vital records requests vary depending on the jurisdiction of the event.

What information do I need to request a California birth certificate?

The Application for Certified Copy of Birth Record requires specific information to obtain the document.

  • First, middle, and last name of the person on the birth record you’re requesting
  • City of birth
  • County of birth
  • Date of birth
  • Both parent’s full name

Where can I find a California birth certificate?

You can request a California birth certificate online using the state’s VitalCheck system or by completing the Application for Certified Copy of Birth Record and submitting it by mail or in person.

CA Department of Public Health – Vital Records
MS: 5103
P.O. Box 997410
Sacramento, CA 95899

Phone number: 916-558-1784

The price is $29 per certified copy of a California birth certificate.

What information do I need for a death certificate in California?

The Application for Certified Copy of Death Record requires certain information to obtain a death certificate.

  • First, middle, and last name of the deceased
  • The county the death took place
  • Date of death
  • Social security number
  • Date of birth
  • Full name of one parent
  • Spouse’s or domestic partner’s full name

Where can I find a California death record?

You can request a California death certificate online using the state’s VitalCheck system or by completing the Application for Certified Copy of Death Record and submitting it by mail or in person.

CA Department of Public Health – Vital Records
MS: 5103
P.O. Box 997410
Sacramento, CA 95899

Phone number: 916-558-1784

The price is $24 per certified copy of a California death record.

What information do I need to request a marriage certificate in California?

The Application for Certified Copy of Marriage Record will ask you for specific information to obtain a marriage record.

  • Full name of both parties before marriage
  • The county the marriage took place
  • The date of the marriage

Where can I find an existing California marriage record?

You can request a California marriage certificate online using the state’s VitalCheck system or by completing the Application for Certified Copy of Marriage Record and submitting it by mail or in person.

CA Department of Public Health – Vital Records
MS: 5103
P.O. Box 997410
Sacramento, CA 95899

Phone number: 916-558-1784

The cost is $17 per certified copy of a California marriage record.

What information do I need to request a divorce certificate in California?

California Department of Public Health only provides the face sheet of the divorce action. The department does not provide a certified copy of a divorce decree.

Your county Superior Court Clerk will provide a certified copy of a divorce decree for a dissolution that occurred in that county.

The Application for Certificate of Record for a Divorce will ask you for specific information.

  • The current first, middle, and last names of both spouses
  • The date of divorce
  • The county of the divorce

Where can I find a California divorce record?

You can request a limited divorce record from the California Department of Public Health by completing the Application for Certificate of Record for a Divorce and submitting it by mail or in person.

  • A limited divorce record consists of:
  • The names of both parties involved in the divorce
  • The divorce filing date
  • The county where the divorce took place
  • The court case number

The cost for a California divorce record is $16.

You will need to contact your county Superior Court Clerk to inquire about their processes and fees to obtain a certified copy of a divorce decree.

California Property Records

Your local Recorder’s Office (or County Clerk) maintains property records in your county.

You will need to contact your Office of the County Clerk to inquire about the process and cost of requesting California property records.

California property records consist of all types of property-related documents including liens and unclaimed property.

What information do I need to request property records in California?

California public property request forms and processes vary depending on the information and the jurisdiction.

Example – Los Angeles County
Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk Property Records Request

Where can I find a California property record?

You will submit your public property record request to your County Recorder’s Office (or County Clerk).

You will need to contact your County Office of the County Clerk to inquire about the process and cost of requesting California property records.

Example – Los Angeles County
Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk website

FAQs

Can a public records request be submitted by non-residents in California?

California Public Records Act states that all residents can request public records.

However, other agencies and the United States citizens residing in other states have made requests and received the requested records.

Is there a records custodian in California?

California does not have a records custodian.

California Public Records Act specifically advises people statewide to contact individual agencies to gain access to records.

What exemptions exist in California?

California does grant exemptions to “any records that are not in the best public interest to be released.”

In these particular cases, public information that pertains to safety protocols, building layouts, medical records, and records of that nature fall into this exemption category.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act exempts some public records requests.

How long does California have to respond?

California has ten days to respond to a public records request.

California Public Records Act does specify a response time. Many other states do not.

Is there an appeal process in place in California for denied public records requests?

The California Public Records Act (CPRA) does not establish any type of administrative appeal process.

However, the California state legislature does leave room for individual agencies to create their own appeals process.

What fees are associated with requesting public records in California?

Every California government agency has different policies, procedures, and prices. Always check with the department you’re making the request about fees.

Most offices only charge for certified copies.

Start Your Records Search:

Click Here to Leave a Comment Below 0 comments