OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS

Because You Need to Know
How to use this page: Pick a section below — court records, arrest records, or other records. Each one tells you where to go, who to contact, and what tools are available online.

Start here: Choose the type of record you need below, then follow the link to the official source.

What You Can Find Here

⚖️ Superior Court case records (civil, criminal, family)
🔍 Sheriff jail search and inmate information
🏛️ Traffic and small claims court records
📋 Property records and vital records contacts
What you will need:
  • Full name of the person or business
  • Case number, if you have one
  • Approximate date or location of the record

How to Request Records

Most records are handled by different offices — always contact the office listed in the section above.

In person: Visit the Civic Center Courthouse at 400 McAllister St or the Hall of Justice at 850 Bryant St. Bring a valid ID.

Online: Visit the court's official website for online case search and e-filing options.

By mail or email: Submit a written request under the California — Court & Arrest Lookup Act to the office that holds the records. Contact the County Clerk at (415) 554-4950 for vital records inquiries.

About San Francisco

San Francisco is a consolidated city-county — the City and County of San Francisco are the same jurisdiction. There are no other incorporated cities within the county. San Francisco serves as both the county seat and the only municipality.

What this page does not show: Not all records are available online. Some require a written request, an in-person visit, or a fee. Court records and arrest data may be incomplete, delayed, or not yet entered into online systems.

This page is a guide to help you find official records — it is not the official database. All information comes from government sources. Verify details directly with the agency that holds the records.

Last updated: April 15, 2026