OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS

Because You Need to Know
California Public Records

Use this page to find court records, arrest records, and other public records in California. Each section links to the official agency or online tool that holds the records.

⚡ At a Glance

  • State courts: 58 counties, each with a Superior Court
  • Federal courts: 4 U.S. District Courts (Northern, Eastern, Central, Southern)
  • Background checks: California DOJ — Fingerprint-Based Criminal Record Request
  • Records law: California Public Records Act (CPRA)
How to use this page: Pick the type of record you need below. Court records and arrest records each have their own section with links to the agencies that hold them. Official links go to government websites — not third-party services.

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

What You Can Find Here

⚖️ State and federal court case records
🔍 Arrest records and jail bookings by county
📋 Criminal background checks through California DOJ
🏛️ Property, vital, and other public records
What you will need:
  • Full name of the person or business
  • Case number, if you have one
  • Approximate date or location of the record

Court Records

California has 58 counties, each with its own Superior Court. There is no single statewide search portal — each county court maintains its own case records online. Visit the Judicial Branch website to find your county's Superior Court and its electronic case access system.

County-level court records include civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic cases. Availability varies by county — some have full online records, others require an in-person visit or written request to the clerk's office.

Federal Courts

Federal cases in California are handled by four U.S. District Courts:

  • Northern District — San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose
  • Eastern District — Sacramento, Fresno, Bakersfield, Redding
  • Central District — Los Angeles, Riverside, Santa Ana (largest federal district in the U.S.)
  • Southern District — San Diego, El Centro

Federal court records are available through the PACER system. Some records can be viewed at no cost at federal courthouse public terminals.

⚖️ Find Your Court's Electronic Case Records — California Courts 🏛️ Judicial Branch of California Website

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in California are created and held by the agency that made the arrest — either a city police department, county sheriff's office, or state agency. To get a copy of an arrest report, contact the arresting agency directly. Most agencies accept requests in writing, by email, or through a public records portal.

For statewide criminal history, the California Department of Justice (DOJ) maintains criminal records. You can request a copy of your own record through the Record Review process, which requires fingerprinting and a $25 processing fee.

🔍 California DOJ — Criminal Record Request (Record Review) 📋 California DOJ — Fingerprint Background Checks

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Other Public Records

California operates under the California Public Records Act (CPRA). Any person can request government records in writing. Requests go to the agency that holds the records. Agencies must respond within 10 calendar days and may take a 14-day extension if needed.

How to file a request: Write to the government body that holds the records. Include your name, contact information, and a clear description of what records you want. Requests can be sent by mail, email, fax, or hand-delivered. No special form is required.

How Records Work in California

Court records are maintained at the county level by each county's Superior Court clerk. Criminal history is centralized through the California DOJ. Arrest records stay with the arresting agency unless submitted to the state system.

Many records are available online for free. Certified copies, background checks, and some older records may require a fee or in-person visit.

Counties in California

California has 58 counties. Select a county below to find local court, arrest, and public records.

Major Counties

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on publicly available information from California state agencies and federal courts.

How do I search court records in California for free?
Visit your county Superior Court's website. Each of the 58 counties has its own online case search system. The California Courts website has a guide to finding your court's electronic records.
Are arrest records public in California?
Yes, with some limitations. Arrest records are public under the California Public Records Act. Contact the arresting agency directly — city police or county sheriff — to request a copy. Access to state-level criminal history requires fingerprinting through the DOJ.
How do I run a background check in California?
The California DOJ offers fingerprint-based criminal record checks. You can request your own record through the Record Review process. The fee is $25. Fingerprints must be submitted at an authorized Live Scan location.
What is the California Public Records Act?
It is the state law that gives the public the right to access government records. You can submit a written request to any state or local government body. Agencies must respond within 10 calendar days. More info at oag.ca.gov.
How many court systems does California have?
California has a unified trial court system: each county has one Superior Court that handles all types of cases. Above the trial courts are six Courts of Appeal and the California Supreme Court. Each county clerk maintains records at the local level.
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