How to Search California Public Records
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.
California Counties — Most Searched
Statewide Databases
Use the databases below based on the type of record you are searching.
Criminal & Court Records
Vital Records
Business, Voter & Other
How to Search California Criminal Records
Start with the county Superior Court criminal case search — each county runs its own system. Los Angeles Superior Court (lacourt.org), San Diego (sdcourt.ca.gov), and Orange County (occourts.org) have comprehensive online search. There is NO free statewide criminal search in California — the DOJ requires Live Scan fingerprints for background checks, which costs money and requires authorization. For county jail inmates, go to the county Sheriff's website. For state prison inmates, use CDCR's inmate locator. Only use the DOJ Live Scan process if you're an employer, landlord, or licensing agency with legal authorization.
How to Search California Court Records
Go to the county Superior Court for everything — felonies, misdemeanors, civil, family, probate, small claims. California eliminated municipal courts in 1998, so there's only one trial court per county. The challenge is that each of the 58 counties runs its own website and search system independently. There is no unified statewide court search. Start with the specific county where the case was filed.
How to Search California Property Records
Start with the County Assessor's website for property valuations, ownership details, and tax assessments. Then go to the County Recorder (or County Clerk-Recorder in some counties) for deeds, mortgages, liens, and recorded documents. For tax bills and payment history, check the County Tax Collector. Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Diego County, and most large counties have excellent online property search tools.
How to Get California Vital Records
For birth and death certificates, order from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) for statewide records, or from the county Clerk-Recorder where the event occurred. For marriage licenses, go to the County Clerk-Recorder. For divorce records, go to the Superior Court in the county where the divorce was granted. California charges $25 for certified copies of vital records.
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.
Are Assessor and Recorder the same office in California? ▼
Depends on the county. Some counties (San Diego, Sonoma, Marin) combine them. Others (LA, Santa Clara) keep them separate. Check the specific county page for details.
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.
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