How to Search Los Angeles County Records (Start Here)
LA County runs the largest Superior Court system in the United States — over 40 courthouses. The court, the Assessor, and the Registrar-Recorder are three separate offices with three separate search systems.
- Court cases: lacourt.org. Use "Access a Case" to search by case number or party name. Covers civil, criminal, family, probate, and small claims. The online search runs 24/7 except Friday maintenance after 11 PM.
- Property values and assessments: LA County Assessor at assessor.lacounty.gov. Property search returns assessed value, tax class, and parcel details.
- Recorded deeds, mortgages, liens: The Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk at lavote.gov — this is a separate office from the Assessor. Real estate records go back to 1850.
- Criminal background: No free statewide criminal search in California. Live Scan fingerprint check through the CA DOJ is the only comprehensive option.
In most California counties, the Assessor and Recorder are the same office. In LA County, they are not. Search both if you need property ownership and document history.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I search LA County court cases? ▼
Go to lacourt.org and use "Access a Case." You can search by case number or look up a case number by party name. The system covers all LA Superior Court locations — over 40 courthouses. Available 24/7 except Friday nights during maintenance.
Are the Assessor and Recorder the same office in LA County? ▼
No. Unlike most California counties, LA separates them. The Assessor (assessor.lacounty.gov) handles property values. The Registrar-Recorder (lavote.gov) handles recorded documents — deeds, mortgages, liens. You may need to search both.
Can I search LA County criminal records online? ▼
You can search criminal court cases on lacourt.org. For a full criminal background, California requires a Live Scan fingerprint check through the state DOJ — there is no free statewide criminal database.
How far back do LA County property records go? ▼
The Registrar-Recorder maintains real estate records dating back to 1850. Online searches cover more recent decades; older records may require an in-person visit.
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