California Court Records: Free Public Search & Lookup 2026

California court records are official files generated by the state’s 58 Superior Courts, 6 Courts of Appeal, and the California Supreme Court. These public court records cover civil lawsuits, criminal cases, family law matters, probate filings, small claims, and traffic infractions filed across every county. Under the California Public Records Act and Rules of Court 2.400 through 2.503, most documents are presumed open to public view. Each case file holds a case number, party names, filing dates, hearing schedules, motions, orders, and final judgments. Anyone needing California legal case records, court docket lookup results, or filed motions can request access through official channels. Sealed records, juvenile files, and certain family law documents remain restricted under specific statutes like Welfare and Institutions Code §786 and Penal Code §851.8. Knowing which documents fall under public access helps researchers, journalists, employers, and legal professionals locate the right information quickly. This foundation makes every California court file search faster and more reliable.

California court records can be accessed for free through official online portals operated by the Judicial Branch and individual county Superior Courts. Visitors can search California court cases by entering a party name, case number, or filing date range into systems like Odyssey, CourtSmart, or ImageSoft. A California court case search returns the docket sheet, hearing calendar, and links to filed PDF documents at no cost. The judiciary.ca.gov portal houses appellate and Supreme Court records, while county websites like lasuperiorcourt.org handle trial-level files. For California court documents online that require certified status, the clerk charges $25 to $40 per copy under Government Code §70626. California court records access through these channels serves journalists, employers, legal researchers, and people verifying personal histories. Anyone unsure how to find California court records should start with the county-level portal where the case was filed. From there, a California court record lookup and California legal case records search surface the full filing history within seconds.

California Court Records: Definition, Scope, and Public Access Laws

California court records are official judicial documents created and maintained by the California Judicial Branch, the state’s unified court system. These records include every filing, order, minute order, and judgment from trial courts, appellate courts, and the Supreme Court. Public access stems from the California Public Records Act (Government Code §7920.000 et seq.) and California Rules of Court 2.400 through 2.503, which together create a presumption of openness. The Judicial Council of California oversees policy, while each of the 58 Superior Courts stores and serves its own case files.

What Information Appears in a California Case File?

• Case caption and docket number
• Plaintiff and defendant names
• Filing dates and hearing schedules
• Cause of action or charge description
• Assigned judicial officer
• Orders, judgments, and final dispositions
• Filed motions, briefs, and exhibits

Legal Framework Governing California Court Records

Three layers of law control public access to California court records. The California Constitution Article I, Section 1 protects privacy interests, while Article I, Section 3 supports open proceedings. California Rules of Court 2.503 sets the standards for electronic access, and the California Public Records Act (CPRA) requires government agencies to disclose records upon request unless a specific exemption applies.

California Constitution Article I, Section 1 (Right to Privacy)

This section guarantees every person the right to privacy against arbitrary intrusion. Courts balance this right against the public’s interest in open judicial proceedings on a case-by-case basis.

California Rules of Court, Rule 2.503 (Public Access to Electronic Records)

Rule 2.503 governs remote access to electronic court records. It defines who may access records, what information remains confidential, and which case types carry access restrictions.

California Public Records Act (Gov. Code §7920.000 et seq.)

The CPRA, recodified in 2023, requires state and local agencies to make records available to the public. The statute lists specific exemptions, including sealed court records, attorney work product, and personnel files.

Who Maintains California Court Records?

The Judicial Council of California sets statewide policies and adopts rules of court. The 58 Superior Courts hold physical and digital custody of trial-level case files. The 6 Courts of Appeal and the California Supreme Court maintain appellate records through separate clerks. The California Department of Justice stores criminal history information separate from court case files.

Types of California Court Records by Case Category

California courts organize case files into seven main categories. Each category follows specific access rules. Civil and criminal cases are presumed public. Juvenile records (Welfare and Institutions Code §602) are automatically sealed in most circumstances. Family law files sit between public and confidential, with some documents restricted.

California Civil Court Records

Civil cases resolve disputes between private parties, businesses, or government entities. California Rules of Court section 2.108 defines unlimited and limited civil jurisdiction. Unlimited civil cases involve disputes over $35,000, while limited cases involve $35,000 or less.

Unlimited vs. Limited Civil Cases

Unlimited civil cases (also called general jurisdiction) include personal injury, medical malpractice, and complex business disputes. Limited civil cases cover smaller claims, including contract disputes and minor property damage.

Common Civil Filing Types

• Personal injury and wrongful death
• Breach of contract
• Real property and landlord-tenant
• Employment disputes
• Class actions and complex litigation

California Criminal Court Records

Criminal court records include felony, misdemeanor, and infraction filings. Felonies carry potential state prison sentences. Misdemeanors result in county jail or fines. Infractions are non-criminal but still appear in court files.

Felony and Misdemeanor Case Files

Felony case files become public after arraignment. Misdemeanor files follow the same access rules. Sealing eligibility depends on offense type, sentence completion, and waiting periods.

Pre-Trial, Trial, and Post-Conviction Records

Pre-trial documents include complaints, motions to suppress, and discovery. Trial records contain jury instructions, verdicts, and sentencing orders. Post-conviction records cover appeals, habeas corpus petitions, and expungement orders.

Infraction Records (Traffic and Municipal Code)

Traffic infractions, including speeding tickets and red-light camera citations, appear in Superior Court files. Most infraction records remain public indefinitely.

California Family Court Records

Family court handles divorce, custody, support, and restraining order petitions. These files mix public filings with confidential documents like financial declarations and custody evaluations.

Divorce and Dissolution Records

Divorce cases include petitions, responses, and final judgments. Property division and spousal support orders are public. Settlement agreements may be sealed by court order.

Child Custody, Support, and Visitation

Custody and support orders are public. Psychological evaluations and confidential mediation reports are typically sealed.

Domestic Violence Restraining Order Records

Restraining order records are public, though the court can seal the protected party’s address on request. The California Courts Self-Help website provides forms (CLETS-001, DV-100).

California Probate and Estate Records

Probate courts oversee wills, trusts, conservatorships, and guardianships. These files are public, with limited exceptions for sealed medical records attached to conservatorship petitions.

Wills, Trusts, and Decedents’ Estates

Probate case files include the petition for probate, the will (if one exists), and inventory documents. Creditor claims and final distributions also appear in the public file.

Conservatorship and Guardianship Records

Conservatorship files include medical evaluations, court investigator reports, and accountings. Some confidential reports are sealed by statute (Probate Code §1826).

Small Claims Court Records

Small claims cases involve disputes up to $12,500 for individuals ($6,250 for businesses in some counties). These files are public and searchable through the same county online portals.

Mental Health, Drug, and Veterans’ Court Records

Mental health court records (under Welfare and Institutions Code §5000 et seq.) are generally sealed. Drug court and veterans’ court records follow standard criminal access rules, though participation in treatment programs may be confidential.

California Appellate Court Records

Appellate records include briefs, oral argument transcripts, and published opinions. The 6 Courts of Appeal serve specific geographic districts. The California Supreme Court reviews selected cases and issues binding precedent.

Court of Appeal Records (6 Districts)

The First District sits in San Francisco, the Second in Los Angeles, the Third in Sacramento, the Fourth in San Diego, the Fifth in Fresno, and the Sixth in San Jose. Each district maintains its own case search portal on courts.ca.gov.

California Supreme Court Records

The California Supreme Court docket is searchable through the Judicial Branch website. Petitions for review, briefs, and oral argument calendars are public.

How to Search California Court Records Online: Step-by-Step Instructions

Searching California court records online starts with identifying the correct county and using the right portal. All 58 Superior Courts maintain searchable databases through their official websites. The California Judicial Branch also provides a centralized portal for appellate and Supreme Court records.

1. Step 1: Identify the California county where the case was filed. California has 58 counties, each with its own Superior Court.
2. Step 2: Navigate to the Superior Court’s official online records portal for that county.
3. Step 3: Enter the search criteria: party name, case number, or filing date range.
4. Step 4: Review the docket sheet for case status, hearings, and filed documents.
5. Step 5: View or download available documents in PDF format at no charge.
6. Step 6: Order certified copies from the court clerk if needed. Fees range from $25 to $40 per document under 2026 schedules.

Using the California Judicial Branch Case Search Portal

The California Judicial Branch website at courts.ca.gov provides direct links to appellate and Supreme Court case searches. Visitors can search the Supreme Court docket, view oral argument calendars, and download briefs.

Appellate Court Records Search

Each of the 6 Courts of Appeal maintains a case search page linked from the Judicial Branch site. Users can search by case number, party name, or filing date. Filed briefs and unpublished opinions are available as PDFs.

California Supreme Court Records Search

The Supreme Court case search lets users look up petitions for review, grants of review, and final opinions. Oral argument recordings are available through the Court’s website within days of argument.

County-Level Online Portals by Platform

Most California Superior Courts use one of three main record-management platforms. Knowing which platform a county uses helps users prepare their search.

Tyler Odyssey (Used in 40+ California Counties)

Tyler Odyssey is the dominant case management system in California. Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, Riverside, and Sacramento counties all use Odyssey. Users search by name, case number, or business index.

CourtSmart and ImageSoft Systems

CourtSmart serves several mid-size counties. ImageSoft powers smaller county portals. Both platforms offer similar search functions to Odyssey.

Legacy CMS Systems (Older Counties)

Some smaller counties still run legacy systems. These may require phone calls to the clerk for certain records. The Judicial Council’s court directory lists each county’s system.

Searching California Court Dockets by Case Number

California case numbers follow a specific format: two-digit year, court code, case type code, and sequence number. For example, 24STCV12345 indicates a 2024 filing in a Superior Court, civil case, sequence 12345. Knowing the case number speeds up any search.

Searching by Party Name (Plaintiff/Defendant)

Most portals allow searches by last name, first name, or business name. Users should try variations of the name to catch filings under different spellings. Date range filters help narrow results.

Mobile Access: California Court Records Apps

Several county Superior Courts offer mobile-friendly websites. Some third-party apps aggregate California court records, but users should verify accuracy against official sources. The Judicial Council does not endorse third-party apps.

California Court Records by County: 58 Superior Courts Directory

Because California operates a county-based Superior Court system, all trial-level court records stay with the Superior Court in the county where the case was filed. The largest caseloads are in Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, and Riverside counties. Each county maintains its own online portal with different access features.

Southern California Counties

Southern California holds the state’s busiest courts. Los Angeles alone processes millions of filings each year. The four largest counties (Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, Riverside) account for nearly half of all Superior Court filings.

Los Angeles County Court Records (LASC)

The Los Angeles Superior Court operates the largest court system in the United States. The online portal at lasuperiorcourt.org provides free access to civil, criminal, family, and probate dockets. Users can search by name, case number, or filing date. The court also offers a mobile app.

San Diego County Court Records

The San Diego Superior Court at sdcourt.ca.gov offers a comprehensive case search. Users access civil, criminal, family, and probate records through the same portal. The site supports name, case number, and citation searches.

Orange County Court Records

The Orange County Superior Court at occourts.org provides a public case search system. Users can view dockets and download filed documents. The court also offers online services for traffic and small claims matters.

Riverside and San Bernardino County Records

Riverside Superior Court and San Bernardino Superior Court both use Tyler Odyssey. Public searches are free. Document images are available for most cases filed after 2000.

Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo

These Central Coast counties operate separate portals. Ventura Superior Court uses the Odyssey system. Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo use CourtSmart.

Northern California Counties

Northern California courts include some of the oldest in the state. San Francisco, Alameda, and Santa Clara counties process significant commercial and civil caseloads.

San Francisco County Court Records

The San Francisco Superior Court provides online access through its website. Users can search civil, criminal, and family law cases. Probate records are also available.

Alameda and Contra Costa County Records

Alameda Superior Court and Contra Costa Superior Court both maintain public portals. Both counties use Odyssey. Free searches return docket information and document images.

Santa Clara County Court Records

The Santa Clara Superior Court offers an online case search. The system covers civil, criminal, family, and probate filings. Document images date back to the early 2000s.

Sacramento County Court Records

The Sacramento Superior Court operates a Tyler Odyssey portal. Users can search by name, case number, or citation. Filed documents are available as PDF downloads.

Central Valley and Rural Counties

Central Valley and rural counties handle smaller caseloads. Many still use Odyssey or CourtSmart. Some smaller courts require in-person visits for older records.

Complete County-by-County Search Table

Who Can Access California Public Court Records? Eligibility and Restrictions

California law presumes all court records are public. Access restrictions apply to specific categories: sealed records, juvenile cases, mental health proceedings, and certain family law documents. The general public, parties to a case, attorneys, journalists, and commercial background check services all have rights to access, with some variation by category.

General Public Access Rights

Any member of the public can access California court records that are not sealed. No identification or purpose statement is required for online searches. In-person requests may require photo ID for certain restricted records.

California Constitution, Article I, Section 3 (Right to Open Courts)

Section 3 of Article I declares “justice shall be administered openly.” This constitutional mandate supports public access to court proceedings and records. The California Supreme Court has interpreted this provision broadly.

First Amendment Public Access Doctrine

In NBC Subsidiary (KNBC-TV), Inc. v. Superior Court (1999) 20 Cal.4th 1178, the California Supreme Court recognized a qualified First Amendment right of access to criminal proceedings. The ruling extends to many court records.

Restricted and Sealed Records

Sealed records require a court order to remain hidden from public view. California Rules of Court 2.550 sets the standards for sealing records. Confidential records are sealed by statute without a court order.

Records Sealed Under CRC Rule 2.550

Rule 2.550 requires a showing of good cause to seal a record. Courts consider whether sealing serves a compelling interest and whether a less restrictive alternative exists. The rule applies to civil, criminal, and family law cases.

Confidential Records Under CRC Rule 2.551

Rule 2.551 lists records that are automatically confidential. These include adoption files, certain juvenile records, mental health commitment records, and some family court documents.

Press, Journalist, and Researcher Access

Journalists have the same access rights as the general public. They may also access records sealed in other cases if they can demonstrate a compelling public interest. Many courts provide press liaisons to facilitate large requests.

Party Access to Your Own Case File

Parties to a case have unrestricted access to their own court file. This includes all filings, exhibits, and court orders. Sealed documents in the party’s own case are accessible to the party and their attorney.

Background Check Companies and Commercial Use

Commercial background check services can access public California court records. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how such services use the data. Employers must follow specific rules when using court records for hiring decisions.

California Court Records Fees, Copies, and Certified Document Requests

Most California court records are free to view online. Printed copies cost $0.10 to $0.50 per page. Certified copies range from $25 to $40 per document under 2026 fee schedules. Some records require prepayment or in-person retrieval.

Standard Copy Fees (Government Code §70626)

Government Code section 70626 sets the standard fees for copies and certifications. Superior Courts may charge up to $0.50 per page for regular copies and a certification fee of $25 per document.

How to Order Certified Copies Online

1. Locate the case in the county’s online portal.
2. Select the document that needs certification.
3. Add the document to the cart and proceed to checkout.
4. Pay the certification fee ($25 to $40) by credit card.
5. Receive the certified copy by mail or pick it up at the clerk’s window.

In-Person and Mail-In Requests

Walk-in requests can be made at any Superior Court clerk’s office. Requesters should bring case numbers, party names, and photo ID. Mail requests require a written request, payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Processing times vary from one day to several weeks.

Fee Waivers (FW-001 Form)

Low-income parties can request a fee waiver using Judicial Council Form FW-001. The form asks about income, public benefits, and monthly expenses. Approved applicants receive free certified copies and waived filing fees. The form is available at courts.ca.gov/forms.

Sealing, Expungement, and Record Restrictions in California

California offers several forms of post-conviction relief. Expungement (Penal Code §1203.4), arrest record sealing (Penal Code §851.8), and juvenile record sealing (Welfare and Institutions Code §786, reformed by SB 384 in 2021) are the main pathways. Eligibility and process depend on offense type, sentence completion, and waiting periods.

California Expungement (Penal Code §1203.4)

Expungement under PC §1203.4 allows a defendant to withdraw a guilty plea or no contest plea after completing probation. The case is dismissed and the conviction is set aside. Most employers cannot access expunged records through standard background checks.

Eligibility Requirements

• Completed probation successfully (or probation was terminated early)
• Not currently facing criminal charges
• Not serving a sentence for another offense
• Felony convictions generally require a certificate of rehabilitation

The Expungement Process Step-by-Step

1. Obtain a copy of the criminal record from the court or DOJ.
2. File a Petition for Dismissal (CR-180) with the Superior Court.
3. Serve the petition on the prosecuting agency.
4. Attend the hearing (some courts decide without a hearing).
5. Receive the court order dismissing the case.

California Record Sealing (Penal Code §851.8)

Penal Code §851.8 allows sealing of arrest records and, since 2023, certain conviction records. Sealed records are hidden from most public view but remain accessible to law enforcement.

Arrest Record Sealing (PC §851.8(a))

Section 851.8(a) applies to arrests that did not result in conviction. A person can petition the court to seal the arrest record if no charges were filed, charges were dismissed, or the person was acquitted.

Conviction Sealing (PC §851.8(b))

Section 851.8(b), effective January 1, 2023, permits sealing of certain misdemeanor and felony convictions. Eligible offenses exclude serious and violent felonies listed in Penal Code §1192.7(c) and §667.5(c). Petitioners must complete their sentence and observe a waiting period.

Juvenile Record Sealing (WIC §786)

Welfare and Institutions Code §786 governs juvenile record sealing. SB 384, effective January 1, 2021, changed the system from automatic sealing at age 18 to a tiered system based on offense severity. Most juvenile records are eligible for sealing five years after the jurisdiction ends.

Felony Reduction and Reclassification

Penal Code §17(b) allows reduction of certain wobbler felonies to misdemeanors. The court considers the defendant’s record, the offense nature, and public safety. Reduced wobblers may then be expunged under §1203.4.

Certificate of Rehabilitation and Governor’s Pardon

A Certificate of Rehabilitation is a court order declaring a person rehabilitated. It is required before applying for a Governor’s pardon for certain felony convictions. Eligibility requires completion of sentence and a waiting period based on offense type.

California Court Records and Federal Court Records: Key Differences

California state court records differ from federal court records in several ways. State cases involve state law violations, civil disputes under state jurisdiction, and family law matters. Federal cases involve federal law, constitutional issues, bankruptcy, and diversity jurisdiction. Federal records are accessed through PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) at pacer.uscourts.gov.

PACER charges $0.10 per page, with a $3 cap per document. Users receive a quarterly fee waiver if their charges fall below $30. Federal appellate records are also available through the PACER system. Bankruptcy records are searchable through PACER as well as the PACER Case Locator.

Data Sources and Authoritative Links for California Court Records

Reliable research starts with official sources. Below are primary government websites and reference points for California court records. Each link points to a .gov or .ca.gov domain maintained by the relevant authority.

• California Judicial Branch homepage: courts.ca.gov
• California Supreme Court case search: courts.ca.gov/courts/supreme-court
• California Courts Self-Help forms: courts.ca.gov/selfhelp
• Los Angeles Superior Court: lasuperiorcourt.org
• San Diego Superior Court: sdcourt.ca.gov
• Orange County Superior Court: occourts.org
• Alameda County Superior Court: alameda.courts.ca.gov
• Santa Clara County Superior Court: scscourt.org
• Sacramento County Superior Court: saccourt.ca.gov
• California Department of Justice: oag.ca.gov
• PACER (federal court records): pacer.uscourts.gov
• Judicial Council Court Directory: courts.ca.gov/courts

California Court Records: Office Location and Contact Details

The California Judicial Branch administrative office is headquartered in San Francisco. Each Superior Court operates a main courthouse in the county seat. The Judicial Council administrative office oversees policy and rule-making for all 58 Superior Courts.

Administrative Office of the Courts (Judicial Council of California): 455 Golden Gate Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102-3688. Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Public phone: (415) 865-4200. The official website is courts.ca.gov.

Los Angeles Superior Court: 111 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Phone: (213) 830-0800. Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The official website is lasuperiorcourt.org.

San Diego Superior Court: 1100 Union Street, San Diego, CA 92101. Phone: (619) 450-5700. Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The official website is sdcourt.ca.gov.

Orange County Superior Court: 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701. Phone: (657) 622-8000. Office hours: Monday

Frequently Asked Questions

California court records give the public access to case files, dockets, and judgments across the state’s court system. They span all 58 Superior Courts, 6 Courts of Appeal, and the California Supreme Court. Searching these records helps you check backgrounds, verify legal history, follow ongoing cases, or gather evidence for court dates. For example, employers run background checks and landlords screen tenants. Journalists cover ongoing trials, and attorneys build case strategies using these official files. After learning the basics, you can run free searches on official court websites. The following questions cover who can view these records, how to search them, and where to find documents.

What are California court records and who can view them?

California court records include every document filed in a court case, such as complaints, motions, orders, judgments, and dockets. These California legal case records come from Superior Courts, Courts of Appeal, and the Supreme Court. Anyone can view public case records under the California Public Records Act and Rule 2.400 of the California Rules of Court. Sealed or confidential cases, like juvenile matters or certain family law filings, stay hidden from public view. To begin a California court file search, visit your county Superior Court website. Then, use the Judicial Branch’s case search portal to enter a name or case number for full California court records access.

How do I find California court records for free online?

You can find California court records for free by visiting your county Superior Court website. First, each county operates its own online portal, and most require only a first and last name to begin a search. The California Judicial Branch runs a statewide case search for appellate and Supreme Court cases. After you locate your record, you can view docket entries, hearing dates, and party names at no cost. Some counties share full document images at no extra charge through their public access portal. Older paper-only files stored before online systems need an in-person visit to the courthouse clerk’s office.

How do I do a California court record lookup by name?

To run a California court record lookup by name, visit the Superior Court website for the county where the case opened. First, look for a search section labeled Case Search, Online Records, or Public Access. Next, enter the party’s last name, then the first name. Narrow your results by date range or case type if needed. After searching, results show case numbers, filing dates, hearing schedules, and charges or civil claims tied to that party. If no match appears, try alternate spellings. Then, check adjacent counties, or confirm the correct county through the party’s address you already have on file.

What California court documents online can I view for free?

California court documents online include dockets, minute orders, civil complaints, criminal complaints, felony complaints, probation reports, and final judgments. Most counties share these records at no cost, with online access through each court portal. First, many counties post Register of Actions, which list every filing in a case with timestamps. Next, some courts post free downloads of PDFs for hearings, motions, and rulings. Before publishing, courts redact sensitive details like Social Security numbers, birth dates, and financial account numbers. For sealed records, mental health filings, and juvenile cases, you need a court order to view the file.

How does a California court docket lookup work?

A California court docket lookup shows every event and filing in a case, from the initial complaint through the final disposition. First, visit the Superior Court online portal and select docket search. Next, enter the case number or party name to pull up the Register of Actions. After that, each entry shows the document title, filing date, and judge assigned to the matter. Click the document link to read the full text or download a PDF copy. Finally, appellate court dockets work the same way through the California Courts of Appeal portal, with statewide access for all six districts.

What if I cannot find California public court records online?

If you cannot find California public court records online, contact the court clerk next. You can reach the clerk in person, by phone, or by mail. First, older criminal and civil files before 2000 often sit in physical archives at the courthouse. Then, the clerk can pull the file, copy key documents, and certify them for a small fee. After exhausting county records, you may hire a third-party record retrieval service. Costs run higher than doing the work yourself, but you save hours of legwork. Finally, another route is checking federal court records through PACER. This works if the case was filed in U.S. District Court rather than state court.