California public records and people search guide
In California, the California Public Records Act (Gov. Code § 7920.000 et seq.) governs access to government records, backed by a constitutional right of access (Cal. Const. art. I, § 3(b) (Proposition 59, 2004)). Court cases are generally public at the court where they were filed. Searching public records for personal reasons is legal; using them to screen tenants or employees requires an FCRA-compliant report.
At a glance
What is usually public in California
- Court records: civil, criminal, small claims and most probate filings, unless sealed or confidential by law.
- Property records: owner of record, deeds and tax assessments, from the county assessor and recorder. See how to find a property owner.
- Business filings: companies registered with the California Secretary of State (or equivalent office).
- Professional licenses: through California's licensing boards. See how to verify a license.
- Sex offender registry: California's registry is included in the national search at NSOPW.gov.
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce): access rules vary; many are restricted to the people named or their families. Contact the California vital records office or the county.
How to request records from a California agency
- Identify the agency that holds the record (city, county or state).
- Send a written request that describes the records as specifically as you can, citing the California Public Records Act. Many agencies have an online portal.
- Expect a response within the statutory period: The agency must decide within 10 days whether it will disclose (extendable by up to 14 days in unusual circumstances).
- Ask about copy fees up front.
- If denied, ask for the specific exemption relied on. Appeal options are summarized in the guide below.
Detailed, maintained legal summary: Reporters Committee Open Government Guide: California.
Searching California court records
- California Judicial Branch: court directory, forms and access policies.
- California has no single statewide case search. Each county superior court runs its own online index; start from the county court website.
- Federal cases in California: PACER.
Reading results: an arrest is not a conviction, and similar names are easy to confuse. Match the date of birth and county. See how to check criminal records legally.
Public profiles, photos and phone data. Private: nobody is notified.
California area codes
Questions
Are court records public in California?
Most California court records are open to the public unless sealed, expunged or confidential by law (for example juvenile and many family matters). Start at the California Judicial Branch website or the clerk of the court where the case was filed.
What is California's public records law?
The California Public Records Act (Gov. Code § 7920.000 et seq.) gives the public a right to inspect and copy government records, with exemptions set by law. Response time: The agency must decide within 10 days whether it will disclose (extendable by up to 14 days in unusual circumstances).
Can I run a background check on someone in California?
You can search public records yourself for personal reasons. For hiring, renting, lending or insurance decisions, federal law (the FCRA) requires a consumer reporting agency and the person's permission, and California may add its own rules.
How do I look up a California phone number?
Enter it in a reverse phone lookup. California area codes include 209, 213, 279, 310, 323, 341 and more.
Updated 2026-10-28. Links checked 2026-10-28. General information, not legal advice; statutes change, so confirm details with the agency or the Reporters Committee guide.
TrueSearch is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Do not use TrueSearch or anything on this page to make decisions about employment, housing or tenant screening, credit, insurance, or any other FCRA-covered purpose. Results come from publicly available information and licensed telecom data and may be incomplete or out of date.