Berkeley Public Records Access
Public records in Berkeley are kept at city and county offices across the East Bay. Berkeley has about 124,000 people and is known for its active local government. Court files, vital records, and property documents are managed by Alameda County agencies, while city records include permits, council files, and local business licenses. You can search many records online or request them in person. The city follows the California Public Records Act and responds to requests through an online NextRequest portal. Most records are public unless protected by a specific exemption.
Berkeley Quick Facts
Alameda County Court Records
Court records for Berkeley are kept at the Alameda County Superior Court. The main courthouse is in Oakland at 1221 Oak St, and there are branch courts across the county. You can search civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic cases online. The court website at alameda.courts.ca.gov has a case search tool. Enter a name or case number to see basic info. Some documents are available as images if they have been scanned.
Most court records are public, but some are sealed or restricted by law. Juvenile cases are confidential. Family law cases may have limited online access to protect privacy. You can see the case index and basic facts, but full documents often need an in-person visit to the courthouse. The clerk window is open for record requests on weekdays. Bring photo ID when you request records. Certified copies cost $0.50 per page plus a base fee.
Civil cases involve disputes over money, property, or contracts. Limited civil cases are under $35,000. Unlimited cases go above that. Small claims cases are also civil but have a simpler process. Family law covers divorce, custody, support, and related matters. Probate handles estates, trusts, and guardianships. Criminal cases range from misdemeanors to serious felonies. Each type has its own filing rules and fees.
Note: Berkeley residents can file cases at any Alameda County courthouse, though most civil and criminal matters go through the Oakland courthouse.
Vital Records for Berkeley Residents
Birth, death, and marriage records for Berkeley are at the Alameda County Clerk-Recorder office. The office is at 1106 Madison St in Oakland. You can order copies in person, by mail, or online. Only certain people can get certified copies under California Health and Safety Code Section 103526. This includes the person named on the record, parents, legal guardians, and others with legal interest. You need valid ID and proof of relationship to the record.
Birth certificates are issued to parents, the person named on the certificate, or those with legal standing. Death certificates can go to family, legal representatives, or those with a property interest. Marriage certificates are public records, so anyone can order them. The county fee is $24 per copy as of 2026. Extra copies ordered at the same time cost less. The office accepts cash, checks, and credit cards in person. Online orders may have a service fee.
You can also order vital records from the state. The California Department of Public Health keeps copies of all records from across the state. State orders take longer, often five to seven weeks by mail. Walk-in service at the county office is faster and may be same day if the record is on file. Most Berkeley residents use the county office when they need records fast.
Marriage licenses are issued by the county clerk. You apply in person at any Alameda County Clerk-Recorder office. Both parties must appear. Bring valid ID. The license is good for 90 days. After you marry, the officiant sends the license back to the county. The record becomes public unless it is a confidential marriage. You can then order certified copies of the marriage certificate.
Property and Land Records
Property records for Berkeley are at the Alameda County Clerk-Recorder office. This includes deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and other real estate documents. You can search property records online at the county website. The search is free. It shows recorded documents going back many years. Some images are online. Others need a visit to the office or an order by mail.
Recording a new document has a fee based on the number of pages. The base fee is set by state law. Extra pages cost more. Same-day recording is an option if you bring the document in person. Mail and drop-box filings take longer. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page in most cases. Uncertified copies may be less. The office accepts cash, check, and credit cards.
Property tax info is kept by the Alameda County Assessor. Tax records include assessed value, ownership, and parcel data. You can search by address or parcel number online. Tax bills and payment history are also in the system. Property maps show parcel boundaries and zoning. Most property research for Berkeley can be done online before you visit any office.
City of Berkeley Records
City records are at Berkeley City Hall, 2180 Milvia St. The City Clerk keeps official records and responds to public records requests under the California Public Records Act. You can ask for city council minutes, resolutions, ordinances, and other city documents. Most records are public. Some are exempt, like personnel files, attorney work product, and certain law enforcement records.
City council meetings are posted online. Agendas, staff reports, and meeting videos are at berkeleyca.gov. The municipal code is also online. You can search the code to find local laws on zoning, business rules, and public safety. Berkeley has many boards and commissions. Their meetings and records are also public. Older records may need a formal request.
Public records requests go through the city clerk or the online portal. Berkeley uses NextRequest for CPRA requests. You can submit a request at cityofberkeleyca.nextrequest.com. No fee to make a request. You do not have to say why you want the records. The city has ten days to respond. They can extend that by 14 days if needed. The city will tell you if there is a cost for copies. Electronic records are often free. Paper copies may have a fee.
Business licenses and permits are issued by city departments. Building permits are tracked by the Planning and Development Department. Some permits have public notices. Planning and zoning decisions are also public. Most files are open unless they involve private details that are protected by law.
Criminal History Access
Criminal history records are kept by the California Department of Justice. You can only get your own record by submitting fingerprints. The process is called a Live Scan. You go to an authorized site and pay a fee. The DOJ sends your record by mail. Third parties cannot request someone else's criminal history. Background checks for jobs and licenses go through approved channels with the subject's consent.
Court records of criminal cases are public once the case is filed. You can search Alameda County court records online to see if someone has a case. The case file shows charges, hearings, pleas, and sentences. Some details may be sealed or restricted. Juvenile cases are confidential. Expunged cases may still show up but will note the dismissal.
The Berkeley Police Department and Alameda County Sheriff provide some public safety data. You can check if someone is in custody at the county jail. Inmate info includes name, booking date, charges, and bail. For older cases or more details, search the court records or ask the court clerk in person.
Business Entity Records
Business entity records are kept by the California Secretary of State. This includes corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and other business types. You can search by business name or entity number at sos.ca.gov. The search is free. Results show the business status, filing date, agent for service, and officers. Some businesses must file annual reports. Those reports are also online.
Fictitious business names are filed at the county level. If a business uses a name other than its legal name, it must file a DBA statement with the Alameda County Clerk-Recorder. You can search by business name or owner name. The statement shows who runs the business and where. It is public info. Renewal is required every five years.
UCC financing statements are filed with the Secretary of State. These are liens on personal property like equipment or inventory. You search by debtor name. The results show what property is pledged and who has the lien. Certified copies are $5.00. You can order online at bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov.
Historical Records
Old Berkeley records may be at the city, the county, or the California State Archives. The State Archives is in Sacramento and keeps records from state and local government that have lasting value. You can search the online catalog at sos.ca.gov/archives. Some records are digitized. Others need an in-person visit to the research room.
The Berkeley Public Library has a local history section. The Bancroft Library at UC Berkeley also has extensive California history collections. These are not official government records but can help with research on Berkeley history.
Alameda County Public Records
Berkeley is in Alameda County, and most legal records are kept at the county level. Court cases, vital records, property files, and many other records are held by Alameda County offices. For a full guide to county resources, office locations, fees, and contact info, visit the Alameda County public records page.