Carlsbad Public Records
Public records for Carlsbad are kept at city and county offices in North San Diego County. Carlsbad has about 114,000 people and is in the coastal region. Court files, vital records, and property documents are managed by San Diego County agencies, while city records include permits, council files, and local business licenses. You can search many records online or request them in person. San Diego County has online systems for court and property records. Both city and county follow the California Public Records Act for responding to requests within ten days.
Carlsbad Quick Facts
San Diego County Court Records
Court records for Carlsbad are kept at the San Diego County Superior Court. The nearest courthouse is the North County Regional Center at 325 S Melrose Dr in Vista. You can search civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic cases online. The court website at sdcourt.ca.gov has a case search tool. Enter a name or case number to see basic info. San Diego County has several courthouses, so check which location handles your case type.
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. You can see the case index and basic facts, but full documents often need an in-person visit. The clerk window is open for record requests on weekdays. Bring photo ID. 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 are under $10,000 and 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.
Birth, Death, and Marriage Records
Vital records for Carlsbad are at the San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk office. The main office is at 1600 Pacific Hwy in San Diego. 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.
Birth certificates cost $24 per copy as of 2026. Death certificates are $24. Marriage certificates are $24. These fees went up in 2026 under AB 64. 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. Most Carlsbad residents use the county office when they need records fast.
Marriage licenses are issued by the county clerk. You apply in person at any San Diego County ARCC 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.
Property and Land Records
Property records for Carlsbad are at the San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk office. This includes deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and other real estate documents. You can search property records online at arcc.sdcounty.ca.gov. The search is free. It shows recorded documents going back many years.
Recording a new document has a fee based on the number of pages. The base fee is set by state law. Same-day recording is an option if you bring the document in person. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page. The office accepts cash, check, and credit cards.
Property tax info is kept by the San Diego 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.
City of Carlsbad Records
City records are at Carlsbad City Hall, 1200 Carlsbad Village Dr. 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 carlsbadca.gov. The municipal code is also online. You can search the code to find local laws on zoning, business rules, and public safety. Older records may need a formal request. The city has ten days to respond to CPRA requests.
Public records requests go to the city clerk. You can ask in person, by mail, or by email. No fee to make a request. You do not have to say why you want the records. The city will tell you if there is a cost for copies. Electronic records are often free.
Business licenses and permits are issued by city departments. Building permits are tracked by the Development Services Department. Some permits have public notices. Planning and zoning decisions are also public.
Criminal History Access
Criminal history records are kept by the California Department of Justice. You can only get your own record by submitting fingerprints through Live Scan. You go to an authorized site and pay a fee. The DOJ sends your record by mail.
Court records of criminal cases are public once the case is filed. You can search San Diego 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.
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.
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 San Diego County ARCC. Renewal is required every five years.
Historical Records
Old Carlsbad 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.
San Diego County Public Records
Carlsbad is in San Diego County, and most legal records are kept at the county level. Court cases, vital records, property files, and many other records are held by San Diego County offices. For a full guide to county resources, office locations, fees, and contact info, visit the San Diego County public records page.