Daly City Public Records Search
Public records for Daly City are managed by San Mateo County and city offices. Daly City sits just south of San Francisco and has over 104,000 residents. County offices in Redwood City handle most vital records and court filings. Property documents, birth and death certificates, marriage records all come from San Mateo County. The city clerk in Daly City keeps local government records including council minutes, business licenses, and permits. You can search many public records online or visit offices in person. Some records require a formal request under the California Public Records Act.
Daly City Quick Facts
San Mateo County Records
Daly City is part of San Mateo County. The County Clerk-Recorder in Redwood City handles vital records and property documents for all residents. If you need a birth certificate, death certificate, or marriage record for someone in Daly City, you request it from the county office. These vital records are on file at the County Clerk-Recorder located at 555 County Center in Redwood City.
Birth certificates from San Mateo County cost $34 for the first copy. Death certificates are $26. Marriage certificates run $19. These fees increased in January 2026 under state law AB 64. You can apply for vital records in person, by mail, or through online vendors. The county office is open on weekdays. If you order online, you pay extra service fees but get the certificate faster without driving to Redwood City.
Property records for Daly City homes and land are recorded by the County Clerk-Recorder. You can search deeds, mortgages, liens, and other documents online. The county maintains a database that shows property ownership and any recorded documents. Search by property address, owner name, or document number. Basic searches are free. If you need copies of documents, you pay per page or per file.
The San Mateo County Superior Court handles all court cases for Daly City residents. This includes civil, criminal, family law, probate, and small claims cases. Court records are public unless sealed by a judge. You search for cases online or at the courthouse. If you want copies of court documents, contact the clerk. Many records are available electronically now so you can view them without traveling to the courthouse.
Court Records and Legal Documents
Most court records in Daly City come from San Mateo County Superior Court. Cases are filed at courthouses in Redwood City, South San Francisco, or other county locations. You can search for cases by party name or case number. The court website may have online access to dockets and filings. Some records require a visit to the courthouse.
Civil cases include lawsuits, small claims, and other disputes. These records show who filed the case, when it was filed, and what happened. Many civil case files are online. You can read court orders, motions, and judgments if the case is not confidential. Small claims cases under ten thousand dollars go through a simple process. Those records are also public and searchable.
Criminal cases are filed by the District Attorney. The court keeps records of arrests, charges, and outcomes. You cannot see someone else's full criminal record without legal authority. But you can see court records of cases that were filed. If someone was convicted in San Mateo County, that record is public. For statewide criminal history, the California Department of Justice maintains a database. You must submit fingerprints to get your own record or someone else's if you have the right to do so.
Family law matters include divorce, custody, child support, and domestic violence cases. Some family law records are confidential to protect privacy. But most case info is public. The court provides self-help services and forms for people without lawyers. Daly City residents can use these resources at the courthouse or on the court website.
Note: Court document copies usually cost 50 cents per page, and certified copies cost more.
City of Daly City Government Records
The City of Daly City maintains records related to local government. This includes city council agendas and minutes, resolutions, ordinances, building permits, and business licenses. The city clerk is the custodian of official city records. Most of these records are public under the California Public Records Act unless an exemption applies.
Daly City Hall is at 333 90th Street. The city clerk office is open Monday through Friday. You can visit to request records or submit a written request by mail or email. The city must respond within ten days. They will tell you whether the records exist and when you can inspect or copy them. Some records are available on the city website at dalycity.org.
Building permits and code enforcement records are managed by the Community Development Department. These records show permits for construction, remodeling, and repairs in Daly City. They also document violations and inspections. This info is useful if you are buying property or planning work on a building. Permit records are public and available at city hall or sometimes online.
Online Record Access
Many public records for Daly City are available online. You can search from home without visiting an office. Some searches are free. Others require payment for copies or detailed access. Here are key online systems for Daly City records.
The San Mateo County Clerk-Recorder has an online portal for property records. You search by property address, owner name, or document type. The system shows deeds, mortgages, liens, and other recorded documents for Daly City properties. Viewing the index is free. If you want to view or print scanned documents, there may be a fee depending on the number of pages.
Business records are at the California Secretary of State website. Go to sos.ca.gov to search corporations, limited liability companies, and partnerships. The search shows when a business was formed, who the registered agent is, and whether it is active or dissolved. Certificates of status cost $5.00 each. Certified copies of filed documents are also $5.00.
Court case information is available through the San Mateo County Superior Court. The court may offer online case search or you may need to contact the clerk by phone. Some courts charge for remote access to full case files. For basic info like case status and hearing dates, you can visit the courthouse and ask a clerk to look up a case for free.
Vital records can be ordered online through third-party services authorized by the county or state. You pay the certificate fee plus a service fee. The vendor processes your request and mails the certified document. This costs more than ordering by mail directly from the county but is more convenient and often faster.
Making Public Records Requests
The California Public Records Act gives you the right to inspect and copy public records from state and local agencies. This includes the City of Daly City and San Mateo County. When you submit a request, the agency must respond within ten days. They must produce the records or explain why they cannot. You do not need to give a reason for your request.
To request records from the City of Daly City, send a written request to the city clerk or the department that has the records. Be specific about what you want. Include dates, names, topics, or other details. The clearer your request, the faster the city can locate the records. The city can charge for copies but not for staff time to search in most cases.
San Mateo County departments handle records requests individually. For court records, contact the court clerk. For property records, contact the recorder. The county does not have one centralized system for all public records requests. You must go to the right department for the type of record you need.
If an agency denies your request, they must give you a written explanation. The denial should cite the specific law that allows them to withhold the records. Common exemptions include ongoing investigations, attorney-client communications, and personnel files. You can appeal a denial or seek legal advice if you think the agency is wrong.
Other Types of Public Records
Many types of public records exist beyond court and property files. These include voter records, professional licenses, tax liens, and unclaimed property. Each type has its own source and access rules.
Voter registration in Daly City is managed by the San Mateo County Elections Office. You can check your voter status online. If you need information on someone else's registration, you must follow election code rules. Some voter information is public but other details are confidential under state law.
Professional licenses are issued by state boards and departments. If you want to verify a contractor, doctor, lawyer, or other professional in Daly City, check the state licensing board for that profession. Most boards have online search tools. You can see if a license is current and whether there are complaints on file.
Tax liens are recorded with the county recorder. If someone owes back taxes, a lien may be filed against their property. These liens are public records. You can search for them at the recorder office. A tax lien shows up when you search by the property owner's name in Daly City.
Unclaimed property is tracked by the California State Controller. Search at sco.ca.gov to see if you have unclaimed funds. The state holds billions in lost money from old bank accounts, insurance policies, and other sources. You search by name. If you find a match, you file a claim online. There is no fee and no deadline to claim your property.
San Mateo County Public Records
Daly City is one of several cities in San Mateo County. The county serves over 700,000 residents on the Peninsula. For more information on San Mateo County offices and services, visit the county public records page.