El Monte Public Records
Public records for El Monte are kept at city and county offices in the San Gabriel Valley. El Monte has about 109,000 people and is in Los Angeles County. Court files, vital records, and property documents are managed by Los Angeles 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 county is the largest in California, so online systems are often the best first step. Both city and county follow the California Public Records Act for processing requests.
El Monte Quick Facts
Los Angeles County Court Records
Court records for El Monte are kept at the Los Angeles County Superior Court. The nearest courthouse is the El Monte Courthouse at 11234 East Valley Blvd. You can search civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic cases online. The court website at lacourt.org has a case search tool. Enter a name or case number to see basic info. Los Angeles County has many 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 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.
The Los Angeles County Superior Court also offers online case access through AlacourtAccess. You can search by name or case number. A name search costs $9.99 and includes one case detail. Extra cases cost $9.99 each. To see document images, you pay $5.00 for the first 20 pages. This is a fast way to find court records without visiting the courthouse.
Birth, Death, and Marriage Records
Vital records for El Monte are at the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk office. The main office is at 12400 Imperial Hwy in Norwalk. 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.
Birth certificates cost $34 per copy as of 2026. Death certificates are $26. Marriage certificates are $19. These fees increased in 2026 due to state law 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 through VitalChek.
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 El Monte residents use the county office when they need records fast. The state fee is $24 per copy, which is less than the county fee, but processing takes much longer.
Marriage licenses are issued by the county clerk. You apply in person at any Los Angeles County Registrar-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.
Note: Los Angeles County residents impacted by fires can request vital records at no cost to support recovery efforts.
Property and Land Records
Property records for El Monte are at the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder office. This includes deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and other real estate documents. You can search property records online at lavote.gov. 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. The office accepts cash, check, and credit cards.
Property tax info is kept by the Los Angeles County Assessor. Tax records include assessed value, ownership, and parcel data. You can search by address or parcel number at portal.assessor.lacounty.gov. Tax bills and payment history are also in the system. Property maps show parcel boundaries and zoning.
City of El Monte Records
City records are at El Monte City Hall, 11333 Valley Blvd. 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 ci.el-monte.ca.us. 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. They can extend that by 14 days if needed.
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. Paper copies may have a fee based on staff time and copying costs.
Business licenses and permits are issued by city departments. Building permits are tracked by the Community 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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles County Sheriff provides some public safety data and booking logs. You can check if someone is in custody. 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.
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 Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder. You can search by business name or owner name. The statement shows who runs the business and where. Renewal is required every five years.
UCC financing statements are filed with the Secretary of State. These are liens on personal property. You search by debtor name. Certified copies are $5.00. You can order online at bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov.
Historical Records
Old El Monte 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.
Los Angeles County Public Records
El Monte is in Los Angeles County, and most legal records are kept at the county level. Court cases, vital records, property files, and many other records are held by Los Angeles County offices. For a full guide to county resources, office locations, fees, and contact info, visit the Los Angeles County public records page.