Richmond Public Records Search
Richmond public records are maintained by Contra Costa County and the City of Richmond. The city has about 110,000 people and sits on the east side of San Francisco Bay. Contra Costa County manages court records, vital records, and property files for Richmond residents. The city clerk keeps local government documents including council agendas, ordinances, and permits. You can search for Richmond public records online through county and city portals or visit offices in person for copies and certified documents.
Richmond Quick Facts
Contra Costa County Records for Richmond
Richmond is in Contra Costa County. This means Contra Costa County offices keep most public records for Richmond. The county clerk-recorder issues vital records like birth and death certificates. The recorder also maintains property records including deeds, mortgages, and liens. Court records come from the Contra Costa County Superior Court. All these offices serve Richmond residents.
The County Clerk-Recorder office is in Martinez at 555 Escobar Street. You can request vital records in person or by mail. Birth certificates cost $34. Death certificates are $26. Marriage certificates run $19. These fees went up in January 2026 under Assembly Bill 64. The county also offers online ordering for vital records through a third-party vendor. Processing times vary but county offices are usually faster than ordering from the state.
Property records are searchable online. The county has a records search portal where you can look up deeds and other recorded documents by name, document number, or property address. The search is free. If you want copies of documents, you pay per page. The county charges for paper copies and electronic copies. Most real estate documents for Richmond properties going back decades are in the online system.
Court Records in Richmond
The Contra Costa County Superior Court handles all court cases for Richmond. The court has several locations. The main courthouse is in Martinez. There is also a courthouse in Richmond at 100 37th Street. This location handles criminal cases, traffic matters, and some civil filings. You can file cases here and get copies of court documents during business hours.
To search court records for Richmond cases, you can visit the courthouse or use the court's online portal if available. Many California courts now offer online case search. You enter a party name or case number. The system shows basic case info like filing dates, case type, and hearings. For detailed documents, you may need to pay a fee or visit the clerk in person.
Criminal records are kept by the court and by the California Department of Justice. The court has records of criminal cases filed in Contra Costa County. The DOJ has a statewide criminal history database. You cannot get someone else's full criminal record unless you have legal authority. Employers and licensing boards can request background checks. You can request your own record by submitting fingerprints to the DOJ.
Family law cases in Richmond go through the superior court. This includes divorce, custody, child support, and domestic violence matters. Some family law records are sealed or confidential. But most case filings are public. You search for family law cases the same way you search civil cases. The court has self-help resources and forms for people who cannot afford a lawyer.
Note: Copy fees at the courthouse are typically 50 cents per page for non-certified copies and more for certified documents.
City of Richmond Records
The City of Richmond maintains records related to local government operations. This includes city council agendas and minutes, municipal code, planning and zoning files, building permits, and business licenses. The city clerk is the custodian of these records. Under the California Public Records Act, most city records are open to public inspection.
Richmond City Hall is at 450 Civic Center Plaza. The city clerk office is on the first floor. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You can call the clerk at (510) 620-6513 to ask about records or make an appointment. The city website at ci.richmond.ca.us has agendas, minutes, and some public documents available for download.
To request public records from the City of Richmond, you can submit a written request to the city clerk or the specific department that has the records you want. The city must respond in ten days. They will tell you if the records exist, if they are available, and how much copies will cost. The city can charge for the direct cost of duplication but not for staff time to search or review records in most cases.
Building and safety records are kept by the Planning and Building Services Department. These records show permits issued for construction, remodeling, and repairs in Richmond. They also show code enforcement actions and inspection reports. This info is useful if you are buying property or doing work on a building. Permit records are public and can be requested at city hall.
Search Richmond Records Online
Many Richmond public records are available online. This saves you a trip to an office. You can search from home or work at any time. Some searches are free. Others require payment for copies or detailed info. Here are the main online systems for Richmond records.
The Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder has an online portal for property records. You can search by owner name, address, or document type. The site shows recorded deeds, deeds of trust, liens, and other documents that affect title to real estate in Richmond. Viewing the index is free. Copies of scanned documents cost a few dollars depending on the number of pages. This is a fast way to check property records without going to Martinez.
Business records for Richmond companies are at the California Secretary of State website. Go to sos.ca.gov to search. You can look up corporations, LLCs, and partnerships registered in California. The search shows when a business was formed, who the agent is, and if it is active. Certificates of status and certified copies cost $5.00 each. You can order them online and get digital copies right away.
Court case info is available through the superior court. The court may have an online case search or you may need to call the clerk. Some courts charge for remote access to detailed case files. For free basic info, you can visit the courthouse in Richmond or Martinez and ask a clerk to look up a case. Clerks can tell you case status, upcoming hearings, and how to get copies of documents.
Vital records can be ordered from Contra Costa County or the state. The county is usually faster. Some counties let you order online through a third-party service. You pay the certificate fee plus a service fee. The vendor processes your order and mails you the document. This is convenient but costs more than ordering directly from the county by mail.
How to Request Public Records in Richmond
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 Richmond and Contra Costa County. The law requires agencies to respond within ten days. They must produce the records unless an exemption applies. You do not need to explain why you want the records.
To make a public records request in Richmond, send your request in writing to the city clerk or the department that has the records. Email is fine. Some agencies have online request forms. Be as specific as possible about what you want. Give dates, names, or topics. The clearer your request, the faster the agency can find the records. If your request is too vague, they may ask you to clarify.
Contra Costa County departments handle records requests individually. For court records, contact the court clerk. For property records, contact the recorder. For health records, contact the health department. The county does not have a 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. Most routine public records are released without issues.
Other Public Records for Richmond
There are many types of public records beyond court and property files. These include voter records, professional licenses, tax liens, and unclaimed property. Each type of record has its own source and access rules.
Voter registration in Richmond is managed by the Contra Costa County Elections Division. You can check your voter status online. If you need info on someone else's registration, you must follow election code rules. Some voter info is public but other details are confidential. Contact the elections office to ask what info is available and how to request it.
Professional licenses are issued by state boards and departments. If you want to verify a contractor, doctor, or lawyer in Richmond, check the state licensing board for that profession. Most boards have online search tools. You see if a license is current, if there are complaints, and when it expires. This is free public info.
Tax liens are recorded with the county recorder. If someone owes back taxes, the IRS or state can file a lien against their property. These liens are public records. You search for them at the recorder office the same way you search for deeds. A lien shows up when you search by the property owner's name in Richmond.
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 of dollars in lost or forgotten money. 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.
Contra Costa County Public Records
Richmond is one of many cities in Contra Costa County. The county serves over one million residents in the East Bay. For more information on Contra Costa County offices, services, and online systems, visit the county public records page. You will find contact info for all county departments and links to online portals.