Find San Diego Public Records
San Diego public records come from city and county agencies serving California's second largest city. Court records, vital certificates, business filings, property documents, and government papers are kept by different offices. The city maintains its own records through the City Clerk and accepts California Public Records Act requests through NextRequest. San Diego County handles vital records like birth and death certificates through the Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk office. The Superior Court keeps case files for civil, criminal, family law, probate, and small claims matters. You can search many record types online. Some need an office visit or written request. Processing times vary from instant searches to weeks for certified copies by mail.
San Diego Quick Facts
San Diego County Records
San Diego is in San Diego County. County offices handle vital records, property documents, and most court cases. The Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk office is called ARCC. This department issues birth, death, and marriage certificates for events in the county. They also record property deeds, mortgages, and liens. The main office is in downtown San Diego with branch locations throughout the county.
Birth, death, and marriage certificates cost $24 per copy as of January 2026 under Assembly Bill 64. You must prove your relationship to get vital records. Parents, spouses, adult children, grandparents, and legal representatives can order copies. Bring valid photo ID when you apply. Processing takes a few days to several weeks depending on how you order.
The ARCC website at arcc.sdcounty.ca.gov provides online services for some records. You can search property information and order copies of recorded documents. Vital records can be ordered online through approved vendors or in person at county offices. Check the website for current fees and processing times.
For full details on county services and offices, see the San Diego County page.
Superior Court Case Files
The Superior Court of California, County of San Diego, maintains case records for all trial court matters in the county. This includes civil, criminal, family law, probate, and small claims cases. The court operates multiple courthouses serving different areas. Each courthouse keeps files for cases filed there.
Court records access is governed by state law. Civil cases are mostly public. Criminal cases show basic information but protect victim privacy. Family law cases hide sensitive financial and child information. Juvenile cases are confidential. You can search case indexes online. Full documents require a courthouse visit or mail order in most cases.
The court website at sdcourt.ca.gov/sdcourt/generalinformation/accesscourtrecords explains how to access different record types. The Case Index Search at courtindex.sdcourt.ca.gov/CISPublic/enter lets you look up cases by party name, case number, or attorney. The index is free to use and updates daily.
Search results show case number, filing date, case type, and courthouse location. Some cases have online access to register of actions and dockets. Documents and detailed information usually require visiting the courthouse in person. Bring the case number to speed up your search. Clerks can help you locate files and order copies.
Copies cost $0.50 per page for standard documents. Certified copies have an added certification fee. You can order by mail if you know the case number and document description. Include a check or money order payable to the Superior Court. Allow time for processing and mailing.
City of San Diego Documents
The City of San Diego keeps separate records from the county. The City Clerk maintains official city documents, ordinances, resolutions, and council proceedings. This office handles city elections, business licenses, and official records requests. City records include legislation, contracts, permits, meeting minutes, and administrative files.
San Diego uses NextRequest for public records requests under the California Public Records Act. Visit sandiego.nextrequest.com to submit a request or track existing ones. The portal lets you search past requests and responses. Many common records are already posted for download.
City departments have 10 calendar days to respond to your CPRA request. They can extend this by 14 days in unusual circumstances. Be clear about what records you want. Include dates and specific departments if you know them. The city does not create new records or answer questions. They only provide documents that already exist.
Most electronic records are free. Paper copies may have a per-page fee. The city will tell you about costs before processing large requests. You do not need to give a reason or show ID for most public records. Some records have exemptions for privacy, pending litigation, or law enforcement purposes. The city must justify any denial.
Business Entity Searches
Business records for San Diego companies are spread across multiple agencies. State-level entities like corporations and LLCs file with the California Secretary of State. You can search at sos.ca.gov/business-programs/business-entities to find any California business. The database shows entity name, number, status, formation date, and agent information. Searching is free. Certified copies cost $5.
Fictitious business names are filed with San Diego County. If a company operates under a DBA, it must register with the County Clerk. These records are searchable through ARCC. Call or visit the clerk's office to ask about fictitious name searches and copies.
City business licenses are handled by the City Treasurer. Every business operating in San Diego must have a city license. You can verify a license through the city website or by calling the Treasurer's Office. License records show business name, address, type, and status. Some information may be public while other details are protected.
Property and Real Estate Records
Real estate documents are recorded with the San Diego County Recorder. Deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and other property instruments are kept here. The Recorder maintains an index of all recorded documents going back decades. You can search online and order copies for a fee.
The County Assessor keeps separate records about property values for tax purposes. Assessor data includes owner name, assessed value, property characteristics, and tax history. This information is public and searchable online. The Assessor's parcel maps show property boundaries and parcel numbers.
To search property records, visit the ARCC website or use the Assessor's online portal. Enter an address or parcel number to pull up information. You can view records on screen for free. Copies have per-page fees. Certified copies cost extra. Most documents can be emailed or mailed to you. Processing times depend on request volume and document complexity.
How to Get Records
Online searches are the easiest way to find San Diego records. Many databases are free. You can search any time from home. Court indexes, business entities, property assessments, and CPRA portals all work online. Start here before going in person.
In-person visits work best when you need help or certified copies. Clerks can guide your search and answer procedure questions. Bring valid ID and payment for fees. Most offices take cash, check, or card. Call ahead for hours and required documents. Some offices need appointments.
Mail requests are good if you know exactly what you want. Write a letter with your name, address, and phone number. Describe the records clearly. Include case numbers or document details if you have them. Send payment if you know the cost. Otherwise ask for a quote. Processing takes longer by mail but saves you a trip.
Phone calls work for quick questions about procedures, hours, and fees. Staff cannot do research over the phone or give legal advice. Use phone to check office locations, confirm requirements, and ask about processing times. Follow up in writing if you need an official response.
Your Rights Under State Law
The California Public Records Act gives you the right to see most government records. Government Code sections 6250 and following require agencies to make public records available. Exemptions exist for privacy, investigations, legal advice, and other sensitive matters. The government must justify any denial with a specific legal reason.
Vital records follow stricter rules under Health and Safety Code Section 103526(c). Only eligible people can get birth and death certificates. This protects privacy while allowing family members and legal parties to access records they need. Marriage records have fewer restrictions but still require proof of eligibility in some cases.
Court records are governed by California Rules of Court. Rule 2.503 sets access standards for case files. Judges can seal files or redact sensitive information. Some case types have special privacy rules. Juvenile files are confidential. Family law cases protect child welfare information. Criminal cases may hide victim details to prevent harassment.
You must use public records lawfully. Do not use vital records for identity theft. Do not harass people with information from court files. Commercial use of some record types is banned. Follow the law when requesting and using government documents. Legitimate research, journalism, legal work, and personal use are fine.
Records in Other Cities
California has many large cities with their own record systems. Each city maintains different databases and uses different procedures. Check these pages for records in other major cities: