San Francisco Public Records Search
San Francisco public records are unique because the city and county are one. The City and County of San Francisco operates as a consolidated jurisdiction, which means one government handles both city and county functions. You can search court records, vital certificates, business filings, property documents, and city records through different departments. The Office of the County Clerk maintains vital records and marriage licenses. The Superior Court keeps case files for civil, criminal, family, probate, and small claims matters. The Office of the Controller accepts California Public Records Act requests. Most searches begin online, though some records require an office visit or written request. Processing times range from instant searches to several weeks for certified documents.
San Francisco Quick Facts
City and County Records
San Francisco is both a city and a county. This consolidated structure dates back to 1856. One government handles all city and county functions. There is no separate county government. This makes record searches simpler in some ways because you deal with one jurisdiction instead of two.
The Office of the County Clerk issues vital records for events in San Francisco. Birth, death, and marriage certificates cost $24 per copy as of January 2026 under Assembly Bill 64. Only eligible people can order vital records. Parents, spouses, adult children, grandparents, and legal representatives qualify under Health and Safety Code Section 103526(c). You must show proof of relationship and provide valid photo ID.
The County Clerk office is at City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. You can order vital records in person, by mail, or through approved online vendors. Processing times vary. In-person requests are fastest. Mail orders take several weeks. Online orders through vendors may offer expedited service for extra fees.
If you cannot get records from San Francisco quickly enough, you can also order from the California Department of Public Health at cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHSI/pages/vital-records.aspx for the same fee. State processing takes 5 to 7 weeks. County offices are usually faster.
For complete details on San Francisco services, see the San Francisco County page.
Superior Court Case Files
The Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, maintains all trial court records for the city. Civil, criminal, family law, probate, traffic, and small claims cases are kept here. The court operates from the Civic Center Courthouse and Hall of Justice. Different case types are handled at different locations.
Access to court records depends on case type and privacy laws. Civil cases are mostly public. Criminal cases show basic information but may hide victim identities. Family law files protect sensitive financial and child welfare information. Juvenile cases are confidential and sealed from public view.
The court website provides online case search tools. You can look up cases by party name, case number, or attorney. The index shows filing dates, case types, and next hearing dates. Some documents are available online through remote access services. Others require an in-person visit to view or copy.
To get copies of court documents, visit the clerk's office at the courthouse handling your case type. Bring the case number and specific document names. Standard copies cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies have an additional certification fee. Some courts accept mail orders if you provide complete case information and prepayment. Processing by mail takes longer than visiting in person.
Court clerks can help you locate files and explain procedures. They cannot give legal advice or tell you what forms to file. If you need legal help, consult an attorney or contact legal aid organizations serving San Francisco.
City Government Records
San Francisco maintains extensive city records through multiple departments. The Office of the City Clerk keeps legislation, ordinances, resolutions, and Board of Supervisors proceedings. This office handles business registrations, elections, and official filings. City records include permits, contracts, meeting minutes, and administrative documents.
Public records requests follow the California Public Records Act. San Francisco uses a centralized system through the Office of the Controller. Visit sf.gov/get-public-records-oca to submit a request or check the status of existing requests. Many common records are already posted online for download. Search the portal before submitting a new request.
City departments must respond to CPRA requests within 10 calendar days. They can extend this by 14 days in unusual circumstances. Be clear about what records you want. Include dates, departments, and document descriptions if known. The city provides existing records but does not create new documents or answer questions through CPRA requests.
Electronic records are typically free. Paper copies may have a per-page fee. Large requests may have additional costs. The city will notify you about fees before processing requests that cost money. You do not need to give a reason for your request or show ID. Some records have legal exemptions for privacy, pending litigation, or law enforcement purposes. The city must justify any denial with specific legal authority.
Business Entity Searches
Business records for San Francisco companies are kept at state and local levels. State-registered entities like corporations, LLCs, and partnerships file with the California Secretary of State. Search at sos.ca.gov/business-programs/business-entities to find any California business. The database is free and shows entity name, number, status, formation date, and registered agent. Certified copies of formation documents cost $5.
Fictitious business names are filed with the County Clerk in San Francisco. If a business operates under a name different from its legal entity name, it must register a DBA. You can search fictitious name statements through the County Clerk's office at City Hall. Copies are available for a fee.
City business registrations are handled by the Office of the Treasurer and Tax Collector. Every business operating in San Francisco must register with the city. You can verify business registrations through the city website or by contacting the Treasurer's office. Registration records show business name, address, business type, and status. Some information is public while other details may be protected.
The Secretary of State also maintains UCC financing statements showing secured interests in business assets. Search UCC records online through the state website. This helps when researching liens on business property or equipment in San Francisco.
Real Estate and Property Records
Property records are maintained by the Office of the Assessor-Recorder. This office records deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and other real estate instruments. The Assessor-Recorder maintains indexes of all recorded documents going back to the 1800s. You can search by name, address, or document number.
The Assessor keeps separate records about property values for tax purposes. Assessor data includes owner names, assessed values, property characteristics, and tax history. This information is public and searchable online. Assessor maps show parcel boundaries and numbers for all properties in San Francisco.
Search property records through the Assessor-Recorder website. Enter an address or assessor's block and lot number to pull up information. Basic searches are free. Copies of recorded documents have per-page fees. Certified copies cost extra. Most documents can be delivered by email or mail. Processing times depend on request complexity and office workload.
Building permits and code enforcement records are kept separately by the Department of Building Inspection. These records show permit history, inspections, and violations. You can search permit records online or request them through the department.
How to Request Records
Online searches are the easiest method for San Francisco records. Many databases are free and work any time. Court indexes, business entities, property assessments, and some city records are available online. Start with online tools before trying other methods. This saves time and often costs nothing.
In-person visits work when you need help or certified copies. Clerks can guide your search and answer questions about procedures. Bring valid ID and payment. Most San Francisco offices accept cash, check, or card. Call first to confirm hours and required documents. Some offices need appointments, especially for specialized services.
Mail requests are good when you know exactly what you want. Write a letter with your contact information. Describe the records with case numbers or document details. Include payment if you know the cost. Otherwise ask for an estimate. Mail takes longer but saves a trip to city offices. Use certified mail for important requests so you have proof of delivery.
Email and phone work for simple questions. Staff can tell you about procedures, fees, and office locations. They cannot do research or give legal advice. Use phone for quick questions about hours and requirements. Follow up in writing if you need an official response.
California Public Records Laws
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, active investigations, attorney work product, and other sensitive matters. Agencies must cite specific legal exemptions when denying requests. You can challenge denials in court if you believe the agency wrongly withheld records.
Vital records follow stricter access rules under Health and Safety Code Section 103526(c). Only authorized persons can obtain birth and death certificates. This protects privacy while allowing family members and legal parties to get records they need. Marriage records are more open but still require proof of eligibility in some cases. Divorce records are court documents and follow court access rules.
Court records are governed by California Rules of Court. Rule 2.503 sets access standards for case files. Judges can seal files or redact information in sensitive cases. Some case types have special privacy protections. Juvenile cases are confidential. Family law files hide child welfare and financial details. Criminal cases may protect victim identities and addresses.
Use records lawfully. Do not commit identity theft with vital records. Do not harass people using court file information. Some commercial uses of public records are banned by law. Follow legal requirements when requesting and using government documents. Legitimate research, journalism, legal work, and personal use are generally allowed under California law.
Note: San Francisco may have local ordinances that provide additional access or privacy protections beyond state law.
Records in Other Cities
California has many large cities with their own record systems. Each uses different databases and procedures. Check these pages for records in other major cities: