Stockton Public Records
Public records for Stockton include court files, birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, property deeds, and business registrations. San Joaquin County handles most of these records at offices in downtown Stockton. Stockton serves as the county seat, so many county record offices are right here in the city. Residents can visit in person or use online tools to search databases from home. The city government also maintains its own records for permits, council meetings, contracts, and other municipal functions. Both county and city offices must follow the California Public Records Act. This law gives the public access to most government documents with some exceptions for privacy.
Stockton Quick Facts
San Joaquin County Records
San Joaquin County manages most public records for Stockton residents. The county clerk-recorder office handles vital records, property documents, fictitious business names, and notary commissions. This office is at 44 N. San Joaquin Street in downtown Stockton. You can walk in during business hours or search some records online.
Vital records include birth, death, and marriage certificates. The county charges $24 per certified copy as of January 2026. This fee went up by $2 under Assembly Bill 64. Not everyone can get a vital record. California law limits access to people with a direct relationship to the person on the certificate. Parents, spouses, adult children, grandparents, and legal reps can request copies under Health and Safety Code Section 103526(c).
| Office | San Joaquin County Clerk-Recorder |
|---|---|
| Address | 44 N. San Joaquin Street Stockton, CA 95202 |
| Phone | (209) 468-2350 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
Property records are also at the clerk-recorder office. Deeds, mortgages, liens, and other real estate documents are public. You can search these records online through the county website. Some old records are not digitized yet. For those, you need to visit the office. Certified copies cost more than plain copies. The county charges per page for most documents.
Court Records in Stockton
The San Joaquin County Superior Court handles all trial court cases in Stockton. This includes civil lawsuits, criminal prosecutions, family law, probate, and small claims. The main courthouse is at 180 E. Weber Avenue in downtown Stockton. Most court records are public. Some case types have privacy rules. Family law and juvenile cases are not fully open to the public.
You can search for court cases online through the court website. The system lets you look up cases by name, case number, or party. Basic case information is free. This includes filing date, case type, and party names. Full documents may require a visit to the clerk office. Fees apply for copies. The court charges $0.50 per page for paper copies and $1.00 per page for electronic copies.
To get court records in Stockton, you can:
- Search online for basic case info
- Visit the clerk office at 180 E. Weber Avenue
- Request specific documents by case number
- Pay copy fees at the counter
- Get certified copies if you need them
Clerks can help you find documents but cannot give legal advice. If you need help with legal questions, talk to a lawyer. The court has a self-help center with forms and information for people representing themselves in Stockton.
Note: Old court records may be in storage and take extra time to retrieve in Stockton.
City of Stockton Records
The City of Stockton maintains records of city government operations. This includes city council agendas and minutes, ordinances, resolutions, contracts, budget documents, and personnel records. The city clerk office manages these documents and processes public records requests under the California Public Records Act.
You can submit a public records request to the city clerk by mail, email, or in person. The city has 10 calendar days to respond under Government Code section 6253(c). They may extend this time by 14 days if they need to search for records or consult with other departments. Most electronic records are provided free of charge. Paper copies may cost $0.10 per page.
City records available to the public in Stockton include:
- Building permits and inspection records
- Planning and zoning documents
- City contracts and procurement records
- Budget and financial reports
- Employee salaries and compensation
- Council meeting minutes and agendas
Not all city records are public. Personnel files, attorney-client communications, ongoing investigations, and some law enforcement records are exempt from disclosure. The city will tell you if a record is exempt and cite the legal basis for withholding it. You do not need to explain why you want a record when you make a request in Stockton.
Business and Corporate Records
Business entity records in California are managed at two levels. The Secretary of State keeps records of corporations, LLCs, and partnerships. You can search these records for free at sos.ca.gov/business-programs/business-entities. The database shows entity names, numbers, formation dates, and status. Certified copies cost $5 per document.
Fictitious business names are filed with the county. Any business in Stockton using a name other than its legal entity name must register that name with San Joaquin County. You can search these names at the clerk-recorder office. Filing a new fictitious name costs a fee set by the county. Renewals are required every five years under state law.
The Secretary of State charges extra for fast service. Same-day processing costs $750. Next-day service costs $350. Standard processing is free but takes weeks. Most people use standard service unless they have an urgent need for business records in California.
Criminal Records and Background Checks
Criminal history records in California are kept by the Department of Justice. You can request your own criminal record by submitting fingerprints and paying a fee. The DOJ processes eighty percent of electronic fingerprint checks within three business days. They do not release records to third parties. Only the person whose record it is can get a copy for personal review.
Criminal court records for Stockton cases are at the Superior Court. These records show charges, pleas, sentencing, and outcomes. Some criminal records are sealed by law or court order. Juvenile cases are confidential. Dismissed cases may be sealed under certain conditions in California. You can search for criminal case information at the courthouse or online.
Police reports and arrest logs are kept by law enforcement agencies. The Stockton Police Department handles requests for its own records. Some information in police reports is confidential. You can request a report if you were a victim or party in the incident. Fees and procedures vary by agency. Contact the police department for details on getting reports in Stockton.
State Records and Archives
The California State Archives in Sacramento holds historical government records from across the state. This includes old legislative records, maps, photographs, and government documents. The research room is open to the public from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays. No appointment is needed to visit.
The archives has an online catalog at sos.ca.gov/archives/collections/minerva called Minerva. You can search this system to see what records are available. Staff can help with research requests by mail if you cannot visit in person. Processing takes 3 to 5 business days. The archives does not offer rush service.
The State Controller also maintains a database of unclaimed property. This includes forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, and other assets. You can search for free at sco.ca.gov/search_upd.html. There is no fee to claim property, and no deadline to file a claim in California.
San Joaquin County Records
Stockton is the county seat for San Joaquin County. Most public records for city residents are managed at the county level. The clerk-recorder, assessor, and court system all serve Stockton and six other cities in the county. For a complete guide to county record offices, fees, online systems, and access procedures, visit the county page.