Contra Costa County Public Records

Public records in Contra Costa County include court files, vital certificates, and property documents kept across multiple offices. The County Clerk-Recorder in Martinez handles birth and death records along with marriage certificates. Property deeds and mortgages are recorded here. The Superior Court operates several locations keeping case files for civil, criminal, family law, and probate matters. Business name filings go through the county clerk. Online systems exist for court searches and property lookups. Some records need in-person visits or mail requests. Fees are set by state law. Processing times vary by record type. The county serves over 1.1 million people across cities like Concord, Antioch, and Richmond. Staff can help when you contact offices directly.

County Clerk-Recorder Office

The Clerk-Recorder manages vital records and property documents for Contra Costa County. Birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage records are kept here. The office also records deeds, mortgages, liens, and other real estate papers. Elections and business name filings are additional duties. The main office is in Martinez. Additional services may be available at other county locations.

You can visit the office to request records or file documents. Staff can help you search for property records or order vital certificates. Some property searches are available online through the county website. Most vital records require in-person visits or mail requests for certified copies in Contra Costa County.

Vital records cost $24 per copy as of 2026. This applies to birth, death, and marriage certificates. The fee follows state law under Assembly Bill 64. Only authorized people can order certified copies. You must prove your relationship to the person named on the certificate. Valid ID is required when you apply in person or by mail to Contra Costa County.

Property records are open to the public. Anyone can search deeds and other recorded documents. No reason is needed to view property files. Copies are available for a fee. Plain copies cost less than certified ones. Staff can help locate documents by address, owner name, or document number when you visit Contra Costa County.

Superior Court Records

The Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa, handles all trial court cases. Civil suits, criminal prosecutions, family law, probate, and small claims are heard here. The court operates multiple locations across the county. The main courthouse is in Martinez. Other branches serve Richmond, Walnut Creek, and Pittsburg. Case files are maintained at the location where the case was filed.

Court records are public unless sealed or confidential. Most civil and criminal cases can be viewed by anyone. Juvenile cases remain private. Some family law files have limited access to protect privacy. You can search for cases and view files at the courthouse during business hours in Contra Costa County.

Online case search may be available through the court's website. Enter case numbers, party names, or other details to find information. The system shows basic case data including parties, filing dates, and status. Full documents often require a courthouse visit to view or copy.

Fees for copies follow state law at 50 cents per page. Certification costs extra. Ask about total fees before ordering large files. Payment is due when you pick up copies or by mail. The court accepts cash, checks, and credit cards at most locations in Contra Costa County.

Note: Electronic filing is available for attorneys and self-represented parties in many case types.

Public Records Act Requests

Contra Costa County responds to California Public Records Act requests for government documents. You can request emails, reports, contracts, meeting minutes, and other county records. Each department maintains its own files. Send your request to the office that would keep the records you seek.

The County Clerk or County Administrator can help direct requests if you are unsure. Many departments have online forms or email addresses for CPRA submissions. No special form is required. A clear written request is enough. Describe the records you want. Include your contact information in Contra Costa County.

Agencies have 10 days to respond under the law. They can extend by 14 days for unusual circumstances. No reason is needed for your request. Fees may apply for copying and staff time on complex searches. Electronic records often cost less to provide than paper copies.

Some records are exempt from disclosure. Personnel files, active investigations, and attorney communications may be withheld. The agency must cite specific legal authority to deny access. You can challenge improper denials through administrative appeals or court action if needed.

Vital records, court files, and property documents are not requested through CPRA. These have separate procedures and fees. Use normal channels for birth certificates, court case files, and recorded property documents in Contra Costa County.

Birth, Death, Marriage Certificates

Vital records for events in Contra Costa County are available from the Clerk-Recorder. Birth certificates prove age and identity. Death certificates are needed for estates and benefits. Marriage records show legal unions. The county maintains records for events within its boundaries.

Order by mail or in person at the Martinez office. Online ordering may be available through third-party vendors for an extra fee. Mail orders take longer but avoid convenience charges. In-person requests often get same-day service if the record is available and you provide proper ID in Contra Costa County.

Only certain people can get certified copies. Parents can order their children's birth records. Adult children can get parents' death certificates. Spouses have access to marriage records. Bring valid ID and proof of your relationship to the person on the certificate. Staff verify eligibility before releasing documents.

Birth records typically appear about 10 days after the event. Death records take several weeks to file. Marriage certificates are issued after the ceremony. If you order before the record is filed, the office will search and issue a no-record certificate. The fee is kept as a search charge under state law even if no record is found.

Real Estate Documents

The County Recorder keeps property documents for Contra Costa County. Deeds transfer ownership. Mortgages create liens. Reconveyances release loans. Recording provides public notice of interests in real estate. Anyone can search these files. No ID or reason is needed to view property records.

Search by property address, owner name, parcel number, or document details. Online search tools are available through the county website. You can find ownership information and recorded documents. Copies can be ordered for a fee. Plain copies cost less than certified ones in Contra Costa County.

Recording fees are set by state law. Page count, number of names, and document type determine cost. Most deeds cost under $100 to record. Transfer taxes may also apply to some transactions. Staff can explain total fees when you bring documents to record or call with questions.

The Assessor's Office maintains separate records about property values. Tax assessment data is public. You can look up assessed values, ownership, and property characteristics. This information helps with real estate research and tax appeals. Contact the Assessor for property tax questions in Contra Costa County.

Business Name Filings

Fictitious business names are filed with the County Clerk in Contra Costa County. These statements show who operates under a business name. Filing is required if you do business under any name other than your legal name. Sole proprietors, partnerships, and some companies must file. Corporations may need fictitious name statements if they use different names.

Filings are valid for five years. You must renew before expiration to keep using the name. New filings require publication in a local newspaper. This gives public notice of the business name. The clerk can explain filing procedures and fees when you apply in Contra Costa County.

Business entities like corporations and LLCs file with the California Secretary of State. These are state-level records. Visit sos.ca.gov/business-programs/business-entities to search business entities. Formation documents and annual reports are kept at the state level, not by counties.

Ways to Get Records

Several methods exist to access public records in Contra Costa County. Online searches work for court cases and some property records. Visit the court website or county portal to search from home. These tools give basic information for free. Copies and certified documents cost money.

In-person visits work well for vital records and full case files. Go to the office in Martinez or the courthouse nearest you. Bring ID for vital records. Be ready to pay fees. Cash, checks, and credit cards are accepted at most offices in Contra Costa County.

Mail requests work if you know exactly what you want. Write a clear letter describing the records. Include payment for fees. Add your return address. Forms may be required for vital records. Check the website or call before mailing your request to confirm requirements.

Phone calls answer basic questions. Staff can tell you hours, fees, and what to bring. They cannot read entire files over the phone. Call ahead to confirm the office has what you need. This saves wasted trips if records require special handling in Contra Costa County.

Legal Authority for Access

California law governs public records access in Contra Costa County. The California Public Records Act is codified in Government Code Division 10. This law grants the right to inspect and copy government records. All state and local agencies must comply, including Contra Costa County offices.

Records are presumed public unless exempt. Common exemptions include personnel files, active investigations, and attorney work product. Privacy laws protect some information. Agencies must cite specific legal authority to withhold records. Improper denials can be challenged through administrative appeals or legal action.

Court records follow California Rules of Court. Rule 2.503 governs access at courthouses. Electronic access rules appear in Rule 2.540. Juvenile cases are confidential. Some family law and mental health records are sealed. The court can explain access rules for specific case types in Contra Costa County.

Vital records access is controlled by Health and Safety Code Section 103526. Only authorized persons can get certified copies. This protects privacy while allowing legitimate access. Property records are public by long tradition. Real estate documents have been open to public inspection for generations under California law.

Cities in Contra Costa County

Contra Costa County contains many incorporated cities. Each city government maintains its own records for local operations. Contact city hall for city council files, permits, and contracts. County offices handle vital records, court cases, and property documents for all areas within the county boundaries.

Cities in Contra Costa County with populations over 100,000: Concord, Antioch, Richmond

Other incorporated cities include Walnut Creek, San Ramon, Pittsburg, Brentwood, and many more. City records are kept by each city government. County records cover all areas regardless of city limits in Contra Costa County.

Nearby Counties

Contra Costa County borders several other counties. Records from other jurisdictions must be obtained from those county offices. Each maintains its own procedures and fees.

Adjacent counties: Alameda County, Solano County, Sacramento County, San Joaquin County, Marin County