Fresno County Public Records Access

Public records in Fresno County are maintained by several government offices. The Clerk-Recorder handles vital records like birth and death certificates along with property deeds and business name filings. The Superior Court keeps case files for civil, criminal, family law, and probate matters. Most records can be searched online or accessed in person at offices throughout the county. Fees vary by record type, with vital certificates costing $24 per copy and court documents priced at $0.50 per page. Processing times range from same-day service for in-person requests to several weeks for mail orders. California law makes most government records public, though some have restricted access to protect privacy in Fresno County.

Clerk-Recorder Services

The Fresno County Clerk-Recorder operates from the Hall of Records at 2281 Tulare Street in downtown Fresno. This office serves as the central repository for vital records, property documents, and business filings. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office may close for lunch, so call ahead to confirm availability. Phone (559) 600-2550 for general information about Fresno County records.

Vital records cost $24 per certified copy as of January 2026. This includes birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage certificates. The fee increased by $2 due to Assembly Bill 64. You must prove your identity and relationship to get most vital records. State law limits access to protect privacy. Bring a valid ID like a driver license or passport when you apply in person for Fresno County certificates.

Property records are open to the public. The recorder maintains an index of all real estate transactions. You can search by property address, owner name, or document number. Many records are available online at co.fresno.ca.us/departments/county-clerk-registrar-of-voters for free searching. Copies cost extra if you need certified documents for legal purposes in Fresno County.

Fictitious business names are filed with the County Clerk. If you operate a business under a name other than your own, you must file a statement. These records are public and searchable. Anyone can look up business name registrations to verify ownership and compliance with state law for Fresno County businesses.

Superior Court Case Access

Fresno County Superior Court operates multiple courthouses throughout the county. The main courthouse is at 1100 Van Ness Avenue in Fresno. Other locations serve different regions and case types. The court handles civil lawsuits, criminal prosecutions, family law matters, probate estates, traffic violations, and small claims cases for Fresno County residents and disputes.

Search court cases online at publicportal.fresno.courts.ca.gov/fresnoportal to find case information. The portal lets you search by party name, case number, or attorney. You can view basic case details including filing dates, hearing schedules, and docket entries. Some documents are available to view online while others require an in-person visit to the courthouse in Fresno County.

The Fresno County court portal updates regularly as new cases are filed and hearings occur. You can check case status without visiting the courthouse. This saves time if you just need basic information. Full case files require a visit to the courthouse or a formal records request. Copies cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies have additional fees on top of the per-page charge for Fresno County court documents.

Most court records are public. Exceptions include juvenile cases, sealed files, and some family law details. The court protects sensitive information to maintain privacy. If you cannot access a record online, ask court staff about restrictions. They can explain whether a case is confidential and how to request access if you qualify under the law for Fresno County cases.

Note: Remote access to court records expanded in recent years, making it easier to search Fresno County cases from home.

Real Estate Documents

Property records in Fresno County are recorded with the County Recorder. Any document affecting real estate gets recorded here. This includes deeds when property changes hands. Mortgages and trust deeds are filed when homes are financed. Liens appear when debts are owed against property. Easements and covenants also show up in the official record for all Fresno County parcels.

You can search property records online or in person. The county website offers free searching by address, owner name, or parcel number. Many documents are scanned and viewable online. Older records may require a visit to the Hall of Records. Staff can help you locate documents and order copies for Fresno County real estate.

The Assessor Office maintains separate records about property values. They assess every parcel for tax purposes. You can look up assessed values, square footage, and ownership details online. This information is public and helps buyers research properties before making offers. The assessor data also helps owners prepare tax appeals if needed in Fresno County.

Use both recorder and assessor records for complete property information. The recorder shows legal title and encumbrances. The assessor shows value and physical characteristics. Together they give you a full picture of any property. Both offices have online tools that work from home without visiting in person for Fresno County research.

Birth, Death, and Marriage Certificates

Fresno County issues vital records for events that occurred within county boundaries. Birth certificates are available for births at Fresno hospitals and homes. Death certificates document deaths in the county. Marriage certificates come from weddings performed here. Each certified copy costs $24 as of 2026. The price went up in January due to state legislation affecting all California counties including Fresno County.

State law controls who can get vital records. Parents can request their children's birth certificates. Adult children can get their parents' death certificates. Spouses can obtain each other's records. Grandparents, siblings, and legal representatives may also qualify depending on the situation. You must show ID and prove your relationship to the person on the certificate before the office will release copies in Fresno County.

Order vital records in person for fastest service. The Clerk-Recorder office can often provide same-day copies if the record is on file. Mail orders take two to four weeks for processing and delivery. Some third-party services offer online ordering with extra convenience fees beyond the county charge. Birth records are usually available within days after the event. Death records take longer because medical staff must complete paperwork. Marriage records are ready after the ceremony and official filing in Fresno County.

If the office cannot find a record, they issue a Certificate of No Record. They keep your payment as a search fee under state law. This happens when records are not yet filed or when events occurred elsewhere. Check the date and location carefully before ordering to avoid unnecessary charges for Fresno County vital records.

CPRA Requests in Fresno County

The California Public Records Act allows you to request government documents. This includes records from Fresno County departments and agencies. You can ask for emails, contracts, reports, meeting minutes, and other files. The law gives agencies 10 days to respond. They can extend this by 14 days for complex or voluminous requests in Fresno County.

Submit your request to the specific department that maintains the records you want. The county does not have one central records office. Each department keeps its own files. Be as specific as possible about what you need. Include dates, subject matter, or other details to help staff locate the right documents. You do not have to explain why you want the records under California law.

Some records are exempt from disclosure. Personnel files, active investigations, attorney work product, and other categories have protection under state law. The agency must cite a specific legal exemption to withhold records. If your request is denied, ask for the legal basis. You can challenge improper denials if you believe the agency is wrong about Fresno County records.

The California Public Records Act is found in Government Code Division 10. This statute applies to all state and local government agencies in California. Fees may apply for copying and staff time on large requests. Electronic records often cost less than paper. Many agencies provide records for free or at minimal cost in Fresno County.

Common Record Categories

Fresno County maintains many types of public records. Each serves different purposes. Here are the main categories people search for:

• Court cases for civil, criminal, family law, probate, and small claims
• Vital records including birth, death, and marriage certificates
• Property deeds, mortgages, liens, and reconveyances
• Fictitious business name statements
• Marriage licenses issued by the County Clerk
• Maps and surveys filed with the county
• Tax assessor records for property values

Each record type has its own rules. Vital records need ID and relationship proof. Court records are mostly public except sealed cases. Property records are open to anyone. Business filings can be searched by anyone. Know which office keeps the records you need before visiting or requesting in Fresno County.

Some records cost money while others are free to search. Copies always have fees. Certified copies cost more than plain copies. Ask about fees before ordering to avoid surprises when you pick up or receive documents from Fresno County offices.

How to Obtain Records

Fresno County records can be accessed several ways. In-person visits work best for complex searches or urgent needs. Go to the appropriate office based on what you need. Bring ID and payment. Staff will help you search and make copies while you wait if the records are available immediately.

Online searching has expanded in recent years. Court cases, property records, and business names can be searched from home. The county and court websites have search tools. You can view basic information for free. Full documents may require payment or an in-person visit to Fresno County offices.

Mail requests are an option if you know exactly what you want. Write a letter describing the record. Include your contact information and payment. Send it to the right office. Allow three to four weeks for processing and return mail. This method saves travel time but takes longer than visiting in person for Fresno County records.

Phone calls help with questions about fees, hours, and procedures. Staff cannot read documents to you over the phone. They can tell you whether a record exists and how to get it. Call ahead to confirm offices will be open when you plan to visit for Fresno County records.

Laws Governing Access

California law provides broad access to government records. The Public Records Act is the main statute. It says records are public unless an exemption applies. Fresno County must follow this law like all California jurisdictions. The law is found in Government Code Division 10 and applies to county departments, cities, and special districts.

Court records follow different rules set by California Rules of Court. Most case files are public but some are not. Juvenile cases are confidential. Sealed records stay closed. Some family law details are hidden to protect privacy. The rules balance public access with privacy needs under California law.

Vital records access is controlled by Health and Safety Code Section 103526. Only authorized persons can get certified copies. This includes parents, spouses, adult children, and other close relatives. The restriction protects privacy while allowing legitimate access for family members. Property records are public by statute and tradition. Anyone can search and copy recorded documents in Fresno County.

If an agency denies your request, they must explain why. Ask for the specific statute or rule they rely on. You have options to appeal or get legal help if you think the denial is wrong. Most records in California are public including those in Fresno County.

Cities in Fresno County

Fresno County includes several incorporated cities. Each city has its own government and may keep separate records for local matters. City records include council minutes, permits, contracts, and departmental files. Contact city offices directly for municipal records in Fresno County.

Major city in Fresno County with population over 100,000: Fresno

Note: Court cases and vital records go through county offices regardless of which city you live in within Fresno County.

Neighboring Counties

Fresno County borders several other counties in the Central Valley and Sierra Nevada. If your records are in a different county, contact their offices directly. Each county has separate systems and procedures for public records access.

Adjacent counties: Madera County, Mariposa County, Tulare County, Kings County, San Benito County, Merced County