Inyo County Public Records

Inyo County public records are kept at government offices in Independence. The Clerk-Recorder handles vital records like birth and death certificates, property deeds, and business name filings. The Superior Court maintains case files for civil, criminal, family law, and probate matters. Some records can be searched online while others require in-person visits or mail requests. Vital certificates cost $24 per copy as of 2026. Court documents run $0.50 per page. Processing times vary from same-day service for walk-in requests to several weeks for mail orders. California law makes most government records public, though some have access restrictions to protect privacy in Inyo County.

Clerk-Recorder Office

The Inyo County Clerk-Recorder is located at 168 North Edwards Street in Independence. 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 or staff meetings, so call ahead to confirm availability. Phone (760) 878-0224 for information about specific records in Inyo County.

Vital records cost $24 per certified copy as of January 2026. This includes birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage certificates. The fee went up by $2 due to Assembly Bill 64 which took effect statewide. Only certain people can obtain vital records under California law. You must show valid ID and prove your relationship to the person on the certificate before copies are released in Inyo County.

Property records are open to the public. The recorder maintains an index of all real estate transactions in Inyo County. You can search by property address, owner name, or document number. Some older records may require manual searching. Staff can help you locate documents and order copies for a per-page fee. Certified copies cost extra if needed for legal purposes in Inyo County.

Fictitious business name statements are filed with the County Clerk. Businesses operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must file. These records are public and searchable. You can verify business name ownership by checking the files at the clerk office in Inyo County.

Superior Court Case Files

Inyo County Superior Court is located at 168 North Edwards Street in Independence. The court handles all case types including civil lawsuits, criminal prosecutions, family law matters, probate estates, traffic violations, and small claims. Court staff can help you search for cases and obtain copies of documents filed in the official record for Inyo County cases.

Most court records are public under California law. Exceptions include juvenile cases, sealed files, and certain family law details that are confidential to protect privacy. You can search the case index at the courthouse during business hours. Staff cannot give legal advice but can explain how to access files and what fees apply for Inyo County court documents.

Copies of court documents cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies have an additional fee beyond the base per-page charge. If you need a large case file, costs can add up. Ask about total costs before ordering copies in Inyo County. The court typically accepts cash and checks for payment.

Check the court website at inyo.courts.ca.gov for information about court locations, hours, and services. The site may have limited online case search capabilities. For detailed records, you will need to visit the courthouse or submit a formal records request to Inyo County Superior Court.

The California Courts public records portal explains statewide rules for court record access. These policies apply to all 58 counties including Inyo County. You have the right to view most case files at the courthouse during business hours. Some sensitive information may be redacted or sealed under court rules.

Real Estate and Property Documents

Property records in Inyo 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 exist against property. Easements and covenants also become part of the public record for Inyo County parcels.

You can search property records by address, parcel number, or owner name. The recorder office has index systems to help locate documents. Online access may be limited in smaller counties. Most detailed searches require in-person visits to the office in Independence. Staff can help you find what you need and order copies for a per-page fee in Inyo County.

The Assessor Office maintains separate records about property values and characteristics. They assess all real estate for tax purposes each year. You can look up assessed values, square footage, lot size, and ownership details. This information is public and helps buyers research properties before making offers. The assessor data also supports tax appeals if needed in Inyo County.

Use both recorder and assessor records for complete property information. The recorder shows legal title and encumbrances like liens. The assessor shows value and physical details. Together they provide a full picture of any property. Both offices are located in the county government complex in Independence for Inyo County.

Note: Inyo County includes parts of Death Valley National Park and has unique land use patterns with substantial public lands.

Birth, Death, and Marriage Certificates

Inyo County issues vital records for events within the county. Birth certificates are available for births at local hospitals or homes. Death certificates document deaths that occurred in Inyo County. Marriage certificates are issued after weddings performed here. Each certified copy costs $24 as of 2026. The price increased by $2 in January due to state legislation.

California law restricts who can obtain 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. Other close relatives may qualify depending on circumstances. You must prove your identity and relationship before the clerk releases certified copies in Inyo County.

Order vital records in person for fastest service. The Clerk-Recorder can often provide same-day copies if the record is on file. Mail orders take two to four weeks for processing and delivery. Include payment and copies of your ID with mail requests. Birth records are typically 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 Inyo County.

If a record cannot be found, the office issues a Certificate of No Record. They keep your fee as a search charge under state law. This happens when you order too soon after an event or when the event occurred elsewhere. Verify the date and location before ordering to avoid unnecessary fees for Inyo County vital records.

CPRA Requests for Government Files

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

Submit requests to the specific department that maintains the records you want. There is no central records office for all county files. Each department keeps its own documents. Be specific about what you need. Include dates or other details to help staff locate the right files. You do not need to explain why you want the records under California law.

Some records are exempt from public disclosure. This includes personnel files, active investigations, attorney work product, and other protected categories. The agency must cite a specific legal exemption to withhold records. If they deny your request, ask for the legal basis. You can challenge improper denials if you believe the agency misapplied the law to Inyo County records.

The California Public Records Act is codified in Government Code Division 10. This law applies to all state and local government agencies in California. Fees may apply for copying and staff time on large requests. Electronic records are often provided free or at minimal cost. Paper copies cost more per page in Inyo County.

Common Record Categories

Inyo County maintains various types of public records. Each serves a different purpose. Here are the main categories people search for:

• Court cases including civil, criminal, family law, probate, and traffic
• Vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates
• Property deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements
• Fictitious business name statements for local businesses
• Marriage licenses issued by the County Clerk
• Maps and surveys filed with the county
• Mining claims and water rights documents

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

Some records are free to search but cost money to copy. Others charge fees up front. Certified copies always cost more than plain copies. Ask about fees before ordering to avoid surprises when you receive documents from Inyo County offices.

How to Obtain Records

You can access Inyo County records through several methods. In-person visits work best for complex searches or urgent needs. Go to the courthouse in Independence for most county records. Bring valid ID and payment for fees. Staff will help you search and make copies if records are immediately available.

Online searching may be limited in smaller rural counties. Check county and court websites to see what databases are accessible. You might find basic information online. Full documents often require visiting offices in person or submitting mail requests to Inyo County.

Mail requests work if you know exactly what you want. Write a letter describing the record you need. Include your contact information and payment. Send it to the correct office. Allow three to four weeks for processing and return mail. This method saves travel time but takes longer than in-person visits for Inyo County records.

Phone calls help answer 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 in Inyo County.

Laws Governing Record Access

California law provides broad access to government records. The Public Records Act is the main statute governing disclosure. It says records are public unless a specific exemption applies. Inyo County must follow this law like all California jurisdictions. The statute is found in Government Code Division 10.

Court records follow different rules established by California Rules of Court. Most case files are public but some are confidential. Juvenile cases are sealed. Some family law details are hidden to protect privacy. The rules balance public access with privacy protection under state law.

Vital records access is controlled by Health and Safety Code Section 103526. Only authorized persons can obtain certified copies. This includes parents, spouses, adult children, and certain other 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 Inyo County.

If an agency denies your records request, ask for the legal reason. They should cite a specific statute or rule. You have options to appeal or seek legal help if you think the denial is improper. Most government records in California are public including those in Inyo County.

Neighboring Counties

Inyo County borders several other counties in eastern California and Nevada. If your records are in a different county, contact their offices directly. Each county has separate record systems and procedures for public access.

Adjacent counties: Mono County, Tulare County, Kern County, San Bernardino County

Note: Inyo County is one of California's most geographically isolated counties, located in the Owens Valley east of the Sierra Nevada.