Find Kings County Records

Kings County public records cover vital certificates, court files, property deeds, and business registrations maintained by county offices in Hanford. The Clerk-Recorder handles birth, death, and marriage records along with real estate documents. Superior Court keeps case files for civil, criminal, family, and probate matters. Records are available to the public under California law with some restrictions. You can search online databases for property and court information or visit offices to inspect files. Certified copies require proper ID and proof of eligibility for vital records. Fees depend on the type of record and number of pages. Most requests can be handled by mail or in person at county offices in Hanford.

Vital Records and Recorder Office

The Kings County Clerk-Recorder issues certified copies of vital records for events in the county. Birth certificates cost $24 as of January 2026. Death certificates are $24. Marriage certificates also cost $24 each. These prices went up under Assembly Bill 64 which raised fees statewide. Only authorized persons can get vital records. This includes parents, spouses, adult children, grandparents, and legal representatives. You must show ID and prove your connection to the person on the certificate.

Birth records are confidential for 100 years under California law. Death records have fewer restrictions but still require proper authorization. Marriage records are public after filing but certified copies need proof of relationship or legal interest. The county cannot release records to just anyone who asks. Privacy laws protect sensitive personal information in Kings County.

You can order vital records online through VitalChek, by mail, or in person at the Hanford office. Online orders include extra fees charged by the vendor. Mail requests take longer but cost less. Walk-in service offers same-day copies if the record is available and you have proper ID. Processing time varies based on how old the record is and whether it has been filed yet.

The Recorder division handles real estate documents. Deeds, mortgages, liens, and other instruments are recorded to provide legal notice. Anyone can search property records without restriction. The office has public terminals for searching by owner name, address, or legal description. Staff can help you locate documents and order copies for a fee.

Kings County Superior Court

Superior Court handles all trial court cases in Kings County. The main courthouse is in Hanford. Civil cases, criminal prosecutions, family law, probate, and juvenile matters are heard here. Court records are public unless sealed or made confidential by statute. Juvenile cases are not open to the public. Some family law details are restricted to protect privacy in sensitive situations.

You can search case information through court databases if available online. Not all records appear on the internet due to privacy rules and technical limits. California Rules of Court restrict what can be published electronically. Sensitive cases show limited information online. Full case files may require a visit to the courthouse to inspect in Kings County.

To get copies of court documents, go to the clerk's office with the case number. Staff can retrieve files and make copies while you wait. Copy fees are 50 cents per page for standard documents. Certified copies cost more and include the court seal. You may need to fill out forms and pay before copies are made. Some documents can be mailed if you cannot visit in person.

Court records are separate from county administrative records. Different offices manage them. Procedures for access differ. If you need both court and county records, you must contact each office separately. The courthouse cannot help with vital records or property documents in Kings County.

Property and Assessment Records

All real estate documents get recorded with the County Recorder. This includes every deed, mortgage, lien, easement, and similar instrument. Recording creates public notice and establishes priority among claims. You can search to verify ownership, check for liens, or research a property's history. No ID is needed. Anyone can inspect property records.

The Assessor's Office maintains related records for tax purposes. Assessor records show parcel ownership, assessed values, property characteristics, and exemptions. These determine property tax bills. Assessment rolls are public. You can view them online or at the office. This helps you understand how properties are valued in Kings County.

To order copies of recorded documents, provide the book and page or document number. If you only have an address, staff can search for you. Copy fees vary by page count. The first page costs more than additional pages. Certified copies include an official seal and signature. Most documents can be sent by email or mail based on your preference in Kings County.

Business Names and UCC Filings

Fictitious business name statements are filed at the County Clerk's office. Anyone doing business under a name other than their legal name must file. This creates public record of who operates each business name. Statements last five years. After that they must be renewed or they expire. Search the index to see if a name is taken before you file your own.

UCC financing statements for personal property are also filed with the county. These create security interests in equipment, inventory, and other assets. Lenders file to protect their interests. Search the UCC index before buying business assets or lending money. This shows existing liens and claims in Kings County.

For corporations and LLCs, check the California Secretary of State. That office maintains the central business registry. You can search companies, view filings, and order status certificates at sos.ca.gov/business-programs/business-entities for state-level records.

California Public Records Act

CPRA gives you the right to inspect government records in Kings County. The law applies to all county departments. Each agency keeps its own files. There is no central records office. You must contact the specific department that has the records you want. Send a written request describing what you need. Be as specific as possible with dates, topics, and details.

Agencies have 10 days to respond. They can extend by 14 days if circumstances require it. No reason is needed for your request. You do not have to explain why you want records. The agency must provide access unless an exemption applies under the law in Kings County.

Common exemptions include personnel files, attorney work product, draft documents, and active investigations. The agency must cite a legal basis to withhold records. You can challenge improper denials. Courts review whether exemptions were correctly applied. Fees apply for copying and staff time. Electronic records cost less than paper. Ask about fees before processing starts in Kings County.

Note: Vital records, court files, and recorded documents have their own access procedures and are not obtained through CPRA requests.

Ways to Access Records

Online searches work for some Kings County records. Check the county website for available databases. Property records and court indexes may be searchable from home. Most online systems are free to search but charge for copies. Electronic access saves time if you only need basic information.

Visit offices in person for complete access. Bring ID and payment. Staff can help you find records and make copies. Hours are typically Monday through Friday during business hours. Call ahead to confirm times and accepted payment methods. Some offices close for lunch or have limited hours on certain days in Kings County.

Mail requests work when you know exactly what you need. Write a letter with your request and contact information. Include payment. Send to the appropriate office. Allow extra time for processing and delivery. Some records require specific forms or notarized signatures when ordered by mail.

Phone calls answer basic questions about fees, hours, and procedures. Staff usually cannot search files or read documents over the phone. Call before visiting to confirm what you need to bring and whether the records are available in Kings County.

Laws Governing Access

The California Public Records Act is in Government Code Division 10. It requires disclosure of government records unless exemptions apply. CPRA balances transparency with privacy and other interests. California Rules of Court govern case file access. Rule 2.503 covers courthouse records. Rule 2.540 addresses electronic access for government agencies. Some case types are confidential by law in California.

Health and Safety Code Section 103526 controls vital records access. Only authorized persons can get certified copies. This protects privacy while allowing legitimate access. Property records are public by tradition and statute. Recording laws require documents to be open for inspection by anyone in Kings County.

Nearby Counties

Kings County borders several other counties. If you need records from another jurisdiction, contact those offices directly. Each county has its own procedures and fees.

Adjacent counties: Fresno County, Tulare County, Kern County, San Luis Obispo County, Monterey County