Lassen County Public Records

Lassen County public records consist of vital certificates, property deeds, court case files, and government documents kept in Susanville. The Clerk-Recorder office issues birth and death certificates and maintains real estate records. Superior Court handles civil, criminal, family, and probate cases. Records are available under California public access laws with some limits based on privacy. You can search property records and some court information online or visit county offices in person. Vital records require proof of relationship to get certified copies. Fees are set by state law and county policy. Birth certificates cost $24 as of 2026. Death and marriage certificates also cost $24 each. Processing varies from same-day service to weeks for mail requests in Lassen County.

Vital Records and Property Documents

The Lassen County Clerk-Recorder handles vital records for births, deaths, and marriages in the county. Fees went up in January 2026 under Assembly Bill 64. Each certificate costs $24. Only authorized persons can order vital records. This includes family members and legal representatives. You must show ID and prove your relationship to the person on the certificate. Privacy laws protect these records from public disclosure in Lassen County.

Birth records stay confidential for 100 years. Death records have fewer restrictions. Marriage records are public after filing but need authorization for certified copies. If you lack proper ID or relationship proof, the office cannot release records. This follows California Health and Safety Code requirements that protect personal information statewide.

Order vital records online through VitalChek with added fees, by mail with longer wait times, or in person at the Susanville office for same-day service when available. Bring valid ID and payment. Staff can check if records have been filed and are ready. Some recent events may not be in the system yet. If nothing is found, you get a no-record certificate and the fee is kept as a search charge under state law.

Real estate documents go to the Recorder division. Deeds, mortgages, and liens must be recorded to give legal notice. Anyone can search property records. The office provides computers for public searches. Look up documents by owner, address, or parcel. Staff can assist and make copies for fees based on page count in Lassen County.

Lassen County Superior Court

Superior Court in Susanville handles all trial court cases for Lassen County. Civil, criminal, family, probate, and juvenile matters are filed here. Court records are public unless sealed or protected by law. Juvenile cases are confidential. Some family law files have limited public access. Not every record appears online due to privacy rules and technical constraints.

Search available court databases for case information. Online access varies by case type. California court rules limit what goes on the internet. Sensitive cases show minimal details online. Full files require a visit to the courthouse. Bring the case number. Clerks retrieve files and make copies while you wait for a fee in Lassen County.

Copy fees are 50 cents per page for most documents. Certified copies include the court seal and cost more. Some records cannot be copied due to confidentiality. Ask clerks what is available before ordering. They know which files can be released and which are restricted under statutes and court rules in California.

Mail requests may be possible for some documents. Write to the court with case number and document details. Include payment and your address. Call first to ask if they handle mail requests. Not all courts offer this service. In-person visits work best for complex research in Lassen County.

Real Estate and Tax Records

The County Recorder files all real estate documents in Lassen County. Recording provides public notice and establishes legal priority. Search to verify ownership, check liens, or trace property history. No restrictions apply. Anyone can inspect property records without giving a reason or showing ID. This openness has been the rule for centuries in American law.

Use public computers at the office to search. Enter owner names, addresses, or parcel numbers. Staff can demonstrate the system. Once you find documents, order copies. Fees depend on pages. The first page costs more. Additional pages cost less. Certified copies include official stamps and signatures for extra fees in Lassen County.

The Assessor's Office maintains property value records for tax purposes. Assessment rolls show ownership, values, and exemptions. These are public. View them online or at the office. Assessment data helps you understand property taxes and values throughout Lassen County.

Business Names and UCC

Fictitious business names are filed with the County Clerk in Lassen County. Anyone operating under a name other than their legal name must file. This makes public who runs each business. Filings last five years before renewal is required. Search to see if a name is already taken before you file your statement.

UCC financing statements are filed for security interests in personal property. These protect lenders and create public record of liens on equipment and inventory. Search the UCC index before buying business assets or making secured loans in Lassen County.

State business entities are registered with the California Secretary of State. Search corporations and LLCs at sos.ca.gov/business-programs/business-entities for statewide business information and certificates.

Public Records Act Requests

California Public Records Act gives you access to government records in Lassen County. Each department keeps its own files. Contact the specific office that has the records you need. Write a clear request describing the documents. Include dates and topics to help staff locate what you want. The agency has 10 days to respond. Extensions of 14 days are allowed if needed.

No reason is required for CPRA requests. You do not have to show ID in most cases. The agency must provide access unless a legal exemption applies. Exemptions include personnel files, attorney work product, drafts, and active investigations. The county must cite specific laws to withhold records. You can challenge denials in court if you think they are improper in Lassen County.

Fees apply for copying and staff time. Electronic records cost less than paper. Complex requests that need extensive search and redaction may have higher fees. Ask about costs before processing starts to avoid surprises when you get your records from Lassen County.

Note: Vital records, court files, and property documents have their own procedures and are not requested under CPRA.

Ways to Access Records

Some Lassen County records are searchable online. Check the county website for available databases. Property and court indexes may be accessible from home. Online searches are usually free. Copies cost money. Electronic access saves trips if you only need basic information or want to confirm records exist.

Visit offices in Susanville for full access. Bring ID and payment. Staff help you search and copy documents. Hours are typically Monday through Friday during business hours. Call ahead to confirm times and payment methods. Some offices have limited hours or close for lunch in Lassen County.

Mail requests work when you know exactly what you need. Send a letter with your request, payment, and return address. Allow extra time for processing and mailing. Some records require specific forms or notarized signatures by mail. Check before sending your request to Lassen County offices.

Phone calls answer basic questions about fees, hours, and procedures. Staff cannot search files or read documents over the phone. Call before visiting to confirm requirements and availability in Lassen County.

Legal Basis for Records Access

Government Code Division 10 has the California Public Records Act. It requires disclosure unless exemptions apply. CPRA balances transparency with privacy. Court records follow California Rules of Court. Rule 2.503 governs courthouse files. Electronic access is restricted to protect sensitive information in cases.

Health and Safety Code Section 103526 controls vital records. Only authorized persons can get certified copies. Property records are public by statute and tradition. Anyone can inspect recorded documents in Lassen County without restriction.

Nearby Counties

Lassen County is in northeastern California. For records from other jurisdictions, contact those counties. Each has its own systems.

Adjacent counties: Modoc County, Shasta County, Plumas County, Sierra County, Washoe County (Nevada)