Los Angeles County Public Records
Los Angeles County public records span millions of documents across the most populous county in California. The Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk handles vital records like birth, death, and marriage certificates along with property documents and fictitious business names. The Superior Court system operates multiple courthouses keeping case files for civil, criminal, family, probate, and small claims matters. Government agencies respond to requests under the California Public Records Act through NextRequest. You can search many databases online or visit offices in person. Record types include court cases, vital certificates, real estate deals, business filings, and marriage licenses. Fees vary by type. Processing times range from instant online searches to weeks for certified copies mailed from county offices.
Los Angeles County Quick Facts
Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
The Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk serves as the central records office for Los Angeles County. This department manages three major service areas. As Registrar of Voters, they handle all voter registration and election operations. As County Recorder, they maintain real estate records and vital certificates. As County Clerk, they issue marriage licenses, register notaries, and file fictitious business names. The main office is at 12400 Imperial Highway in Norwalk. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Call (800) 201-8999 to reach different divisions.
You can search records at lavote.gov to find what you need. The site has links to vital records orders, property document searches, and marriage license applications. Most services let you start online and finish by mail or in person. Some records can be delivered electronically for Los Angeles County.
Starting January 1, 2026, fees went up for vital records. Birth certificates now cost $34 per copy. Death certificates cost $26. Marriage certificates cost $19. These fees are set by Assembly Bill 64. Residents impacted by the recent wildfires can get property records and vital records at no cost to support recovery efforts.
| Address | 12400 Imperial Highway, Norwalk, CA 90650 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (800) 201-8999 (option 1 for vital records, option 3 for property records) |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | lavote.gov |
| Fire Assistance Email | RRCCFireAssistance@rrcc.lacounty.gov |
| Fire Resource Hotline | 2-1-1 |
Superior Court Records
Los Angeles County Superior Court operates 58 locations across the county. It is the largest trial court system in the United States. The Executive Officer and Clerk of Court is Sherri R. Carter. Central Civil is located at 111 N. Hill Street, Room 105E in downtown Los Angeles. Call (213) 830-0801 for general court information. Email online services at onlineServices@lacourt.org for help with electronic filing and searches.
The Civil Index search tool at lacourt.org/paos/v2public/CivilIndex lets you look up cases by name. This database covers unlimited civil, limited civil, small claims, family law, and probate cases. Unlimited civil, probate, and family law records go back to 1983. Limited civil starts in 1991. Small claims begins in 1992. The site updates daily.
Searching costs money if you use the online system. Guest users pay $4.75 per search. Registered users get better rates. The first 10 searches cost $1.00 each. Searches 11 to 99 cost $4.75. Searches 100 to 999 cost $4.50. Searches 1,000 to 10,000 cost $4.25. Searches over 10,001 cost $4.00 each. You can save money by registering an account if you search often in Los Angeles County.
Not all records appear online. Sensitive cases show limited information. Juvenile cases remain confidential. Some family law details are hidden to protect privacy. If you cannot find what you need online, visit the courthouse where the case was filed. Clerks can help you search in person and order copies.
Property and Assessor Records
Real estate documents are recorded with the County Recorder. This includes deeds, mortgages, liens, and other instruments that affect property. You can search property records online and order copies for a fee. The Assessor's Office keeps separate records about property values and ownership for tax purposes in Los Angeles County.
The Assessor Property Search portal is available at portal.assessor.lacounty.gov for free searches. Enter an address or parcel number to view assessment information. This shows the owner of record, assessed value, property characteristics, and tax history. The database updates regularly as new transactions are recorded and values are adjusted by the Assessor in Los Angeles County.
To get certified copies of recorded documents, contact the Recorder division at (800) 201-8999, option 3. Staff can look up documents by book and page number, document number, or property address. Fees depend on page count and whether you need certification. Most documents can be emailed as digital copies. Certified copies come by mail.
Birth, Death, and Marriage Certificates
Los Angeles County issues certified copies of vital records for events that occurred within the county. Birth certificates cost $34 as of January 2026. Death certificates cost $26. Marriage certificates cost $19. These prices reflect the new fees under Assembly Bill 64 that took effect at the start of the year.
You must prove your eligibility to get vital records. Only certain people can order copies. This includes parents, spouses, adult children, grandparents, legal guardians, and attorneys representing these parties. Bring valid ID when you apply. The county checks your relationship to the person on the certificate before releasing records in Los Angeles County.
Order vital records online, by mail, or in person. The Norwalk office processes all vital record requests. Online orders may go through VitalChek, a third-party service that adds convenience fees. Mail orders take longer but avoid extra charges. In-person orders let you get same-day service if the record is available. Call (800) 201-8999, option 1, for vital records questions about Los Angeles County certificates.
Birth records are usually available 10 days after the event. Death records take about 8 weeks to appear in the system. Marriage records are issued by the County Clerk after the ceremony takes place. If you order too soon, the record may not be filed yet. The office will search and issue a Certificate of No Record if nothing is found. They keep your fee as a search charge under state law.
Note: Wildfire victims can request free copies of vital records and property documents by contacting the fire assistance email address.
CPRA Requests in Los Angeles County
Los Angeles County does not maintain a centralized record system. Each department keeps its own files. When you make a California Public Records Act request, you must contact the right department. The county uses NextRequest to manage CPRA submissions. Visit lacountyrrcc.nextrequest.com to submit a request for records from the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk offices.
The law gives agencies 10 days to respond. They can extend by 14 days if needed. No reason is required for your request. You do not need to show ID for most records. Fees apply for copying and staff time if the request is complex.
Some records are not subject to CPRA. These include birth, death, and marriage records, real estate records, fictitious business names, military discharge papers, UCC filings, notary records, voter registration info, campaign finance reports, and tax lien records. You buy these through normal procedures rather than public records requests. The county website explains which records fall under CPRA and which ones you must purchase in Los Angeles County.
Common Record Types Available
Los Angeles County maintains many types of public records. Each has its own access rules and fees. Here are the main categories:
- Court cases for civil, criminal, family, probate, small claims
- Birth, death, marriage, and fetal death certificates
- Real estate deeds, mortgages, liens, and reconveyances
- Fictitious business name statements
- Marriage licenses and confidential marriage records
- Notary public commissions and bonds
- UCC financing statements
Property records show who owns land and buildings. Court records document legal disputes and judgments. Vital records prove identity and family relationships. Business filings establish legal entities. Each record serves a different purpose in Los Angeles County.
Some records are free to search but cost money to copy. Others charge search fees up front. Electronic records often cost less than paper. Certified copies always cost more than plain copies. Ask about fees before you order in Los Angeles County.
How to Access Records
You have several ways to get public records in Los Angeles County. Online searches work for many record types. The court, recorder, and assessor all have web portals. These let you find basic information from home. You can see case summaries, property ownership, and assessment details without going to an office.
In-person visits give you access to full files. Go to the courthouse to view complete case files. Visit the recorder office to examine recorded documents. Bring ID and be ready to pay fees. Staff can help you locate records and make copies on the spot.
Mail requests work if you know exactly what you want. Send a letter with your request and payment. Include your return address. Processing takes longer by mail, but it saves you a trip. Some offices require specific forms. Check the website before mailing in your request to Los Angeles County offices.
Phone calls can answer basic questions. Staff cannot read files to you over the phone. They can tell you how to order records, what fees apply, and what ID you need. Call ahead to confirm hours and requirements before visiting.
Legal Basis for Access
The California Public Records Act gives you the right to inspect and copy government records. CPRA is codified in Government Code Division 10. It applies to all state and local agencies, including Los Angeles County departments. The law says records are public unless an exemption applies.
Common exemptions include personnel files, attorney work product, active investigations, and information protected by other statutes. The agency must cite a specific legal reason to withhold records. You can challenge denials if you think they are wrong.
Court records are governed by different rules. California Rules of Court set access policies. Rule 2.503 covers case records available at the courthouse. Rule 2.540 addresses government agency access to electronic files. Some case types are confidential by law. Juvenile dependency and delinquency records are not public in California.
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 for those with direct interest. Property records are public by tradition and statute. Anyone can search and copy recorded documents in Los Angeles County.
Cities in Los Angeles County
Los Angeles County includes dozens of incorporated cities. Each city has its own government and may maintain separate records. City records include council minutes, permits, contracts, and departmental files. Most cities use NextRequest or similar platforms for CPRA requests about local government operations.
Major cities in Los Angeles County with populations over 100,000: Los Angeles, Long Beach, Glendale, Santa Clarita, Lancaster, Palmdale, Pomona, Torrance, Pasadena, El Monte, Downey, Inglewood, West Covina, Norwalk
Note: Court cases and vital records go through county offices regardless of which city you live in within Los Angeles County.
Nearby Counties
Los Angeles County borders several other counties. If you need records from a different jurisdiction, contact that county directly. Each one has its own offices and procedures.
Adjacent counties: Ventura County, Kern County, San Bernardino County, Orange County