Marin County Records Lookup

Public records in Marin County include vital certificates, property deeds, court files, and government documents maintained at offices in San Rafael. The County Clerk handles birth, death, and marriage records while the Recorder manages real estate transactions. Superior Court keeps case files for civil, criminal, family, and probate matters. You can search many records online or visit county offices in person. California law governs access with some privacy restrictions. Vital records require proof of relationship for certified copies. Fees are $24 per certificate as of January 2026 under Assembly Bill 64. Property records are open to everyone. Court access varies by case type. Processing ranges from instant online searches to weeks for mailed documents from Marin County offices.

County Clerk and Recorder Services

The Marin County Clerk issues vital records and the Recorder maintains property documents. Birth certificates cost $24 per copy starting January 2026. Death certificates are $24. Marriage certificates also cost $24. Assembly Bill 64 raised these fees statewide. You must prove eligibility to get vital records. Parents, spouses, children, grandparents, and legal representatives can order copies. Show valid ID and document your relationship in Marin County.

Birth records are confidential for 100 years. Death records have fewer limits but need proper authorization. Marriage records are public after filing but certified copies require proof of interest. The county follows California Health and Safety Code rules that protect privacy while allowing access to authorized persons. If you lack proper credentials, the office will not release records.

Order vital records online through VitalChek with convenience fees, by mail with longer wait times, or in person at San Rafael for potential same-day service. Bring ID and payment when visiting. Staff can check if records are filed and ready. Recent events may not be in the system. If no record exists, you get a no-record certificate and fees are kept as search costs under state law.

The Recorder files real estate documents for Marin County. Deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements must be recorded to give public notice. Anyone can search property records. Public computers are available. Search by owner, address, or parcel number. Staff can help locate documents and make copies for fees based on page count and certification needs.

Property records in Marin County are completely public. No ID or reason is required to search. This openness has been the rule for real estate records throughout American legal history. You can inspect documents, order copies, and research property history without restriction.

Marin County Superior Court

Superior Court handles all trial cases in Marin County. The courthouse is in San Rafael. Civil lawsuits, criminal prosecutions, family law disputes, probate estates, and juvenile proceedings are filed here. Court records are public unless sealed or protected by law. Juvenile cases remain confidential. Family law files may have restricted information to protect privacy in sensitive situations.

Some court information can be searched online through available databases. Not all case types appear on the internet. California Rules of Court limit what goes online to protect sensitive data. Full case files often require a courthouse visit. Bring the case number. Clerks pull files and make copies for fees in Marin 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 rules. Ask staff what is available before ordering. They know which files can be released under court rules and state statutes.

Mail requests may work for some court documents. Write to the court with case number and details. Include payment and your address. Call first to ask if mail requests are handled. Not all courts offer this service. In-person visits usually work best for court records in Marin County.

Property and Tax Records

Real estate transactions are recorded with the Marin County Recorder. Recording provides legal notice and establishes priority. Search to verify ownership, check for liens, or research property history. No restrictions apply. Anyone can view property records without ID or explanation. This has been the standard for centuries in American property law.

Use office computers to search records. Enter owner names, addresses, or parcel numbers. Staff can demonstrate the system. Once you find documents, order copies for a fee. The first page costs more than additional pages. Certified copies include official seals for extra fees in Marin County.

The Assessor's Office keeps property tax records. These show ownership, assessed values, property characteristics, and exemptions. Assessment rolls are public. View them online or at the office. This data helps you understand property taxes and values in Marin County.

Business Filings

Fictitious business names are filed with the County Clerk in Marin County. Anyone using a name other than their legal name must file. This creates public record of business operations. Filings last five years before renewal. Search to see if names are taken before filing your own statement.

UCC financing statements are filed for security interests in personal property. Lenders file to protect claims on equipment and inventory. Search the UCC index before buying assets or making secured loans in Marin 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 records.

Public Records Act Access

California Public Records Act gives you rights to government records in Marin County. Each department keeps its own files. Contact the specific office that has what you need. Write a clear request describing documents. Include dates and topics. Agencies have 10 days to respond with possible 14-day extensions.

No reason is required for requests. No ID is needed in most cases. Agencies must provide access unless legal exemptions apply. 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 believe they are improper in Marin County.

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

Note: Vital records, court files, and property documents have separate procedures and are not obtained through CPRA.

How to Get Records

Online access works for some Marin County records. Check the county website for databases. Property and court information may be searchable from home. Most searches are free. Copies cost money. Electronic access saves trips if you only need basic data or want to verify records exist.

Visit San Rafael offices for full access. Bring ID and payment. Staff help you search and copy documents. Hours are Monday through Friday during business hours. Call ahead to confirm times and payment methods in Marin County.

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

Phone calls answer questions about fees, hours, and procedures. Staff cannot search files or read documents by phone. Call before visiting to confirm requirements in Marin County.

Laws Governing Access

Government Code Division 10 contains California Public Records Act. It requires disclosure unless exemptions apply. Court records follow California Rules of Court. Rule 2.503 covers courthouse files. Electronic access is limited to protect sensitive case information in California.

Health and Safety Code Section 103526 controls vital records. Only authorized persons get certified copies. Property records are public by statute and tradition. Anyone can inspect recorded documents in Marin County.

Nearby Counties

Marin County is north of San Francisco. For records from other jurisdictions, contact those counties. Each has its own systems.

Adjacent counties: Sonoma County, San Francisco County, Contra Costa County