Mariposa County Public Records

Mariposa County public records consist of vital certificates, property deeds, court files, and government documents maintained in county offices. The Clerk-Recorder handles birth, death, and marriage records along with real estate transactions. Superior Court manages civil, criminal, family, and probate cases. Records are available under California public access laws with privacy limits. You can search property records online or visit offices in person. Vital records require proof of relationship to obtain certified copies. Fees are $24 per certificate as of January 2026 under Assembly Bill 64. Court access varies by case type. Processing times range from instant online searches to weeks for mail requests in Mariposa County.

Vital Records and Property Filing

The Mariposa County Clerk-Recorder issues vital records and records property documents. Birth certificates cost $24 each starting January 2026. Death certificates are $24. Marriage certificates also cost $24 per copy. These fees increased statewide under Assembly Bill 64. Only authorized persons can order vital records. You must be a parent, spouse, child, grandparent, or legal representative. Show valid ID and prove your connection to the person named in Mariposa County.

Birth records stay confidential for 100 years under California law. Death records have fewer restrictions but need proper authorization. Marriage records become public after filing but certified copies require proof of interest. Privacy laws protect personal information while allowing access to those with legitimate connections to the records.

Order vital records online through VitalChek with added fees, by mail with longer processing, or in person for potential same-day service. Bring ID and payment when visiting the office. Staff can check if records are filed. Recent events may not be in the system yet. If no record is found, you receive a certificate stating that and fees are kept as search costs per state law.

The Recorder division files all real estate documents for Mariposa County. Deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements must be recorded to provide public notice. Anyone can search these records without restriction. The office has computers for public use. Search by owner name, property address, or legal description. Staff can help you locate documents and order copies for fees based on page count.

Vital records from Mariposa County can also be ordered from the California Department of Public Health. State processing takes 5 to 7 weeks. County offices are faster if you need records quickly. Both charge the same $24 fee for birth, death, and marriage certificates.

Superior Court Files

Mariposa County Superior Court handles all trial court matters. The courthouse is in Mariposa. Civil cases, criminal prosecutions, family law, probate, and juvenile proceedings are filed here. Court records are public unless sealed or protected by statute. Juvenile cases are confidential. Family law files may have restricted details to protect privacy in sensitive matters.

Some court case information may be searchable online if databases are available. Not all case types appear on the internet. California Rules of Court restrict what can be published electronically. Full case files often require a courthouse visit. Bring the case number. Clerks can retrieve files and make copies for fees in Mariposa County.

Copying costs 50 cents per page for most court documents. Certified copies include the court seal and cost extra. Some records cannot be copied due to confidentiality rules. Ask staff about availability before requesting copies. They know what can be released under court rules and California statutes.

To request records by mail, send a letter with the case number and document description. Include payment and your return address. Call first to ask if the court handles mail requests. Not all courts offer mail copy service. In-person visits work best for accessing court files in Mariposa County.

Property and Assessment Records

All real estate documents are recorded with the Mariposa County Recorder. Recording creates legal notice and establishes priority among claims. You can search to verify ownership, find liens, or research property history. No ID or explanation is needed. Property records are completely public under California law and legal tradition.

Use office computers to search property records. Look up documents by owner, address, or parcel number. Staff can show you how the search system works. Once you find documents, order copies for a fee. The first page costs more than additional pages. Certified copies include official seals and signatures for extra fees in Mariposa County.

The Assessor's Office maintains property value records for tax purposes. These show ownership, assessed values, property characteristics, and exemptions. Assessment rolls are public records. View them online or at the office. This information helps you understand how property taxes are calculated in Mariposa County.

Business Name Filings

Fictitious business name statements are filed with the County Clerk in Mariposa County. Anyone doing business under a name other than their legal name must file. This creates public record of business operations. Statements are valid for five years before renewal is required. Search the index to see if a name is already in use before filing your statement.

UCC financing statements for personal property are filed with the county. These establish security interests in equipment and inventory. Lenders file to protect their claims. Search the UCC index before buying business assets or making secured loans in Mariposa County.

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

Public Records Act Requests

California Public Records Act gives you access to government records in Mariposa County. Each department keeps its own files. Contact the specific office that created or holds the records you want. Send a written request describing the documents. Include dates, subjects, and other identifying details to help staff locate what you need.

Agencies have 10 days to respond to requests. They can extend by 14 days if unusual circumstances exist. You do not need to give a reason for your request. No ID is required for most records. The agency must provide access unless a legal exemption applies under California law.

Common exemptions include personnel files, attorney work product, preliminary drafts, active investigations, and trade secrets. The agency must cite specific legal authority to withhold records. You can challenge denials in court. Judges review whether exemptions were properly applied in Mariposa County.

Fees apply for copying and staff time. Electronic records cost less than paper copies. Complex requests requiring extensive search and redaction may have higher fees. Ask about costs before processing begins to avoid unexpected charges from Mariposa County.

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

Ways to Access Records

Some Mariposa County records may be searchable online. Check the county website for available databases. Property records and court indexes may be accessible from home. Most online searches are free. Ordering copies costs money. Electronic access works well if you only need basic information.

Visit county offices in person for full access to files. Bring ID and payment. Staff can help you search and make copies. Hours are typically Monday through Friday during business hours. Call ahead to confirm times and accepted payment methods in Mariposa County.

Mail requests work when you know exactly what you need. Write a letter with your request, payment, and contact information. Include your mailing address. Allow extra time for processing and delivery. Some records require specific forms or notarized signatures when requested by mail.

Phone calls can 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 in Mariposa County.

Legal Basis for Access

Government Code Division 10 contains the California Public Records Act. It requires agencies to disclose records unless exemptions apply. Court records follow California Rules of Court. Rule 2.503 covers case records at courthouses. Some case types are confidential by law in California.

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

Nearby Counties

Mariposa County is located in the Sierra Nevada foothills. For records from adjacent jurisdictions, contact those counties. Each has its own systems.

Adjacent counties: Tuolumne County, Madera County, Merced County