Search Mendocino County Records

Mendocino County public records include vital certificates, property deeds, court case files, and government documents kept in Ukiah and Fort Bragg. The Clerk-Recorder issues birth, death, and marriage records while maintaining real estate filings. Superior Court handles civil, criminal, family, and probate cases. You can search records online or visit offices in person under California public access laws. Vital records require proof of relationship for certified copies. Fees are $24 per certificate starting January 2026 per Assembly Bill 64. Property records are open to all. Court access depends on case type. Processing varies from instant online results to weeks for mailed requests in Mendocino County.

Clerk-Recorder Office

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

Birth records remain confidential for 100 years. Death records have fewer restrictions but still need authorization. Marriage records are public after filing but certified copies require proof of interest. California law protects privacy while allowing access to authorized persons. The county will not release records without proper credentials.

Order vital records online through VitalChek with extra fees, by mail with longer wait times, or in person at Ukiah for potential same-day service. Bring ID and payment when visiting. Staff can tell you if records are filed. 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 division files real estate documents for Mendocino County. Deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements must be recorded to give public notice. Anyone can search these records. Public computers are available. Search by owner, address, or parcel. Staff can help locate documents and make copies for fees based on page count and certification needs.

Court records in Mendocino County follow statewide access rules. The California courts website at courts.ca.gov/policy-administration/public-records explains how to access case files and what information is available online versus at the courthouse.

Superior Court Records

Mendocino County Superior Court has courthouses in Ukiah and Fort Bragg. Civil lawsuits, criminal prosecutions, family law matters, 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.

Some court information may be searchable online through available databases. Not all case types appear on the internet. California Rules of Court limit electronic access to protect sensitive data. Full case files often require a courthouse visit. Bring the case number. Clerks can pull files and make copies for fees in Mendocino 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 Mendocino County.

Property and Assessment Files

Real estate documents are recorded with the Mendocino County Recorder. Recording provides legal notice and establishes priority. Search to verify ownership, check for liens, or research property history. No ID or reason is required. Property records are completely public under California law and tradition.

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 Mendocino 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 Mendocino County.

Business Filings

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

Public Records Act Access

California Public Records Act gives you rights to government records in Mendocino 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 in Mendocino 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 Mendocino County.

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

How to Get Records

Online access may work for some Mendocino 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.

Visit offices in Ukiah or Fort Bragg 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 Mendocino 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 Mendocino 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 Mendocino 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 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 Mendocino County.

Nearby Counties

Mendocino County is on the Northern California coast. For records from other jurisdictions, contact those counties. Each has its own systems.

Adjacent counties: Humboldt County, Trinity County, Tehama County, Glenn County, Lake County, Sonoma County