Modoc County Public Records

Modoc County public records consist of vital certificates, property deeds, court files, and government documents kept in Alturas. The Clerk-Recorder handles birth, death, and marriage records along with real estate filings. Superior Court manages civil, criminal, family, and probate cases. Records are available under California public access laws with privacy restrictions. You can search property records online or visit offices in person. 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 mail requests in Modoc County.

Vital Records and Property Filing

The Modoc County Clerk-Recorder issues vital records and maintains 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. 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 in Modoc County.

Birth records remain confidential for 100 years. Death records have fewer restrictions but 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 processing, or in person at Alturas 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 Modoc 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.

In addition to county records, California maintains a statewide unclaimed property database. You can search for lost or forgotten property at sco.ca.gov/search_upd.html through the State Controller's Office. There is no fee to claim property and no deadline for filing claims.

Superior Court Records

Modoc County Superior Court handles all trial court matters. The courthouse is in Alturas. 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 remain confidential. Family law files may have restricted information to protect privacy.

Some court information may be searchable online if databases are available. 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 Modoc 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 work best in Modoc County.

Property and Assessment Records

Real estate documents are recorded with the Modoc County Recorder. Recording creates legal notice and establishes priority. 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 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 Modoc County.

The Assessor's Office keeps property value records for tax purposes. 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 Modoc County.

Business Filings

Fictitious business names are filed with the County Clerk in Modoc 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 Modoc 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 Modoc 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 Modoc 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 Modoc County.

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

How to Get Records

Some Modoc County records may be searchable online. Check the county website for databases. Property and court information may be accessible from home. Most searches are free. Copies cost money. Electronic access works well if you only need basic data.

Visit offices in Alturas 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 Modoc 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 Modoc 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 Modoc 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 Modoc County.

Nearby Counties

Modoc County is in the northeast corner of California. For records from adjacent jurisdictions, contact those counties. Each has its own systems.

Adjacent counties: Siskiyou County, Shasta County, Lassen County