Search Placer County Public Records

Public records in Placer County cover court files, vital certificates, property deeds, business names, and government documents. The Clerk-Recorder-Registrar of Voters office in Auburn handles birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, and real estate recordings. Superior Court operates courthouses in Auburn, Roseville, and Tahoe City with case files for civil, criminal, family, and probate matters. Many records can be searched online through county and court portals. Visit offices in person to view complete files and order certified copies. Fees vary by record type and service. Some searches are free while certified documents cost money. Processing times range from instant online results to weeks for mailed requests from Placer County offices.

Clerk-Recorder-Registrar Office

The Placer County Clerk-Recorder-Registrar of Voters manages vital records and property documents. This office records all deeds, mortgages, and liens affecting real estate in the county. They also issue certified copies of birth, death, and marriage certificates for events in Placer County. The main office is at 2954 Richardson Drive in Auburn. Walk-in hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Call ahead if you need help with a specific document or want to know what to bring.

Birth certificates cost $24 per copy. Death certificates cost $24. Marriage certificates are $24 too. These prices follow state law that changed in January 2026 under Assembly Bill 64. You can pay extra for rush service if you need records faster from Placer County.

Only eligible people can order vital records. State law restricts access to protect privacy. Parents, spouses, children, grandparents, and legal representatives qualify. You must show valid photo ID when you apply. Mail orders need a copy of your ID included with the application to Placer County.

Vital records usually appear in the system within weeks of the event. Birth records take about two weeks. Death records can take eight weeks or longer. Marriage records arrive after the officiant returns the signed license. If you order too soon, the search finds nothing and you get a Certificate of No Record. The county keeps your fee as a search charge under state law in Placer County.

Superior Court Records

Placer County Superior Court operates three locations. The main courthouse is in Auburn. A second courthouse in Roseville serves the southern part of the county. A third location in Tahoe City handles cases for the Lake Tahoe area. Each courthouse has a clerk's office where you can search files and request copies of Placer County court documents.

Some court records may be available online through the court's website or public access terminals. Basic information like case numbers, parties, filing dates, and hearing schedules often appears in online searches. Full documents require you to visit the courthouse or order copies by mail from Placer County.

Not all records are public. Juvenile cases are sealed by law. Family law cases may have hidden details to protect children and abuse victims. Criminal cases can include confidential reports. If the search finds nothing, the case might be sealed or filed in a different county, not Placer County.

Copy fees follow state law. Paper copies cost 50 cents per page. Certified copies add extra for the clerk's seal and signature. Ask about current prices when you order documents from Placer County courts.

Real Estate and Property Documents

All property transactions in Placer County must be recorded with the Clerk-Recorder. Deeds transfer ownership. Mortgages secure loans against property. Liens protect creditors. These documents become public once recorded. Anyone can search and order copies from Placer County.

The recorder's office keeps these documents permanently. You can search by owner name, property address, or document number. The system shows when each document was recorded and gives you a reference number. Use that number to order copies if you need them for title searches or other purposes in Placer County.

Property records help with title searches, background checks, and genealogy research. They show who owned land over time. Loan documents reveal financing details. Foreclosure papers indicate defaults and sales. All this information is kept in Placer County archives going back to the county's founding in 1851.

The Assessor's Office maintains separate property tax records. These show the assessed value, owner's mailing address, and property characteristics. Search the assessor database to find current ownership and tax history. This office does not record new documents but tracks assessments for tax purposes in Placer County.

Birth, Death, and Marriage Documents

Placer County issues vital records for events within its borders. If a child was born in a hospital here, the birth record comes from the Clerk-Recorder. Death certificates issue after someone dies in this county. Marriage licenses are filed after the ceremony when the officiant returns the signed document to Placer County.

Order vital records in person, by mail, or through online services. In-person orders let you get same-day service if the record is ready. Mail orders take longer but avoid convenience fees. Online orders through third-party vendors add extra charges on top of the county fee for Placer County certificates.

You must prove your eligibility to get vital records. This protects privacy while allowing access to those with legitimate need. Bring ID and show your relationship to the person on the certificate. The clerk checks your eligibility before releasing certified copies from Placer County.

If the record is not yet filed, you will get a Certificate of No Record. The county keeps your payment as a search fee allowed by state law. Wait longer and try again if you know the event happened recently in Placer County.

State Public Records Resources

Some public records are maintained at the state level rather than by Placer County. The California Department of Public Health keeps copies of vital records after they are recorded by counties. The Secretary of State maintains business entity filings. The Department of Justice holds criminal history records.

Search business entities at sos.ca.gov/business-programs/business-entities for corporations and LLCs. This free database shows company names, entity numbers, filing dates, and agent information. Certificates of status and certified copies cost $5 each from the Secretary of State.

The Department of Justice processes background checks and maintains criminal records. Visit oag.ca.gov/fingerprints to learn about fingerprinting and record checks. Individual criminal records are not public but people can request their own records for review.

California Courts provide information about court rules and access policies at courts.ca.gov/policy-administration/public-records for judicial administrative records. This site explains what court documents are public and how to request them from Placer County and other courts statewide.

Fictitious Business Names

Businesses using a name different from the owner's legal name must file a Fictitious Business Name Statement. This is called a DBA for "doing business as." The County Clerk-Recorder handles these filings for businesses in Placer County.

Filing a business name costs a fee set by the county. You must also publish the statement in a local newspaper. After publication, bring proof to the Clerk-Recorder to complete the process. Staff will give you a stamped copy showing the filing is complete in Placer County.

FBN statements must be renewed every five years to stay valid. Search the clerk's records to check if a business name is already in use. This prevents conflicts with existing businesses operating in Placer County.

California Public Records Act Requests

Placer County responds to public records requests under the California Public Records Act. This law gives you the right to inspect and copy most government documents. Each department handles requests for the records it maintains in Placer County.

Submit requests to the specific department that has what you need. Write a clear description of the records you want. Include dates if you know them. The law allows 10 days for the initial response. An extension of 14 days is possible for complex requests in Placer County.

No reason is required for your request. You do not have to explain why you want the records. The agency can charge for copying and staff time if your request takes many hours. Ask about fees before they start work. Some records are exempt, like personnel files and active investigations in Placer County.

Birth, death, and marriage records are not CPRA records. You get those through normal vital records procedures. Court cases follow different access rules. Other government documents like contracts, emails, and reports usually fall under CPRA in Placer County.

Ways to Obtain Records

Placer County offers several ways to get public records. Choose the method that fits your needs.

Online searches work for some court and property records. Use county and court websites to find basic information. Most searches are free. You pay when you order copies or certified documents from Placer County.

In-person visits work best for same-day service and viewing full files. Go to the courthouse for case files. Visit the Clerk-Recorder for property and vital records. Bring valid ID and payment. Staff will help you find records and make copies on site.

Mail requests are good if you live far from Auburn, Roseville, or Tahoe City. Write what you need, include payment, and send it to the right office. Processing takes longer but saves travel time. Check for current fees and addresses before mailing to Placer County.

Phone calls can answer basic questions about hours, fees, and requirements. Staff cannot read files to you over the phone. Call ahead to confirm details before visiting Placer County offices.

Legal Basis for Access

California law requires most government records to be public. The state constitution declares that public records shall be open to inspection. The Public Records Act in Government Code Division 10 sets procedures. These laws apply to Placer County and all other local agencies in California.

Court records follow California Rules of Court. Rule 2.503 says case files are public unless sealed or made confidential by law. Juvenile cases always stay sealed. Some family law and criminal records have restricted access to protect victims and children in Placer County cases.

Vital records access is controlled by Health and Safety Code Section 103526. This law lists who can get certified copies. The list includes parents, spouses, children, grandparents, and legal representatives. Unauthorized persons cannot get certified copies even with a CPRA request in Placer County.

Property records have been public since early California. Recording laws require documents to be filed in the county where property is located. Once recorded, they become public for anyone to see. This protects buyers and lenders by giving notice of claims against real estate in Placer County.

Major Cities

Placer County includes several incorporated cities. Auburn is the county seat. Roseville is the largest city. Other cities include Rocklin, Lincoln, and Colfax. Each city runs its own government and keeps records about city operations. Contact the city clerk for local government documents.

Cities in Placer County with populations over 100,000: Roseville

Note: Court cases and vital records go through county offices regardless of which city you live in within Placer County.

Adjacent Counties

Placer County borders several other counties. If you need records from a neighboring jurisdiction, contact that county's offices directly.

Bordering counties: Nevada County, El Dorado County, Sacramento County, Sutter County