Sacramento County Records Access

Public records in Sacramento County cover a wide range of documents maintained by different offices. The County Clerk/Recorder handles vital records like birth and death certificates, plus property documents and fictitious business names. Court records go through the Superior Court system. Each office has its own rules and fees. You can search many records online through official portals. Some require you to visit in person or submit requests by mail. Birth certificates cost $24 per copy at the county level. Property records are searchable at no charge but copies have fees. The California Public Records Act lets you request documents from county agencies. Response time is 10 days with possible extensions. Sacramento County serves the state capital and surrounding areas.

County Clerk and Recorder

The Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder maintains official records for the county. This office has several functions. As County Clerk, they issue marriage licenses and keep marriage records. As County Recorder, they record property documents like deeds and liens. They also file fictitious business names and maintain vital records. The main office is at 600 8th Street in downtown Sacramento.

Visit ccr.saccounty.gov to access services. The website has links to online searches, order forms, and fee schedules. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Some services can be done online. Others need an in-person visit or mail request.

The County Clerk/Recorder portal at ccr.saccounty.gov provides access to many record types.

Staff can help you find what you need. They cannot give legal advice. Fees depend on the type of record and number of pages. Payment methods include cash, check, and credit card at the office.

Birth and Death Records

Sacramento County issues certified copies of vital records for events within the county. Birth certificates are $24 per copy. Death certificates are $24 per copy. These are county fees. The state charges different amounts if you order from the California Department of Public Health.

Only certain people can order vital records. Parents can get their child's birth certificate. Adult children can get their parents' death certificate. You must prove your relationship. Bring valid ID when you apply. The office checks eligibility before releasing any vital records in Sacramento County.

Birth records are available about 10 days after the birth. Death records take longer to process. If you order too soon, the record may not be filed yet. The county will search and tell you if nothing is found. They keep the fee as a search charge under state law.

Order online, by mail, or in person at the Clerk/Recorder office. Online orders may use VitalChek, which adds service fees. Mail takes longer but costs less. In-person service is fastest if the record is ready in Sacramento County.

Note: Health and Safety Code Section 103526 controls who can access vital records.

Superior Court Case Files

The Sacramento County Superior Court operates multiple courthouses. The main courthouse is at 720 9th Street in Sacramento. Court records include civil, criminal, family law, probate, and small claims cases. Each type has different access rules.

Many court records can be searched online. The court website has portals for case lookups. You can find case numbers, parties, filing dates, and basic information. Full documents may require a courthouse visit. Sensitive cases have limited online access to protect privacy in Sacramento County.

Copies of court documents cost $0.50 per page. Certification adds extra fees. Request copies from the clerk at the courthouse where the case was filed. Some documents are available electronically. Others exist only on paper.

Juvenile cases are confidential. Sealed records are not public. Family law cases show limited details online. You can view full files at the courthouse if you are a party to the case or have legal standing.

Real Estate and Property Files

Property records are maintained by the County Recorder. When someone buys or sells real estate, the deed gets recorded. Mortgages, liens, and other documents that affect property also get recorded. These create a public chain of title for Sacramento County properties.

You can search property records for free. The Recorder's office has an online search portal. Enter an address or parcel number. The system shows recorded documents. You can view images of older records and recent filings.

To get copies, you pay per page. Plain copies cost less than certified copies. Certification proves the document is a true copy of the original on file. Most real estate transactions need certified copies. Order at the Recorder's office or request by mail in Sacramento County.

The Assessor's office keeps separate property records. They track ownership for tax purposes. Assessed values and property characteristics are public information. Search the Assessor database to find property details and tax history.

• Deeds transfer ownership of land and buildings
• Deeds of trust secure loans with real property
• Liens claim money owed by the property owner
• Easements grant rights to use someone else's land
• Maps show property boundaries and subdivisions

All recorded documents are public. No special permission is needed to search or copy property records. Fees apply for copies and certification.

Fictitious Business Names

If you operate under a name different from your legal name, you must file a fictitious business name statement. The County Clerk handles these filings. The fee covers filing and publication requirements set by state law.

Fictitious business name statements are public records. Anyone can search them. The Clerk's office has an index you can check. This helps you see if a name is already taken before you file your own statement in Sacramento County.

Statements expire after five years. You must renew to keep using the name. If you stop using the name, you should file an abandonment. Changes to the business require a new statement.

California Public Records Act Requests

Sacramento County responds to public records requests under the California Public Records Act. Each department keeps its own files. You must contact the right department for the records you want.

Sacramento County uses NextRequest to manage CPRA submissions at saccounty.nextrequest.com. Fill out the online form with details about what you are seeking. Be specific to help staff find the right records.

The law gives 10 days for a response. Agencies can extend by 14 days if they need more time. They must tell you why. Complex requests take longer to process. Simple requests may be answered quickly in Sacramento County.

You do not need to give a reason for your request. No ID is required for most records. Fees apply for copying and staff time if the request is extensive. Electronic copies are often free or low cost.

Some records are exempt from disclosure. These include personnel files, active investigations, attorney work product, and information protected by other laws. The agency must cite a legal reason to withhold records. You can appeal if you think the denial is wrong.

Ways to Get Records

Online searches work for many record types. Court cases, property records, and some vital records can be looked up on official websites. These searches are usually free. You pay only for copies or certified documents.

Visit offices in person for full access. Staff can help you locate files. Bring ID and payment. Some records can be viewed but not copied without paying fees. Ask about costs before ordering in Sacramento County.

Mail requests work if you know what you need. Write a letter with your request. Include payment and a return address. Processing takes longer by mail. Some offices require specific forms you can download from their websites.

Phone calls can answer basic questions. Staff will not read files over the phone. They can tell you fees, hours, and how to request records. Call ahead to confirm requirements before visiting.

Record Fees in Sacramento County

Fees vary by record type and office. Birth and death certificates cost $24 per copy from the County Clerk. Court copies are $0.50 per page plus certification if needed. Property record copies have per-page fees set by the Recorder.

Some searches are free. Ordering copies costs money. Electronic delivery may cost less than paper. Rush service adds extra charges. Ask about all fees before placing an order.

Payment methods include cash, check, money order, and credit card. Some offices only take certain forms of payment. Check the website or call ahead to confirm what they accept at Sacramento County offices.

Note: Fees can change when the state legislature passes new laws or county officials adjust rates.

Laws Governing Record Access

The California Public Records Act is the main law. It is in Government Code Division 10. All state and local agencies must follow it. Records are public unless an exemption applies. The burden is on the agency to justify withholding records.

Court records follow California Rules of Court. Rule 2.503 covers records at the courthouse. Rule 2.540 addresses electronic access for government agencies. Some case types are sealed by law. Juvenile cases are not public under Welfare and Institutions Code provisions.

Vital records access is controlled by Health and Safety Code Section 103526. Only authorized persons can get certified copies. This protects privacy while allowing access for those with a direct need.

Property records are public by tradition and statute. Government Code and Civil Code sections establish the duty to record and make documents available. Anyone can search and copy recorded property documents in Sacramento County.

Cities in Sacramento County

Sacramento County includes multiple incorporated cities. Each city government maintains its own records separate from county records. City records include council minutes, permits, contracts, and departmental files. Most cities have online portals for public records requests.

Major cities in Sacramento County with populations over 100,000: Sacramento, Elk Grove, Roseville, Folsom

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

Nearby Counties

Sacramento County borders several other counties. If you need records from a neighboring jurisdiction, contact that county directly. Each has its own offices and procedures.

Adjacent counties: Yolo County, Placer County, El Dorado County, Amador County, San Joaquin County, Solano County