Find San Benito County Records
San Benito County public records are kept by several county offices in Hollister, the county seat. The County Clerk/Auditor/Recorder handles vital records such as birth and death certificates, property documents, and marriage licenses. Court records go through the Superior Court. Each office operates independently with its own hours and fee schedules. Many records can be searched online through county portals. Others need an in-person visit or written request. Birth certificates cost $24 when ordered from the county. Property records are searchable for free but copies have fees. The California Public Records Act gives you the right to request government documents. Agencies must respond within 10 days. San Benito County is one of the smaller counties in California by population but maintains comprehensive public records.
San Benito County Quick Facts
County Clerk, Auditor, and Recorder
San Benito County combines three functions in one department. The Clerk/Auditor/Recorder office is located at 440 Fifth Street in Hollister. As County Clerk, they issue marriage licenses and maintain marriage records. As County Recorder, they record property documents like deeds and liens. As County Auditor, they manage financial records for the county.
The office is open Monday through Friday. Hours are typically 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM but check their website to confirm current schedules. You can visit in person or submit requests by mail. Some services may be available online.
Staff can answer questions about record types, fees, and procedures. They cannot provide legal advice. Bring valid ID when requesting vital records or sensitive documents in San Benito County.
| Address | 440 Fifth Street, Hollister, CA 95023 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| County Seat | Hollister |
Birth, Death, and Marriage Certificates
San Benito County issues certified copies of vital records for events that occurred in the county. Birth certificates are $24 per copy. Death certificates are $24 per copy. Marriage certificates are also $24 per copy. These county fees are lower than ordering from the state.
Not everyone can order vital records. State law restricts access to protect privacy. Parents can get their child's birth certificate. Adult children can get their parents' death certificate. Spouses can get marriage certificates. You must show ID and prove your relationship to the person on the record.
Birth records become available about 10 days after the birth is registered. Death records take longer because the certificate must be completed by medical personnel and filed with the county. If you try to order too soon, the record may not exist yet. The office will search and issue a Certificate of No Public Record if nothing is found. They keep the fee as authorized by law.
Order vital records in person at the Clerk's office in Hollister. You can also request by mail. Some third-party services offer online ordering but add service fees. The county website has order forms and instructions for San Benito County residents.
Superior Court Case Records
The San Benito County Superior Court is located at 481 Fourth Street in Hollister. Court records include civil, criminal, family law, probate, and small claims cases. The court clerk maintains these files. Public access is governed by California Rules of Court and specific statutes.
Many court records can be searched online. The court may provide a case index on their website. You can find case numbers, party names, and basic case information. Full documents often require a visit to the courthouse. Fees apply for copies of court documents.
Copies typically cost $0.50 per page. Certification adds an extra fee. Request copies from the clerk at the courthouse. Some documents are available the same day. Others may take time to retrieve from storage in San Benito County.
Certain case types are confidential. Juvenile dependency and delinquency cases are not public. Sealed records cannot be accessed without a court order. Family law cases have limited online information to protect the privacy of parties and children involved.
Note: California Rule of Court 2.503 governs access to case records at the courthouse.
Real Estate and Recorded Documents
Property records are maintained by the County Recorder. When real estate changes hands, the new deed gets recorded. This creates a public record of ownership. Other documents like mortgages, liens, and easements also get recorded when they affect property rights.
You can search property records at the Recorder's office. Many counties now have online search portals. Enter an address or parcel number to see recorded documents. Older records may be on microfilm or in bound books. Newer records are digital and easier to access in San Benito County.
Copies of recorded documents cost money. The fee is per page. Plain copies are cheaper than certified copies. Certification proves the copy is accurate and is often required for legal transactions. Order copies at the Recorder's office or request by mail.
The Assessor's office keeps different property records. They track ownership for tax purposes. Assessed values are public information. You can search the Assessor database to find property details and see tax history.
- Grant deeds transfer ownership from seller to buyer
- Deeds of trust secure loans with the property as collateral
- Tax liens are filed when property taxes are not paid
- Mechanic's liens are filed by contractors for unpaid work
All recorded documents are public records. Anyone can search and copy them. No special reason is needed to access property records in San Benito County.
Fictitious Business Name Filings
When you do business under a name other than your own legal name, you must file a fictitious business name statement. This is also called a DBA (doing business as). The County Clerk handles these filings. The fee covers both filing with the county and publishing in a local newspaper as required by state law.
Fictitious business name statements are public. You can search them at the Clerk's office. This lets you check if a name is already in use before you file. Statements are valid for five years. You must renew before expiration to keep using the name.
If you change the business address or add partners, you may need to file a new statement. When you stop using a fictitious name, you should file an abandonment. This removes the name from active records in San Benito County.
Requesting Public Records
The California Public Records Act gives you the right to inspect and copy government records. San Benito County must respond to requests within 10 days. They can extend by 14 days if they need more time to locate or review records.
Each county department maintains its own records. Contact the department that would have the records you seek. Be specific in your request. Describe the documents by date, subject, or type. This helps staff locate what you need faster.
The California Attorney General's office provides guidance on public records requests at oag.ca.gov. You do not need to give a reason for your request. No ID is required for most records. Fees may apply for copying and staff time if the request is extensive.
Some records are exempt from disclosure. Personnel files, attorney work product, and active investigations are examples. The agency must cite a legal basis to withhold records. You can challenge a denial if you believe it is improper in San Benito County.
Electronic records are often provided at no cost or for minimal fees. Paper copies cost more. Ask about the format when you make your request.
How to Obtain Records
Online searches are available for some record types. Court case indexes and property records may be searchable on county websites. These searches are typically free. You pay only when you need copies or certified documents.
In-person visits give you the most access. You can view files and order copies on the spot. Bring ID and payment. Ask staff for help finding records. They can explain procedures and fees for San Benito County records.
Mail requests work if you know what you want. Write a clear letter describing the records. Include payment and a return address. Processing takes longer by mail. Some offices have request forms you can download and mail in.
Phone calls can answer basic questions about hours, fees, and procedures. Staff will not read documents to you over the phone. Call ahead to confirm requirements before visiting.
Record Costs and Fees
Fees vary by record type. Birth and death certificates cost $24 from the County Clerk. Court copies are $0.50 per page. Property document copies have per-page fees plus certification if needed.
Some searches are free. Copies cost money. Electronic delivery may be cheaper than paper. Rush service adds extra charges. Always ask about total costs before ordering in San Benito County.
Payment methods include cash, check, money order, and credit card at some offices. Call ahead to confirm what forms of payment are accepted.
Note: Fees can change when the state passes new laws or county officials adjust local rates.
Laws Governing Records Access
The California Public Records Act is in Government Code Division 10. It applies to all state and local agencies in California. Records are presumed public unless an exemption applies. Agencies must justify withholding records.
Court records follow California Rules of Court. Rule 2.503 covers access at the courthouse. Rule 2.540 addresses electronic access for government agencies. Certain case types are sealed by law. Juvenile cases are confidential under Welfare and Institutions Code provisions.
Vital records access is controlled by Health and Safety Code Section 103526. Only authorized persons can obtain certified copies. This balances public access with privacy protection for individuals and families.
Property records have long been public under common law and statute. Anyone can search and copy recorded documents without giving a reason in San Benito County.
Cities in San Benito County
San Benito County has three incorporated cities: Hollister, San Juan Bautista, and Tres Pinos. None exceed 100,000 population. Each city maintains its own government records separate from county records. City records include council minutes, permits, and contracts.
Court cases and vital records go through county offices regardless of which city you live in within San Benito County.
Nearby Counties
San Benito County borders several other counties. If you need records from a neighboring jurisdiction, contact that county directly. Each has its own record systems and procedures.
Adjacent counties: Santa Clara County, Santa Cruz County, Monterey County, Fresno County, Merced County