San Francisco Public Records

Public records for San Francisco County are unique because the city and county are consolidated into one government. The County Clerk handles vital records including birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, and property documents. Superior Court maintains case files for civil, criminal, family, probate, and small claims matters. The Office of the Controller Archives manages historical records. Many databases are searchable online through city portals. Some records need in-person visits or written requests. Birth certificates cost $24 when ordered from the county. Property records are free to search but copies have fees. The California Public Records Act applies with a 10-day response time. San Francisco serves over 800,000 residents in a compact area. Each department operates with its own procedures and fee schedules for accessing public records.

County Clerk and Assessor-Recorder

San Francisco combines city and county functions. The County Clerk's office is at City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place. They handle marriage licenses and maintain marriage records. The Assessor-Recorder's office is also at City Hall. They record property documents and assess values for tax purposes. These offices work together to serve residents.

Visit city websites to access online services. Many records can be searched from home. Basic searches are free. Copies and certified documents have fees. Hours are Monday through Friday. Some offices close for lunch. Check current schedules before visiting in San Francisco.

California Courts provide information about public records access at courts.ca.gov.

Staff can answer questions about procedures. They cannot give legal advice. Bring ID when requesting vital records or sensitive documents. Payment methods include cash, check, and credit card at most offices.

Birth and Death Certificates

San Francisco issues certified copies of vital records for events within the city and county. Birth certificates cost $24 per copy. Death certificates cost $24 per copy. These are county fees. The state charges more if you order from Sacramento instead of the local office.

Only certain people can order vital records. Parents can get their child's birth certificate. Adult children can get parents' death certificates. You must prove your relationship. Bring valid ID. The office verifies eligibility before releasing any vital records.

Birth records are available about 10 days after birth. Death records take longer to process. If you order too soon, the record may not be filed yet. The office will search and issue a Certificate of No Public Record if nothing is found. They keep the fee as a search charge under state law.

Order vital records in person at City Hall. You can request by mail. Some online services add convenience fees. Check the city website for order forms and instructions specific to San Francisco.

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

Superior Court Case Files

The San Francisco County Superior Court is located at 400 McAllister Street. Court records include civil, criminal, family law, probate, and small claims cases. The clerk maintains files at the courthouse. Public access follows California Rules of Court and specific statutes.

Many court records can be searched online. The court website has case lookup tools. You can find case numbers, party names, and basic information. Full documents often require a courthouse visit. Fees apply for copies of court documents in San Francisco.

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.

Certain case types are confidential. Juvenile cases are not public. Sealed records need a court order to access. Family law cases show limited information online to protect privacy of parties and children.

California Rule of Court 2.503 governs public access to case records. Rule 2.540 addresses electronic access for government agencies. Effective January 1, 2026, AB 1524 lets you use your phone to photograph court records when viewing them at the courthouse.

Property Documents and Deeds

Property records are kept by the Assessor-Recorder. When real estate is bought or sold, the deed gets recorded. This creates a public record of ownership. Mortgages, liens, and other documents affecting property also get recorded. These form a chain of title for every parcel in San Francisco.

You can search property records online. The Assessor-Recorder database lets you search by address or parcel number. Many documents are available as digital images. You can view them without visiting an office. Newer records are online. Older records may require an in-person search.

Copies cost money. The fee is per page. Plain copies are cheaper than certified copies. Certification proves the copy matches the original on file. Most real estate deals need certified copies. Order at City Hall or request by mail.

The Assessor keeps property tax records. Assessed values and property details are public. Search the database to find ownership and tax history. This is useful for research but not for legal purposes in San Francisco.

• Grant deeds transfer ownership between parties
• Deeds of trust secure loans with property
• Liens claim unpaid debts against property
• Easements grant usage rights to others

All recorded documents are public. Anyone can search and copy them without special permission.

Fictitious Business Names

If you do business under a name other than your legal name, you must file a fictitious business name statement. The County Clerk handles these filings. The fee covers filing and publication as required by law. Fictitious business name statements are public records. You can search them at the Clerk's office. This helps you check if a name is already taken.

Statements expire after five years. Renew before expiration to keep using the name. Changes may require a new statement. When you stop using a name, file an abandonment in San Francisco.

Public Records Requests

San Francisco responds to public records requests under the California Public Records Act. Each department keeps its own files. Contact the right department for the records you want. Be specific about what you need. Include dates, subjects, or document types to help staff locate records.

The law gives 10 days for a response. Agencies can extend by 14 days if needed. They must tell you why. Complex requests take longer. Simple requests may be answered quickly in San Francisco.

The California State Archives maintains historical government records at sos.ca.gov/archives.

You do not need to give a reason. 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. Paper copies cost more.

Some records are exempt. Personnel files, active investigations, and attorney work product are examples. The agency must cite a legal basis to withhold records. You can challenge a denial if you believe it is improper.

Ways to Get Records

Online searches work for many record types. Court, property, 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 San Francisco.

Mail requests work if you know what you need. Write a letter with your request. Include payment and return address. Processing takes longer by mail. Some offices have 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.

Record Fees

Fees vary by record type. Birth and death certificates cost $24 from the County Clerk. Court copies are $0.50 per page. Property record copies have per-page fees plus certification if needed. Some searches are free. Copies cost money. Electronic delivery may be cheaper than paper.

Payment methods include cash, check, money order, and credit card at most offices. Check what forms of payment are accepted before visiting or mailing requests to San Francisco offices.

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

Laws Governing Access

The California Public Records Act is in Government Code Division 10. It applies to all state and local agencies. Records are public unless an exemption applies. The burden is on the agency to justify withholding.

Court records follow California Rules of Court. Rule 2.503 covers courthouse access. Rule 2.540 addresses electronic access for government agencies. Some 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 get certified copies. This protects privacy while allowing legitimate access for those with direct interest.

Property records are public by tradition and statute. Anyone can search and copy recorded documents in San Francisco without giving a reason.

San Francisco City-County

San Francisco is unique as a consolidated city-county. There are no separate cities within San Francisco County. All government functions are unified. Records are maintained by city departments that also serve county functions. The population is over 800,000 within 47 square miles.

Major city in San Francisco County: San Francisco

Nearby Counties

San Francisco 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: San Mateo County, Marin County