Shasta County Records

Shasta County public records span court documents, vital certificates, property deeds, and government files maintained across multiple county offices. The County Recorder maintains real estate records and issues certified vital records for births, deaths, and marriages. Superior Court keeps case files for civil, criminal, family law, probate, and small claims. You can search many records through online databases or request them in person. Government agencies respond to California Public Records Act requests for other documents. Fees vary by record type. Processing times range from instant online results to weeks for certified copies ordered by mail from Shasta County.

County Recorder Office

The Shasta County Recorder serves as the official records custodian. This office performs multiple functions. As County Recorder, they record and preserve real estate deeds, deeds of trust, liens, and other property instruments. They also maintain vital records including birth, death, and marriage certificates. The office issues certified copies to authorized persons under state law.

The Recorder's office is in the County Administrative Center at 1450 Court Street, Room 105 in Redding. Hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office closes for lunch from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Visit shastacounty.gov/recorder for information and services.

You can search property records online through the county's document imaging system. The database lets you search by name, document type, or property information. Some documents are viewable as digital images. Older records may require an in-person visit to view microfilm or paper files in Shasta County.

Birth certificates cost $24 per copy. Death certificates cost $24. Marriage certificates cost $24. These fees increased by $2 in January 2026 under Assembly Bill 64. Only certain people can order vital records. Bring valid photo ID to prove your relationship to the person on the certificate. The office verifies eligibility before releasing records.

Superior Court Case Files

Shasta Superior Court handles all trial court matters for the county. The main courthouse is at 1500 Court Street in Redding. Branch locations exist in Burney and Redding for small claims and other limited matters. Each location serves different case types and geographic areas of the county.

You can search court cases online through the court's case access system. Basic information appears in public indexes including party names, case numbers, filing dates, and case status. More detailed information may require an account or in-person inspection at the courthouse.

Civil cases handle disputes over money and property. Unlimited civil covers amounts over $25,000. Limited civil handles smaller claims. Criminal cases prosecute violations of state law from misdemeanors to felonies. Family law covers divorce, custody, support, and domestic violence restraining orders. Probate handles wills, trusts, conservatorships, and guardianships. Small claims has a $10,000 limit for individuals in Shasta County.

The court charges fees for copies and research. Certified copies cost more than plain copies. Court staff can help you locate case files if you have party names and approximate dates. Some records must be viewed at the courthouse rather than accessed remotely due to privacy or security concerns.

Not all records are public. Juvenile dependency and delinquency cases remain confidential by law. Sealed records require court permission to access. Family law cases show limited information online to protect party privacy. If you need sealed or restricted records, file a motion with the court and get approval from the judge.

Real Estate Documents

Property documents are recorded with the County Recorder to provide public notice of ownership and liens. Deeds transfer ownership. Deeds of trust secure loans against real estate. Liens protect creditors. All these instruments become public record once filed with the recorder in Shasta County.

Search property records online or at the recorder's office. The index organizes documents by grantor name, grantee name, and property description. Each recorded document receives a unique instrument number. Use this number to retrieve the document image. Some older records exist only on microfilm or paper.

Recording fees depend on the document type and page count. The first page costs more than additional pages. Real estate transfers pay higher fees than simple releases or substitutions. Documentary transfer tax may apply to property sales. Check the current fee schedule before submitting documents for recording in Shasta County.

The Assessor's Office maintains separate property tax assessment records. These show assessed values and ownership for tax purposes. Assessment information is public and searchable. The Assessor does not record documents but tracks ownership changes reported by the recorder. Property tax records help establish ownership and value for various legal purposes.

Birth, Death, and Marriage Certificates

Shasta County issues certified vital records for events within the county. Birth certificates cost $24 per copy. Death certificates cost $24. Marriage certificates cost $24. These fees reflect the January 2026 increase under AB 64. Additional copies ordered simultaneously cost less per copy.

Order vital records online, by mail, or in person. Online orders through VitalChek include convenience fees. Mail orders avoid extra fees but take longer. In-person service at the Recorder's office can provide same-day copies if the record is on file. Bring valid ID and payment when visiting in person.

Only authorized persons can obtain certified copies under Health and Safety Code Section 103526. Parents can order children's birth certificates. Adult children can get their own or their parents' certificates. Spouses can order each other's death certificates. Legal guardians need court documents. Attorneys must show they represent an authorized person in Shasta County.

Birth records appear in the system within days after the birth. Death records take several weeks to process after the death. Marriage records become available after the ceremony is performed and certified. If you order before the record is filed, you receive a Certificate of No Record. The fee is kept as a search charge as authorized by state law.

For recent vital events in Shasta County, order from the county for faster service. The California Department of Public Health takes 5 to 7 weeks to process requests. County processing is much quicker for local records.

California Public Records Act Requests

The California Public Records Act grants you the right to inspect government records. Each county department maintains its own files. Direct your request to the agency that created or maintains the records you want. Many departments accept CPRA requests by email or mail in Shasta County.

Submit requests in writing. Describe the records clearly. Include date ranges and subject matter. The agency has 10 days to respond. They can extend by 14 days if needed. No reason is required for your request. You do not need to provide ID for most CPRA requests.

Fees apply for copying and staff time. Electronic records often cost less than paper. Simple requests may be free. Complex requests requiring many staff hours can be expensive. Ask for a fee estimate before the agency begins extensive work on your request in Shasta County.

Some records are exempt from disclosure. Examples include personnel files, attorney-client communications, and active criminal investigations. Medical records have privacy protections. The agency must cite specific legal authority to withhold records. You can challenge denials if you believe the exemption does not apply.

Types of Available Records

Shasta County maintains numerous categories of public records. Each type has different access procedures and costs:

• Civil, criminal, family, probate, and small claims court cases
• Birth, death, and marriage certificates
• Property deeds, mortgages, and liens
• Fictitious business name statements
• Marriage licenses
• Property assessment and tax records
• Environmental health permits and reports

Different agencies handle different record types. Court records come from the Superior Court. Vital records and property documents come from the Recorder. Tax assessments come from the Assessor. Building permits come from the planning department or individual cities in Shasta County.

Some records are free to search but cost money to copy. Others have search fees. Certified copies always cost more than plain copies. Ask about fees when you request records from county offices.

How to Get Records

Several methods exist to access public records in Shasta County. Online searches work for many record types. The court has case search tools. The recorder offers property searches. These databases let you find basic information from home without visiting offices.

In-person visits provide full access to files. Visit the courthouse to review case files. Go to the recorder's office to examine property documents. Staff can help you locate what you need. Bring valid ID and payment for copies. In-person service is often the fastest option for Shasta County records.

Mail requests work when you know exactly what you want. Write a clear description of the records. Include payment and your return address. Processing takes several weeks for mail requests. Some offices require specific forms. Check the agency website before mailing your request to county offices.

Phone calls can answer basic questions about fees and procedures. Staff cannot read documents over the phone. They can tell you office hours, fees, required ID, and how to submit requests. Call before visiting to confirm locations and requirements in person.

Legal Authority for Access

California law grants broad public access to government records. The California Public Records Act appears in Government Code Division 10. It applies to all state and local agencies including Shasta County. Records are presumed public unless a specific exemption applies under state or federal law.

Common exemptions protect personnel privacy, attorney work product, preliminary drafts, and active investigations. Agencies must cite specific legal authority when withholding records. You can challenge denials through administrative appeals or court action. Courts review agency decisions to ensure proper application of exemptions.

Court records follow California Rules of Court. Rule 2.503 addresses public access at courthouses. Some information is confidential by statute. Juvenile cases are sealed. Certain family law information is restricted to protect parties. Courts can seal records for good cause after notice and hearing.

Vital records access is governed by Health and Safety Code Section 103526. Only authorized persons with direct interest can obtain certified copies. This balances privacy with legitimate access needs. Property records are public by common law tradition. Anyone can search and copy recorded real estate instruments in Shasta County.

Cities in Shasta County

Shasta County includes several incorporated cities and large unincorporated areas. Each city maintains local government records separate from county files. City records include council minutes, permits, contracts, and departmental documents. Contact city offices for municipal records in Shasta County.

Major city in Shasta County: Redding

Other cities include Shasta Lake and Anderson. These cities do not meet the 100,000 population threshold for dedicated pages on this site. You can search their public records through city halls or websites. Court cases and vital records for all cities go through county offices regardless of which city you live in.

Nearby Counties

Shasta County shares borders with several other counties. If you need records from a neighboring jurisdiction, contact that county directly. Each maintains separate systems and procedures for public records access.

Adjacent counties: Siskiyou County, Modoc County, Lassen County, Plumas County, Tehama County, Trinity County