Search Solano County Public Records

Solano County public records include court documents, vital certificates, property deeds, and government files maintained across 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 at courthouses in Fairfield and Vallejo. Many records are searchable through online databases operated by the county and court. You can also request records under the California Public Records Act. Fees vary by record type. Processing times range from instant online searches to weeks for certified documents ordered by mail from Solano County offices.

County Recorder Services

The Solano County Recorder maintains official documents for the county. As County Recorder, they record and preserve property deeds, deeds of trust, liens, and other real estate 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 at 675 Texas Street in Fairfield. Hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Some services may close earlier. Call ahead to confirm hours for specific services. The county may offer services at other locations or by appointment in some cases.

You can search property records online through the county's document search system. The database lets you search by name, document type, or property information. Many recorded documents are viewable as digital images. Older records may require in-person inspection of microfilm or paper files at the recorder's office in Solano 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 authorized persons can order vital records. Bring valid photo ID to prove your identity and relationship to the person on the certificate. The office verifies eligibility before releasing records.

Superior Court Records

Solano Superior Court handles all trial court cases for the county. The court operates two main locations. The Hall of Justice is at 600 Union Avenue in Fairfield. A second courthouse serves the Vallejo area. Each location handles different case types and serves different geographic parts of the county.

You can search court cases through the court's online case access system. Basic case information appears in public indexes including party names, case numbers, filing dates, and hearing schedules. More detailed documents may require in-person inspection at the courthouse where the case is filed.

Civil cases include unlimited jurisdiction matters over $25,000 and limited civil under that amount. Criminal cases range from misdemeanors to serious 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. Traffic infractions are handled separately in Solano County.

The court charges fees for copies and research services. Certified copies cost more than plain copies. Court staff can help you locate case files if you have party names and approximate filing 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 for approval from the judge.

Real Estate and Property Documents

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

Search property records online or at the recorder's office. The index organizes documents by grantor, grantee, and property description. Each recorded document receives a unique document number. Use this number to retrieve the full document image online or request a copy from the recorder.

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

The Assessor's Office maintains property tax assessment records. These show assessed values and ownership for tax purposes. Assessment information is public and searchable online in most cases. The Assessor tracks ownership changes reported by the recorder. Property tax records are available through the Assessor's website or office.

Birth, Death, and Marriage Certificates

Solano 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 at the same time may 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 to process. 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 proving guardianship. Attorneys must show they represent an authorized person in Solano 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 by the officiant. 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 Solano 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 gives 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 through email or online portals in Solano 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 Solano 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

Solano 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 inspection 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 Solano 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 Obtain Records

Several methods exist to access public records in Solano 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.

In-person visits provide full access to files. Visit the courthouse in Fairfield or Vallejo to review case files. Go to the recorder's office in Fairfield 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 Solano 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 Basis for Record Access

California law provides 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 Solano 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 Solano County.

Cities in Solano County

Solano County includes several incorporated cities. 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 Solano County.

Major city in Solano County: Vallejo

Other cities include Fairfield, Vacaville, Benicia, Dixon, Rio Vista, and Suisun City. 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

Solano County borders several other California 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: Napa County, Yolo County, Sacramento County, Contra Costa County