Sonoma County Records

Sonoma County public records encompass court documents, vital certificates, property deeds, and government files maintained across Wine Country offices. The Clerk-Recorder-Assessor 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 the Santa Rosa courthouse. Many records are searchable through online databases operated by the county and court. You can also request government agency 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 Sonoma County.

Clerk-Recorder-Assessor Office

The Sonoma County Clerk-Recorder-Assessor serves multiple functions. As County Recorder, they record and preserve property deeds, deeds of trust, liens, and other real estate instruments. They maintain vital records including birth, death, and marriage certificates. The office issues certified copies to authorized persons. As Assessor, they maintain property tax assessment records for all parcels in the county.

The main office is at 585 Fiscal Drive in Santa Rosa. Hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Some services may have different hours. Call ahead to confirm availability of specific services. The county may offer limited services at other locations or by appointment.

You can search property records and assessment information online. The county maintains searchable databases for recorded documents and assessment data. Many documents are viewable as digital images. Older records may require in-person inspection at the office in Sonoma 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 under state law. Bring valid photo ID to prove your relationship. The office verifies eligibility before releasing records.

Superior Court Case Files

Sonoma Superior Court handles all trial court matters for the county. The main courthouse is at 600 Administration Drive in Santa Rosa. The court operates this location for most case types. Each case type may have different departments and procedures within the courthouse.

You can search court cases through the court's online case access system. Basic 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.

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 in Sonoma 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.

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

Real Estate Documents

Property documents are recorded with the County Recorder to provide public notice. Deeds transfer ownership. Deeds of trust secure loans. Liens protect creditors. All these instruments become public record once filed in Sonoma County.

Search property records online through the county's document search system. The index organizes documents by grantor, grantee, and property description. Each recorded document receives a unique document number. Many documents are viewable as images online.

Recording fees depend on document type and page count. The first page costs more than additional pages. Real estate transfers pay higher fees. Documentary transfer tax may apply. Check the fee schedule before submitting documents for recording in Sonoma County.

The Assessor maintains property tax assessment records. These show assessed values and ownership for tax purposes. Assessment information is searchable online. The Assessor tracks ownership changes for taxation. Property tax records are available through the Assessor's website.

Birth, Death, and Marriage Certificates

Sonoma 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.

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 can provide same-day copies if the record is on file. Bring valid ID and payment.

Only authorized persons can obtain certified copies. 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. The office verifies eligibility in Sonoma County.

Birth records appear within days after the birth. Death records take weeks to process. Marriage records become available after the ceremony. If you order before the record is filed, you get a Certificate of No Record. The fee is kept as a search charge.

For recent vital events, order from Sonoma County for faster service than the state. County processing is much quicker for local records.

Public Records Act Requests

The California Public Records Act grants you the right to inspect government records. Each department maintains its own files. Direct your request to the correct agency. Many departments accept CPRA requests through email or online portals in Sonoma 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.

Fees apply for copying and staff time. Electronic records often cost less. Simple requests may be free. Complex requests can be expensive. Ask for a fee estimate before the agency begins extensive work in Sonoma County.

Some records are exempt. Examples include personnel files, attorney-client communications, and active investigations. The agency must cite specific legal authority to withhold records. You can challenge denials.

Types of Available Records

Sonoma County maintains numerous categories of public records:

• 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 Clerk-Recorder. Ask about fees when you request records.

How to Get Records

Several methods exist to access public records in Sonoma County. Online searches work for many types. The court has case search tools. The recorder offers property searches. These let you find information from home.

In-person visits provide full access. Visit the courthouse to review case files. Go to the recorder's office to examine property documents. Staff can help. Bring ID and payment. In-person service is often the fastest option.

Mail requests work when you know exactly what you want. Write a clear description. Include payment and return address. Processing takes weeks for mail requests. Check the agency website before mailing.

Phone calls answer basic questions. Staff cannot read documents over the phone. They can tell you hours, fees, and procedures. Call before visiting to confirm locations and requirements.

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 Sonoma County. Records are presumed public unless an exemption applies.

Common exemptions protect personnel privacy, attorney work product, and active investigations. Agencies must cite legal authority when withholding records. You can challenge denials through appeals or court action.

Court records follow California Rules of Court. Rule 2.503 addresses public access. Some information is confidential by statute. Juvenile cases are sealed. Family law cases have restricted information.

Vital records access is governed by Health and Safety Code Section 103526. Only authorized persons can get certified copies. Property records are public by tradition. Anyone can search real estate documents in Sonoma County.

Cities in Sonoma County

Sonoma County includes several incorporated cities. Each maintains local government records. Contact city offices for municipal records in Sonoma County.

Major city in Sonoma County: Santa Rosa

Other cities include Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Cotati, Sonoma, Healdsburg, Windsor, Cloverdale, and Sebastopol. Court cases and vital records for all cities go through county offices.

Nearby Counties

Sonoma County borders several other California counties. Contact that county directly for records from neighboring jurisdictions.

Adjacent counties: Mendocino County, Lake County, Napa County, Marin County