Find Public Records in Tulare County

Tulare County public records encompass a variety of government documents maintained by local offices throughout the county. The County Clerk-Recorder in Visalia is responsible for vital records such as birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses, as well as property documents including deeds, mortgages, and liens. Court records from civil, criminal, family, probate, and small claims cases are maintained by the Superior Court with locations in Visalia, Porterville, and Dinuba. The Assessor-Clerk-Recorder provides property assessment information and tax records. Many records can be searched through online databases while others require in-person visits to county offices. California law provides public access to most government records through the California Public Records Act and other statutes governing specific record types. Fees vary depending on the type of record and whether you need certified copies.

Assessor-Clerk-Recorder Office

Tulare County combines the Assessor and Clerk-Recorder functions into one department. This office maintains vital records for events that occurred in the county. Birth and death certificates cost $24 per copy as of January 2026. Marriage certificates also cost $24. Assembly Bill 64 increased these fees by $2 at the start of the year. Only eligible persons can order vital records under state law.

For birth certificates, parents can get copies. So can the person named on the certificate once they are adults. Spouses, adult children, grandparents, legal guardians, and attorneys representing these parties also qualify. Death certificates have broader access. Anyone with a direct and tangible interest can request them. Marriage certificates are usually available to either spouse or those with legal interest in Tulare County.

The Recorder side handles property documents. Deeds transfer real estate ownership. Mortgages secure loans with land as collateral. Liens enforce debts against property. Reconveyances release old loans. All become public records when filed. You can search at countyofvisalia.com/government/assessor-clerk-recorder for property records and information.

Marriage licenses are issued by the Clerk. Both parties must appear in person with valid ID. The license is good for 90 days from issuance. After the wedding ceremony, the officiant returns the license to the county. Then you can order certified marriage certificates. Fees apply for each certified copy you need in Tulare County.

Superior Court of Tulare County

The Superior Court operates three locations in Tulare County. The main courthouse is in Visalia. Branch courts serve Porterville and Dinuba. These courts handle all case types. Civil cases involve lawsuits over money or property. Criminal cases charge defendants with crimes. Family law covers divorce, custody, and support. Probate administers estates. Small claims resolve disputes under $12,500.

Court records are public unless sealed by law or order. Most civil and criminal cases can be viewed by anyone. Juvenile cases remain confidential. Adoption records are sealed. Some family law details are restricted to protect children's privacy. Check the court's website at tulare.courts.ca.gov for case information and access policies.

Online case searches may be available through the court's website. These show basic case information and party names. For full files, visit the courthouse where the case was filed. Bring the case number if you have it. Without a case number, provide party names and approximate filing dates. Clerks will search indexes to find matching cases in Tulare County.

Document copies cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies need an additional fee for the court seal and certificate. Payment is due when you order copies. Most courts take cash, checks, and credit cards. Some documents can be emailed if you do not need certification.

The main courthouse is at 221 South Mooney Boulevard in Visalia. The Porterville branch is at 311 North D Street. The Dinuba branch is at 269 East Tulare Street. Call ahead to confirm hours and verify which location has your case file before visiting.

Real Estate and Assessment Records

Property information exists in recorder and assessor files. The Recorder maintains deeds showing ownership transfers. Each deed names the buyer and seller and describes the property. Mortgages appear when land secures a loan. Liens show debts attached to property. All these are public records once recorded in Tulare County.

The Assessor keeps separate records for tax purposes. Search by address or parcel number to find assessment data. You can see the owner of record, assessed value, property size, and improvements. This information helps with real estate research and tax appeals. Visit the Assessor-Clerk-Recorder website for online search tools.

Tax liens arise from unpaid property taxes. Mechanic's liens secure payment for construction work. Judgment liens enforce court orders. All attach to land titles. Check recorder files before buying property to discover any liens that might affect your purchase. Title companies also search these records when issuing title insurance in Tulare County.

To get copies of recorded documents, contact the Recorder. You need the document number or enough information to locate it. Staff will search and print copies. Fees depend on page count and whether you need certified copies. Most documents can be provided as plain copies for research purposes. Certified copies are needed for legal transactions.

Birth, Death, and Marriage Certificates

Vital records document important life events. Birth certificates prove age and identity. They are required for school, driver licenses, passports, and many other purposes. Death certificates are needed to settle estates, claim life insurance, and close accounts. Marriage certificates show legal unions. All three types are available from the Assessor-Clerk-Recorder in Tulare County.

You have several ordering options. Online orders may go through VitalChek. This third-party vendor charges convenience fees in addition to county fees. Mail orders avoid extra fees but take longer to process. In-person requests at the Visalia office can provide same-day service if the record is on file and you bring proper identification proving your eligibility.

Records need time to become available. Birth records usually file within 10 days after the event. Death records can take several weeks depending on when the attending physician completes paperwork. Marriage records are available after the officiant returns the signed license to the county. If you order before filing is complete, the office will search and find nothing. They keep your fee as a search charge under Health and Safety Code provisions governing vital records in Tulare County.

For recent records, county offices work faster than the state. The California Department of Public Health in Sacramento processes vital record requests but takes 5 to 7 weeks. County offices often provide much faster service for events that occurred locally. Use the county for faster turnaround when you need records quickly.

California Public Records Act

Government documents are generally public in California. The California Public Records Act gives you the right to inspect and copy most agency records. This applies to all Tulare County departments and offices. You can request records from any department that keeps them.

Be specific in your request. Describe the records you want. Give date ranges, names, or topics. The more details you provide, the easier it is for staff to find responsive documents. No reason is required. You do not have to explain why you want the records. Agencies cannot ask about your purpose for requesting them.

Agencies have 10 calendar days to respond. They must tell you whether they have the records and when you can inspect them. If the response will take longer, they can extend by 14 days. Extensions are only allowed for unusual circumstances like very large requests or records scattered across multiple locations in Tulare County.

Some records are exempt from disclosure. Personnel files are private. Attorney work product is privileged. Active criminal investigation files may be withheld. Preliminary drafts are not final public records. The agency must cite a specific legal exemption to deny your request. You can challenge improper denials through legal action if necessary.

Fees apply for copying and staff time. Electronic records sent by email are often free. Paper copies cost per page. Complex requests requiring many hours of staff work can result in higher charges. Ask about fees before the agency starts searching. They should provide a cost estimate for large requests so you can decide whether to proceed.

Note: Vital records and property documents are not CPRA requests. You purchase those through normal county procedures.

Common Record Categories

Tulare County maintains many types of public records. Each has its own access rules and fees. Common categories include:

• Court cases from civil, criminal, family, probate, and small claims proceedings
• Birth, death, and marriage certificates from county vital records
• Real estate deeds, mortgages, reconveyances, and property transfers
• Property tax assessments, parcel data, and ownership information
• Fictitious business name statements filed with the county
• Marriage license applications and records
• Liens, judgments, and other encumbrances on real property

Each record type serves different purposes. Court files resolve legal disputes. Vital records prove identity and family relationships. Property documents show ownership and debts. Business filings establish legal entities. Tax records support government revenue collection. All follow specific procedures in Tulare County.

Access varies by record type. Some are searchable online for free. Others cost money to view or copy. In-person visits may be required for complete files. Mail requests work if you know exactly what you need. Always ask about costs before ordering copies to avoid surprises.

How to Access County Records

Multiple methods exist for getting records. Online databases work well for initial research. County websites often provide search tools. Courts may have case indexes. Recorders offer property searches. Assessors show tax data. These let you find basic information without visiting an office in Tulare County.

In-person visits provide full access to files. Go to the courthouse for complete case files. Visit the Assessor-Clerk-Recorder for property documents and vital records. Bring valid ID if requesting birth or death certificates. Be prepared to pay fees. Offices in Visalia are open Monday through Friday during business hours.

Written requests work when you cannot visit. Mail a letter describing the records you need. Include your name, address, phone number, and payment. Check agency websites for current fees and correct mailing addresses. Processing takes longer by mail than in person. Allow several weeks for agencies to respond to mail requests.

Phone calls help with procedural questions. Staff can explain fees, hours, and requirements. They can tell you what ID or forms to bring. But they cannot search files or read documents over the phone. Use phone calls to prepare for visits or mail requests to Tulare County offices.

Legal Framework for Records

Several California statutes govern public records access. The California Public Records Act appears in Government Code Division 10. This law replaced the previous Chapter 3.5 structure. CPRA requires agencies to open most records for inspection and copying. Read the full text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov to understand your legal rights.

Court records follow California Rules of Court. Rule 2.503 covers case records available at courthouses. Rule 2.540 addresses government agency access to electronic court files. Juvenile confidentiality is mandated by Welfare and Institutions Code provisions. Family law restrictions appear in Family Code sections and court rules designed to protect children and privacy.

Vital records access is controlled by Health and Safety Code Section 103526. This statute defines authorized persons who can obtain certified copies. The law balances privacy protection with legitimate access for family members and legal representatives. County clerks must verify eligibility before releasing vital records in Tulare County.

Property recording requirements come from Government Code sections. Once a document is recorded, it becomes public. Anyone can search and copy recorded instruments. This transparency protects buyers from hidden claims and promotes informed real estate transactions throughout California.

Nearby Counties

Tulare County is bordered by several neighboring counties. If you need records from another jurisdiction, contact that county's offices directly. Each county has its own procedures and fee schedules.

Adjacent counties: Fresno County, Kings County, Kern County, Inyo County