Yuba County Public Records

Yuba County public records encompass government documents maintained by local offices in Marysville and surrounding areas. The County Clerk-Recorder manages vital records such as birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses for events in the county, along with property documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and reconveyances. Court records from civil, criminal, family, probate, and small claims cases are kept by the Superior Court of California, County of Yuba. The Assessor-Recorder provides property assessment information and tax data. Some records are available through online search portals while others require in-person visits or written requests to county offices. California law provides public access to most government documents through the California Public Records Act and specific statutes for different record types. Fees vary based on the type of record and whether you need certified copies or plain copies for research purposes.

Yuba County Assessor-Clerk-Recorder

Yuba County combines the Assessor and Clerk-Recorder functions. This office handles vital records for events occurring in the county. Birth and death certificates cost $24 per copy as of January 2026. Marriage certificates also cost $24. These fees went up by $2 under Assembly Bill 64 at the start of the year. Access to vital records is limited by state law to protect privacy.

For birth certificates, parents can order copies. The person named on the certificate can get them once they are 18. Spouses, adult children, grandparents, legal guardians, and attorneys for 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. Bring valid ID when requesting vital records in Yuba 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 mortgages. All become public records when filed. You can search the Yuba County Assessor-Clerk-Recorder website for information about property records and services.

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

Superior Court of Yuba County

The Superior Court maintains files for all cases filed in Yuba County. Civil cases involve lawsuits over money or property between parties. Criminal cases charge defendants with violations of law. Family law covers divorce, child custody, and spousal support. Probate handles estates when someone dies. Small claims resolve minor money disputes under $12,500 without lawyers.

Court records are generally public unless sealed. Most civil and criminal cases can be viewed by anyone. Juvenile cases remain confidential under state law. Adoption records are sealed. Some family law details are restricted to protect children and privacy. Visit yuba.courts.ca.gov for information about the court and accessing records.

To get copies of court documents, visit the clerk's office at the courthouse in Marysville. Bring the case number if you have it. This speeds up the search. Without a case number, provide party names and approximate filing dates. Staff will search court indexes to locate matching cases. Copies cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies need an additional fee for the seal and certificate in Yuba County.

The courthouse is at 215 Fifth Street in Marysville. Hours are Monday through Friday except court holidays. Call (530) 740-1337 for general information. Verify hours before visiting to avoid wasted trips. Staff can answer procedural questions but cannot give legal advice about your case.

Real Estate and Tax Records

Property information exists in the Assessor-Recorder's office. The Recorder maintains deeds showing ownership transfers. Each deed identifies the buyer and seller and describes the property. Mortgages appear when land secures a loan. Liens show debts attached to property. All are public records once filed in Yuba County.

The Assessor keeps separate files 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. Check the county website for online search tools.

Tax liens arise from unpaid property taxes. Mechanic's liens secure payment for construction work. Judgment liens enforce court money orders. All attach to land titles. Search recorder files before buying property to discover any liens that might affect ownership or value. Title companies also check these records when issuing title insurance in Yuba County.

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

Birth, Death, and Marriage Certificates

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

You have several ways to order. Online ordering may use VitalChek, which charges convenience fees in addition to county fees. Mail orders avoid extra fees but take longer to process. In-person requests at the Marysville office can provide same-day service if the record is on file and you bring proper ID proving your eligibility.

Records take time to become available. Birth records usually file within 10 days after the event. Death records can take several weeks depending on when doctors complete paperwork. Marriage records are available after the officiant returns the signed license. 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 in Yuba County.

For recent records, county offices work faster than the state. The California Department of Public Health in Sacramento has all state vital records but takes 5 to 7 weeks to process requests. County offices often provide much faster service for events that occurred locally. Use the county for quicker turnaround when time matters.

Note: Only authorized persons can obtain certified vital records under California Health and Safety Code Section 103526.

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 Yuba County departments and offices. You can request records from any department that maintains them.

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

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 Yuba 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 channels 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.

Common Record Types

Yuba 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 details
• Fictitious business name statements filed with the county
• Marriage license applications and records
• Liens, judgments, and encumbrances recorded against property

Each record type serves different purposes. Court files resolve legal disputes. Vital records prove identity and relationships. Property documents show ownership and debts. Business filings establish legal entities. Tax records support assessment appeals. All follow specific procedures in Yuba 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 and processing times before ordering copies.

How to Access County Records

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

In-person visits provide full access to files. Go to the courthouse for complete case files. Visit the Assessor-Clerk-Recorder for vital records and property documents. Bring valid ID if requesting birth or death certificates. Be prepared to pay fees. Offices are generally 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 Yuba 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 Yuba 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

Yuba 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: Sutter County, Butte County, Sierra County, Nevada County, Placer County