Alameda County Court Records Search
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Alameda County spans much of the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area, with courthouses operating in Oakland, Hayward, Fremont, Dublin, Berkeley, Alameda, and San Leandro. The Superior Court of California, County of Alameda serves as the trial court for all case types—civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile, and traffic—across ten courthouse locations. Whether you are researching a past civil dispute, pulling criminal case documents, requesting family law records, or tracking a probate matter, the Superior Court clerk’s office and its online portals serve as the central points of access.
Court records in California can be located through clerk offices, public access terminals inside courthouses, and a range of web-based tools. CaliforniaCourts.us provides statewide judicial resources and links that may help in identifying where a case was filed and how to access publicly available case information. Within Alameda County, the Superior Court offers dedicated online portals for civil, criminal, family, probate, and other case types, each with its own search features and access policies.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Alameda County?
Alameda County provides several paths for locating case records, depending on the type of case and whether you need basic docket information or actual copies of filed documents.
Online Portals
The court maintains two primary online systems:
- eCourt Public Portal — Provides access to civil, family law, probate, mental health, CARE Act, and adoption case records. Users can search by name or case number. A credit-based pricing system applies: costs range from $1.00 per name search to $300.00 for a 30-day unlimited search subscription. An account is required.
- Odyssey Portal — Offers free criminal case information for cases with activity since 2005. No registration is required. This portal provides case information only; it does not include access to documents.
For criminal case document copies, the court operates a separate Public Records Web Portal for Criminal Record Requests, which allows electronic submission and payment.
In Person
Individuals may research court records at no cost using public access terminals and indexes located at courthouse facilities. Odyssey Kiosk terminals, available at select locations, now provide access to public criminal case documents as well. Files may only be viewed on the premises and cannot be removed.
By Mail
The court accepts research requests by mail. Telephone and email research services are not available. Contact the appropriate records unit for the case type to confirm mailing procedures.
Court Locations
| Courthouse | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| René C. Davidson Courthouse | 1225 Fallon Street, Oakland, CA 94612 | (510) 891-6000 |
| Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse | 661 Washington Street, Oakland, CA 94607 | (510) 627-4700 |
| Hayward Hall of Justice | 24405 Amador Street, Hayward, CA 94544 | (510) 690-2700 |
| Fremont Hall of Justice | 39439 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont, CA 94538 | (510) 818-7500 |
| East County Hall of Justice | 5151 Gleason Drive, Dublin, CA 94568 | (925) 227-6700 |
| George E. McDonald Hall of Justice | 2233 Shore Line Drive, Alameda, CA 94501 | (510) 891-6005 |
| Berkeley Courthouse | 2120 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way, Berkeley, CA 94704 | (510) 647-4439 |
| Juvenile Justice Center | 2500 Fairmont Drive, Ste. C3013, San Leandro, CA 94578 | (510) 618-1106 |
Records Fees
Per Government Code Section 680, the court charges fees for copies and research. The current fee schedule includes:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copies of records on file | $0.50 per page |
| Certifying a copy | $25.00 |
| Comparison of copy with original | $1.00 per page |
| Records search (over 10 minutes) | $15.00 |
| Off-site document retrieval | $10.00 |
| Exemplification of record | $50.00 |
| Document authentication per court order | $15.00 per signature |
| Certified copy of dissolution record (public agency) | $10.00 |
| Certified copy of dissolution record (all other applicants) | $15.00 |
Payment may be made by check, credit card, or money order. Do not include cash or credit card information in mailed requests.
Are Court Records Public in Alameda County?
Court records in Alameda County are generally accessible to the public under California’s Public Records Act and the California Rules of Court. The state presumes court records are open unless a specific statute, court rule, or judicial order restricts access.
Records that are restricted or confidential in Alameda County include:
- Juvenile court records — Access requires a court petition under California Welfare & Institutions Code Section 827, submitted on Judicial Council form JV-570. For questions about filing this petition, contact the Juvenile Clerk’s Office at (510) 267-6922.
- Adoption records — Sealed and available only by court order. For inquiries, call (510) 891-6003.
- Sealed and expunged records — Criminal and civil records sealed by court order are removed from public access.
- Confidential information within case files — Personal identifying information, mental health records, and other protected data embedded within filings may be redacted or restricted.
- Criminal records prior to 1974 — Felony cases predating 1974 are not available through standard records systems; contact the Criminal Division or the California Department of Justice for older records.
Under Government Code Section 70627, copy fees apply to all records inspections resulting in reproduced documents. The right to inspect records in person at public terminals remains free, though copies and certified reproductions carry statutory charges.
Alameda County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Alameda County are adjudicated at several courthouses across the county. The Criminal Division operates out of multiple locations, each handling cases arising from its geographic area.
Criminal Division Contact Numbers
| Location | Phone |
|---|---|
| René C. Davidson Courthouse, Oakland | (510) 891-6009 |
| Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse, Oakland | (510) 627-4700 |
| Hayward Hall of Justice | (510) 690-2703 |
| Fremont Hall of Justice | (510) 818-7501 |
| East County Hall of Justice, Dublin | (925) 227-6700 |
Online Criminal Case Search
The Odyssey Portal provides free access to criminal case information for cases with activity since 2005. No account or registration is needed. The portal displays docket information but does not provide document copies.
Requesting Criminal Record Copies
Copies of non-confidential criminal case documents can be ordered through the Criminal Records Request portal. To submit a request, you must provide the defendant’s first and last name plus at least one of the following:
- Docket/case number
- Defendant’s date of birth and date of arrest
- Defendant’s date of birth and date of conviction
After submitting a request, you will receive an email confirming receipt. If the record is located, an itemized bill is sent by email; if not, you are notified that the record is unavailable. Copies cost $0.50 per page, with an additional $40.00 per document if certification is requested. Payment is accepted via Visa or MasterCard for registered account holders.
The court also provides a CRM 500 Criminal Records Request form and a Liberty Recording System Disc Request Form for specialized requests.
For letters with an actual signature and court seal for immigration purposes, do not use the online portal. Instead, mail the request with a $1.00 check or money order payable to “Alameda Superior Court” to: East County Hall of Justice, 5151 Gleason Drive, Dublin, CA 94568, Attn: Criminal Division. Include the requestor’s name, address, phone number, defendant’s name, docket number, and date of birth.
Statewide Criminal History
The California Department of Justice processes fingerprint-based criminal record reviews. To request your own criminal history, complete the application form, attach a valid fingerprint card, and submit payment (certified check or money order) by mail to:
California Department of Justice
Bureau of Criminal Identification and Analysis
Record Review & Challenge Section
P.O. Box 160207
Sacramento, CA 95816-0207
Sheriff’s Office Resources
The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office maintains an inmate locator that allows public searches of current and recently booked individuals in county custody.
Alameda County Civil Court Records
The Civil Division of the Superior Court handles general civil litigation including contract disputes, personal injury, real property, employment matters, and unlawful detainer (eviction) cases. Civil case records are maintained at the courthouses where the cases are filed or heard.
Online Access
Non-confidential civil case records—including case information, calendars, and many filed documents—are available through the eCourt Public Portal. Users can search by party name, case number, or other identifiers. An account and credits are required for name-based searches.
In-Person Access
Civil case records can be viewed at public terminals in the Civil Division at:
- René C. Davidson Courthouse, Oakland — (510) 891-6000
- Hayward Hall of Justice — (510) 690-2705
- George E. McDonald Hall of Justice, Alameda — (510) 891-6005
Requesting Copies by Mail
To obtain civil court records by mail, complete the Civil Records Request Form and submit it to the courthouse where the case is being heard. Include applicable copy fees—$0.50 per page for plain copies, $25.00 for certification. Checks and money orders should be made payable to “Alameda Superior Court”.
Federal Court Records
Civil matters under federal jurisdiction in Alameda County are handled by the United States District Court for the Northern District of California:
Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building
Address: 1301 Clay Street, Oakland, CA 94612
Phone: (510) 637-5000
Federal case records are accessible through the PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) system.
Alameda County Family Court Records
The Family Law Division of the Alameda County Superior Court handles a broad range of domestic relations matters. Cases adjudicated in this division include dissolution of marriage (divorce), legal separation, domestic partnership, nullity, paternity, child custody and visitation, child support, domestic violence restraining orders, elder abuse, and adoptions.
Where to Access Family Court Records
Family law records are maintained at:
Hayward Hall of Justice
Address: 24405 Amador Street, Hayward, CA 94544
Phone: (510) 690-2702 (Family Law Clerk)
In-Person Hours: Monday–Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
René C. Davidson Courthouse
Address: 1225 Fallon Street, Oakland, CA 94612
Phone: (510) 891-6000
The Family Division Clerk’s Office can also be reached at (510) 267-6923 for general inquiries.
Online Access
Limited family law case information is available on the eCourt Public Portal. However, family law case documents are not available online—only basic case data such as case numbers, party names, and hearing dates can be viewed.
Marriage Records
Marriage certificates are issued and maintained by the Alameda County Clerk-Recorder’s Office, not the Superior Court. Marriage records can be ordered online, by mail, or in person.
Alameda County Clerk-Recorder’s Office
Address: 1106 Madison Street, Oakland, CA 94607
Phone: (510) 272-6362
Current vital records fees:
| Record Type | Fee Per Copy |
|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | $36.00 |
| Death Certificate | $28.00 |
| Marriage Certificate | $21.00 |
Online orders through the Clerk-Recorder’s website incur a $2.00 non-refundable convenience fee per order. The per-copy fee must be paid in advance regardless of whether the certificate is found; if no record is located, a Certificate of No Record is issued.
Marriage certificates may be informational (available to anyone) or unrestricted (suitable for identity verification and available only to eligible requesters). Eligible requesters for unrestricted copies include the named individual, parents or legal guardians, legal representatives, estate administrators, government agencies conducting official business, and close relatives.
Divorce Records
Dissolution of marriage records are maintained by the Family Law Division. Certified copies of dissolution records cost $10.00 when requested by a public agency and $15.00 for all other applicants. Requests can be directed to the Family Law Division at Hayward Hall of Justice.
Birth and Death Records
The Clerk-Recorder’s Office and the Alameda County Public Health Department handle birth and death records. Unrestricted copies are available only to persons with a direct legal interest—the registrant, parents, legal guardians, legal representatives, certain government agencies, and close relatives. Note that birth and death records for the City of Berkeley fall under a separate jurisdiction and are not available through the Alameda County Clerk-Recorder.
Alameda County Probate Court Records
The Probate Division of the Superior Court handles matters involving the personal and financial affairs of adults and children. Probate jurisdiction in Alameda County covers estate administration and distribution, guardianships for minors, conservatorships for incapacitated adults, trust administration petitions, disputes over wills, trusts, and powers of attorney, review and accounting of guardians and conservators, and CARE Act proceedings.
Where Probate Records Are Filed and Maintained
All probate documents must be filed at the Clerk’s Office at the Berkeley Courthouse. To be considered for a hearing, filings must be submitted no later than two court days before the scheduled hearing date.
Berkeley Courthouse (Probate Filing Location)
Address: 2120 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way, Berkeley, CA 94704
Phone: (510) 647-4439
In-Person Hours: Monday–Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Phone Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Probate hearings also take place at the René C. Davidson Courthouse, Department 1B, at 1225 Fallon Street, Oakland, CA 94612.
Online Probate Records
Probate case information, calendars, and many documents filed after January 31, 2006, are available through the eCourt Public Portal. Users can navigate to the Berkeley Courthouse or René C. Davidson Courthouse calendars to view current scheduling. Note that conservatorship documents, guardianship documents, and confidential filings are excluded from online access.
In-Person Access
Probate records can be viewed at:
- Berkeley Courthouse — (510) 647-4439
- George E. McDonald Hall of Justice, Alameda — (510) 891-6005
- René C. Davidson Courthouse, Oakland — via public terminals in the Civil Division
Fees
Per Government Code Section 680, the statewide civil fee schedule applies to probate filings and record requests. Copies of probate records cost $0.50 per page, certification costs $25.00, and research services exceeding 10 minutes are billed at $15.00 per search. For the most current fee amounts, refer to the court’s fee and bail schedules page.
Property Records
Property records that may intersect with probate estate matters are maintained by the Alameda County Assessor’s Office. Assessment information, ownership data, and tax records can be searched through the county’s online property search tool. The main Assessor’s Office is located at 1221 Oak Street, Room 145, Oakland, CA 94612, Phone: (510) 272-3787 Property records containing confidential information are restricted to the property owner (with photo ID) or an authorized representative.