Nevada County Court Records Search
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Nevada County is located in the Sierra Nevada foothills region of northern California, with the county seat in Nevada City. The county’s trial court, the Superior Court of California, County of Nevada, operates two courthouse locations — the main courthouse in Nevada City and a branch courthouse in Truckee. The court maintains general jurisdiction over all case types including criminal, civil, family law, probate, small claims, juvenile, traffic, and mental health matters. Multiple divisions within the Superior Court manage specialized caseloads: the Civil Division (which also covers small claims and probate), the Criminal Division, and the Family Law Division.
Court records in California can be searched through several channels, including clerk’s office counters, public-access kiosks at courthouses, written or electronic request submissions, and online tools. The Nevada County Superior Court provides an online case access portal where registered users can search case information. For broader statewide judicial resources, forms, and self-help materials, CaliforniaCourts.us may assist in locating publicly available court case information and related services across California’s trial courts.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Nevada County?
Nevada County offers multiple methods for locating court case records, whether you need basic docket information or certified copies of court documents.
Online Portal
The court’s Web Portal allows registered users to search for cases across all publicly searchable case types, including family, probate, civil, criminal, and traffic matters. To use the portal:
- Visit the portal registration page and create an account.
- Once activated, search by case number, party name, or case date.
- View court calendars and basic case information.
Parties to a case or their attorneys may request additional document access by submitting a case access request online. Two forms of identification are required for parties; one form is required for attorneys. Online document access is governed by California Rules of Court, Rule 2.503.
In-Person Kiosks
Both the Nevada City and Truckee courthouses provide public kiosks where visitors can search for and view case documents during business hours at no charge.
Written Requests (Mail, Email, or In-Person)
The court accepts record requests submitted using the Record Request Form. A separate form must be completed for each case type (criminal, civil, family, probate). Requests can be submitted by:
- Email: nccounter@nccourt.net (Nevada City) or trcounter@nccourt.net (Truckee)
- Mail: Send to the appropriate courthouse address with payment enclosed
- In person: Drop off the form at the clerk’s counter
An online records request form is also available through the court’s service desk. A valid driver’s license or photo ID is required for all requests.
Courthouse Locations and Contact
| Location | Address | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nevada City Courthouse | 201 Church St., Nevada City, CA 95959 | (530) 362-4309 | nccounter@nccourt.net |
| Truckee Courthouse | 10075 Levon Ave., Ste. 107, Truckee, CA 96161 | (530) 582-7835 | trcounter@nccourt.net |
Clerk’s Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Courthouse Building Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Record Request Fees
| Service | Fee | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Copy fee, per page | $0.50 | Gov. Code § 70627(a) |
| Document certification, per document | $40.00 | Gov. Code § 70626(a)(4) |
| Search request (exceeding 10 minutes) | $15.00 | Gov. Code § 70627© |
| Certification of family law judgments | $15.00 | Gov. Code § 70674(a) |
Payment must be made in advance. Checks and money orders should be made payable to Nevada County Superior Court. For mail requests where the exact fee is unknown, the court allows a blank check with a memo notation “Not to exceed $140.00” — the clerk fills in the actual amount after processing. If copies are to be returned by mail, include a self-addressed stamped envelope with sufficient postage.
Are Court Records Public in Nevada County?
Court records in Nevada County are presumed open to public inspection under California law. California Rules of Court, Rule 2.400(a) provides that all papers in court files may be inspected by the public in the clerk’s office. Rule 2.550(a) reinforces this presumption: unless sealed or made confidential by law, court records are open. The California Public Records Act further establishes the public’s right to access government records generally.
The following case types are publicly viewable and available for copying: criminal, civil, domestic/family law, mental health, traffic and infractions, paternity, probate, and small claims. However, certain categories carry restricted or no public access:
- Juvenile court files — All juvenile records are confidential. Only the minor, parents or legal guardians, and attorneys of record may obtain copies of court minutes and selected documents by appearing in person with photo identification. Others must file a Petition for Disclosure of Juvenile Court Records (Form JV-570).
- Sealed records — A judge may seal a case file or specific documents by court order; these are not available without a subsequent court order granting access.
- Confidential records — Records subject to statutory confidentiality provisions, including certain personal identifiers, victim information in cases of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, and personnel records of peace officers.
- Destroyed files — Pursuant to Government Code § 68152, courts may routinely purge records after statutory retention periods expire.
The California Trial Court Records Manual provides comprehensive guidance on which records are accessible, restricted, or exempt from public disclosure.
Nevada County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Nevada County — including felonies and misdemeanors — are handled by the Criminal Division of the Superior Court. Traffic offenses and infractions fall under a separate division but are processed through the same clerk’s office.
Searching Criminal Case Records
Criminal case information can be located through:
- The court’s online portal (account required; search by defendant name or case number).
- Public kiosks at the Nevada City or Truckee courthouses.
- Submitting a Record Request Form — check the “Criminal” box and provide the case number, defendant name, and date of birth.
Available documents include charging documents (complaints/informations), dispositions (convictions, pleas, waivers), sentencing orders, dismissals, and PC 1203.4 relief orders. The court cannot provide copies of police reports, bench or arrest warrants, reporter transcripts, or confidential documents.
Standard fees apply: $0.50 per page for copies, $40.00 per document for certification, and $15.00 for searches exceeding ten minutes.
Statewide Criminal History Records
The California Department of Justice (DOJ) serves as the statewide repository for criminal history records. Individuals may request their own criminal record through the DOJ’s record review process by submitting Live Scan fingerprint images at any authorized Live Scan location. The DOJ processing fee is $25.00, with an additional rolling fee charged by the fingerprint service provider.
Nevada County Sheriff’s Office
The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office maintains local arrest records, crime reports, and coroner reports. Record requests can be submitted through the GovQA online request system, or by contacting the Records Division at (530) 265-1471. The Truckee Police Department maintains separate records for its jurisdiction and can be reached at (530) 550-2323 for criminal history inquiries.
Nevada County Civil Court Records
The Civil Division of the Nevada County Superior Court hears all civil matters, including unlimited civil cases (amounts exceeding $25,000), limited civil cases ($25,000 and under), unlawful detainer (eviction) actions, and small claims disputes. Case records — including complaints, motions, rulings, judgments, and subpoenas — are maintained by the Clerk of the Court.
Requesting Civil Records
Civil records can be obtained through:
- Online portal: Search the eCourt public portal by party name or case number after creating an account.
- Online request: Submit the online records request form through the court’s service desk.
- Mail or email: Complete and send the Record Request Form to the Nevada City or Truckee courthouse. Include advance payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope if return by mail is desired.
- In person: Visit the clerk’s counter or use public kiosks during office hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM).
Fees are $0.50 per page for copies and $40.00 for certification per document. Searches exceeding ten minutes incur a $15.00 fee.
Small Claims
Small claims cases are also managed within the Civil Division. Information about filing and responding to small claims actions, including forms and step-by-step guides, is available through the court’s Self-Help Center in the Nevada City Courthouse and on the California Courts Self-Help website.
Property Records
Real property records such as deeds, liens, mortgages, and grants are recorded and maintained by the Nevada County Clerk-Recorder at 950 Maidu Avenue, Suite 210, Nevada City, CA 95959 (Phone: (530) 265-1221; fax: (530) 265-9842). Recorded documents can be searched online through the county’s Recorded Documents Search tool. Property assessment records are available through the Nevada County Assessor’s ParcelQuest search tool.
Nevada County Family Court Records
The Family Law Division of the Nevada County Superior Court adjudicates cases involving dissolution of marriage, legal separation, nullity, paternity, domestic violence restraining orders, child custody, visitation, child and spousal support, guardianship, adoption, and emancipation of minors. Both the Nevada City and Truckee courthouses handle family law matters.
Accessing Family Law Records
Family law case information is publicly searchable through the court’s online portal. To obtain copies of specific documents — such as divorce judgments, custody orders, or support orders — submit a Record Request Form, checking the “Family Law” box and specifying the documents needed. Requests can be submitted by email, mail, or in person at either courthouse.
Certification of family law judgments costs $15.00 under Government Code § 70674(a). Standard copy fees ($0.50 per page) and certification fees ($40.00 per document for other documents) also apply.
The court’s Self-Help Center and Family Law Facilitator provide assistance with procedural questions and court forms for self-represented litigants. Statewide family law forms and packets are available from the court’s forms page and the California Judicial Branch’s self-help resources.
Marriage Records
The Nevada County Clerk-Recorder issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records.
- Marriage license fee: $72.00 — both parties must appear in person with valid government-issued photo ID at the Recorder’s office. An online application must be completed in advance. The license is valid for 90 days and must be used within California.
- Certified copy of marriage record: $19.00 per copy (effective January 1, 2026). An additional $3.00 shipping fee applies for mailed or faxed orders. Under California Health and Safety Code § 103526, only authorized persons may receive certified copies for identification purposes. Others may receive an informational copy marked “Not a Valid Document to Establish Identity”.
Copies can be ordered in person, by mail, by fax, or through the online ordering system. The Application for Marriage Certificate must be completed for all orders. Mailed and faxed orders require a notarized Certificate of Acknowledgment. Online orders incur an additional $4.00 convenience fee and a $0.35 Vital Verify fee.
Clerk-Recorder’s Office
Address: 950 Maidu Avenue, Suite 210, Nevada City, CA 95959
Phone: (530) 265-1221
Fax: (530) 265-9842
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Divorce Records
Divorce decrees and related orders are court records maintained by the Superior Court, not the Clerk-Recorder. Copies must be requested from the court using the Record Request Form and standard court copy fees.
Birth and Death Records
Although not court records, vital records are often needed in connection with family law proceedings. The Nevada County Clerk-Recorder issues birth and death certificates for events registered in the county. As of January 1, 2026, fees are $31.00 per birth certificate and $26.00 per death certificate. Applications can be submitted in person, by mail, by fax, or through the online vital records ordering system. The Birth Certificate Application and Death Certificate Application forms are available on the county website. Certified copies require a sworn statement and, for mailed or faxed orders, a notarized Certificate of Acknowledgment. Only authorized persons under state law may receive certified copies; all others receive informational copies.
Nevada County Probate Court Records
The Probate Division of the Nevada County Superior Court handles the administration of estates, probate of wills, guardianships, conservatorships, and trust matters. A formal probate case typically takes 9 to 18 months and involves opening the case, administering the estate, and closing the estate. Not all estates require formal probate — smaller estates or those with particular ownership structures may qualify for simplified transfer procedures.
Searching Probate Records
Probate case information is publicly searchable through the court’s online case portal after account registration. The portal shows case summaries, hearing dates, and docket entries. Full documents — including probate petitions, letters testamentary, inventories, and accountings — must be obtained from the Clerk of the Court.
Requesting Probate Records
To obtain copies, submit the Record Request Form with the “Probate” box checked. Include the case number, party names, and specify the documents needed (e.g., “Probate Letters”). Requests can be submitted by email, mail, or in person.
Fees follow the standard schedule:
- Copies: $0.50 per page
- Certification: $40.00 per document
- Search fee (if exceeding 10 minutes): $15.00
Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for mail returns.
Forms and Assistance
Probate forms and packets are available through the court’s forms page and the California Courts Self-Help website. The court’s Self-Help Center, located at 201 Church Street in Nevada City, provides free informational assistance and pamphlets on will preparation and estate planning. For complex estates involving multiple heirs or varied asset types, consulting with a probate attorney is advised.