San Diego County Court Records Search
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San Diego County, California, is served by a single unified trial court — the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego — which handles the full spectrum of legal proceedings from small claims disputes to capital felony cases. Every case that moves through that court generates a formal record, defined by California Rules of Court, rule 2.502 to include any material created, filed, or preserved in connection with the court’s adjudicative functions. Those materials span pleadings, motions, orders, exhibits, decrees, dockets, warrants, summonses, official receipts, and transcripts — in both paper and electronic formats.
People researching a San Diego County case can work through official court resources, in-person clerk offices at each courthouse location, public-access kiosk terminals, and the court’s own suite of web-based search tools. Statewide case information across California’s court system is also accessible through CaliforniaCourts.us, which can help users locate publicly available case records across multiple jurisdictions. For county-specific matters, the Superior Court’s own portals remain the most reliable and authoritative starting point.
How to Look Up a Court Case in San Diego County?
The Superior Court of California, County of San Diego, maintains records at seven branch locations and provides both in-person and online access. The correct approach depends on the case type, the date the case was filed, and whether the user needs only summary information or actual document copies.
Court Locations
| Courthouse | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Central Courthouse | 1100 Union Street, San Diego, CA 92101 | (619) 844-2700 |
| Hall of Justice | 330 West Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101 | (619) 844-2700 |
| Juvenile Court | 2851 Meadow Lark Drive, San Diego, CA 92123 | (858) 634-1600 |
| North County | 325 South Melrose Drive, Vista, CA 92081 | (760) 201-8600 |
| South County | 500 Third Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91910 | (619) 746-6200 |
| East County | 250 East Main Street, El Cajon, CA 92020 | (619) 456-4100 |
| Kearny Mesa | 8950 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92123 | (858) 634-1800 |
Clerk’s offices at most locations are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with phone assistance generally available during those same hours. Specific hours for each division and branch are published on the court’s Hours page. Additional contact numbers are listed on the Contact Us page.
Online Case Search
The court’s Accessing Court Records page serves as the central hub for all online record research and links to the following tools:
- Online Case Search Index: Searches civil, criminal, family, mental health, and probate case records by party name, case number, or District Attorney case number (criminal cases only). Results show case category, filing date, courthouse location, party roles, and imaging or microfilm status.
- Register of Actions – Civil, Small Claims, and Probate: Provides access to case documents for most civil and small claims cases filed on or after January 1, 2008, and probate cases on that same platform. Documents may be previewed (first page only) and purchased for download.
- Register of Actions – Family: Covers imaged family law cases filed on or after August 24, 2015. Select documents can be purchased through the portal and mailed to the requester.
- San Diego County District Attorney Case Information: Searches felony and misdemeanor criminal cases by defendant’s last name or court case number. Results include the defendant’s name and date of birth, presiding judge, defense counsel, pending case events, hearing date and time, and court location. Email notification subscriptions for case updates are also available.
In-Person Access
Visitors to any business office counter must present a photo ID to view case files. Staff will pull a maximum of 10 cases per request, per customer, per transaction. For cases filed before 1974, researchers must visit the originating courthouse directly. Case indexes for the Central Division dating from 1880 to 1964 are held in hardbound books at the Older Records office; indexes from 1965 to mid-1974 are available on computer-generated indexes at that same location.
Mail Requests
For most case types, mail requests should include a letter to the courthouse where the case was heard, providing: the case number, the names of all parties, the specific documents requested, and the requester’s contact information (phone, mailing address, and email). Include a self-addressed stamped envelope with adequate postage and payment for estimated copy and research fees. To pay by credit card, attach a completed Credit Card Payment form (ADM-253). For probate copy requests, use the dedicated Request for Copies – Probate (Form PR-189) instead of a letter.
Standard Record Copy Fees
- Plain copy: $0.50 per page
- Document download from Register of Actions: $1.00 per page for the first 5 pages; $0.40 per page for pages 6 and beyond (maximum $50.00 per document)
- Certification of a copy: $40.00 per document
- Record search exceeding 10 minutes: fee per the current fee schedule (effective July 1, 2025)
- Certified copy of dissolution (marriage/domestic partnership) record: $15.00
Are Court Records Public in San Diego County?
Court records in San Diego County are presumed open to the public. California Rules of Court, rules 2.400(a) and 2.550© establish that all papers in a court file are subject to public examination at the clerk’s office unless a specific law, court rule, or court order provides otherwise. No justification is required to request a public court record, and identity verification is not a prerequisite for inspection — though photo ID is required to view physical case files in person.
Exempt and Restricted Record Categories
The California Trial Court Records Manual (TCRM), Appendix 1, provides a comprehensive table of record categories that are confidential or restricted under California law. Key categories include:
- Juvenile court records (delinquency and dependency) — confidential by default; minors, parents, legal guardians, and attorneys of record may access these with photo ID at the courthouse, but records will not be mailed
- Records sealed by court order — require a court order to unseal before public viewing
- Mental health and competency evaluation reports submitted to the court
- Confidential marriage records — accessible only to the registrants or by court order
- Adoption records — sealed under California law
- Certain domestic violence and protective order records
Accessing Juvenile Court Records
Persons and agencies authorized by statute may inspect dependency records under Welfare and Institutions Code section 827 without a court order. Other individuals must file a Petition for Disclosure of Juvenile Court Records (Form JV-570), submitted in person or by mail with an original signature. If the petition is granted, copies may only be picked up in person with photo ID — they will not be mailed.
Record Destruction
San Diego County Superior Court routinely purges records under California Government Code § 68152 and § 68153. Destroyed records cannot be retrieved. Retention examples include: infraction records (3 years), misdemeanor traffic records (5 years), DUI misdemeanor records (10 years), and small claims case files after final disposition (10 years).
San Diego County Criminal Court Records
All criminal proceedings in San Diego County — from misdemeanor traffic offenses to felony trials — are heard by the Superior Court. Criminal case records are maintained at the courthouse where each case was filed and can be searched through the court’s Online Case Search Index by defendant name or case number. Criminal case documents are not available for download through the court website; obtaining copies requires an in-person visit to the presiding courthouse or a written mail request.
For detailed criminal case information including charges, bail, hearing schedules, and case outcomes, the court’s Criminal Case Access Online Service provides additional data not available through the basic index. Upcoming hearing dates can also be confirmed through that same portal.
Local Criminal History Records — San Diego County Sheriff
Under California Penal Code §§ 13300–13326, local summary criminal history records are restricted to the subject of the record and authorized parties. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department processes these requests through its Records & ID Division.
To request a local criminal history (“No Record” letter):
- Complete the Service Request Form (also available in Spanish)
- Submit by one of these methods:
- Email: Booking.Records@sdsheriff.org
- In person: 9621 Ridgehaven Court, San Diego, CA 92123 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; closed 12:00–1:00 p.m. for lunch)
- By mail: San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, Attn: Records & ID Division, Booking Section, P.O. Box 939062, San Diego, CA 92193-9062
- Include a government-issued photo ID (in person) or a copy of ID (by mail)
- Pay the $14.00 fee — accepted by credit card ($3.00 transaction fee), debit card ($2.50 transaction fee, in-person only), cash (in-person only), money order, certified check, or California-issued personal check
Processing time is 3–10 business days. For records beyond the Sheriff’s jurisdiction, contact the arresting agency directly. For a statewide criminal history (“rap sheet”), contact the California Department of Justice.
Arrest Reports
Copies of crime, arrest, and accident reports compiled by the Sheriff’s Office cost $20.00 each. The San Diego Police Department charges $12.00 per report (Monday–Thursday, 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.), with the first page of arrest reports released at $0.50.
San Diego County Civil Court Records
Civil court records in San Diego County cover all non-criminal proceedings — contract disputes, personal injury actions, unlawful detainer cases, small claims, and more — all handled by the Superior Court. Records from 1974 to the present can be located through the Online Case Search Index or at the courthouse where the case was filed. Pre-1974 records require an in-person visit to the originating courthouse.
Online Access
The Register of Actions – Civil, Small Claims, and Probate is the court’s primary portal for civil document access. It covers most civil and small claims cases initiated on or after January 1, 2008, and allows users to search by case number, party name, or date. From within the portal, users can:
- Preview the first page of imaged documents at no charge
- Purchase and download full documents at $1.00/page (pages 1–5) and $0.40/page (page 6 and beyond), with a $50.00 maximum per document
- Track orders for purchased documents (available for 14 days after the order date)
In-Person Access
Visit the business office at the courthouse where the case was filed. Bring a photo ID and, if known, the case number. If the case number is unknown, use public computer kiosks available at some courthouse locations or look it up through the Online Case Search Index before visiting. Staff can pull up to 10 cases per transaction. Plain copies cost $0.50 per page, paid before copies are made. Some requests may take a minimum of two court days to process.
Mail Requests
Send a letter to the appropriate courthouse including the case number, party names, names of specific documents, and contact information. Attach a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment. If the exact fee is unknown, make the check payable to “Superior Court” and note “Not to exceed $[amount]” on the memo line. Use the Credit Card Payment form (ADM-253) for card payments. Mail requests may take several weeks.
Civil Filing Fees (Effective July 1, 2025)
| Case Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Unlimited civil complaint (over $35,000) | $435 |
| Limited civil complaint ($12,501–$35,000) | $225 |
| Limited civil complaint (up to $12,500) | $145 |
| Small claims (up to $1,500) | $30 |
| Small claims ($1,501–$5,000) | $50 |
| Small claims ($5,001–$12,500) | $75 |
| Motion or other paper requiring a hearing | $60 |
| Motion for summary judgment | $500 |
| Certification of a copy | $40 |
The full fee schedule (SDSC Form #ADM-001) is available on the Fees page of the court’s website, which was updated effective July 1, 2025.
San Diego County Family Court Records
The Family Court Division of the San Diego County Superior Court handles all domestic and family-related legal matters, including divorce (dissolution of marriage or domestic partnership), legal separation, annulment, parentage (paternity), child custody and visitation, child and spousal support, and domestic violence restraining orders.
Because family law proceedings regularly involve sensitive personal circumstances, many family court documents are accessible only to the parties of record, their attorneys, or authorized individuals. Nonconfidential family court records are available through the same in-person and mail methods that apply to civil records, at the courthouse where the family case was filed.
Online Access for Family Records
The court’s Register of Actions – Family supports case lookups and document purchases for imaged family cases filed on or after August 24, 2015. Documents purchased through this portal are mailed to the requester rather than delivered for immediate download. The Online Case Search Index also returns family case information when searched by name or case number.
Dissolution of Marriage Records
Divorce and annulment records are maintained as family court case files by the Superior Court. Nonconfidential dissolution records may be viewed or copied at the courthouse where the case was filed, retrieved through the Family Register of Actions, or ordered by mail. Anyone seeking a sealed or confidential divorce record must obtain a court order. A certified copy of a dissolution record costs $15.00.
Marriage Records
Marriage records — as distinct from dissolution records — are maintained by the San Diego Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk (ARCC), not the Superior Court. Certified copies of public marriage certificates are available in person, by mail, or online through an authorized vendor, for a fee of $19.00 per copy. In-person and mail requests require a completed marriage certificate application and a government-issued photo ID (in person) or a copy of ID (by mail). Public marriage certificates (authorized certified copies) are released only to individuals listed in California Health and Safety Code § 103526©(2), such as a spouse, a spouse’s parent or legal guardian, or law enforcement. Informational certified copies are available to anyone. Confidential marriage certificates are released only to the registrants or pursuant to a court order; however, the Recorder may provide a “Letter Confirming the Existence of a Marriage” to others upon request.
Birth and Death Records
The San Diego ARCC also holds birth and death records for events occurring in San Diego County. Certified copies are available in person, by mail, or through an online vendor:
- Birth certificate: $32.00 per copy
- Death certificate: $24.00 per copy
Authorized certified copies are restricted under California Health and Safety Code § 103526©(2); informational copies are available to any requester. Additional fees may apply based on delivery method or payment type. ARCC office locations are listed on the Recorder’s website.
San Diego County Probate Court Records
The Probate Court Division of the San Diego County Superior Court oversees decedents’ estates (including will administration), trusts, guardianships of minors, and conservatorships of adults who are unable to manage their personal care or financial affairs.
Most probate records are public and accessible at the Probate Business Office in the Central Courthouse, which is open Monday through Friday. The office handles case filings, purchases of forms and packets, record viewing, and will deposits.
How to Obtain Probate Records
There are three ways to request copies of probate court records:
- In person: Visit the Probate Business Office at the Central Courthouse (1100 Union Street, San Diego, CA 92101) and request the records at the counter. Bring photo ID and the case number.
- By mail: Complete Probate Request for Copies Form PR-189 and mail it with a self-addressed stamped envelope and fee payment to the Central Courthouse.
- Online: Use the Register of Actions – Civil, Small Claims, and Probate to locate probate cases, preview the first page of documents, and purchase full document downloads.
Probate Division Resources
- Probate examiners are available by phone between 10:00–10:30 a.m. or by email per the court’s email parameters guide
- Guardianship and conservatorship petitions trigger court investigator reviews before appointments are confirmed
- Court investigators also conduct periodic reviews of conservatorships to verify the conservatee’s needs are being met
- Probate-specific rules and courtroom policies are published on the Probate Division’s website
Selected Probate Filing Fees
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| First petition for letters testamentary or letters of administration | $435 |
| Subsequent/competing petition or objections to letters | $435 |
| Trust petition (internal affairs, Prob. Code § 17200) | $435 |
| Petition for appointment of conservator or guardian (estate) | $435 |
| Petition for appointment of guardian of the person only | $225 |
| Petition for order setting aside estate of small value | $225 |
| Post-issuance petition (estate, conservatorship, guardianship) | $435 |
| Motion requiring a hearing (after first paper) | $60 |
| Delivery of will to clerk (Prob. Code § 8200) | $50 |
| Deposit of estate planning documents (per document) | $20 |
Wills may be deposited with the court for safekeeping. A glossary of commonly used probate terms is available as a PDF from the Probate Division. Court forms for probate, guardianship, and conservatorship proceedings are available through the Judicial Council of California’s Self-Help website and through the Probate Business Office directly.