Santa Clara County Court Records Search
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Santa Clara County encompasses much of California’s Silicon Valley region, with San Jose as its county seat and largest city. The county’s judicial business flows through a single trial court—the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara—which operates eight courthouse locations and handles every category of case, from traffic infractions and small claims to complex civil litigation, felony prosecutions, family law disputes, and estate administration. The Clerk of the Superior Court is the official custodian of all court records, and multiple divisions within the court manage the records specific to their case types.
For anyone seeking California court records, several pathways exist: visiting a clerk’s office in person, using public-access terminals at a courthouse, searching online databases, or mailing a written request. The state judiciary publishes resources through CaliforniaCourts.us that can help users locate fee schedules, court forms, and links to individual county courts. In Santa Clara County, the court maintains its own Case Information Portal for online lookups, and each division provides specific procedures for obtaining copies or certified documents. The details below cover how each record type works, which offices to contact, and what to expect regarding fees and access restrictions.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Santa Clara County?
Santa Clara County provides online, in-person, and mail-based options for locating court case information.
Online Case Search
The Case Information Portal is the court’s primary public search tool. It supports searches across civil, criminal, traffic, probate, small claims, and some family law cases. Users can query by:
- Party name (first and last name required)
- Case number
- Date of birth (criminal cases)
After completing the required captcha, results display basic case data including party names, case type, filing date, and hearing schedule. Case documents—filings, minutes, and orders—are not available for download through the portal. For civil cases filed electronically, some documents may be viewable through the Court’s Public Portal.
In-Person Search
Visit the clerk’s office at the courthouse where the case was filed. Staff can search the internal system using information you provide. You must present a valid photo ID. If you cannot supply the case number, case name, document title, and filing date, a research fee may apply. Check the local fee schedule for the current research and copy rates.
Clerk’s Office Hours
- Clerk windows: Monday–Thursday, 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.; Friday, 8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
- Courthouse buildings: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Phone hours: Monday–Thursday, 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.; Friday, 8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Mail Requests
Written requests can be sent to the courthouse where the case was filed. The mailing address for all courthouses is:
191 N. First Street
San Jose, CA 95113
Include the case number, full party names, the title of the document requested, the filing date (if known), a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a check payable to “Clerk of the Superior Court”. If the exact fee is unknown, write “Not to exceed $__” on the check.
Standard Copy and Certification Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copies (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certified copy | $15.00 (general petitioner) |
| Certified copy (public agency) | $10.00 |
Are Court Records Public in Santa Clara County?
Under the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 7920.000 et seq.), government records are presumed open for inspection and copying. Court records in Santa Clara County follow this framework, and most filings, judgments, docket entries, and orders across civil, criminal, family, and probate divisions are available for public review.
The California Trial Court Records Manual details specific exemptions and restrictions. Records that are not freely accessible include:
- Sealed filings — Documents placed under seal by court order
- Juvenile records — Delinquency and dependency proceedings are confidential
- Adoption records — Files are sealed; only adopting parents or their attorneys may obtain copies with proper identification
- Arrest reports — Documents listing a victim’s name, address, or phone number are restricted
- Probation reports — Not available for public inspection
- Own Recognizance (O.R.) reports — Restricted from public access
- Domestic violence protective orders — Restricted
- Criminal history information — Not available through the court clerk
- Financial and medical information — Protected from disclosure
Additionally, under Health & Safety Code § 103526, certified copies of vital records (birth, death, and marriage certificates) are available only to authorized individuals—the record subject, parents, legal guardians, certain family members, attorneys, law enforcement, and government agencies acting within their scope.
Individuals who need access to sealed or confidential records may petition the court. A judge will evaluate whether the requestor’s interest outweighs the statutory basis for restriction.
Santa Clara County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Santa Clara County are prosecuted through the Superior Court. Felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions are assigned to specific courthouses based on the geographic area where the alleged offense occurred.
Criminal Court Locations
| Courthouse | Address | Jurisdiction Area |
|---|---|---|
| Hall of Justice | 190–200 West Hedding Street, San Jose, CA 95110 | San Jose, Milpitas, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Monte Sereno, Santa Clara |
| Palo Alto Courthouse | 270 Grant Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94306 | Cupertino, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Sunnyvale |
| South County Courthouse | 301 Diana Avenue, Morgan Hill, CA 95037 | Morgan Hill, Gilroy, San Martin |
Phone for all locations: (925) 608-1000 (main); Criminal records inquiries: sscriminalrecords@scscourt.org
How to Search Criminal Case Records
- Go to the criminal case index search.
- Under “Party Search”, enter the defendant’s first and last name.
- Optionally add date of birth or the month/year the case was filed to narrow results.
- Complete the captcha and click “Find Cases”.
This index covers cases filed from 2004 onward. For cases filed before 2004, visit the clerk’s office to search the microfiche using the defendant’s name, date of birth, and filing year.
Not all documents in a criminal file are public. You cannot view or copy arrest reports listing victim information, probation reports, O.R. reports, domestic violence protective orders, or financial and medical records.
To request copies by mail, send a letter specifying the case number, defendant’s full name and date of birth, and the exact documents you need. Include a check payable to “Clerk of the Superior Court” and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Formal request forms are also available: the court’s Criminal Case Records page details the full procedure.
Arrest Records and the Sheriff’s Office
Arrest records and local criminal histories are maintained by the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, not the court clerk. The Records Division is located in the lobby of the Sheriff’s headquarters:
Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office — Records Division
55 West Younger Avenue
San Jose, CA 95110
Phone: (408) 808-4705 (appointments)
In-person counter services require an appointment. Santa Clara County residents must visit in person, present valid ID, provide identifying information, and undergo fingerprinting. The local criminal record request fee is $25.00. Records are mailed to the requestor within approximately four weeks.
Non-residents must submit by mail: a fingerprint card from a law enforcement agency, a notarized letter requesting the criminal history for personal use (including aliases, return address, and a copy of valid photo ID), and a $25.00 check or money order payable to the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office.
For statewide criminal history, the California Department of Justice processes requests through the Live Scan fingerprinting system.
Santa Clara County Civil Court Records
Civil cases in Santa Clara County are adjudicated at the Downtown Superior Court in San Jose. The court handles unlimited civil cases (amounts exceeding $25,000), limited civil cases ($25,000 or less), and small claims disputes. The Small Claims Division also operates from the Downtown courthouse.
Downtown Superior Court
191 North First Street
San Jose, CA 95113
Phone: (408) 882-2100
Email: sscivilinfo@scscourt.org
Records Unit: (408) 882-2450
Searching Civil Case Records
The Case Information Portal provides online access to civil case summaries. Search by case number or party name. Documents and orders are not available for download. For copies or certified documents, visit the Records Division in person at the Downtown courthouse or submit a mail request.
When requesting copies in person, provide the case number, case name, document title, and filing date. If you cannot supply all of these, a research fee applies. Civil case data can also be ordered on CD—see the court’s page on requesting a civil case index CD.
Key Filing Fees (Statewide Civil Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2026)
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Complaint — unlimited civil | $435.00 |
| Complaint — limited civil | $225.00 |
| Response/answer — unlimited civil | $435.00 |
| Response — limited civil | $225.00 |
| Small claims ($1,500 or less) | $30.00 |
| Small claims ($1,500.01–$5,000) | $50.00 |
| Small claims ($5,000.01–$10,000) | $75.00 |
The full schedule is posted on the local court fees page. Fee waivers are available to qualifying low-income individuals.
Forms and Rules
Local civil forms (prefixed “CV”) are available on the court’s local forms page. State Judicial Council forms can be accessed through the California Courts forms library. Local civil rules of court, which govern case management conferences, discovery procedures, and motion practice, are published on the court’s website alongside state rules.
Santa Clara County Family Court Records
Family law cases in Santa Clara County are heard at the Family Justice Center Courthouse in downtown San Jose. The Family Division handles dissolution of marriage, legal separation, child custody and visitation, child support, spousal support, paternity, domestic violence restraining orders, adoptions, and guardianships.
Family Justice Center Courthouse
201 North First Street
San Jose, CA 95113
Phone: (408) 534-5711
Mailing address: 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113
Accessing Family Court Records
The Case Information Portal displays hearing dates and limited case details for family law matters. Confidential cases—including adoptions, mental health proceedings, and certain custody petitions—are excluded from the online portal.
For copies of family court documents, use the Family Records Copy Request Form (FM-1183). Mail requests must include:
- The completed form
- A check or money order payable to the Superior Court ($0.50 per page; certified copies are $10.00 for public agencies or $15.00 for all other requestors)
- A self-addressed stamped envelope with adequate postage
Send requests to: 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113.
If you do not know the case number, search for it on the Case Information Portal using either spouse’s name under “Party Search”. Divorce records for approximately the past decade are typically available online through the portal.
Domestic Violence Restraining Orders
The court’s Self-Help Center at 201 North First Street assists self-represented individuals with restraining order paperwork. The Restraining Order Help Center can be reached at (408) 882-2926.
Family Court Services
Court-ordered mediation for child custody and visitation disputes is handled by Family Court Services at (408) 534-5760 (email: fcscalendar@scscourt.org).
Marriage Licenses and Certificates
Marriage licenses are issued by the Santa Clara County Clerk-Recorder’s Office, not the court. Appointments must be scheduled online.
Clerk-Recorder’s Office
110 West Tasman Drive, First Floor
San Jose, CA 95134
Phone: (408) 299-5688
Marriage license fees range from an estimated $80.00 to $100.00. Marriage certificates cost $19.00 per copy in person (cash/check) or $21.50 by credit/debit card. Marriage records are not available online; in-person appointments are required.
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death certificates are also managed by the Clerk-Recorder’s Office at the same address. In-person appointments are required. Per Health & Safety Code § 103526, only authorized individuals may obtain certified copies.
Santa Clara County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Santa Clara County are administered through the Probate Division at the Downtown Superior Court. The division handles decedent estate administration, wills, trusts, conservatorships of adults, and guardianships of minors.
Probate Division
Downtown Superior Court
191 North First Street
San Jose, CA 95113
Probate Clerk: (408) 882-2654
Wills, Trusts, and Estates Information: (408) 608-2613
Probate Examiners: (408) 882-2668
Email: ssprobinfo@scscourt.org
Types of Probate Proceedings
- Decedents’ Estates — Formal probate of wills, appointment of executors or administrators, inventory and distribution of assets
- Trusts — Litigation over living and testamentary trusts
- Conservatorships — Appointment of a conservator to manage the personal care and/or finances of an adult who is unable to manage independently
- Guardianships — Appointment of a guardian for the person and/or estate of a minor whose parents cannot provide care
- Adoptions — Finalization proceedings (records are confidential once completed)
Searching Probate Records
Probate case information is available on the Case Information Portal. You can search by the decedent’s name or case number.
To determine whether a will has been filed, contact the Records Division at (408) 882-2100 ext. 2450, or visit the Downtown courthouse in person. Provide the full name of the deceased and the year of death. A fee applies for each year researched, plus copying charges per page. Requests can also be mailed to: Probate Division, Downtown Superior Court, 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113.
Adoption files are confidential. Only adopting parents or their attorneys may obtain copies with proper identification. Adopted individuals seeking their own records must petition the court for a Birth Record Access order; the process takes up to eight months.
Probate Forms, Fees, and Rules
Local probate forms (prefixed “PB”) are on the court’s local forms page. State Judicial Council probate forms are available through the California Courts forms site. Filing fees follow the statewide civil fee schedule—initial probate petitions fall under the unlimited civil category ($435.00). Local probate rules of court, including specific requirements for accountings, notices, and hearing procedures, are published on the court’s website. The court’s Probate FAQs page provides detailed guidance on estate administration, conservatorships, guardianships, living trusts, and powers of attorney.