State Public Records Guide
Public Records in California
Your comprehensive guide to accessing public records in California under the California Public Records Act (CPRA) (est. 1968).
Overview of Public Records in California
California's Public Records Act is one of the most comprehensive and frequently used public records laws in the United States. Enacted in 1968 and significantly strengthened by the California Sunshine Ordinance and subsequent amendments, the CPRA provides broad access to records held by state and local government agencies. California's constitution was amended in 2004 to include an explicit right of access to government information, giving the CPRA constitutional backing. The state processes millions of records requests annually across its thousands of government agencies.
Quick Reference: Requesting Records in California
Response Time
Agencies must determine within 10 calendar days whether they will comply. They can extend this by up to 14 additional days under certain circumstances such as voluminous requests or the need to consult with other agencies.
Fees and Costs
Agencies may only charge for direct duplication costs. They cannot charge for search, review, or redaction time. Electronic records must be provided in their existing format at no additional cost beyond the media.
How to Submit a Request
Requests can be submitted in writing or orally to the agency holding the records. Many agencies accept requests by email. Under the updated CPRA effective 2023, agencies must assist requesters in identifying responsive records.
Appeal Process
Requesters may file a lawsuit in superior court. The court may award attorney fees to a prevailing requester. The California Public Records Act ombudsman, established in 2023, also mediates disputes.
Types of Public Records Available in California
Property Records
Property records in California include deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, and property tax assessments. These records document real estate ownership, transfers, and encumbrances. They are typically maintained at the county level and are valuable for researching property history, verifying ownership, and conducting due diligence before purchasing real estate.
How property records work →Voter Registration
Voter registration records in California contain information about registered voters including names, addresses, party affiliation, and voting history. The availability of voter data varies based on California election law and may be subject to restrictions on permitted uses and commercial distribution.
Understanding voter records →Court Records
California court records encompass civil litigation, criminal cases, family law matters, probate proceedings, and small claims cases. These records are maintained by the state judiciary and are generally open to the public, with exceptions for sealed cases, juvenile proceedings, and certain family matters.
Guide to court records →Business Filings
Business filings in California include articles of incorporation, annual reports, trade name registrations, and UCC filings. These records are maintained by the Secretary of State and provide information about business entities operating in the state, including their registered agents, officers, and current standing.
Searching business records →Vital Records
California vital records include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. These documents are maintained by the state's vital records office and are essential for establishing identity, proving familial relationships, and handling legal matters such as estate settlements.
Vital records overview →Campaign Finance
Campaign finance records in California document political contributions, expenditures, and donor information for state and local elections. These records are maintained by the state's election commission or ethics board and are valuable for tracking political spending and identifying donor patterns.
Campaign finance explained →How to Access California Public Records
To request records under the CPRA, you may submit a request in writing to any California state or local agency. No specific form is required, and you do not need to explain why you want the records. Agencies must determine within ten days whether to comply and must respond within a reasonable time. The law was overhauled effective January 1, 2023, through SB 1169, streamlining the request process. California offers extensive online access to many record types, including court records through the individual superior court websites, property records through county assessor portals, and business filings through the Secretary of State's business search.
Online Access
California's Secretary of State provides online access to business filings, campaign finance data, and voter information. Most counties offer online property record portals through their assessor and recorder websites.
Key Exemptions and Restrictions in California
While the California Public Records Act (CPRA) establishes a strong presumption that government records are open to public inspection, certain categories of information are exempt from disclosure. Understanding these exemptions is important when submitting records requests in California.
- Preliminary drafts and notes not retained in the ordinary course of business
- Records pertaining to pending litigation
- Personnel and medical files
- Law enforcement investigatory records
- Intelligence information related to terrorism
- Critical infrastructure vulnerability assessments
If you believe records have been improperly withheld, California provides avenues for appeal. Contact the relevant oversight body or consult our guide to filing public records requests for tips on handling denials.
Key Laws and Regulations
California Public Records Act (CPRA)
Enacted: 1968
The California Public Records Act, codified in Government Code Section 7920.000 through 7931.000 (renumbered in 2023 from the former Section 6250-6270), declares that access to information concerning the conduct of the people's business is a fundamental and necessary right. The law was significantly reorganized in 2023 for clarity. California also has the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act for state bodies and the Brown Act for local agencies, which complement the CPRA by ensuring transparency in government deliberations.
Key Features of California's Records Law:
- California added a constitutional right of access to public records through Proposition 59 in 2004
- The CPRA was completely reorganized and renumbered effective January 1, 2023
- California requires agencies to assist requesters in identifying and describing the records they seek
- The state allows requesters to recover attorney fees if they prevail in court over a records dispute
California Public Records Facts
California has 58 counties and over 400 incorporated cities maintaining public records
The California Secretary of State's business database contains over 5 million entity filings
Los Angeles County alone processes hundreds of thousands of property recordings per year
California has over 22 million registered voters whose registration information is partially public
Search California Public Records
Use OpenDataUSA to find publicly available records across California. Enter a name below to search public records in CA.
Frequently Asked Questions About California Public Records
How long does California have to respond to a public records request?
How do I search California court records?
Are California property records available online?
How do I obtain a California business filing?
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Additional Resources
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational purposes and reflects publicly available information about the California Public Records Act (CPRA). Laws and procedures change over time. For the most current requirements, contact the relevant oversight agency in California or consult a legal professional. OpenDataUSA is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA. Do not use information obtained from this site for employment, tenant screening, or credit decisions.