riverside county public records guide for residents

What you can find

Riverside County maintains property deeds and liens, vital records like birth, death, and marriage certificates, civil and criminal case files, business filings, code enforcement actions, and selected permit histories. Many indexes are searchable online, while certified copies or older archives may require formal requests or in-person visits.

Where to search

The Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder handles property and vital records; the Superior Court hosts case lookups; the Sheriff provides inmate and incident logs; and the Registrar of Voters posts campaign and election filings. Each office has different fees, turnaround times, and identification requirements.

How to request

1. Identify the record type and date range.
2. Search the free public portal for an index hit.
3. Submit an online, mail, or counter request with details.
4. Choose certified or informational copies, if available.
5. Pay fees and track the request number.

Practical tips

Use precise names, parcel or case numbers, and locations to narrow results. Expect some data to be redacted for privacy. For non-exempt materials, the California Public Records Act allows inspection; if denied, ask for a written exemption citation and appeal or refine your request.