Find Ontario Court Records
Court records for Ontario are filed through the San Bernardino County Superior Court. Ontario has about 175,000 residents and sits in the western part of San Bernardino County. The Rancho Cucamonga courthouse is the closest branch serving Ontario for most case types. Civil, criminal, family law, and small claims records can be searched online or at the courthouse. This page covers the search tools, fees, and resources for finding court records in Ontario.
Ontario Court Records Quick Facts
Ontario Court Records Location
Ontario is served by the San Bernardino County Superior Court. The main district courthouse for the Ontario area is in Rancho Cucamonga at 8303 Haven Avenue, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730. This location handles civil cases and is a major hub for the western part of the county. Criminal cases from Ontario may go to the San Bernardino courthouse at 247 West Third Street.
The San Bernardino County court system covers a large area. It is the biggest county in the country by land size. Ontario sits in the more urban western portion. The Rancho Cucamonga courthouse is the primary spot for court records related to Ontario cases.
The city of Ontario does not have its own court. All cases go through the county superior court. You can request records at the Rancho Cucamonga location or through the online portal.
| Primary Court | Rancho Cucamonga Courthouse 8303 Haven Avenue Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 |
|---|---|
| Criminal Division | 247 West Third Street San Bernardino, CA 92415 |
| Criminal Phone | (909) 350-9764 |
Search Ontario Records Online
The San Bernardino Superior Court has an online portal for case searches. The Court Access Portal lets you search civil case records. You can look up cases by name or case number. The system covers cases from 1998 to the present, though older records may have limited data. Remote viewing of civil documents costs $0.50 per page.
The San Bernardino Court Access Portal is shown below.
The statewide appellate courts case search covers appeals from Ontario cases that went to a higher court.
Family law and criminal records have viewing limits. Under California Rule of Court 2.503, full documents for these case types can only be seen at courthouse terminals. The online system still shows the case index, hearing dates, and register of actions. For complete criminal records from Ontario, you will need to visit the courthouse or submit a written request.
The court updates its online records regularly, but brand new filings may take a day or two to appear. If you cannot find a recent case, try again later or contact the clerk.
Court Records Fees in Ontario
San Bernardino County follows the statewide fee schedule. Copies cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies are $40.00 per document. Search fees are $15.00 when the clerk spends more than 10 minutes. A certified copy of a dissolution judgment is $15.00. Exemplification is $50.00.
Online document viewing through the Court Access Portal also charges $0.50 per page. These fees apply to civil case documents. You can view the case index and basic data for free, but opening the actual documents triggers the per-page charge.
Fee waivers are available for people with low income. Ask the court clerk for a fee waiver request form. A judge reviews the request and decides whether to reduce or eliminate fees for accessing Ontario court records.
Legal Help for Ontario Residents
Inland Counties Legal Services provides free legal assistance in the Ontario area. Call (888) 245-4257. They cover housing, family law, and public benefits cases. If you need help finding or understanding court records, they can guide you.
The San Bernardino courthouse has a self-help center where staff assist with forms, filing procedures, and finding records. This is a free service. The California Courts Self-Help Center online has guides that cover every case type. These apply to Ontario cases handled through the San Bernardino court system.
The San Bernardino County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. For a small fee, you can get a consultation with a local attorney. This can help if you need records for a complex case or if you are trying to understand what a court record means for your situation in Ontario.
Types of Court Records in Ontario
The San Bernardino court keeps all standard record types for Ontario cases. Civil records cover lawsuits, evictions, and small claims. Criminal records include felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions. Family law files hold divorce, custody, and support orders. Probate records handle wills, estates, and guardianships. Traffic cases generate their own set of records.
Access depends on the case type. Civil records are the most open and have the most data available through the online portal. Criminal records show limited data online. Family law records cannot be viewed remotely. Sealed and confidential cases need a court order to access.
- Civil unlimited: kept 10 years
- Civil judgments: kept permanently
- Felony records: kept 75 years
- Family law: kept 30 years
- Small claims: kept 10 years
- Adoption and parentage: kept permanently
After these periods end, the court may destroy the records. Request older Ontario court records as soon as you can to make sure they are still on file.
San Bernardino County Court Records
Ontario is in San Bernardino County. All court cases for Ontario go through the San Bernardino County Superior Court. The county has multiple courthouse locations across a vast area. For full details on the county system, online portals, and resources, visit the San Bernardino County court records page.
Nearby Cities
These cities are in San Bernardino County or the nearby Inland Empire and use the same or neighboring county court systems.