Search San Diego Court Records
Court records in San Diego are handled by the San Diego County Superior Court, the second largest trial court in California. San Diego has roughly 1.4 million residents. The Central Courthouse in downtown San Diego is the primary location for court services. Multiple online search tools let you look up civil, criminal, family law, probate, and small claims records from any computer. You can also visit the courthouse to view files in person. This page covers how to search, what it costs, and where to get help with court records in San Diego.
San Diego Court Records Quick Facts
Where San Diego Court Records Are Filed
The Central Courthouse at 1100 Union Street, San Diego, CA 92101 is the main location for court services in the city. The Hall of Justice at 330 West Broadway handles additional case types. Together, these buildings process the majority of cases filed in San Diego.
The San Diego Superior Court has several branch courthouses across the county. The Central Courthouse handles most downtown cases. For traffic, small claims, or cases in other parts of the city, a branch location may be assigned. The court's website can help you figure out which branch holds a particular case.
The city of San Diego does not have its own court. Everything goes through the county system. With 1.4 million residents, San Diego generates a huge volume of court records each year. The court system processes civil, criminal, family, probate, and other case types across all its locations.
| Central Courthouse | 1100 Union Street San Diego, CA 92101 |
|---|---|
| Hall of Justice | 330 West Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 |
| City Clerk | 202 C Street, San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 533-4000 |
Search San Diego Records Online
San Diego County has multiple online search tools. The Court Index lets you search across all case types by name or case number. The Register of Actions for civil, small claims, and probate cases gives detailed case history. A separate family law register of actions tool handles divorce, custody, and support cases.
The court records access page explains how each tool works and what data is available. These tools let you check case status, find hearing dates, and see the register of actions for most case types. San Diego's online system covers a lot of ground.
The San Diego city website provides additional links to city services and local government offices.
While the city site does not host court records, it connects to city services that may complement your records search.
Remote access limits apply. Under California Rule of Court 2.503, criminal and family law documents can only be viewed at courthouse terminals. The online tools show the case index and register of actions for these types but not full documents. A photo ID is needed to view files in person. The clerk pulls up to 10 cases per request. Civil records have the fewest restrictions for San Diego court records searches.
Court Records Fees in San Diego
San Diego uses the statewide fee schedule. Copies cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies are $40.00 per document. A certified divorce decree is $15.00. The records search fee is $15.00 per name. Off-site file retrieval costs $30.00. Exemplification is $50.00.
The search fee is per name, which matters when you are looking for records involving multiple people. Online tools are generally free to browse, but document copies carry fees. If you need certified copies for legal proceedings, budget for $40.00 per document plus the per-page copy cost.
Fee waivers are available for those with qualifying income levels. Ask the clerk for a fee waiver form. A judge reviews the request and may reduce or waive fees for accessing San Diego court records.
Legal Help for San Diego Residents
The Legal Aid Society of San Diego provides free legal services. Call (877) 534-2524. They cover family law, housing, and consumer cases for low-income residents. If you need help finding court records or filing paperwork, they can assist.
The San Diego Superior Court has self-help centers at several courthouse locations. Staff help with forms, filing procedures, and locating records. This is free for everyone. The California Courts Self-Help Center online has statewide guides for all case types that apply to San Diego.
The San Diego County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral program. For a small fee, you get a consultation with a local attorney. This is useful for complex cases where you need to understand what court records mean for your situation. The LawHelpCA website also connects people with legal aid across California.
Types of Court Records in San Diego
The San Diego Superior Court keeps records for every case type. Civil records cover lawsuits, debt collection, and property matters. Criminal records include felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions. Family law holds divorce, custody, and restraining orders. Probate records deal with wills and estates. Small claims and traffic cases create their own files.
San Diego has specific retention timelines. Infraction records are destroyed after 3 years. Misdemeanor traffic records go after 5 years. DUI misdemeanors last 10 years. Civil and small claims keep for 10 years. Family law records stay for 30 years. Felony records last 75 years.
- Civil: open to public, broadest online access
- Criminal: limited online, full files at courthouse
- Family law: courthouse viewing only
- Juvenile: confidential by state law
- Probate: available online and in person
Sealed records need a court order. All other San Diego court records are public and open for inspection. Juvenile cases are always confidential and not available to the public.
San Diego County Court Records
San Diego is in San Diego County. All court cases are filed through the San Diego County Superior Court. For full details on the county system, all search portals, fee schedules, and resources, visit the San Diego County court records page.
Nearby Cities
These cities are in San Diego County and use the same court system for their records.