San Francisco Court Records
Court records in San Francisco are managed by the San Francisco County Superior Court. San Francisco is both a city and a county with about 874,000 residents. The Civic Center Courthouse and the Hall of Justice are the two main court buildings. Civil case records can be searched online, but criminal records are not available through the internet. This page explains where to search for court records, what fees apply, and how to get help in San Francisco.
San Francisco Court Records Quick Facts
Where San Francisco Records Are Filed
San Francisco has two main courthouse locations. The Civic Center Courthouse (CCC) sits at 400 McAllister Street, Room 103, San Francisco, CA 94102. This location handles civil cases and has a Public Viewing Room where you can view civil records on-site. The Hall of Justice (HOJ) at 850 Bryant Street, Room 101, San Francisco, CA 94103 handles criminal matters. The Criminal Records Department phone is (415) 551-0651.
San Francisco is unique in California because it is both a city and a county. The court system serves the entire geographic area. There are no branch courthouses in other cities because there are no other cities in the county. All cases originate and stay within the San Francisco court system.
Hours for both locations are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. The court does not maintain traffic driving records. For those, contact the DMV. Criminal records are not available online. You must visit the Hall of Justice for criminal record requests.
| Civil Court | Civic Center Courthouse 400 McAllister Street, Room 103 San Francisco, CA 94102 |
|---|---|
| Criminal Court | Hall of Justice 850 Bryant Street, Room 101 San Francisco, CA 94103 |
| Criminal Records | (415) 551-0651 |
Search San Francisco Records Online
San Francisco has a Civil Case Inquiry system for online searches. This tool lets you look up civil cases by name or case number. It shows case data, hearing dates, and the register of actions. The Civic Center Courthouse also has a Public Viewing Room where you can view civil records on-site on a first-come, first-served basis.
Criminal records are not available online in San Francisco. The court states this clearly. If you need criminal case information, you must contact the Hall of Justice at (415) 551-0651 or visit in person. This is an important difference from many other California counties that offer at least basic criminal case data online.
The San Francisco court records page explains what is available and how to make requests.
The San Francisco city website connects to various government services. Court records are handled separately through the Superior Court.
Under California Rule of Court 2.503, family law documents are restricted from remote access even where online tools exist. Civil records have the broadest availability online. The Public Viewing Room at the Civic Center Courthouse is currently open for in-person record viewing if the online system does not have what you need.
Court Records Fees in San Francisco
San Francisco has some fees that differ from other counties. Certified copies cost $25.00 per document plus $0.50 per page. Non-certified copies are $0.50 per page. Search fees are $15.00 if the clerk takes more than 10 minutes. These rates apply to both the Civic Center Courthouse and the Hall of Justice.
The $25 certified copy fee is lower than the $40 charged in most other California counties. This is a notable difference for San Francisco court records. If you need a certified copy for legal proceedings, it will cost less here than in many other jurisdictions.
Fee waivers are available. If you meet the income requirements, a judge can reduce or eliminate fees. Ask the clerk for the fee waiver form and submit it for review.
Legal Help in San Francisco
Bay Area Legal Aid at (800) 551-5554 provides free legal services in San Francisco. They handle housing, public benefits, and family law cases. La Raza Centro Legal at (415) 575-3500 also serves the San Francisco community with immigration, housing, and employment legal help.
The San Francisco courthouse has self-help resources for people who need to navigate the court system. The California Courts Self-Help Center online has guides for all case types. The LawHelpCA website connects people with legal aid organizations statewide.
The San Francisco Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. For a fee, you can get a consultation with a local attorney. The city also has many nonprofit legal organizations that specialize in specific areas like tenant rights, immigration, and domestic violence. These groups can help with court records tied to their practice areas.
Types of Court Records in San Francisco
The San Francisco Superior Court keeps records for all case types. Civil records cover lawsuits, evictions, and contract disputes. Criminal records include felonies and misdemeanors (but are not available online). Family law files hold divorce, custody, and support orders. Probate handles wills and estates. Small claims and traffic cases create their own records.
Access rules are important in San Francisco. Civil records are the most open and can be searched online and viewed at the Public Viewing Room. Criminal records require an in-person visit. Family law documents have restricted remote access. Juvenile records are confidential.
- Civil unlimited: 10-year retention
- Civil judgments: permanent retention
- Felony: 75-year retention
- Family law: 30-year retention
- Adoption: permanent retention
Government Code Section 68152 controls retention. After these periods, San Francisco court records may be destroyed. The court does not maintain traffic driving records. Contact the DMV for those.
San Francisco County Court Records
San Francisco is both a city and a county. All court cases go through the San Francisco County Superior Court. For complete details on the court system, search portals, and resources, visit the San Francisco County court records page.
Nearby Cities
These Bay Area cities are in neighboring counties. Court records for each go through their respective county courts.