San Mateo Court Records
Court records for San Mateo are filed at the San Mateo County Superior Court. The city has around 106,000 residents and sits on the San Francisco Peninsula between San Francisco and San Jose. All case types, from civil lawsuits to criminal matters, go through the county court system. San Mateo County keeps a public records index that you can search online. This page explains how to find court records, what fees apply, and where to get help with cases filed in San Mateo.
San Mateo Court Records Quick Facts
Where San Mateo Cases Are Filed
The San Mateo County Superior Court handles all cases for the city of San Mateo. The county seat is Redwood City, and the main courthouse is located there. Cases filed by San Mateo residents, or involving events in San Mateo, go through this court system. The city does not operate its own court.
The Hall of Justice and Records at 400 County Center in Redwood City is where most civil and criminal filings take place. A second branch in South San Francisco handles some matters as well. To find which branch has a specific case, you can search the court's online index or call the clerk. Walk-in visits to the courthouse for record searches are free.
| Main Courthouse | Hall of Justice 400 County Center Redwood City, CA 94063 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
Search San Mateo Court Records Online
San Mateo County offers an online records index where you can search by case number or party name. The index covers civil, criminal, family, and other case types. Basic case information shows up in the results, including filing dates, case status, and hearing schedules. Full documents are not available for download from this portal.
The statewide appellate courts case search covers appeals from San Mateo County cases that reach the First Appellate District.
Under California Rules of Court, Rule 2.503, certain records have limits on remote access. Family law, criminal, and juvenile case documents can only be viewed on courthouse terminals. Civil case indexes and registers of action have broader online availability. If you need full documents from a San Mateo case, plan a trip to the courthouse in Redwood City.
The court also lets you view electronic records at courthouse public access terminals at no charge. As of 2026, you can photograph records on the terminal screen with your own device, thanks to AB 1524.
Record Fees for San Mateo Court
Copy fees at the San Mateo County Superior Court follow the statewide schedule. Plain copies cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies are $40.00 per document. A search by the clerk that runs over 10 minutes costs $15.00. Divorce judgment certified copies are $15.00.
If you view records on a public terminal at the courthouse, there is no fee for the viewing itself. You only pay when you need paper copies or certified documents. Fee waivers are available for low-income individuals. Ask the clerk for a fee waiver form, and a judge will review your request.
Legal Resources in San Mateo
The San Mateo County Superior Court has a self-help center that assists people without lawyers. Staff can help you locate court records, understand forms, and navigate your case. The center is at the Redwood City courthouse and is free to use.
Bay Area Legal Aid covers San Mateo County. Call (800) 551-5554 for help with housing, public benefits, and family law matters. The California Courts Self-Help Center offers online guides that apply to San Mateo cases. The Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County also provides free legal services to qualifying residents.
For private legal help, the San Mateo County Bar Association has a lawyer referral service. They can match you with an attorney who handles the kind of case you are dealing with.
Types of San Mateo Court Records
The San Mateo County Superior Court maintains records for all case categories. Civil cases cover contract disputes, personal injury, and property matters. Criminal records include felonies and misdemeanors. Family law records handle divorce, custody, and support. Probate covers wills, trusts, and estates. Small claims deal with disputes under the dollar cap set by state law. Traffic violations create their own records in the system.
Most civil records are public and fairly easy to access. Criminal case information is available in limited form online. Family law documents require a visit to the courthouse. Juvenile records are confidential under state law and not open to the public.
- Civil judgments for unlimited cases are kept permanently
- Felony records are retained for 75 years
- Family law records stay on file for 30 years
- Small claims records are kept for 10 years
If a record has been sealed by court order, you will need to petition the court to access it. The clerk can tell you if a case is sealed or confidential.
San Mateo County Court Records
San Mateo is in San Mateo County. All court filings for the city go through the San Mateo County Superior Court in Redwood City. For full details on the county court system, search portals, and resources, see the county page.
Nearby Cities
These cities are near San Mateo and served by nearby county courts.