Imperial County Court Records Search
Imperial County court records are managed by the Superior Court of California, County of Imperial. The county sits in the far southeast corner of the state along the Mexican border. About 180,000 people live here. El Centro is the county seat and the main courthouse location. The court offers an online case lookup tool for the general public. This page explains how to search for court records in Imperial County, what fees you will pay, and where to get copies of case documents.
Imperial County Court Records Quick Facts
Imperial County Court Records Online
The Imperial Superior Court runs an online case lookup tool. The Imperial Case Search portal is available to the general public as a way to research and look up cases. Confidential and sealed cases do not show up on this portal.
Below is a screenshot of the Imperial County case search portal.
The search tool shows case status, party names, hearing dates, and basic register of actions data for Imperial County cases.
The court also has a ROA/Case Lookup feature through its online services page. This gives you another way to find case information. Under California Rules of Court Rule 2.503, criminal and family law documents are restricted from remote display. The online portal shows summary data for these case types, but viewing full documents may need a courthouse visit.
For records requests, you can email the court at DigitalServices@imperial.courts.ca.gov. Public records requests go to publicrecordsrequest@imperial.courts.ca.gov. These email addresses give you a way to start the process from home.
Visit Imperial County Courthouse
The main courthouse is on West Main Street in El Centro. Walk in during business hours, bring a photo ID, and the clerk can pull case files for you. Viewing records on site is free. You only pay when you want copies.
El Centro is the largest city in Imperial County. It sits about two hours east of San Diego along Interstate 8. If you are coming from out of the area, plan for the drive. The courthouse has regular weekday hours.
| Main Courthouse | Imperial County Superior Court 939 West Main Street El Centro, CA 92243 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (760) 482-2200 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
Court Record Fees in Imperial County
Imperial County follows the statewide fee schedule for court records. Copies cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies are $40.00 per document. The search fee is $15.00 if the clerk needs more than 10 minutes. Exemplification costs $50.00.
Certified copies of dissolution judgments cost $15.00. Comparing a copy with the original is $1.00 per page. Online searches through the case lookup portal are free. Fees apply only when you request physical copies or certified documents.
Fee waivers are available for people who qualify based on income. Submit the waiver form to the court, and a judge reviews it. If approved, the court reduces or waives fees for copies and filings of Imperial County court records.
Note: The court may accept requests by email, but fee payment usually needs to happen at the clerk's window or by mail.
Types of Imperial County Court Records
Imperial County Superior Court hears all trial-level case types. Civil cases include lawsuits over contracts, property, and personal injury. Criminal cases range from felonies to traffic tickets. Family law covers divorce, custody, and child support. Probate handles estates and conservatorships. Small claims addresses lower-value disputes.
The online portal covers most of these case types. Civil records are the most accessible for public viewing. Criminal and family law cases show limited information online under Rule 2.503. Juvenile records are confidential. Sealed cases are invisible to public searches.
- Civil unlimited and limited cases
- Criminal felonies, misdemeanors, traffic
- Family law and domestic violence
- Probate and conservatorship
- Small claims disputes
State law sets retention periods. Civil cases are kept for 10 years. Felony records last 75 years. Family law files stay for 30 years.
Legal Help in Imperial County
California Rural Legal Assistance serves Imperial County. Call (800) 337-0690 to check eligibility. They handle civil, housing, and employment matters for low-income residents. Inland Counties Legal Services is another option at (888) 245-4257 and covers the broader inland region.
The California Courts Self-Help Center provides statewide resources including forms and guides. The Imperial County courthouse in El Centro may have self-help resources at the clerk's window. If you need a private attorney, the Imperial County Bar Association can provide referrals.
Cities in Imperial County
Imperial County has seven incorporated cities: El Centro, Calexico, Brawley, Imperial, Holtville, Westmorland, and Calipatria. None have a population over 100,000, so there are no separate city court records pages. All court cases in Imperial County go through the Superior Court in El Centro.
Nearby Counties
Imperial County is in the far southeast corner of California. It borders Mexico to the south and Arizona to the east. Only two California counties sit next to it.