San Francisco Court Records

San Francisco County court records are held by the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco. This is the only city-county in the state where the city and county share the same boundaries, serving about 870,000 people. The court operates out of the Civic Center Courthouse and the Hall of Justice. You can search civil case records online, but criminal records require an in-person visit or written request. This page covers how to find, view, and get copies of court records in San Francisco County, including the online tools, fees, and courthouse locations.

San Francisco Court Records Online

The San Francisco Superior Court offers a civil case inquiry tool for online searches. The SF Civil Case Inquiry system lets you look up civil case information by name or case number. It shows the register of actions, case status, hearing dates, and party information for civil matters filed in San Francisco County.

Below is the San Francisco court records information page that explains how to access records.

The court provides guidance on what records are available online versus what requires an in-person visit.

One thing to know about San Francisco County is that criminal records are not available online. The court clearly states this on its website. If you need criminal case information, you must visit the Hall of Justice or make a written request. Traffic driving records are also not maintained by the court. For those, you contact the DMV. The civil case inquiry tool is the main online option for searching court records in San Francisco.

The court has a public viewing room at the Civic Center Courthouse. It is currently open for onsite viewing of civil records on a first-come, first-served basis. This is a good option if you want to see documents that are not available through the online system. You can also use your own device to photograph records under the new state law (AB 1524) that took effect in 2026.

Visiting San Francisco Courthouses

The Civic Center Courthouse at 400 McAllister Street is where you go for civil records. Room 103 is the records office. The Hall of Justice at 850 Bryant Street handles criminal records in Room 101. Both locations are open Monday through Friday. Bring a photo ID to view case files in person.

San Francisco is a compact city, so both courthouses are relatively close together and accessible by public transit. The Civic Center Courthouse is right next to City Hall and the BART station. The Hall of Justice is in the South of Market area. If you need records from both locations, you can visit both in the same day without much trouble.

San Francisco Court Record Fees

San Francisco County has a slightly different fee structure for certified copies than some other courts. Certified copies start at $25.00 per document plus $0.50 per page. This is lower than the standard $40.00 certification fee used by most California courts. Non-certified copies are $0.50 per page, which matches the statewide rate.

The search fee is $15.00 when the clerk spends more than 10 minutes on your request. Comparing a copy with the original costs $1.00 per page. Exemplification is $50.00. Certified dissolution judgment copies run $15.00. These fees apply whether you request copies at the Civic Center Courthouse or the Hall of Justice.

Fee waivers are available for qualifying low-income individuals. The court's self-help center can guide you through the process. If approved, the court may waive fees for copies and filings related to your case in San Francisco County.

Note: The $25 certified copy base fee in San Francisco is different from the $40 standard at most other California courts, so double-check current rates before sending payment by mail.

Types of Court Records in San Francisco

San Francisco County Superior Court handles all trial-level cases. Civil records include lawsuits, contract disputes, personal injury, and property cases. Criminal records cover felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions. Family law files hold divorce, custody, support, and domestic violence cases. Probate records deal with estates, wills, and conservatorships. Small claims and traffic violations also create records in San Francisco.

Public access differs by case type. Civil records are the most accessible online. Criminal records must be requested in person or by mail. Family law records have limits on remote access under Rule 2.503. Juvenile records are confidential. The court does not keep traffic driving records at all, so for that information, you must go to the DMV. Understanding which records are held where saves you time when searching for court records in San Francisco County.

Legal Resources in San Francisco

Bay Area Legal Aid is the main free legal services provider in San Francisco. Call (800) 551-5554 for information. They help with housing, family law, public benefits, and other civil legal issues. La Raza Centro Legal at (415) 575-3500 also provides legal assistance in San Francisco, with a focus on immigration and tenant rights.

The San Francisco Superior Court runs a self-help center for people who need help with forms, procedures, and understanding the court system. The California Courts Self-Help Center has statewide information that applies to San Francisco cases. LawHelpCA connects you with legal aid providers based on your issue and location. The Bar Association of San Francisco offers a lawyer referral service at (415) 989-1616 if you need a private attorney for matters involving court records in San Francisco County.

Cities in San Francisco County

San Francisco is the only city in San Francisco County. The city and county share the same boundaries, which is unique in California. All court cases in the county are handled by the San Francisco Superior Court.

Nearby Counties

These counties border San Francisco County. Each has its own Superior Court with separate records.