San Luis Obispo Court Records

San Luis Obispo County court records are managed by the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, serving about 280,000 people along the Central Coast. The court operates out of its main location in San Luis Obispo and handles civil, criminal, family law, probate, small claims, and traffic matters. An online search tool powered by the re:SearchCA system gives you a way to look up case information remotely. This page explains how to search for court records in San Luis Obispo County, what fees apply, and where to get help.

SLO County Court Records Online Search

The San Luis Obispo County Superior Court uses the re:SearchCA system for online case searches. The portal at researchca.tylerhost.net lets you look up court records by name, case number, or date range. It covers civil, criminal, and other case types filed in the county. The system is powered by Tyler Technologies and provides case index data, register of actions, and hearing schedules.

Here is the re:SearchCA portal used for San Luis Obispo County court records searches.

The re:SearchCA system provides a search interface for looking up case information in San Luis Obispo County.

The online system shows case summaries, parties involved, hearing dates, and the register of actions. Full document images may have limits depending on the case type. Under California Rules of Court Rule 2.503, family law, criminal, and certain other case categories restrict remote document viewing. You can see basic case data for these types online, but viewing the actual filings may need a trip to the courthouse.

The re:SearchCA system does not require an account for basic searches. You can start looking up cases right away. If you find the case you need, note the case number so you can reference it when requesting copies from the clerk.

Visiting the SLO County Courthouse

The main courthouse is in the city of San Luis Obispo. This is where you go for in-person access to court records. The clerk's office can pull files for you to view on site at no cost. Bring a photo ID. Fees only apply when you want copies. The courthouse handles all case types for the county.

San Luis Obispo County also has a branch court in Paso Robles that handles some case types for the northern part of the county. If a case was filed at the branch location, the file may be stored there. Check with the clerk's office to confirm which location has the file you are looking for before you drive out. The county stretches along the coast and inland, so knowing the right location saves time.

Note: The Paso Robles branch may have different hours or limited services for record requests, so call ahead before visiting.

SLO County Court Record Fees

San Luis Obispo County follows the statewide fee schedule. Plain copies cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies are $40.00 per document. The search fee is $15.00 if the clerk spends more than 10 minutes finding your record. Comparing a copy with the original is $1.00 per page. Exemplification costs $50.00 per document.

Certified copies of dissolution judgments are $15.00 each. For mail requests, send a check or money order payable to the San Luis Obispo Superior Court along with the details of what you need and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Online case searches through re:SearchCA are free for basic lookups.

Fee waivers are available for people with low income. The clerk or self-help center at the courthouse can provide the application form. If a judge approves your request, court fees for copies and filings may be waived.

Types of Court Records in SLO County

The San Luis Obispo Superior Court handles all trial-level case types. Civil records include lawsuits, personal injury claims, contract disputes, and property matters. Criminal records cover felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions. Family law files hold divorce, custody, support, and restraining order cases. Probate cases involve estates, wills, and guardianships. Small claims and traffic violations round out the types of court records kept in the county.

State retention rules determine how long records stay on file. Civil unlimited cases last 10 years. Criminal felony records are kept 75 years. Family law records stay 30 years. Adoptions and name changes are permanent. After the retention period ends, the court may destroy the files. Older cases in San Luis Obispo County may not be available if they were purged under these rules.

Legal Help in San Luis Obispo County

Central California Legal Services covers San Luis Obispo County and provides free legal help to qualifying low-income residents. Call (800) 675-8001 for details. California Rural Legal Assistance at (800) 337-0690 also serves the area. The San Luis Obispo Superior Court runs a self-help center that assists people with forms, court procedures, and record searches.

The California Courts Self-Help Center provides statewide resources and forms that apply to SLO County cases. LawHelpCA helps connect you with the right legal aid organization based on your situation. For finding a private lawyer, the San Luis Obispo County Bar Association can point you to an attorney referral service. You do not need a lawyer to search for or request court records in San Luis Obispo County.

Cities in San Luis Obispo County

San Luis Obispo County has no cities that meet the 100,000 population threshold. The city of San Luis Obispo is the county seat with about 47,000 people. Other cities include Paso Robles, Atascadero, Arroyo Grande, Pismo Beach, Morro Bay, and Grover Beach. All court cases from these cities are handled by the San Luis Obispo County Superior Court.

Nearby Counties

These counties border San Luis Obispo County. Each has its own court and keeps separate records.