Access Ventura County Court Records
Court records in Ventura County are managed by the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura. The county has a population of about 839,000 and stretches along the coast northwest of Los Angeles. The main courthouse is in the city of Ventura, and the court handles civil, criminal, family law, probate, small claims, and traffic cases across multiple locations. Ventura County offers online case search tools for civil and criminal records, plus in-person access at the courthouse. This page explains how to search for records, what fees apply, and where to get legal assistance in Ventura County.
Ventura County Court Records Quick Facts
Ventura County Court Records Online
The Ventura County Superior Court offers two separate online tools for searching court records. The Ventura Civil Case Portal covers civil, probate, and small claims cases. You can search by party name, case number, or other criteria. A separate system handles criminal and traffic case searches.
Below is the Ventura County civil case portal used for searching court records online.
The civil portal shows case numbers, party names, filing dates, and case status. The register of actions lists all events and filings for each case. You can view many civil case documents remotely through this system. The criminal and traffic system is separate. The Criminal and Traffic Case Search tool provides case data for criminal matters but with more limited document access.
Under California Rules of Court Rule 2.503, remote access to full documents in criminal, family law, and juvenile cases is restricted. You can see index data and basic case info online, but viewing actual documents for those case types requires a trip to the courthouse. Civil records have the fewest restrictions on remote viewing.
In-Person Court Records in Ventura County
The main courthouse is the Ventura Courthouse at 800 South Victoria Avenue in Ventura, CA 93009. Records office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. You can walk in to view court records at no charge. Bring a photo ID. The clerk can look up cases by number or party name and pull files for review.
Ventura County also has courthouse locations serving other parts of the county. The Juvenile Courthouse at 4353 Vineyard Avenue in Oxnard handles juvenile matters. Check with the court about which location has the records you need. Most civil and criminal records are accessible at the main Ventura courthouse.
If you want copies, the clerk makes them while you wait for most current files. Archived records stored offsite may take longer to retrieve. The records office staff can tell you how long a specific request will take.
| Main Courthouse | Ventura Courthouse 800 South Victoria Avenue Ventura, CA 93009 |
|---|---|
| Juvenile Courthouse | 4353 Vineyard Avenue Oxnard, CA 93036 |
| Records Office Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Records Phone | (805) 289-8668 |
Ventura County Court Record Fees
Fees for court records in Ventura County match the statewide schedule. Plain copies cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies are $40.00 per document. A certified copy of a Final Judgment of Dissolution (divorce) is $15.00. Search fees run $15.00 when the court staff spends more than 10 minutes looking up a record. Comparison with the original is $1.00 per page. Exemplification costs $50.00. The court charges a maximum of 15 names per search request.
Online case index searches are free through both the civil and criminal portals. You do not pay to look at basic case data. Fees apply when you request copies of documents. The records office also accepts mail requests. Send your written request with a check or money order payable to the Ventura County Superior Court.
Fee waivers are available. If your income qualifies, you can ask the court to waive filing and copy fees. Fill out the standard California fee waiver form and file it with the clerk. A judge will review your application and make a decision.
Note: The court limits search requests to 15 names at a time, so plan accordingly if you have a large batch of records to look up.
Types of Court Records in Ventura
The Ventura County Superior Court handles a wide range of case types. Civil cases include lawsuits, contract disputes, personal injury claims, property matters, and unlawful detainer proceedings. Criminal cases cover infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies. Family law files include divorce, legal separation, child custody, child support, spousal support, and domestic violence restraining orders.
Probate cases deal with wills, estates, conservatorships, and guardianships. Small claims handle disputes up to the state dollar limit. Traffic violations create their own set of court records. Ventura County also handles a significant number of juvenile cases through its Juvenile Courthouse in Oxnard, though those records are confidential by law.
Access rules vary by type. Civil and small claims are the most open to the public. Criminal records have limits on remote viewing. Family law documents can only be viewed at the courthouse. Sealed records need a court order. The clerk can explain what restrictions apply to any specific record you want to access in Ventura County.
Legal Resources in Ventura County
The Ventura County Superior Court provides self-help services at the courthouse. Staff assist with forms, explain court procedures, and help people understand their options. This is free. You do not need an attorney to use these services. The center handles questions about family law, small claims, restraining orders, and more.
Bay Area Legal Aid does not cover Ventura, but LawHelpCA can connect you with legal aid providers in the area. The California Courts Self-Help Center has statewide guides, forms, and videos that apply to Ventura County and every other county. The Legal Aid Foundation and local bar association also provide referrals for people who need help.
The Ventura County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service for people looking to hire an attorney. Many local lawyers offer a free or low-cost initial consultation. For basic court records questions, the records office at the main courthouse is the most direct resource.
Cities in Ventura County
Ventura County has several cities, with three meeting the 100,000 population threshold. All court cases in these cities are filed through the Ventura County Superior Court.
Other cities in Ventura County include Oxnard, Camarillo, Moorpark, Fillmore, Santa Paula, and Ojai. All court cases from these cities go through the Ventura County Superior Court system.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Ventura County. Each has its own Superior Court and separate court records system.