Find Yolo County Court Records
Court records in Yolo County are held by the Superior Court of California, County of Yolo, based in Woodland. The county is home to about 221,000 residents and includes the city of Davis, home to UC Davis. Yolo County sits just west of Sacramento in the Central Valley. The court handles civil, criminal, family law, probate, small claims, and traffic cases. This page covers the online tools, in-person access options, fees, and legal resources available for searching court records in Yolo County.
Yolo County Court Records Quick Facts
Yolo County Court Records Online
The Yolo County Superior Court provides information about court records access through its website. The Yolo Civil Division page has details about civil case records and how to search for them. The court offers online case lookup tools for searching by name or case number.
The screenshot below shows the Yolo County court's civil division page with information about accessing court records.
Through the court's online system, you can find case numbers, party names, filing dates, and case status. The register of actions shows all events in a case. Civil case records are the most accessible through remote access. Criminal and family law records are limited to basic index data online under California Rules of Court Rule 2.503. Full documents for those case types require a visit to the courthouse.
The online system is free for basic lookups. You do not need to create an account for standard searches. If a case does not appear online, it may be too old, sealed, or confidential. The clerk's office in Woodland can help you track down records that are not available through the digital system.
In-Person Access in Yolo County
The courthouse is at 1000 Main Street in Woodland, CA 95695. Woodland is the county seat, about 20 miles northwest of Sacramento. The clerk's office is open Monday through Friday. You can walk in to view court records at no charge. Bring a valid photo ID. The clerk can search by case number or party name.
If you live in Davis or West Sacramento, the drive to Woodland is short. The courthouse is easy to find in the downtown area. When you arrive, let the clerk know what you need. They will pull the file for you to review at the counter. Copies can usually be made while you wait. For archived records, there may be a delay.
| Courthouse | Yolo County Superior Court 1000 Main Street Woodland, CA 95695 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Phone | (530) 406-6700 |
Yolo County Court Record Fees
Court record fees in Yolo County follow the statewide schedule set by California Government Code. Plain copies are $0.50 per page. Certified copies cost $40.00 per document. Certified copies of dissolution judgments are $15.00. Search fees are $15.00 for lookups exceeding 10 minutes. Comparison with the original runs $1.00 per page. Exemplification costs $50.00.
Online case index searches are free. No charge for viewing basic case data through the court's website. You only pay when you request physical or digital copies. The clerk's window at the courthouse handles payments. Mail requests should include a check or money order payable to Yolo County Superior Court along with a clear description of what records you need.
Note: Fee waivers are available for individuals who qualify based on income through the standard California fee waiver application.
Types of Yolo County Court Records
The Yolo County Superior Court handles all trial-level case types. Civil cases include lawsuits, property disputes, contract matters, and evictions. Criminal cases cover infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies. Yolo County sees cases related to agriculture, DUI, and property crime among other types. Family law covers divorce, custody, support, and restraining orders.
Probate files deal with estates, wills, guardianships, and conservatorships. Small claims handle disputes under the state dollar limit. Traffic cases make up a consistent portion of the caseload, especially given the county's location along Interstate 5 and Interstate 80. Each case type has specific access rules. Civil and small claims are the most open to the public.
Record retention follows state guidelines. Civil judgments are permanent. Family law records last 30 years. Felony records are kept 75 years. Minor cases have shorter retention periods. The clerk can check whether an older record is still on file in Yolo County.
Legal Help in Yolo County
The Yolo County Superior Court has a self-help center at the courthouse in Woodland. Staff help with forms, procedures, and finding the right resources. This service is free. You do not need to have a lawyer. The center assists with family law, small claims, restraining orders, and other common case types.
Legal Services of Northern California serves Yolo County with free legal help for qualifying individuals. Call (916) 551-2150 for information. UC Davis also has a law school that sometimes runs clinical programs providing free legal services to the community. The California Courts Self-Help Center offers statewide online resources including forms and guides.
The Yolo County Bar Association can refer you to private attorneys in the area. Many Woodland and Davis lawyers offer initial consultations at no charge. For basic court records questions, the clerk's office is typically the best starting point. They can tell you what is available and how to get it.
Cities in Yolo County
Yolo County includes Woodland, Davis, West Sacramento, and Winters. Davis has about 69,000 residents and Woodland has about 62,000. West Sacramento has about 55,000 people. None of the cities in Yolo County reach the 100,000 population threshold. All court cases in these cities file through the Yolo County Superior Court in Woodland.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Yolo County. Each has its own Superior Court and maintains separate court records.