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Sacramento Court Records | Free Public Search Online
Need a Sacramento court record fast? Do not start with a random background-check site. Start by choosing the right court record lane: criminal, civil, family law, probate, traffic, small claims, unlawful detainer, transcript, or certified copy. This guide gives you the practical route, the forms-and-fees traps, and the clerk-counter shortcuts most users miss.
Quick answer: Sacramento court records are handled by the Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento. Use the official Case Search page first. Criminal records are searched through Public Case Access by name or case number. Civil and probate records are searched through the Sacramento County Public Portal, which may require account creation. Family records may be searched online or at the Room 102 kiosk. Traffic tickets can be searched by driver license, citation, or case number. Certified copies, exemplified copies, staff searches, transcripts, and mailed record requests can still have fees.
Insider Tips That Make Sacramento Court Record Searches Easier
These are not tricks to bypass rules. They are practical habits that save time, reduce returned requests, and help you avoid paying for the wrong record.
Search the case number first
Case number beats name search. For criminal copies, the court says you must first obtain the criminal case record number. A case number also prevents common-name false matches.
Use the portal clock wisely
If a deadline is close, do not rely only on online search. Some records are off-site, older, restricted, or courthouse-only. Call the right records unit before mailing a request.
Bring small cash for copy machines
The civil records guidance says the public copy machine is privately maintained, copies cost $0.25 each, and copiers accept cash or copy cards, not credit cards.
Use “not to exceed” on civil copy checks
For civil records, the court says a blank check can be mailed with “Not to exceed [amount] dollars” in the memo. This helps when page count is unknown. Verify before mailing.
Family kiosk has no service-ticket step
If you do not know a family case number, the family records page says you may use the public kiosk in Room 102 and there is no need for a service ticket to use the kiosk.
Do not order a transcript by mistake
A transcript is the written record of what was said at a hearing. A docket, certified order, minute order, and transcript are different. Ask the receiving agency exactly what it needs.
Which Sacramento Court Records Portal Should You Use?
Use this table before opening any search portal. Sacramento Superior Court separates record access by case type, and several common tasks require different pages even if the keyword looks similar.
| User need | Official route | Best search field | Power user note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal case, charge, disposition, hearing or copy | Public Case Access | Case number first; name second. | Public Case Access criminal records are for Sacramento Superior Court criminal filings from 1989 to present, not other counties or federal courts. |
| Civil lawsuit, judgment, unlimited/limited civil file | Sacramento County Public Portal | Case number, party name, calendar, case type/date. | Civil search may require account creation. Civil records filed before November 13, 2007 may not be digitally available. |
| Probate case, estate, trust, guardianship, conservatorship | Public Portal / Probate | Case number, party name, case type/date, calendar. | The portal states it provides online access to electronically stored probate cases; older availability can differ. |
| Family law, divorce, custody, support, domestic violence | Family Order File and Records | Case number, name, filing date, or Room 102 kiosk. | Some documents are confidential; valid photo ID may be required for party-only access. |
| Traffic ticket, citation, traffic school or payment option | Traffic Division | Citation number, driver license, or case number. | Use citation search when available; it is usually cleaner than name-only traffic searching. |
| Small claims case | Small Claims Division | Case number or party name. | Sacramento says small claims is for cases requesting damages up to $12,500. |
| Unlawful detainer / eviction case | Case Search | Specific party names and property address. | Court instructions say to select Limited Civil where prompted. |
| Transcript of a past hearing | Court Reporter Services & Transcripts | Case number, hearing date, department, reporter/recording details. | Reporter notes have retention limits; do not delay if the hearing is old. |
How to Search Sacramento Court Records Online Without Getting Lost
The safest search path is simple: identify the case type, use the official Sacramento case-search page, search with the strongest identifier, then request official copies only if needed.
Start with case type, not name
Before typing a name, decide whether the case is criminal, civil, family, probate, traffic, small claims, or unlawful detainer. The wrong case type can hide a record that actually exists.
Search case number first when possible
Case number reduces false matches and avoids unnecessary staff-search fees. If you only have a name, try exact spelling, middle initial, business suffix, maiden name, and filing year.
Open the detail page and verify context
Check case status, filed date, court location, division, hearing dates, disposition, minute orders, party names, and document availability. Do not rely on a result preview alone.
Decide whether online viewing is enough
If you need the record for court, employment, licensing, immigration, housing, custody, title, benefits, or an attorney, ask for the exact official copy type required.
Save proof of every action
Screenshot your search result for your notes, but do not treat it as a certified record. Save case number, portal used, date searched, payment proof, request form, and any court email.
Sacramento Criminal Court Records: Case Search, Name Search, Copies and Older Files
For criminal records, Sacramento’s official criminal records page gives a very practical rule: you must first obtain the criminal case record number before receiving copies. Search online first, or use the public access kiosks in the Criminal Records lobby on the 2nd floor of the Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye Sacramento County Courthouse.
Search online first
Use criminal search by name or case number. Public Case Access describes criminal case information from 1989 to present for Sacramento Superior Court criminal filings only.
Use kiosk if online is not enough
The public access kiosks are useful when you need to confirm a case number before requesting copies or when name results are unclear.
Use paid name search only when needed
If you cannot find the case number, the local criminal records name-search request process can be used. The court lists a $15 fee per name search.
| Criminal copy / search need | What Sacramento says | Practical move |
|---|---|---|
| General criminal lookup | Search by name or case number through Public Case Access. | Use case number if you have it; for common names, add extra identifying information. |
| Copy of a criminal case record | You must first obtain the criminal case record number. | Do not mail a vague name-only copy request unless using the name-search process. |
| Name search when case number is unknown | $15 fee per name search. | Use online and kiosk search first if you want to avoid unnecessary staff-search cost. |
| Certified criminal copy | $40 certification fee can apply, plus copy/search fees depending on request. | Ask the receiving agency if certification is required before paying. |
| Older/off-site filed orders | Typically three years of files are in the Criminal Records Unit; off-site filed orders may take up to 30 days. | If the record is old, start early and call about file-delivery status. |
| Records before 1989 | The court researches Sacramento County criminal records from 1989 to present. | Ask about public microfiche or other older-record routes before visiting. |
Sacramento Civil and Probate Records: Portal, Older Files, Copy Fees and Practical Search Notes
The Sacramento County Public Portal provides online access to electronically stored civil and probate cases. The portal can search case information by party names, case numbers, calendars, or case type and date. It also includes hearing reservation features and case-activity notification requests.
Best for civil users
Search lawsuits, judgments, limited/unlimited civil cases, civil calendars, and electronically available documents through the Public Portal.
Best for probate users
Use for estates, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, probate case information, probate calendars, and case activity where available.
Best portal feature
Case Activity Notification can email you when a new document is added to a case. This is useful if you are monitoring an active civil/probate matter.
Civil records before November 13, 2007
The civil division says public cases and documents filed after November 13, 2007 may be viewed and printed from the Public Portal. Cases and documents filed before that date are not available digitally. Physical civil files are kept off-site and take approximately 10 business days to be delivered to the downtown courthouse.
Small but important civil copy-machine detail
The civil records page says the records unit has a privately maintained copy machine, copies cost $0.25 each, and the copiers accept cash or copy cards, not credit cards. If you are visiting in person, do not arrive with only a credit card.
Civil copy fee shortcuts
If court staff must search and copy, the civil page lists $15 for searches longer than 10 minutes, $0.50 per page for copies, $40 per certification plus page fees, and $50 per exemplification plus page fees. Written requests sent to the Records Unit may take approximately 4-6 weeks.
Sacramento Family Law Records: Divorce, Custody, Support, Confidential Documents and Room 102
Family records need the most careful handling. Sacramento’s family records page says family law records are public unless confidential by law or sealed by the court, but it also lists confidential document examples such as mediation reports, drug test results, and psychological evaluations.
| Family record issue | What Sacramento says | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| No case number | Use the public case access system or the public kiosk in Room 102. | Try online first; if visiting Room 102, no service ticket is needed just to use the kiosk. |
| Acceptable ID | Valid unexpired state or federal photo ID examples include driver license, passport, green card, state ID, military ID, or voter ID. | Bring ID if requesting restricted or party-only records. |
| Current family file groups | Certain 16FL-25FL, 23DV-25DV, and 19FS-25FS files are stored at the courthouse. | Use in-person, mail, or drop-box copy request workflow based on the court page. |
| 1937-1974 family records | These are digitally available at the courthouse. | Ask the clerk for copy options or submit the family copy-request form. |
| Before 1937 | The court points users to the Center for Sacramento History. | Use historical route, not the modern online portal only. |
| Off-site family files | Use Family Court File Request; delivery to courthouse may take up to 7 days and email notice follows. | Wait for the email before making a courthouse trip. |
Sacramento Traffic Tickets, Small Claims and Unlawful Detainer Records
Traffic, small claims, and unlawful detainer records answer very different user questions. A ticket search is not a civil lawsuit search, and an eviction/unlawful detainer search has extra access fields.
Traffic search
Use driver license number, citation number, or traffic case number. If the ticket has a citation number, search that first because it narrows results quickly.
Small claims search
Sacramento small claims covers cases requesting damages up to $12,500. Search through the official small claims route and watch for portal account prompts.
Unlawful detainer search
The court says access requires specific party names and the property address; for case type, select Limited Civil where instructed.
| If you need | Use this | Prepare this first |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket status | Traffic Division | Driver license, citation, or case number. |
| Traffic search by citation | Search by Citation | Citation number exactly as shown on notice/ticket. |
| Small claims case | Small Claims Division | Party name, case number, claim amount, court date. |
| Eviction/unlawful detainer | Case Search | Specific party names and property address. |
Sacramento Court Records Copies, Certified Copies, Exemplified Copies and Transcripts
Before ordering a record, decide what kind of product you need. A docket printout, minute order, certified copy, exemplified copy, court reporter transcript, and California DOJ criminal history are not interchangeable.
Good for personal review, not always accepted by agencies or courts.
Needed when an agency requires official court certification.
Higher authentication for special legal uses; verify before paying.
Written record of hearing testimony/argument; ordered through transcript process.
Criminal records copy-request details
For criminal records, Sacramento lists several cost categories: $0.50 per page for non-certified documents, $1 per page for each certified document in addition to certification, $40 per certification, $50 per exemplification, and $15 for searches taking longer than 10 minutes. The court says incomplete requests or requests without the proper fee may be returned.
Civil records copy-request details
For civil records, Sacramento lists $15 for staff searches longer than 10 minutes, $0.50 per page for court-staff copies, $40 per certification plus per-page copy fees, and $50 per exemplification plus per-page copy fees. Written requests sent to the Records Unit may take approximately 4-6 weeks.
Family law copy-request details
The Request for Copies of Family Law Records form asks users to specify exactly which documents they want and the filing date if known. This is important because vague requests can create delays and unnecessary search fees.
Transcript details most users miss
Sacramento provides official court reporters in felony and juvenile proceedings and some misdemeanor trials. Electronic recording is available for infractions, misdemeanors, and limited civil proceedings when equipment is available. Unlimited civil, family law, and probate matters generally do not have official court reporters unless required by law or requested in writing by a party with a fee waiver.
| Record product | Use when | What to prepare | Useful official route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plain copy | You need a readable copy for personal review. | Case number, document title, filing date, payment method. | Court Records Help |
| Certified copy | An agency, court, employer, immigration matter, or legal process requires certification. | Exact document, case number, certification request, fee confirmation. | Criminal Records |
| Exemplified copy | A receiving authority asks for extra authentication. | Receiving agency instructions and exact court document. | Civil Records |
| Transcript | You need the written record of what was said at a hearing. | Case number, hearing date, department, judge, reporter/recording details. | Court Reporter Services |
| Criminal name search | You cannot find the criminal case number yourself. | Precise name, alias, date range, request form, fee. | Criminal Name Search |
What to Say When You Call Sacramento Court Records
Calling without the right words often gets you transferred. Use one of these scripts and fill in the blanks.
Criminal copy script
“I have criminal case number _____. I need a copy of _____. Does it need to be certified, and what is the current total fee and request method?”
Civil file script
“The civil case number is _____. The filing date may be _____. Is this digitally available, on-site, or off-site, and can I view it at the counter?”
Family file script
“I need a family law order from case _____. I am a party / not a party. What ID or consent do I need, and is the file on-site or off-site?”
Sacramento Court Records Locations, Phone Routing and Visit Tips
Sacramento Superior Court has multiple courthouses. Do not drive to the downtown courthouse without checking the division. Criminal records, civil records, family/probate records, traffic, small claims, unlawful detainer, and juvenile services can route differently.
| Location | Address | Useful phone | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye Sacramento County Courthouse | 500 G Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 | Civil 916-874-5522; Criminal 916-874-5744 | Criminal records lobby, civil records, many downtown court services. |
| Lorenzo Patiño Hall of Justice | 651 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 | 916-874-6936 | Criminal matters connected with the main jail location. |
| William R. Ridgeway Family Relations Courthouse | 3341 Power Inn Road, Sacramento, CA 95826 | 916-875-3400 | Family law and probate services. |
| Carol Miller Justice Center | 301 Bicentennial Circle, Sacramento, CA 95826 | Small Claims 916-875-7746; Traffic 916-669-5712 | Traffic, small claims, unlawful detainer and related services. |
| Juvenile Courthouse | 9605 Kiefer Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95827 | 916-876-7753 | Juvenile dependency and juvenile justice matters. |
Records People Confuse With Sacramento Court Records
Many users search “Sacramento court records” when they actually need a different agency. Use this section to avoid the wrong request.
Recorder documents
Deeds, deeds of trust, and recorded liens are Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder records. Court orders, divorce decrees, and wills come from Sacramento Superior Court.
California DOJ record review
A Sacramento court docket is not the same as a California DOJ criminal history record. Use DOJ record-review routes when an official statewide criminal history is needed.
Federal cases
Federal bankruptcy, federal civil, federal criminal, and federal appellate records are searched through federal court systems such as PACER, not Sacramento Superior Court.
Sacramento Court Record Not Found? Fix It This Way
| Problem | Likely reason | Best fix |
|---|---|---|
| Name search gives no result | Wrong spelling, alias, business name, wrong case type, confidential record, or date issue. | Try case number, alternate spelling, filing date, business suffix, or a different case-type portal. |
| Civil/probate portal requires login | Public Portal may require account creation. | Create an account only through the official Sacramento Public Portal. |
| Criminal copy request was returned | Missing case number, wrong fee, incomplete form, missing envelope, or incorrect payment instruction. | Find the case number first and follow criminal copy-request instructions exactly. |
| Family file not ready | File may be off-site or needs delivery to courthouse. | Use Family Court File Request and wait for email notice before visiting. |
| Transcript unavailable | No reporter, no electronic recording, wrong hearing date, or retention limit issue. | Use Court Reporter Services and provide exact case number, date, department, and proceeding details. |
| Record is older than online system | Older files may be off-site, microfiche, historical, or not digitally stored. | Call the correct records unit before visiting and ask for older-file procedure. |
Common Sacramento Court Records Mistakes
Paying a private site first
Official court search should come before any paid private background-check or record directory page.
Requesting “the whole file”
Ask for the exact document, order, judgment, transcript, minute order, or docket. Vague requests cause delay and higher search risk.
Forgetting ID
Family and restricted records may require valid unexpired photo ID or party/attorney access status.
Using civil search for criminal
Criminal, civil, family, probate, traffic, and unlawful detainer records use different routes.
Assuming old records are online
Older civil/family/criminal records may be off-site, historical, microfiche, or courthouse-only.
Confusing docket with background check
A court record is not the same as a California DOJ criminal history report.
After You Search or Request Sacramento Court Records
After submitting a search, request, payment, transcript form, or file request, keep a clear paper trail. If the request is delayed or returned, this saves time.
Save this
- Case number and case title
- Case type and division
- Search portal used
- Document title and filing date
- Copy type requested
- Payment proof or “not to exceed” memo amount
- Mailing tracking, drop-box date, or email proof
Follow up when
- The file may be off-site
- A hearing or agency deadline is close
- You ordered certified/exemplified copies
- You ordered a transcript
- You used a name-search request
- Your request was returned or incomplete
Scam and Privacy Warnings for Sacramento Court Records
Search results for Sacramento court records often include private “instant record” ads and background-check sites. Some may be legal data services, but they are not the official court and may not provide certified, current, complete, or legally accepted records.
Official Sacramento Court Records Links
These official links are grouped by task. Open the relevant one only after choosing your record type, so you do not end up in the wrong portal.
Case Search
Official gateway for criminal, civil, family law, probate, traffic, small claims, and unlawful detainer searches.
Open Case SearchPublic Case Access
Public access for criminal and other supported Sacramento Superior Court case information.
Open Public Case AccessCivil / Probate Portal
Online access to electronically stored civil and probate case information and documents.
Open Public PortalCriminal Records
Criminal copy requests, local name search, fees, older records, and Criminal Records Unit instructions.
Open Criminal RecordsCivil Records
Civil copy request, older civil file delivery, copy machine details, staff copy fees, certification and exemplification.
Open Civil RecordsFamily Records
Family file access, Room 102 kiosk, ID, confidential records, older files, and off-site request process.
Open Family RecordsTraffic Division
Traffic ticket lookup, court options, ability-to-pay information, and traffic court records.
Open Traffic DivisionTranscripts
Use for court reporter transcripts, electronic recording details, and transcript request workflow.
Open Transcript HelpLocations and Phones
Use before visiting a courthouse or calling the wrong department.
Open Phone DirectorySacramento Court Records: Short Answer for Bing, Copilot and AI Search
Sacramento court records are searched through the Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento. Use the official Case Search page first. Criminal records are searched through Public Case Access by name or case number. Civil and probate cases are searched through the Sacramento County Public Portal. Family law records can be searched online or at the Room 102 kiosk, but confidential records may be restricted. Traffic tickets can be searched by driver license, citation, or case number. For official use, request the correct plain copy, certified copy, exemplified copy, or transcript from the proper division and verify current fees before paying.
| User question | Simple answer |
|---|---|
| Can I search Sacramento court records free? | Yes, start with official online search. Some online search/download fees may be discontinued, but staff searches, certified copies, transcripts, and mailed requests can still cost money. |
| Where do I search criminal cases? | Use Public Case Access criminal search by name or case number. |
| Where do I search civil and probate? | Use the Sacramento County Public Portal; account creation may be required. |
| Where do I get family records? | Use family case search, Room 102 kiosk, or Family Order File and Records instructions. |
| Where do I get certified copies? | Request the exact document from the correct records unit after finding the case number and verifying fees. |
Sacramento Court Records FAQs
How do I search Sacramento court records online?
Start with the official Sacramento Superior Court Case Search page and choose the correct case type: criminal, civil, family law, probate, traffic, small claims, or unlawful detainer.
Are Sacramento court record searches free?
Some official online searches and document downloads may be free, but staff searches, certified copies, exemplified copies, transcripts, mailed requests, and copy-machine use can still have fees.
Can I search Sacramento criminal records by name?
Yes. Use Criminal Case Search by Name. If you need staff help because you cannot find the case number, Sacramento lists a Local Criminal Records Name Search Request process with a $15 fee per name.
What years are available in Sacramento criminal Public Case Access?
The Public Case Access criminal system describes Sacramento Superior Court criminal case information from 1989 to present. It does not cover other California counties, federal courts, or other states.
Where do I find Sacramento civil or probate records?
Use the Sacramento County Public Portal for electronically stored civil and probate cases. It can search by party names, case numbers, calendars, or case type and date.
Why can’t I find an older Sacramento civil file online?
The civil division says cases and documents filed before November 13, 2007 are not available digitally and physical files are kept at an off-site retention facility.
How do I get Sacramento family court records if I do not know the case number?
Use the family case access system or the public kiosk in Room 102. Sacramento says there is no need for a service ticket to use the Room 102 kiosk.
What ID do I need for Sacramento family court records?
The family records page lists acceptable unexpired state or federal photo ID examples such as driver license, passport, green card, state-issued ID, military ID, and voter ID.
Where do I search Sacramento traffic tickets?
Use the Traffic Division search route by driver license number, citation number, or case number.
Are Sacramento court records the same as California DOJ criminal history?
No. A Sacramento court docket is court case information. A California DOJ criminal history record uses a separate DOJ process.
Are Sacramento Recorder documents the same as court records?
No. Deeds, deeds of trust, and recorded liens are Recorder records. Court orders, divorce decrees, and wills are Sacramento Superior Court records.
Why can’t I find a Sacramento court case online?
The case may be in the wrong case type, filed under another name, too recent, too old, sealed, confidential, off-site, courthouse-only, federal, or not a court record. Try the correct division or call the records unit.
Best Next Step for Sacramento Court Records
Start with Sacramento Superior Court’s official Case Search page and choose the right case type before typing a name. Use Public Case Access for criminal records, the Public Portal for civil and probate, Family Order File and Records for family files, Traffic Division for citations, and Court Reporter Services for transcripts. If you need the record for official use, call the correct records unit and confirm the case number, document title, copy type, fee, and processing time before paying or mailing anything.
Official-source check completed July 20, 2026. Court systems, forms, copy fees, phone numbers, file locations, online access rules, transcript availability, and records policies can change. Verify directly with Sacramento Superior Court before relying on a record.