San Mateo County Public Records /San Mateo County Court Records

San Mateo County Court Records

What Is San Mateo County Court Records

San Mateo County court records comprise the official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records maintained by the courts. Pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.550, court records are defined as "all documents filed in a case," including "all or portions of court trial exhibits admitted into evidence."

Court records differ from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics (birth, death, marriage certificates), and county administrative documents. While these other records are typically maintained by county recorder offices or health departments, court records are specifically maintained by the judicial branch.

In San Mateo County, court records are maintained by the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo, which handles various case types including:

Civil cases (unlimited and limited)
Criminal proceedings (felonies and misdemeanors)
Family law matters (divorce, custody, support)
Probate cases (wills, estates, conservatorships)
Juvenile proceedings
Small claims disputes
Traffic infractions

The California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6276.48) establishes the framework for public access to government records, while specific court record access is governed by California Rules of Court.

Are Court Records Public In San Mateo County

Court records in San Mateo County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the California Public Records Act and the common law right of access to judicial records. Under California Rules of Court, Rule 2.551, court records are presumed to be open to public inspection unless sealed by court order or made confidential by law.

The following court records are typically available for public access:

Civil case files (with certain exceptions)
Criminal case files (post-charging)
Judgments and orders
Docket sheets and registers of actions
Hearing schedules and calendars
Court administrative records (subject to Rule 10.500)

However, certain records are restricted from public access by statute or court rule, including:

Juvenile court records (Welfare & Institutions Code § 827)
Adoption records
Mental health proceedings
Certain family law documents containing private information
Sealed records pursuant to court order
Records where disclosure would create risk of identity theft or personal safety

It is important to note that federal court records in California (such as those from the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California) are governed by different access rules than state courts, specifically the federal Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system.

The California Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access court records while balancing privacy concerns, as established in NBC Subsidiary (KNBC-TV), Inc. v. Superior Court (1999) 20 Cal.4th 1178.

How To Find Court Records in San Mateo County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in San Mateo County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo maintains comprehensive systems for record retrieval.

For in-person requests, individuals may visit:

Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo - Records Division
400 County Center
Redwood City, CA 94063
650-261-5100
Superior Court of San Mateo County

Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM (excluding court holidays)

The process for obtaining court records includes:

Determine the case number if known (facilitates faster retrieval)
Complete a Records Request Form (available at the courthouse or online)
Submit the request form to the Records Division counter
Pay applicable fees for copies (currently $0.50 per page for standard copies)
For certified copies, additional certification fees apply ($25.00 per document)

For electronic access, the court provides several online portals:

Odyssey Portal for case information
Court Connect for register of actions and document images (subscription required)
Traffic Portal for traffic citations

Written requests may be submitted by mail to the Records Division address above, including:

Case name and number (if known)
Document types requested
Contact information
Check or money order for applicable fees

Pursuant to California Government Code § 68150, courts may provide records in electronic format when available. Requests for voluminous records may require additional processing time.

How To Look Up Court Records in San Mateo County Online?

San Mateo County Superior Court provides several digital platforms for accessing court records online. These systems allow for remote retrieval of case information without visiting the courthouse.

The primary online access points include:

Odyssey Portal - This system provides access to:
- Civil case information
- Criminal case information
- Family law case information (limited)
- Probate case information
- Small claims case information
To use the Odyssey Portal:
- Navigate to the portal website
- Select the appropriate case type
- Search by case number, party name, or filing date
- Review the case summary information
- Note that document images are not available through this free service
Court Connect - This subscription-based service provides enhanced access including:
- Register of actions (comprehensive case history)
- Document images for non-confidential filings
- Case tracking capabilities
Subscription fees currently range from $25.00 for 24-hour access to $250.00 for annual access.
Traffic Portal - Dedicated system for traffic citations:
- Search by citation number or driver's license
- View citation details and court dates
- Make online payments
- Request traffic school (when eligible)
California Courts Self-Help - Provides access to standardized forms and information about court processes

When searching online records, users should note that:

Not all case types are available online
Document images may be restricted or require subscription
Certain confidential cases (juvenile, adoption) are not accessible online
The online system is not the official court record pursuant to California Government Code § 68150(g)

The court's Records Management Division oversees these electronic systems and can provide assistance with access issues.

How To Search San Mateo County Court Records for Free?

San Mateo County provides several options for members of the public to search court records at no cost, in accordance with California's commitment to open access to judicial information.

Free public inspection of court records is guaranteed under California Rules of Court, Rule 2.400, which states that "all papers in the court files may be inspected by the public in the office of the clerk."

The following free search options are available:

In-Person Inspection
- Visit the Records Division at the San Mateo County Superior Court
- Request to view specific case files
- No fee for inspection (copying fees apply if copies are requested)
- Public access terminals available at the courthouse for searching case indexes
Odyssey Portal
- Free online access to basic case information
- Includes case numbers, party names, hearing dates, and case status
- Searchable by name, case number, or filing date
- Does not include document images
MIDX (Master Index)
- Free index search tool
- Allows searching across multiple case types
- Provides case numbers and basic party information
- Limited to index information only
Traffic Portal
- Free access to traffic citation information
- Search by citation number or driver's license
- View citation details and court dates
Self-Represented Litigant Access
- Parties representing themselves in Family Law or Civil cases
- Free access to their own case documents
- Requires registration and verification

While these free options provide basic case information, they have limitations:

Document images generally require paid access
Detailed case histories may be limited
Some case types have restricted access
Historical cases may not be available online

For comprehensive access including document images, users may need to utilize the paid Court Connect subscription service or visit the courthouse in person.

What's Included in a San Mateo County Court Record?

San Mateo County court records contain various documents and information depending on the case type. The content of these records is governed by California Rules of Court, Rule 2.550(a), which defines court records broadly.

Civil Case Records typically include:

Complaint or petition initiating the case
Summons and proof of service
Answers or responses from defendants
Motions and supporting documents
Court orders and rulings
Exhibits admitted into evidence
Judgment documents
Appeal notices (if applicable)
Register of actions (chronological case history)

Criminal Case Records typically include:

Charging documents (complaint, information, or indictment)
Arraignment records
Bail and custody information
Motions filed by prosecution and defense
Evidence logs and admitted exhibits
Plea agreements
Sentencing documents
Probation reports (may be confidential)
Appeal notices (if applicable)

Family Law Case Records typically include:

Petition for dissolution, legal separation, or nullity
Response to petition
Financial disclosure declarations
Child custody and visitation orders
Child support calculations and orders
Spousal support determinations
Property division agreements
Judgment documents

Probate Case Records typically include:

Petition for probate or conservatorship
Will (if applicable)
Inventory and appraisal of assets
Creditor claims
Accounting reports
Distribution plans
Court investigator reports
Orders appointing executors, administrators, or conservators

Small Claims Case Records typically include:

Plaintiff's claim form
Proof of service
Defendant's response (if filed)
Judgment documents
Satisfaction of judgment (when paid)

Each case file also contains a Register of Actions, which serves as an official summary of all proceedings, filings, and court actions. This chronological index is maintained by the court clerk pursuant to California Government Code § 69845.

How Long Does San Mateo County Keep Court Records?

San Mateo County Superior Court retains court records according to schedules established by the Judicial Council of California under Government Code § 68152, which mandates minimum retention periods for various document types.

The standard retention periods for major case types include:

Civil Cases:

Unlimited civil cases (over $25,000): 10 years after final disposition
Limited civil cases ($25,000 or less): 5 years after final disposition
Small claims cases: 10 years after judgment
Civil harassment restraining orders: 5 years after expiration
Unlawful detainer (eviction): 1 year if judgment for plaintiff; 3 years if judgment for defendant

Criminal Cases:

Felony cases with imprisonment: 75 years after final disposition
Other felony cases: 50 years after final disposition
Misdemeanor cases: 5 years after final disposition
Infractions: 3 years after final disposition
Capital felony cases (death penalty): Permanent retention

Family Law Cases:

Dissolution, legal separation, nullity: 30 years after filing
Child custody, support, visitation: 30 years after youngest child turns 18
Domestic violence restraining orders: 5 years after expiration
Paternity cases: 30 years after final disposition

Probate Cases:

Decedent estates: 10 years after final disposition
Conservatorships: 10 years after termination
Guardianships: 10 years after termination or when minor reaches 23, whichever is later
Trust matters: 10 years after final disposition

Juvenile Cases:

Dependency: Until the subject turns 28
Delinquency (serious offenses): Until the subject turns 38
Delinquency (less serious offenses): 5 years after jurisdiction terminates

The court may extend these retention periods at its discretion. After the retention period expires, records may be destroyed or, in some cases, transferred to archival storage. Certain records of historical significance may be preserved permanently.

The Records Management Division of the San Mateo County Superior Court oversees the retention and destruction of court records in compliance with these statutory requirements.

Types of Courts In San Mateo County

San Mateo County's judicial system operates within California's unified court structure. The county hosts various court facilities serving different geographic areas and case types.

Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo - Hall of Justice
400 County Center
Redwood City, CA 94063
650-261-5100
Superior Court of San Mateo County
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-2:00 PM
Primary courthouse handling criminal, civil, family law, probate, and juvenile cases

Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo - Northern Branch
1050 Mission Road
South San Francisco, CA 94080
650-261-5100
Superior Court of San Mateo County
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-2:00 PM
Handles criminal arraignments, misdemeanors, traffic, and small claims

Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo - Juvenile Branch
222 Paul Scannell Drive
San Mateo, CA 94402
650-261-5100
Superior Court of San Mateo County
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-2:00 PM
Dedicated to juvenile dependency and delinquency matters

Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo - Traffic Division
400 County Center, 2nd Floor
Redwood City, CA 94063
650-261-5100
Superior Court of San Mateo County
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-2:00 PM
Processes traffic citations and infractions

The California court hierarchy consists of:

Superior Courts - Trial courts of general jurisdiction (San Mateo County Superior Court)
Courts of Appeal - Intermediate appellate courts (San Mateo County is in the First Appellate District)
California Supreme Court - Highest state court

Prior to court unification in 1998, San Mateo County had municipal courts and justice courts, but these were consolidated into the Superior Court system under Proposition 220.

Federal cases arising in San Mateo County are heard in:

United States District Court, Northern District of California
450 Golden Gate Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94102
415-522-2000
United States District Court, Northern District of California
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM

What Types of Cases Do San Mateo County Courts Hear?

The Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo adjudicates a wide range of legal matters as established by the California Constitution and state statutes. As a court of general jurisdiction, it handles virtually all case types with few exceptions.

Civil Division cases include:

Unlimited civil matters (claims exceeding $25,000)
Limited civil matters (claims of $25,000 or less)
Small claims (disputes up to $10,000)
Civil harassment restraining orders
Name changes
Elder abuse prevention
Unlawful detainer (eviction) proceedings
Civil appeals from small claims judgments

Criminal Division cases include:

Felonies (serious crimes punishable by imprisonment in state prison)
Misdemeanors (less serious offenses punishable by up to one year in county jail)
Infractions (minor offenses typically punishable by fines)
Criminal protective orders
Probation violations
Mental health competency proceedings
Criminal appeals from infractions

Family Law Division cases include:

Divorce (dissolution of marriage)
Legal separation
Nullity of marriage
Child custody and visitation
Child support establishment and modification
Spousal support (alimony)
Domestic violence restraining orders
Paternity establishment
Property division in marital dissolution

Probate Division cases include:

Decedent estate administration
Will contests
Trust administration and disputes
Conservatorships (for adults)
Guardianships (for minors)
Elder care matters
Mental health conservatorships

Juvenile Division cases include:

Dependency proceedings (child abuse and neglect)
Delinquency proceedings (juvenile criminal matters)
Adoption finalizations
Termination of parental rights

Traffic Division cases include:

Moving violations
Parking citations
Driver's license issues
Vehicle code infractions

Cases not heard by San Mateo County Superior Court include:

Federal criminal and civil matters (heard in U.S. District Court)
Immigration proceedings (heard in Immigration Court)
Bankruptcy cases (heard in U.S. Bankruptcy Court)
Patent and trademark disputes (federal jurisdiction)
Administrative agency appeals (typically heard in specialized courts)

The court's jurisdiction is established by California Code of Civil Procedure § 410.10 and related statutes.

How To Find a Court Docket In San Mateo County

Court dockets, also known as registers of actions, provide chronological summaries of all proceedings and filings in a case. San Mateo County offers several methods to access these important records.

To locate a court docket:

Online Access via Odyssey Portal
- Navigate to the San Mateo County Superior Court's Odyssey Portal
- Select the appropriate case type (Civil, Criminal, Family, etc.)
- Search by case number, party name, or filing date
- View the register of actions showing filing dates, document titles, and hearing information
- Note that this free service provides basic docket information but not document images
Court Connect Subscription Service
- For more comprehensive access including document images
- Requires paid subscription ($25.00 for 24-hour access to $250.00 for annual access)
- Provides complete register of actions with links to viewable documents
- Available for most non-confidential case types
In-Person Request at Courthouse
- Visit the Records Division at the Hall of Justice
- Complete a records request form specifying the case
- Court staff will retrieve the docket information
- No fee for viewing; copying fees apply if printed copies are requested
Case Information by Phone
- Limited docket information may be available by calling the court's main line at 650-261-5100
- Automated system provides basic case status and next hearing date
- Detailed docket information generally requires in-person or online access
Written Request by Mail
- Submit a written request to the Records Division
- Include case number, party names, and specific information needed
- Enclose payment for any applicable fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return documents

For specialized dockets:

Criminal Cases: The Criminal Division maintains criminal case dockets
Traffic Citations: Use the dedicated Traffic Portal for citation information
Probate Matters: Check the Probate Notes section for upcoming hearing information

Court dockets are updated by clerk's office staff as new filings and court actions occur. Under California Government Code § 69845, the clerk is required to maintain accurate records of all court proceedings.

Which Courts in San Mateo County Are Not Courts of Record?

In California's judicial system, a "court of record" is defined as a court in which proceedings are documented by official written records and transcripts. These records serve as the official account of what transpired during court proceedings. Pursuant to California Constitution, Article VI, Section 1, the courts of record in California include the Supreme Court, courts of appeal, and superior courts.

Currently, San Mateo County does not have any courts that are not courts of record. Following the unification of California's trial courts in 1998 under Proposition 220, all former municipal and justice courts were merged into the Superior Court system. Prior to this unification, justice courts and certain municipal courts were sometimes considered courts not of record for some purposes.

The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record is significant for several reasons:

Appeals from courts of record are typically based on the written record
Proceedings in courts of record are documented by court reporters or electronic recording
Courts of record maintain comprehensive case files and dockets
Judgments from courts of record carry greater precedential weight

In the current California court system, all judicial proceedings in San Mateo County take place in the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo, which is a court of record. This means that:

All proceedings are documented in the official record
Court reporters or electronic recording devices capture testimony
Written orders and judgments are maintained in case files
Appeals are based on the official record of proceedings

Small claims divisions of the Superior Court, while following simplified procedures, are still considered courts of record under California law, as established in California Code of Civil Procedure § 116.210.