San Francisco Court Records Online gives people fast, secure access to civil, criminal, and traffic case information. The Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, offers digital tools for searching dockets, paying fines, filing documents, and requesting certified copies. Most records are available through official portals, in-person visits, or mail. Users must provide a case number, party name, or citation number to start a search. Certified documents require valid photo ID and payment. The court does not store driving histories—those come from the DMV. All online services need a modern browser and stable internet.
How to Search San Francisco Court Records Online
Start by visiting the official San Francisco Superior Court website. Use the online case search tool to enter a case number, full name, or attorney name. The system shows docket entries, hearing dates, motions, and judgments. For traffic citations, input the ticket number or license plate. Criminal case details appear only after a court order. Civil cases include small claims, evictions, probate, and name changes. Each record links to PDFs of filed documents. The database updates every night, so new filings show within 24 hours.
Required Information for Online Searches
- Case number (e.g., CGC-24-123456)
- Full legal name of a party
- Attorney name or bar number
- Traffic citation number
- Date of birth (for criminal records)
Without accurate details, searches may return no results. Double-check spelling and formatting. Use the court’s search tips page for help. If you lack a case number, call the Records Clerk at (415) 551-8550 during business hours.
Accessing Civil Court Records
Civil records cover lawsuits, evictions, probate, and restraining orders. These are available online through the court’s public portal. Users can view dockets, motions, and final judgments. To get a certified copy, visit Room 103 at 400 McAllister St. or submit a mail request. Fees are $10 per document plus $1 per page. Same-day service is offered for walk-ins with ID. Mailed requests take 3–5 business days.
Civil Records Division Details
| Location | 400 McAllister St., Room 103, San Francisco, CA 94102 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (415) 551-3802 |
| Hours | Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. |
| Fees | $15 standard copy; $25 certified copy |
| ID Required | Government-issued photo ID |
The Public Viewing Room has computers for free docket searches. Staff assist with locating files but cannot give legal advice. For probate or lien records, specify the document type in your request.
Obtaining Criminal Court Records
Criminal records include convictions, sentencing, and court orders. These are not posted online due to privacy laws. To request a Certificate of the Record, contact the Criminal Records Department at (415) 551-0651. Submit a written request with the defendant’s full name, case number, and purpose. The fee is $40 per court number. Additional copies cost $15 each. Processing takes 5 business days for mailed requests.
Criminal Records Contact Info
- Phone: (415) 551-0651
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Address: 850 Bryant St., Room 145, San Francisco, CA 94103
- Walk-ins accepted with ID
Certified certificates are printed on official court paper and mailed via first-class service. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for faster delivery. Do not call the Sheriff’s Department for court records—they manage jails, not case files.
Traffic Citations and DMV Records
The Superior Court handles traffic tickets issued in San Francisco. Pay fines online using Visa, MasterCard, or Discover. Enter the citation number or license plate to view details. For active or delinquent citations, call (415) 551-8550. Walk-in service is available at 850 Bryant St., Room 145.
Important Notes on Driving Histories
Motor-vehicle driving records are not kept by the court. Contact the California DMV at 2419 Clay St., San Francisco, CA 94115. Call (800) 777-0133 or visit during business hours (8 a.m.–5 p.m.). The court only stores traffic conviction records, not full driving histories.
e-Filing and Online Services
Attorneys and self-represented parties can file civil complaints, motions, and pleadings online. The e-Filing portal requires Chrome 90+, Firefox 88+, or Edge 90+. Enable JavaScript and use a broadband connection (5 Mbps or higher). Tentative rulings are posted by case number. Users receive email confirmations for each filing.
Online Payment Options
- Traffic citations: Visa, MasterCard, Discover
- Certified copies: Cash, check, credit card (in-person)
- Mail orders: Money order or check payable to “San Francisco Superior Court”
Printable receipts and PDFs are generated for every transaction. Save these for your records. Technical support is available on the Court Technology page.
Public Viewing Rooms and In-Person Requests
Two locations offer public access to court records:
- Hall of Justice: 850 Bryant St., Room 145. Open Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Electronic terminals allow free docket searches.
- Civic Center Clerk’s Office: 400 McAllister St., Room 103. Open 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Staff retrieve paper files and process certified copy requests.
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID for all in-person visits. Wait times vary; arrive early for same-day service. Mailed requests must include payment and a completed form.
Death Certificates and County Records
The San Francisco County Clerk maintains death certificates. Each copy costs $21; certified copies cost an additional $21. Applications require the deceased’s full name, date of death, and requester’s relationship. Payments accepted: cash, debit/credit card, money order, or check payable to “San Francisco County Clerk.”
Death Record Processing Times
| Request Type | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Walk-in | Same day (with ID and payment) |
| 7–10 business days |
Certified copies bear the County’s official seal. Allow extra time during holidays. Call (415) 554-8959 for questions.
Third-Party and Aggregator Sites
Websites like UniCourt and StateCourts offer free searches of San Francisco court records. They pull data from official sources and update nightly. Results include case summaries, docket entries, and document links. No registration is needed for basic searches. Paid plans allow bulk downloads.
Limitations of Third-Party Sites
- May lack the most recent filings (up to 24-hour delay)
- Cannot provide certified copies
- Do not replace official court records
- May charge fees for premium features
Always verify critical information with the official court website. Rely on third-party tools for preliminary research only.
Fees and Payment Methods
Court fees vary by document type and service:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard record copy | $15 |
| Certified copy | $25 |
| Additional pages | $0.50 per page |
| Certificate of Record (criminal) | $40 |
| Death certificate | $21 |
Payments accepted: cash, personal check, money order, or credit card (in-person only). Make checks payable to “San Francisco Superior Court” or “San Francisco County Clerk.” Online payments use secure gateways.
System Requirements for Online Access
To use San Francisco Court Records Online, ensure your device meets these standards:
- Browser: Chrome 90+, Firefox 88+, Edge 90+
- JavaScript: Enabled
- Internet: Minimum 5 Mbps broadband
- Screen resolution: 1024×768 or higher
Mobile devices are supported but may have limited functionality. Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions. Clear your browser cache if pages load incorrectly.
Privacy and Legal Restrictions
Not all court records are public. Juvenile cases, sealed records, and certain family law matters are restricted. Criminal files appear online only after a court order. Users must not misuse personal data from court records. Violations may result in legal penalties.
What You Can and Cannot Do
- ✅ View public dockets and judgments
- ✅ Request certified copies with ID
- ✅ Pay traffic fines online
- ❌ Access sealed or juvenile records
- ❌ Use records for harassment or discrimination
When in doubt, ask court staff or consult a lawyer. The court’s self-help center offers free guidance on record access.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
If you can’t find a record, try these steps:
- Double-check the case number or name spelling
- Search by attorney or judge name
- Call the Records Clerk at (415) 551-8550
- Visit in person with ID and citation details
For technical problems, clear your browser cache or try a different device. Avoid using Internet Explorer—it’s not supported.
Contact Information and Hours
For help with San Francisco Court Records Online, use these official contacts:
- Records Clerk: (415) 551-8550 | 850 Bryant St., Room 145
- Civil Records: (415) 551-3802 | 400 McAllister St., Room 103
- Criminal Records: (415) 551-0651 | 850 Bryant St.
- County Clerk (Death Records): (415) 554-8959 | 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Pl.
All offices are open Monday–Friday, excluding court holidays. Arrive before 3 p.m. for same-day service.
Official Website and Map
Visit the official San Francisco Superior Court website for the most accurate information:
https://sfsuperiorcourt.org
For in-person visits, use this map to locate the Hall of Justice:
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about accessing court records in San Francisco. Below are clear, direct answers based on current court policies and procedures. These cover common concerns about fees, access, privacy, and required documents.
Can I get a certified copy of a court judgment online?
No, certified copies must be requested in person or by mail. Visit Room 103 at 400 McAllister St. with a valid photo ID and payment. The fee is $25 per document plus $1 per page. Same-day service is available for walk-ins. Mailed requests take 3–5 business days and require a money order or check payable to “San Francisco Superior Court.” Online portals only provide viewable copies, not certified ones. Always call (415) 551-3802 to confirm document availability before visiting.
Why can’t I find a criminal case online?
Criminal case details are not posted publicly due to privacy laws. Only basic information appears after a court order. To request full records, contact the Criminal Records Department at (415) 551-0651. You’ll need the defendant’s full name, case number, and purpose of request. A Certificate of the Record costs $40 and confirms conviction and sentencing. Processing takes 5 business days. Juvenile and sealed cases are never available to the public.
How do I pay a traffic ticket in San Francisco?
Pay online using the court’s secure portal with Visa, MasterCard, or Discover. Enter your citation number or license plate. You’ll receive an email receipt. For delinquent tickets, call (415) 551-8550 or visit Room 145 at 850 Bryant St. In-person payments accept cash, check, or credit card. Allow 3–5 business days for mailed payments. Failure to pay may result in license suspension or additional fines.
What ID do I need to request court records?
All requesters must present a valid government-issued photo ID. Acceptable forms include a driver’s license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian with proper ID. Without identification, staff cannot release records—even with a case number. Make copies of your ID for mail requests. The court does not accept student IDs or work badges.
Are death certificates available online?
No, death certificates must be requested from the San Francisco County Clerk. Visit 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Pl. or mail a completed form with $21 payment. Certified copies cost an additional $21. Processing takes 7–10 business days for mail requests. Walk-ins can receive same-day service with ID and payment. The court does not issue death certificates—only the County Clerk does.
Can I search court records for free?
Yes, basic docket searches are free on the official court website and in public viewing rooms. Third-party sites like UniCourt also offer free searches but may delay updates. Certified copies and document retrieval always require fees. Public terminals are available at 850 Bryant St. and 400 McAllister St. No login is needed for public access. However, bulk downloads or advanced filters may require a paid subscription on third-party platforms.
How long does it take to get records by mail?
Mailed requests for court records take 3–5 business days after receipt of payment and completed forms. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for faster return. Death certificates take 7–10 business days. Rush service is not available by mail. For urgent needs, visit in person with ID and payment. Always call ahead to confirm processing times during holidays or court closures.