Sonoma County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Sonoma County?

Public records in Sonoma County are defined as information that documents government business and is maintained by public agencies. According to the California Public Records Act (CPRA), codified in Government Code § 7920.000 et seq., public records include "any writing containing information relating to the conduct of the public's business prepared, owned, used, or retained by any state or local agency regardless of physical form or characteristics."

Sonoma County maintains numerous types of public records, including:

• Court Records: Civil, criminal, family law, probate, and small claims cases filed with the Superior Court of California, County of Sonoma
• Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, assessments, and property tax information
• Vital Records: Birth, death, and marriage certificates for events that occurred within Sonoma County
• Business Records: Fictitious business name statements, business licenses, and permits
• Tax Records: Property tax assessments, tax rolls, and payment records
• Voting and Election Records: Voter registration information, election results, and campaign finance disclosures
• Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Records of proceedings for the Board of Supervisors, commissions, and other county bodies
• Budget and Financial Documents: County budgets, expenditure reports, and financial statements
• Law Enforcement Records: Arrest logs, incident reports (with certain restrictions), and jail records
• Land Use and Zoning Records: Planning documents, building permits, and environmental impact reports

The Sonoma County Clerk-Recorder-Assessor maintains many of these records, including vital records, property records, and business filings. Court records are maintained by the Superior Court of California, County of Sonoma, while other specialized records are kept by their respective departments.

Is Sonoma County an Open Records County?

Sonoma County fully complies with the California Public Records Act (CPRA), which guarantees the public's right to access government records. Under Government Code § 7921.000, "access to information concerning the conduct of the people's business is a fundamental and necessary right of every person in this state."

The CPRA establishes the presumption that all government records are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. This principle is further reinforced by the California Constitution, Article I, Section 3(b), which states that "the people have the right of access to information concerning the conduct of the people's business."

Sonoma County has implemented policies to facilitate public access to records in accordance with state law. The county maintains an online index of official public records dating back to 1964, demonstrating its commitment to transparency and accessibility.

County agencies are required to assist members of the public in making focused and effective requests for identifiable records. Pursuant to the CPRA, agencies must respond to requests within 10 calendar days, though this period may be extended by an additional 14 days under unusual circumstances.

How to Find Public Records in Sonoma County in 2026

Members of the public seeking records in Sonoma County may utilize several methods to locate and obtain the information they need:

1. Online Access: Many records are available through the county's digital portals:

   • The Sonoma County Clerk-Recorder's online index provides access to official public records from 1964 to the present
   • The Superior Court's Case Portal allows users to search court cases and access certain documents
   • The Assessor-Recorder's property information database contains assessment records and property details

2. In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the appropriate county office to inspect or request copies of records:

   • For vital records, property records, and business filings, visit the Clerk-Recorder's Office
   • For court records, visit the Superior Court Clerk's Office
   • For specialized records, contact the relevant department (e.g., Planning Department for zoning records)

3. Written Requests: Submit a written public records request to the appropriate agency:

   • Clearly identify the records sought with reasonable specificity
   • Include contact information for response
   • Agencies must respond within 10 calendar days, though they may extend this period by an additional 14 days if necessary

4. Telephone Inquiries: Contact the relevant department directly to inquire about record availability and request procedures

For records not available online, requestors should contact the specific department that maintains the desired records. County staff are required to assist in identifying records and narrowing overly broad requests.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Sonoma County?

Sonoma County charges fees for copies of public records in accordance with the California Public Records Act. Under Government Code § 7922.530, agencies may only charge for the "direct costs of duplication" or a statutory fee, if applicable.

Current standard fees for common record types include:

• Copies of Official Records: $2.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page
• Certified Copies of Vital Records:
  • Birth Certificate: $32.00 per copy
  • Death Certificate: $24.00 per copy
  • Marriage Certificate: $17.00 per copy
• Court Records: $0.50 per page for copies; additional fees for certified copies
• Maps and Large Documents: Varies based on size and complexity
• Electronic Records: Actual cost of producing electronic copies

Payment methods accepted include cash, check, money order, and credit/debit cards (for in-person transactions). Some online services may require credit card payment.

It is important to note that while fees may be charged for copies, the inspection of public records is generally free of charge. Additionally, some specialized records may have fees set by specific statutes rather than the general provisions of the CPRA.

Does Sonoma County Have Free Public Records?

Sonoma County provides free inspection of public records during normal business hours at the appropriate county office, as required by the California Public Records Act. Members of the public may examine records without charge, though fees apply for copies as detailed above.

The following free public record resources are available:

• Online Index Searches: The Sonoma County Clerk-Recorder's online index allows free searching of recorded documents, though obtaining copies requires payment
• Court Case Index: Basic case information is available through the Superior Court's online portal without charge
• Board of Supervisors Agendas and Minutes: Available on the county website at no cost
• County Budget Documents: Financial reports and budgets are freely accessible online
• Election Results and Campaign Finance Reports: Available through the Registrar of Voters website

For records not available online, individuals may visit the appropriate county office during business hours to inspect records at no cost. County staff will make records available for examination in a manner that does not disrupt operations.

Who Can Request Public Records in Sonoma County?

Under the California Public Records Act, any person may request access to public records maintained by Sonoma County. According to Government Code § 7921.305, "any person" includes:

• California residents
• Out-of-state residents
• Foreign nationals
• Organizations, associations, and businesses
• Media representatives
• Incarcerated individuals (with certain limitations)

Requestors are not required to:

• Provide identification (except for certain confidential records)
• State the purpose of their request
• Justify why they want the records
• Sign a form or provide a written request (though written requests are recommended for clarity)

However, for certain types of records, specific eligibility requirements apply:

• Vital Records: Only authorized individuals may obtain certified copies of birth, death, and marriage certificates. Authorized persons include the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, and government agencies. Others may obtain informational copies marked "NOT A VALID DOCUMENT TO ESTABLISH IDENTITY."
• Criminal History Records: Access is restricted to the subject of the records, authorized representatives, and certain agencies.
• Juvenile Court Records: Generally confidential with limited access.

When requesting records about oneself, identification may be required to verify identity and prevent unauthorized disclosure of personal information.

What Records Are Confidential in Sonoma County?

While Sonoma County strives for transparency, certain records are exempt from disclosure under the California Public Records Act. Government Code § 7927.000-7928.410 establishes numerous exemptions, including:

• Personal Privacy Information: Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, medical information, and personnel records
• Law Enforcement Records: Ongoing investigations, intelligence information, security procedures, and certain arrest records
• Juvenile Records: Court proceedings, probation reports, and records maintained by schools
• Health and Medical Records: Protected under HIPAA and state medical privacy laws
• Attorney-Client Communications: Legal advice and attorney work product
• Preliminary Drafts and Notes: Not retained in the ordinary course of business
• Sealed Court Records: Cases sealed by court order
• Adoption Records: Confidential by law, with limited access
• Child Welfare Records: Dependency proceedings and child protective services records
• Library Patron Records: Borrowing history and other usage information
• Trade Secrets and Proprietary Information: Confidential commercial or financial data submitted to the county
• Critical Infrastructure Information: Details about public utilities, facilities, or security systems
• Deliberative Process Materials: Records revealing the decision-making process before final action

The CPRA requires agencies to apply a balancing test when considering disclosure of certain records. If the public interest in nondisclosure clearly outweighs the public interest in disclosure, records may be withheld. However, the county bears the burden of demonstrating why a record should be withheld.

When a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, the county must redact the exempt portions and release the remainder.

Sonoma County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Sonoma County Clerk-Recorder-Assessor's Office
585 Fiscal Drive, Room 103F
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
(707) 565-3800
Sonoma County Clerk-Recorder

Public Counter Hours:
Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county holidays

Services Available:

• Recording of documents
• Issuance of marriage licenses
• Filing of fictitious business name statements
• Copies of vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
• Copies of official records
• Notary public oaths and bonds
• Military discharge recordings

For specialized services or large volume requests, appointments are recommended. The office maintains records for events that occurred within Sonoma County only. For events that occurred elsewhere in California, requestors should contact the appropriate county recorder's office or the California Department of Public Health - Vital Records.

Lookup Public Records in Sonoma County

Search Sonoma County's Official Public Records Index

Access the Superior Court of California, County of Sonoma Case Portal

Request Official Public Record Copies from the Clerk-Recorder

Visit the Superior Court of California, County of Sonoma Website

Learn About the California Public Records Act