Monterey County Public Records

What Is Public Records in The Monterey County?

Public records in Monterey County encompass a wide range of documents and information maintained by government agencies. These records are accessible to the public under the California Public Records Act.

Court Records: Includes criminal, civil, family, probate, and small claims cases. These can be accessed through the Monterey County Superior Court.
Property Records: Maintained by the County Assessor's Office, these include deeds, mortgages, and property tax records.
Vital Records: Birth, death, and marriage certificates are available through the Monterey County Health Department.
Business Records: Fictitious business name statements and business licenses are filed with the County Clerk's Office.
Law Enforcement Records: Arrest records, incident reports, and crime statistics are managed by the Monterey County Sheriff's Office.

Is Monterey County an Open Records County?

Monterey County adheres to the principles of transparency and accountability as outlined in the California Public Records Act. This legislation mandates that government records be accessible to the public, with certain exceptions for confidentiality.

California Public Records Act: Pursuant to Government Code § 6253, public records are open for inspection during office hours, and copies can be obtained upon request.
Commitment to Transparency: The county ensures that its operations are conducted openly, allowing residents to access information about government activities.

How Do I Find Public Records in Monterey County in 2025

To locate public records in Monterey County, individuals may utilize various resources and methods.

Online Access: Many records are available online through the Monterey County Superior Court's case search and other digital platforms.
In-Person Requests: Members of the public may visit the relevant government office to request records. It is advisable to contact the office beforehand to confirm the availability of the records.
Mail Requests: Written requests can be submitted to the appropriate department, such as the Criminal Court Records division for court documents.

How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records In Monterey County?

The cost of obtaining public records in Monterey County varies depending on the type of record and the method of access.

Copy Fees: Typically, there is a nominal fee for photocopying documents, which may range from $0.10 to $0.25 per page.
Certification Fees: Certified copies of vital records, such as birth or death certificates, may incur additional charges.
Online Access: Some records may be available for free online, while others might require a subscription or one-time fee for access.

Does Monterey County Have Free Public Records?

Certain public records in Monterey County are available free of charge, particularly those accessible online.

Online Databases: The Monterey County Superior Court provides free access to some court records through its online case search tool.
Public Libraries: Local libraries may offer free access to certain government databases and historical records.

Who Can Request Public Records In Monterey County?

Under the California Public Records Act, any member of the public can request access to public records in Monterey County.

No Residency Requirement: There is no requirement for the requester to be a resident of Monterey County or the state of California.
Purpose of Request: The requester is not obligated to disclose the purpose of their request, ensuring privacy and freedom of information.

What Records Are Confidential In Monterey County?

While many records are publicly accessible, certain records are deemed confidential and are exempt from disclosure under the California Public Records Act.

Personal Information: Records containing personal information, such as social security numbers or medical records, are protected to ensure privacy.
Law Enforcement Records: Certain law enforcement records, such as ongoing investigation files, may be exempt to protect the integrity of investigations.
Legal Privilege: Documents protected by attorney-client privilege or other legal exemptions are not subject to public disclosure.

Monterey County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

The Monterey County Recorder's Office is responsible for maintaining property and vital records.

Monterey County Recorder's Office
168 W. Alisal Street, 1st Floor, Salinas, CA 93901
Phone Number: (831) 755-5041
Public Counter Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monterey County Recorder's Office