Riverside County Public Records provide official information from local government offices, available to anyone who needs it. These records include property details, court filings, vital records, and more. By offering easy access, the county ensures transparency and allows residents to verify important information. Many of these records can be searched online, making it simple to find what is needed quickly.
Accessing open records in Riverside County helps individuals, businesses, and researchers obtain reliable data. Property ownership, court cases, permits, and vital statistics are among the commonly requested documents. Public records support accountability and provide essential details for legal, financial, and personal purposes. With clear procedures for requests, the county makes it straightforward to access official documents efficiently.
How to Search for Public Records in Riverside County
Searching public records in Riverside County Court is simple when you know the right portals and steps. Residents, businesses, and legal professionals can access court, property, and vital records online through official county tools.
Search Recorded Public Records Official URL
This is the county’s official system for searching recorded documents such as deeds, liens, and other official records maintained by the Assessor‑County Clerk‑Recorder.
Official Search Link (Recorded Documents):
https://webselfservice.riversideacr.com/Web/action/ACTIONGROUP2111S1
How to Use the Recorded Documents Search
Open the Official Search Tool
Go to:
https://webselfservice.riversideacr.com/Web/action/ACTIONGROUP2111S1
Select the Type of Search
You’ll see options to search in different ways:
Name Search – Search by person’s full name.
Document Number Search – Use the exact document ID.
Document Type Search – Choose a category (e.g., deed, lien).
Book & Page Search – Search by official reference fields.
Advanced Search – Combine multiple fields for a more precise result.
Enter Search Data
- For Name Search, enter the last name first with no punctuation (e.g., Smith John).
- If you aren’t sure of the exact spelling, try less specific terms so you get broader matches.
- For Document Number Search, type the exact recording number.
- For Document Type, select the category from the dropdown.
Review Your Results
Once you click Search:
- A list of matching records will be displayed.
- Click on a result to see details for that document.
- You can add the record to your cart to order a copy or certified copy (fees apply).
Ordering Copies
If you need a copy of the document:
- Add the item to your cart after selecting it.
- Provide any required information (name, mailing address).
- Pay the required fees for copies or certified copies.
Search Court Case Records (Superior Court)
The official county Superior Court public access tool lets you look up basic court case information (civil, criminal, family, etc.).
Official Court Case Search Page:
https://www.riverside.courts.ca.gov/online-services/search-court-records-public-access
How to Search Court Case Records
Open the Court Search Page
Go to:
https://www.riverside.courts.ca.gov/online-services/search-court-records-public-access
Choose a Search Method
You can search by:
Case Number — best if you already know it.
Name — enter party names to find matching cases.
Review Case Results
- A list of cases that match your search will appear.
- Click case entries to view the public index details.
- Some documents are NOT downloadable online — they require a formal request or visit
What Are Public Records in Riverside County?
Public records in Riverside County are official documents or pieces of information maintained by government agencies that are generally available for public inspection. These records are part of the county’s commitment to transparency and accountability, allowing residents, researchers, and businesses to access government information.
Under California law, and specifically within Riverside County, public records are defined as any writing containing information relating to the conduct of the public’s business that is prepared, owned, used, or retained by any local agency. This includes both physical documents and electronic records. The legal framework governing these records ensures that citizens can request access while balancing privacy and security concerns.
Examples of public records in Riverside County include:
- Court Records: Civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic case files maintained by the Riverside County Superior Court. These provide information about case filings, court orders, and hearings.
- Property Records: Documents such as deeds, liens, maps, and tax assessments managed by the Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder. These records track property ownership and transactions.
- Official Reports and Government Documents: Annual budgets, audit reports, meeting minutes, resolutions, and other administrative documents generated by county departments.
- Vital Records: Birth, marriage, and death certificates issued by the Clerk-Recorder, which are accessible under certain legal conditions.
While most government records are accessible, not all information qualifies as public. Some records are exempt from disclosure to protect personal privacy, law enforcement investigations, trade secrets, or confidential communications. Examples of exempt records include social security numbers, juvenile court records, certain personnel files, and sensitive law enforcement reports. The distinction between public and exempt records ensures that Riverside County maintains transparency while safeguarding individual privacy and legal obligations.
Riverside County Public Records Law
Riverside County Public Records are governed primarily by the California Public Records Act (CPRA), which ensures that government records remain accessible to the public while protecting sensitive information. The CPRA applies to all local agencies, including Riverside County departments, and establishes the legal framework for transparency, public disclosure, and exemptions.
Under the CPRA, citizens have the right to request and inspect government records, whether in physical or electronic form. This includes documents related to county operations, financial records, meeting minutes, reports, and other materials that reflect public agency activities. By providing access, Riverside County promotes accountability and enables residents, journalists, researchers, and legal professionals to monitor government actions effectively.
Rights of Citizens
- Request Access: Any person can submit a request for public records without needing to state a reason.
- Review Records: Records must be made available promptly unless they fall under exemptions.
- Copy Documents: Citizens may obtain copies of accessible documents for a reasonable fee.
- Appeal Denials: If a request is denied, individuals have the right to challenge the decision through formal channels or the courts.
Common Exemptions
Not all records are public. Certain categories are exempt to protect privacy, safety, or confidentiality. Common exemptions in Riverside County include:
| Exempt Records | Accessible Public Records |
|---|---|
| Law enforcement investigation files | Court case filings (civil, criminal, family) |
| Juvenile records | Property deeds, liens, maps |
| Personnel or employee medical files | Meeting minutes and agendas |
| Social security numbers or private identifiers | County budgets, audit reports, public notices |
| Trade secrets or proprietary information | Marriage and divorce records (with legal restrictions) |
Public Disclosure Rules
Riverside County agencies are required to respond to public records requests within a reasonable time frame, typically 10 days for an initial response. Agencies may provide records electronically, by mail, or for in-person inspection. When records contain partially exempt information, agencies often redact sensitive portions to allow disclosure of the remainder.
How to Request Riverside County Public Records
Requesting Riverside County public records is a straightforward process, whether you are seeking court documents, property records, or other government files. Citizens, businesses, and legal professionals can submit requests online, by email, by mail, or in person. Riverside County provides official tools and guidance to make the process efficient while ensuring compliance with the California Public Records Act (CPRA).
Choose the Method to Submit Your Request
Riverside County allows multiple ways to request records:
- Online:
- Use the official Riverside County Public Records Request Portal:
https://rivco.org/public-and-official-records - Fill out the online request form, specifying the record type, date range, and purpose if required.
- Use the official Riverside County Public Records Request Portal:
- Email:
- Send a detailed request to the appropriate department.
- For general requests, email: clerkrecorder@rivco.org
- Mail:
- Submit a written request to:
Riverside County Clerk-Recorder & Public Records Office
2720 Gateway Drive, Riverside, CA 92507 - Include all required details and your contact information.
- Submit a written request to:
- In-Person:
- Visit the Clerk-Recorder office to submit your request directly.
- Office hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Include Required Information
When submitting a request, provide enough detail to help the agency locate the records quickly:
- Full name of the requester
- Contact information (email, phone number, or mailing address)
- Specific description of the records (e.g., case number, document type, date range)
- Preferred delivery method (email, mail, or in-person pickup)
Use an Online Form Generator
Riverside County offers an online form generator to simplify requests:
Features:
- Drop-down menus to select the department and record type
- Fields for names, dates, and case or document numbers
- Automatic formatting of the request for submission
- Option to attach supporting documents or additional notes
How to Use:
- Visit https://rivco.org/public-and-official-records
- Click “Submit a Public Records Request”
- Select the department and record category
- Fill out all required fields and attach files if necessary
- Submit online and receive a confirmation receipt
Timeframes and Follow-Up
- Riverside County agencies typically respond within 10 business days for an initial acknowledgement.
- Complete records may take longer depending on the volume and complexity.
- If your request is delayed:
- Contact the Clerk-Recorder’s office or the department handling the records
- Ask for an estimated completion date
- Consider appealing if a denial occurs under CPRA
Fees and Copies
- Some records may incur copying, scanning, or certification fees.
- Fee waivers may be available for non-commercial requests.
- Certified copies are often required for legal proceedings or official purposes.
Fees and Costs Associated with Public Records
Accessing Riverside County Public Records may involve certain fees, depending on the type of document requested and the format in which it is provided. These fees cover copying, scanning, and certifying documents, helping the county maintain and provide accurate records to the public.
Standard Fees
- Copying Fees: Standard paper copies usually incur a small charge per page. For example, most documents may cost around $0.10–$0.25 per page.
- Scanning Fees: If digital copies are requested, scanning and electronic formatting may involve a nominal fee.
- Certification Fees: Official or certified copies, such as deeds, marriage certificates, or court documents, often require an additional certification fee, which verifies the authenticity of the record.
| Record Type | Standard Fee |
|---|---|
| Paper Copies (per page) | $0.10–$0.25 |
| Certified Copies | $15–$25 per document |
| Scanned/Electronic Copies | $0.10–$0.50 per page |
| Retrieval/Processing (if extensive) | Varies depending on staff time and volume |
Fee Waivers and Free Access Exceptions
Riverside County allows fee waivers or reduced costs in certain situations:
- Non-commercial Requests: If the information is being requested for personal, educational, or journalistic purposes, fees may be waived.
- Small Volume Requests: Minor requests with minimal copying or scanning may be provided at no charge.
- Public Interest Requests: Requests that serve a significant public interest may qualify for fee exemptions.
History of Riverside County Public Records
The history of Riverside County Public Records reflects the county’s ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability, and access to government information. Since the county’s establishment in 1893, maintaining official documents has been a critical part of local governance.
Early Recordkeeping in Riverside County
In the county’s early years, public recordkeeping relied entirely on paper documents. This included land deeds, court filings, marriage and divorce certificates, and minutes of county meetings. These records served as the legal and administrative backbone of Riverside County, ensuring orderly government operations and providing a resource for citizens seeking information.
Evolution of the Public Record System
As Riverside County grew, the volume and complexity of public records increased. By the mid-20th century, organized filing systems and indexes were introduced, marking the foundation of a formal public record system. These systems allowed residents, legal professionals, and researchers to request information more efficiently.
Technological Advancements and Digitization
With the rise of technology, Riverside County began digitizing its records, transforming paper-based archives into searchable electronic databases. Today, most property records, court filings, and vital statistics can be accessed online through official portals. Digitization has improved efficiency, reduced physical storage needs, and enhanced public access.
Key Milestones in Transparency
Some important milestones in the county’s public records evolution include:
- 1893: Establishment of Riverside County and initial recordkeeping procedures.
- Mid-1900s: Implementation of organized filing systems for court and property records.
- 1970s–1980s: Introduction of computer-assisted record storage and cataloging.
- 1990s–2000s: Early online databases and electronic public access initiatives.
- 2010s–Present: Fully integrated online portals for document search, retrieval, and public records requests.
Significance of Historical Public Records
Historical public records hold value beyond administration. Researchers use these documents for legal reference, genealogical studies, and tracing property ownership over time. Court records, property deeds, and vital statistics provide a tangible link to Riverside County’s past, offering insights into social, economic, and legal developments.
Location
Residents and businesses can access Riverside County Public Records at official county offices. The county provides multiple points for in-person visits, ensuring that citizens can request, inspect, and obtain public documents efficiently.
Main Office Location
The primary Riverside County Public Records office is located at the Clerk-Recorder & Public Records Office:
Address:
2720 Gateway Drive, Riverside, CA 92507
Phone: (951) 486-7000
Email: clerkrecorder@rivco.org
Official Website: https://www.countyofriverside.us
Office Hours and In-Person Access
- Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Closed on county holidays
Frequently Asked Questions
The following frequently asked questions help users understand how Riverside County public records work, who can access them, and what to expect during the request process. These answers are intended for residents, researchers, journalists, and businesses seeking transparency and accurate government information.
Can anyone request Riverside County public records?
Yes, anyone can request Riverside County public records under the California Public Records Act (CPRA). The law allows access to public records by any individual, including residents, non-residents, journalists, businesses, and researchers. Requesters are not required to explain why they want the records, but providing clear and specific details helps county departments locate the requested information more efficiently.
How long does it take to receive Riverside County public records?
The time required to receive public records varies depending on the type of record and the department handling the request. In most cases, Riverside County agencies acknowledge requests within 10 business days, as required by CPRA. Complex or high-volume requests may take additional time to process, and requesters may receive partial records, redacted documents, or an estimated completion timeline if extended review is necessary.
Are there restrictions on accessing certain Riverside County records?
Yes, some Riverside County public records are restricted due to privacy, legal, or safety concerns. Records related to ongoing law enforcement investigations, juvenile court proceedings, personnel files, employee medical information, and proprietary business data are commonly exempt from public disclosure. In some cases, sensitive information may be redacted while allowing partial access to the remaining content.
How can errors in Riverside County public records be corrected?
If an error is found in a Riverside County public document, the individual should contact the appropriate department, such as the Clerk-Recorder or the office responsible for maintaining the record. The correction process typically requires identifying the incorrect information, submitting supporting documentation, and formally requesting an amendment. Corrections are reviewed and processed according to county policies and applicable legal standards.
Is there an online database for Riverside County public records?
Yes, Riverside County offers online access to many public records through official government portals. Property records, recorded documents, and court case information are available through authorized county and court websites. While many records can be accessed online, older records or documents containing sensitive information may require a formal public records request or an in-person visit to the appropriate office.