California Background Checks and Public Records
Looking for background check and public records information in California? This page explains common types of publicly available records, how they are typically accessed at the state and county level, and what you should know before searching.
Public records in California may include court filings, property ownership documents, marriage and divorce indexes, business registrations, and certain criminal justice records maintained by state agencies or county clerks. Availability and access rules vary by record type and jurisdiction.
Online background check services aggregate information from many public sources to make research easier. Results depend on the sources searched, how recently records were updated, and whether a record is considered public under state law.
California Crime Statistics
- Reported violent offenses in 2022: 193,800
- Reported property offenses in 2022: 920,397
Annual Crime Trend (2014–2023)
Crime Rate vs National Average
Firearm Background Checks (NICS)
Offenses by Year
| Year | Violent Crime Total | Property Crime Total |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 151,562 | 954,170 |
| 2015 | 166,691 | 1,031,385 |
| 2016 | 174,736 | 1,009,344 |
| 2017 | 178,573 | 995,644 |
| 2018 | 176,944 | 949,839 |
| 2019 | 173,298 | 923,915 |
| 2020 | 173,908 | 853,161 |
| 2021 | 36,435 | 159,896 |
| 2022 | 193,800 | 920,397 |
| 2023 | 201,344 | 907,057 |
Crime Type Breakdown
| Offense Type | Rate per 100k | Reported Offenses |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 0.48 | 2,230 |
| Robbery | 10.36 | 47,916 |
| Aggravated Assault | 27.82 | 128,688 |
| Rape | 3.23 | 14,966 |
| Burglary | 31.24 | 144,499 |
| Larceny | 125.89 | 582,382 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 39.73 | 183,787 |
| Arson | 2.10 | 9,729 |
Firearm Background Checks in California
Incarceration in California
California Demographics
How to Find Public Records in California
How to Search Criminal Records in California
Begin with California Department of Justice — Bureau of Criminal Identification for official criminal history record requests. Many California counties also offer online case search through their local clerk of court portals, though older or sealed records may require an in-person or written request. The Official Government Resources section below links directly to these agencies.
How to Find Court and Property Records
Civil and criminal court filings in California are searchable through California Courts — Case Information Portal. Property deeds, mortgages, and tax assessments are maintained by county recorders, assessors, or the equivalent parish/borough office. Many counties provide free online portals; others may charge a small copy fee.
Understanding Background Check Results
Public record databases may not reflect sealed, expunged, or juvenile records, and data can lag official sources by weeks or months. Always verify important findings directly with the relevant government agency before making significant decisions. This site is for informational reference only and is not a consumer reporting agency.
Common Public Record Types in California
- Court records — civil and criminal filings, judgments, and case dockets
- Criminal records — arrests, charges, and convictions where publicly accessible
- Property records — deeds, mortgages, tax assessments, and ownership history
- Vital records indexes — marriage, divorce, birth, and death record references
- Business filings — registered entities and professional licenses
Official Government Resources in California
The following official government portals are starting points for background check and public records research in this state. Always verify information directly with the issuing agency.
Frequently Asked Questions
When you use an online people-search or public records service for personal informational purposes, the subject is generally not notified. However, official fingerprint-based checks used for employment may follow different rules.
Common records include court filings, property ownership, business registrations, marriage/divorce indexes, and certain criminal justice records. Availability varies by county and record type.
No. This website is not a consumer reporting agency and information here must not be used for employment, tenant screening, credit, or insurance decisions covered by the FCRA.
Crime statistics on this page come from the FBI Crime Data Explorer (UCR summarized data). Demographics use Census ACS reference figures. Firearm background check trends use FBI NICS data.
Government datasets are updated on different schedules. FBI UCR and NICS data may lag by several months to a year. Always confirm critical details with official sources.