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Alameda County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Alameda County?

Public records in Alameda County are defined as information that documents government business and is maintained by public agencies. According to the California Public Records Act (CPRA) § 6252(e), 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."

Alameda County maintains numerous types of public records, including:

  • Court Records: Civil, criminal, probate, and family court cases maintained by the Superior Court of California, County of Alameda
  • Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, and property assessments maintained by the Alameda County Clerk-Recorder's Office
  • Vital Records: Birth, death, and marriage certificates also maintained by the Clerk-Recorder's Office
  • Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and fictitious business name statements
  • Tax Records: Property tax information and assessment records maintained by the Alameda County Assessor's Office
  • Voting and Election Records: Voter registration data and election results maintained by the Alameda County Registrar of Voters
  • Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Records of the Alameda County Board of Supervisors and other county commissions
  • Budget and Financial Documents: County expenditures, contracts, and financial reports
  • Law Enforcement Records: Certain arrest logs and incident reports where permitted by law
  • Land Use and Zoning Records: Planning documents, permits, and environmental reviews

The Official Public Records Portal serves as the primary access point for many county records, particularly those maintained by the Clerk-Recorder's Office.

Is Alameda County an Open Records County?

Alameda County fully complies with the California Public Records Act (CPRA) § 6250-6276.48, which establishes the public's right to access government records. Under § 6253(a) of the CPRA, "public records are open to inspection at all times during the office hours of the state or local agency and every person has a right to inspect any public record, except as hereafter provided."

The county adheres to the fundamental principle articulated in § 6250 of the CPRA that "access to information concerning the conduct of the people's business is a fundamental and necessary right of every person in this state." This commitment to transparency is reflected in the county's comprehensive records management systems and public access protocols.

Alameda County has implemented specific policies to facilitate public access to records, including online portals for various record types and established procedures for submitting records requests. The county also complies with the Ralph M. Brown Act, California's open meeting law, which requires that meetings of public bodies be open and public, with agendas posted in advance.

The Alameda County Administrative Code further reinforces these open government principles through local ordinances and policies that guide county departments in fulfilling their obligations under state transparency laws.

How to Find Public Records in Alameda County in 2026

Members of the public may access Alameda County records through multiple channels, depending on the record type and urgency of the request:

Online Access:

In-Person Requests:

  1. Identify the appropriate department that maintains the desired records
  2. Visit during regular business hours
  3. Complete any required request forms
  4. Present valid identification if required for specific record types
  5. Pay applicable fees if requesting copies

Written Requests:

  1. Submit a written request to the appropriate department
  2. Include specific details about the records sought
  3. Provide contact information for response
  4. Reference the California Public Records Act in your request

Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(c), agencies must respond to requests within 10 calendar days, though this period may be extended by an additional 14 days under unusual circumstances.

For vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, requestors must complete specific application forms available on the Clerk-Recorder's website and provide proper identification and proof of relationship as required by law.

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

Alameda County charges standardized fees for public records in accordance with California Government Code § 6253(b), which permits agencies to charge "fees covering direct costs of duplication" or a statutory fee, if applicable.

Current fees for common record types include:

  • Vital Records:

    • Birth Certificate: $32.00 per copy
    • Death Certificate: $24.00 per copy
    • Marriage Certificate: $17.00 per copy

  • Property Records:

    • Recorded Documents: $2.00 for the first page, $0.50 for each additional page
    • Certified Copies: Additional $2.00 per document

  • Court Records:

    • Case Search: Free for public terminal access
    • Document Copies: $0.50 per page
    • Certified Copies: $40.00 plus copy fees

  • Business Records:

    • Fictitious Business Name Filing: $40.00 for first business name and owner
    • Certified Copy: $5.00

The county accepts payment by cash, check, money order, and credit card (Visa/MasterCard) for most transactions. Some online services may require credit card payment exclusively.

Fee waivers may be available in certain circumstances, particularly when the request is deemed to primarily benefit the general public. Government agencies, nonprofit organizations serving low-income individuals, and journalists may qualify for fee waivers or reductions under specific conditions.

Does Alameda County Have Free Public Records?

Alameda County provides free inspection of most public records during regular business hours, as required by the California Public Records Act § 6253(a). While copying fees may apply, viewing records in person typically incurs no charge.

The following records are currently available at no cost:

Members of the public may use public terminals at various county offices to access electronic records at no charge. The Alameda County Law Library also provides free access to certain legal records and resources.

For records not available online, individuals may visit the appropriate county office during business hours to inspect records without charge, though appointments may be recommended for extensive research or to ensure staff availability.

Who Can Request Public Records in Alameda County?

Under the California Public Records Act § 6253(a), "every person" has the right to inspect public records. This broad eligibility extends to:

  • California residents
  • Non-residents and foreign nationals
  • Business entities
  • Media organizations
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Government agencies

For most general public records, requestors:

  • Are not required to state the purpose of their request
  • Do not need to provide identification
  • May remain anonymous for certain record types
  • Are not required to make requests in writing (though written requests are recommended)

However, specific record types have additional requirements:

Vital Records (Birth, Death, Marriage Certificates):

  • Requestors must demonstrate "legitimate and direct interest" as defined in Health and Safety Code § 103526
  • Proper identification is required
  • Authorized individuals include immediate family members, legal representatives, and government agencies

Court Records with Confidential Information:

  • Access may be limited to parties to the case
  • Attorneys of record
  • Individuals with court order authorizing access

Law Enforcement Records:

  • Victims may have special access rights to their case information
  • Next of kin may have access to certain death investigation records
  • Some records may require court orders for release

The county does not discriminate based on the identity of the requestor or the purpose of the request, except where specifically authorized by law to protect privacy, confidentiality, or public safety.

What Records Are Confidential in Alameda County?

Certain records are exempt from disclosure under the California Public Records Act § 6254, which establishes numerous categories of protected information. Alameda County maintains the confidentiality of:

  • Sealed Court Records: Cases sealed by court order or automatically sealed by statute
  • Juvenile Records: Delinquency and dependency proceedings under Welfare and Institutions Code
  • Criminal Investigation Records: Information that would endanger investigations or reveal confidential sources
  • Personal Identifying Information: Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and driver's license numbers
  • Medical and Mental Health Records: Protected under HIPAA and state medical privacy laws
  • Personnel Records: Employee evaluations, disciplinary actions, and medical information
  • Adoption Records: Sealed by court order and accessible only through specific legal procedures
  • Child Welfare Records: Dependency case information and child abuse reports
  • Attorney-Client Communications: Legal advice between county counsel and county officials
  • Preliminary Drafts and Notes: Not retained in the ordinary course of business
  • Critical Infrastructure Information: Security procedures, facility vulnerabilities, and emergency response plans
  • Library Patron Records: Borrowing history and research inquiries
  • Trade Secrets: Proprietary business information submitted to the county

When a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, the county will redact the confidential portions and release the remainder, as required by Government Code § 6253(a).

The county applies the "public interest balancing test" under Government Code § 6255, withholding records only when "the public interest served by not disclosing the record clearly outweighs the public interest served by disclosure."

Alameda County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Alameda County Clerk-Recorder's Office
1106 Madison Street
Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 272-6362
Alameda County Clerk-Recorder's Office

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

Dublin Satellite Office
6379 Clark Avenue, Suite 298
Dublin, CA 94568
(510) 272-6362
Alameda County Clerk-Recorder's Office

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

The Clerk-Recorder's Office maintains and provides access to:

  • Real property records
  • Vital records (birth, death, and marriage certificates)
  • Fictitious business name statements
  • Marriage licenses
  • Notary public registrations
  • Military discharge records (DD-214)

For expedited service, appointments are recommended and can be scheduled through the Clerk-Recorder's website or by telephone.

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