Los Angeles County Public Records

What Is Public Records in The Los Angeles County?

Public records in Los Angeles County refer to documents, files, recordings, and other materials created or maintained by government agencies that are accessible to the public under the California Public Records Act (CPRA). These records provide transparency into government operations and decision-making processes.

Los Angeles County maintains various types of public records, including property records, court documents, vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates), business licenses, meeting minutes, financial records, and more. These documents are managed by different county departments depending on their nature.

The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk's Office (12400 Imperial Highway, Norwalk, CA 90650) handles many vital records, while the Los Angeles County Assessor's Office (500 W. Temple St., Room 320, Los Angeles, CA 90012) maintains property records. Other specialized records are held by their respective departments.

Is Los Angeles County an Open Records County?

Yes, Los Angeles County is an open records county. It operates under the California Public Records Act (Government Code Section 6250 et seq.), which establishes the public's right to access government records. This law ensures transparency and accountability in government operations.

The County of Los Angeles is committed to providing access to public records while balancing privacy concerns and legal exemptions. The county has established procedures for requesting and obtaining public records from its various departments and agencies.

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors (Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration, 500 W. Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012) oversees policies related to public records access, ensuring compliance with state laws while maintaining efficient government operations.

How Do I Find Public Records in Los Angeles County in 2025

To find public records in Los Angeles County in 2025, you have several options:

Online Portals: Many records are available through the county's official websites. The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk's website offers access to property records, birth, death, and marriage certificates.
In-Person Requests: Visit the specific department that maintains the records you seek. The Los Angeles County Hall of Records (320 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA 90012) houses many county departments and can direct you to the appropriate office.
Written Requests: Submit a written request to the relevant department. The Los Angeles County Executive Office (Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration, 500 W. Temple Street, Room 713, Los Angeles, CA 90012) can help coordinate requests across multiple departments.
California Public Records Act Request: Submit a formal CPRA request specifying the records you seek. This can be done through the county's online portal or by contacting the specific department.
County Clerk's Office: For court records, contact the Los Angeles Superior Court (111 N. Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012).

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

The cost of obtaining public records in Los Angeles County varies depending on the type of record and the format requested:

Copying Fees: Typically range from $0.10 to $0.25 per page for standard documents.
Certified Copies: Vital records like birth certificates ($28), death certificates ($21), and marriage certificates ($15) have set fees.
Research Fees: Some departments may charge for extensive research time, typically after the first hour of search time.
Electronic Records: May have reduced fees compared to paper copies, though costs for data compilation may apply.
Specialized Records: Records requiring special handling or processing may incur additional fees.

The Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector (Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration, 225 N. Hill Street, Room 130, Los Angeles, CA 90012) oversees many of the fee collections for county services.

Does Los Angeles County Have Free Public Records?

Yes, Los Angeles County does provide some public records for free:

Online Access: Many records are available at no cost through the county's websites, including property information, meeting agendas, and some court records.
Public Inspection: You can view records in person at the relevant department without charge, though copying may incur fees.
Financial Disclosures: County budget documents, salary information for public officials, and certain financial reports are freely available online.
Environmental Reports: Many environmental impact reports and related documents can be accessed without charge.

The Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (500 W. Temple St., Room B-96, Los Angeles, CA 90012) provides free access to business licensing information and consumer protection resources.

Who Can Request Public Records In Los Angeles County?

Anyone can request public records in Los Angeles County, regardless of:

Citizenship status
Residency in Los Angeles County or California
Age (though minors may face some practical limitations)
Purpose of the request (you generally don't need to state why you want the records)

The California Public Records Act establishes that access to information about governmental activities is a fundamental right of every person in the state. Government agencies, including those in Los Angeles County, cannot deny access based on who is making the request or why they want the information.

The Los Angeles County Office of the County Counsel (Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration, 500 W. Temple Street, Suite 648, Los Angeles, CA 90012) provides legal guidance on public records access issues.

What Records Are Confidential In Los Angeles County?

While Los Angeles County strives for transparency, certain records remain confidential under state and federal laws:

Personal Privacy: Records containing private information like Social Security numbers, medical information, or personal financial details.
Ongoing Investigations: Law enforcement records related to active investigations.
Juvenile Records: Most records involving minors in the juvenile justice system.
Certain Personnel Records: Employee evaluations, disciplinary actions, and medical information.
Attorney-Client Communications: Legal advice and strategy discussions between county officials and their attorneys.
Deliberative Process Materials: Preliminary drafts, notes, or memoranda not retained in the ordinary course of business.
Security Information: Records that could compromise public safety if disclosed.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (211 W. Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012) and the District Attorney's Office (211 W. Temple Street, Suite 1200, Los Angeles, CA 90012) maintain many confidential records related to law enforcement and prosecutions.

Lookup Public Records in Los Angeles County

For comprehensive information on requesting public records in Los Angeles County, visit the County of Los Angeles Public Records Request page. This resource provides detailed instructions on how to submit requests under the California Public Records Act.

The City of Los Angeles Public Records Request portal offers additional guidance for records specific to city agencies within Los Angeles County.

For state-level information about public records access rights, the California Department of Justice provides valuable resources on the Public Records Act.

Los Angeles County also makes certain financial information readily available, including Department Head Salaries and Elected Officials Salaries.

For a comprehensive overview of county services, consult the Guide to County Services in English or Spanish.