Los Angeles County Public Records

What Is Public Records in The Los Angeles County?

Public records in Los Angeles County encompass a wide range of official documents, files, and information maintained by county government agencies that are accessible to the public pursuant to the California Public Records Act (CPRA), Government Code § 6250-6276.48. These records document government activities, transactions, and decisions that affect residents and property within the county's jurisdiction. Los Angeles County maintains the following categories of public records:

Vital Records - Birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses dating back to 1852
Property Records - Deeds, liens, property assessments, tax records, and parcel maps
Court Records - Civil case files, criminal proceedings, probate matters, and family law cases
Business Records - Fictitious business name statements, business licenses, and permits
Election Records - Voter registration data, election results, and campaign finance disclosures
Law Enforcement Records - Arrest records, incident reports, and jail inmate information
Financial Records - County budgets, expenditures, contracts, and financial statements
Meeting Records - Board of Supervisors agendas, minutes, and video recordings
Land Use Records - Zoning information, building permits, and environmental impact reports
Health Records - Restaurant inspections, environmental health permits, and public health statistics

These records are maintained by various Los Angeles County departments and agencies, including the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, Assessor's Office, Superior Court, Sheriff's Department, and Treasurer-Tax Collector, among others.

Is Los Angeles County an Open Records County?

Los Angeles County operates as an open records jurisdiction in accordance with the California Public Records Act (CPRA), Government Code § 6250 et seq., which establishes the public's right to access government records. The CPRA explicitly states that "access to information concerning the conduct of the people's business is a fundamental and necessary right of every person in this state."

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has further affirmed this commitment through Board Policy 3.030, which states: "The Board of Supervisors recognizes the right of individuals to access public records maintained by County departments." This policy mandates that all county departments shall:

Make non-exempt public records promptly available during regular business hours
Assist members of the public in making focused and effective requests
Provide electronic records when feasible to reduce costs and increase accessibility
Respond to requests within 10 calendar days as required by law

The County's dedication to transparency is further demonstrated through the Los Angeles County Open Data Portal, which provides direct public access to datasets, maps, and visualizations of government information. This platform allows residents to explore county operations, demographics, budgets, and services without submitting formal records requests.

While certain records are exempt from disclosure under state law to protect privacy, security, and other legitimate interests, the presumption in Los Angeles County favors disclosure, with exemptions narrowly construed.

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

Members of the public seeking records in Los Angeles County may utilize multiple methods to locate and obtain public information. The county has implemented a multi-channel approach to records access:

In-Person Requests:

Visit the appropriate department's public counter during regular business hours
Complete a Public Records Request form specifying the desired records
Present valid identification when requesting certain records (e.g., vital records)

Online Access:

Use the Los Angeles County Public Records Portal for centralized records search
Access the County Assessor's Property Assessment Information System for property records
Search court records through the Superior Court's case information system
Explore datasets on the Los Angeles County Open Data Portal

Written Requests:

Submit requests via mail to the specific department holding the records
Include detailed description of records sought, preferred format, and contact information
Reference the California Public Records Act in your correspondence

Electronic Requests:

Email public records requests to departmental Public Records Act coordinators
Use department-specific online request forms where available
Submit requests through the county's centralized records request system

For assistance in determining which department maintains specific records, the public may contact the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk at (800) 201-8999 or visit their headquarters:

Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
12400 Imperial Highway
Norwalk, CA 90650
(800) 201-8999
Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk

Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(c), agencies must respond to requests within 10 calendar days, though complex requests may require a 14-day extension with written notice.

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

The cost structure for obtaining public records in Los Angeles County is governed by Government Code § 6253(b), which permits agencies to charge only the "direct costs of duplication" or a statutory fee, if applicable. Fee schedules vary by department and record type:

Vital Records (Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk):

Certified Birth Certificate: $32.00 per copy
Certified Death Certificate: $24.00 per copy
Marriage License/Certificate: $21.00 per copy
Fictitious Business Name Statement: $26.00 for first business name

Property Records (Assessor's Office):

Property Assessment Information: $3.00 per page
Parcel Maps: $7.00 per page
Bulk Data Requests: Variable fees based on complexity and volume

Court Records (Superior Court):

Case Document Copies: $0.50 per page
Certification of Documents: $40.00 per document
Record Searches: $15.00 per name/case number

Law Enforcement Records (Sheriff's Department):

Incident/Accident Reports: $23.00 per report
Background Checks: $25.00 per name
Booking Photos: $30.00 per photo

Electronic records may be provided at reduced or no cost when feasible. Pursuant to Government Code § 6253.9(a)(2), when records are requested in electronic format, the requester shall bear the cost of producing the electronic copy, which shall be limited to the direct cost of producing the electronic copy.

Fee waivers may be available when disclosure would primarily benefit the public interest. Requests for fee waivers must be submitted in writing with justification for how the disclosure serves the public interest rather than a private commercial interest.

Payment methods accepted include cash, check, money order, and credit card (where available). All fees must be paid prior to the release of records.

Does Los Angeles County Have Free Public Records?

Los Angeles County provides certain public records at no cost to requesters, particularly when records are readily available in electronic format or when disclosure serves the public interest. The following records are generally available without charge:

Free Electronic Records:

Free In-Person Inspection: Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(a), public records are open to inspection during regular office hours at no charge. Individuals may:

Review records on-site without obtaining copies
Take notes or photographs of records using personal devices
Use public terminals at county facilities to access electronic records

Free Online Resources:

The Los Angeles County Open Data Portal provides free access to hundreds of datasets
The Los Angeles County Law Library offers free public access to legal resources
The Los Angeles County GIS Portal provides free mapping and property information

While inspection is free, reproduction costs apply when copies are requested. Additionally, certain statutory fees cannot be waived, such as those for certified vital records, as these fees are established by state law rather than county policy.

Who Can Request Public Records In Los Angeles County?

The California Public Records Act establishes broad access rights, allowing virtually any person to request and receive non-exempt public records from Los Angeles County agencies. Pursuant to Government Code § 6252(c), the term "person" includes:

Any natural person, regardless of citizenship or residency status
Corporations, limited liability companies, and partnerships
Associations and organizations
Media representatives and journalists
Government agencies and officials

Requesters are not required to:

Provide identification (except for certain records like vital statistics)
State the purpose of their request
Explain why they want the records
Be a resident of Los Angeles County or California

However, certain limitations apply to specific categories of requesters:

Incarcerated Persons: Pursuant to Government Code § 6254(f)(1), inmates may face restrictions on certain law enforcement records
Commercial Users: While commercial entities may request records, agencies may prioritize non-commercial requests
Vexatious Requesters: The county may limit requests that are designed to harass or disrupt agency operations

Foreign governments and entities may request public records through proper channels, though certain sensitive information may be subject to additional review. Minors may request public records, though parental consent may be required for certain sensitive information.

All requesters must comply with established procedures for submitting requests and may be required to pay applicable fees for duplication or statutory fees for certain records.

What Records Are Confidential In Los Angeles County?

Los Angeles County maintains certain records as confidential pursuant to various provisions of California law. These records are exempt from public disclosure under the California Public Records Act, Government Code § 6254. The following categories of records are generally not available for public inspection:

Personal Privacy Protections:

Personnel records of county employees (§ 6254(c))
Medical and health information (§ 6254(c))
Personal contact information including home addresses and telephone numbers (§ 6254.3)
Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and financial account information

Law Enforcement Records:

Active criminal investigation files (§ 6254(f))
Confidential informant identities (§ 6254(f))
Juvenile court records and arrest records (Welfare & Institutions Code § 827)
Certain victim information in cases involving sexual offenses or domestic violence

Legal and Administrative Records:

Attorney-client privileged communications (§ 6254(k))
Pending litigation records (§ 6254(b))
Preliminary drafts and notes not retained in the ordinary course of business (§ 6254(a))
Examination materials and test questions (§ 6254(g))

Security and Safety Information:

Critical infrastructure information (§ 6254(ab))
Security procedures and vulnerability assessments (§ 6254(f))
Records that would endanger individuals if disclosed (§ 6255)

Other Protected Records:

Sealed court records pursuant to court order
Adoption records (Health & Safety Code § 102705)
Certain vital records less than 100 years old (Health & Safety Code § 102230)
Library patron borrowing records (Government Code § 6267)

When a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, Los Angeles County agencies will redact the confidential information and release the remainder of the record when feasible, pursuant to Government Code § 6253(a).

Los Angeles County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk serves as the official custodian of public records for the county, maintaining vital records, real property documents, and other official filings. The department operates multiple locations to serve the public:

Main Office - Norwalk Headquarters
12400 Imperial Highway
Norwalk, CA 90650
(800) 201-8999
Los Angeles County Recorder
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Lancaster District Office
44509 16th Street West, Suite 101
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 945-6446
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

LAX/Courthouse District Office
11701 S. La Cienega Blvd., 6th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90045
(310) 727-6142
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

East Los Angeles District Office
4716 E. Cesar Chavez Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90022
(323) 260-2991
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Florence/Firestone District Office
7807 S. Compton Avenue, Room 102
Los Angeles, CA 90001
(323) 586-6192
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

The Recorder's Office provides the following services:

Recording of real property documents
Issuance of marriage licenses and certificates
Filing of fictitious business name statements
Birth, death, and marriage certificate copies
Military discharge recording (DD-214)
Notary public oath and bond filing

Document recording hours end at 4:30 PM daily. The office observes all county holidays and may have modified hours during emergency situations. For current information on services and hours, the public is encouraged to call ahead or visit the official website.