What are Humboldt County Public Records?
According to the CPRA, Humboldt County public records comprise information related to the conduct of public business. These records include information prepared, used, retained, or owned by any local or state agency and are open to public disclosure regardless of characteristics or physical form. The CPRA also states that public records may be information contained in handwritten or typewritten documents, photographs, electronic mail, fax, and other data storage means. Although California law provides residents with access, it exempts some records from its public disclosure rule. Some exempt records include:
- Preliminary notes, drafts, or memoranda transferred within or outside the agency
- Records of pending litigation if the public agency is a party or has laid related claims. These records must remain closed to the public until the conclusion of the case
- All medical, personnel, or related files if disclosure would be an unnecessary invasion of an individual’s personal privacy
- Records of investigations, complaints, security procedures, or intelligence information compiled by any law enforcement agency for licensing, correctional, or law enforcement purposes
- Exam data, including test questions and scoring keys, used for an academic, licensing, or employment examination
- Real estate appraisals, engineering estimates, and feasibility evaluation records related to property acquisition, property construction, or supply contracts until the acquisition or established agreement of such a contract
- Records that contain the phone number or home address of public defenders, prosecutors, judges, peace officers, and magistrates
- Applications for the supervision or regulation of securities issuance or financial institutions
- Tax information received in confidence if disclosure would be an unfair competitive disadvantage to the person that provided the information
- All records exempted from public disclosure by state or federal law
In addition to official sources, public county records may also be accessible from third-party websites. Record seekers may opt to use these non-governmental platforms to search for a specific record or multiple county records. However, users will need to provide enough information to assist with the search, such as:
- The address of the requestor
- A case number or file number (if known)
- The location of the document or person involved
- The name of the subject involved in the record (not juvenile)
- The last known or current address of the registrant
Government agencies do not sponsor third-party sites. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
Humboldt County Crime Statistics
The California Department of Justice (DoJ) maintains records of annual crime reports in all state counties through its Open Justice initiative. According to figures from 2020, Humboldt County saw 630 violent crimes and 3,464 property crimes. Violent crimes were 9 homicides, 66 rape incidents, 129 robberies, and 431 aggravated assaults. Property crime figures showed 78 arson incidents, 479 motor vehicle thefts, 802 burglaries, and 2,183 larceny thefts, the county's most committed crime in 2020. The DOJ reported 4,552 Humboldt County crimes in 2019. Compared to 2020's total of 4,094, the county's crime rate from 2019 decreased by 10%.
Are Humboldt County Criminal Records Public?
Access to Humboldt County criminal records varies, depending on the information and requester. For instance, California law allows access to certain employers of labor, such as public utility organizations, security outfits, child or elderly care organizations, and other similar requestors. Interested persons arrested or charged for various offenses may also obtain copies of personal records. However, Humboldt County law enforcement agencies do not process other third-party requests for criminal records.
How to Obtain Humboldt County Police Reports and Arrest Records
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office maintains police reports and arrest records and issues copies to residents. Interested parties may request Humboldt arrest records or police reports online, via mail, or by visiting the Sheriff’s Office. Each record seeker should complete a request form with the record type, case number if known, and the requestor’s personal details. If the case number is unknown, residents must provide an incident description, adding names, dates, and location details. Mail and in-person requestors should send requests to the:
Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office
826 4th Street
Eureka, CA 95501
Email: hso@co.humboldt.ca.us
Hours: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday
Humboldt County arrest records and police reports are also requestable online. Residents may fill the online request form by specifying the Sheriff’s Office as the custodian department and providing a detailed description of the desired record along with the requestor’s contact information. Record seekers should note that obtaining copies may cost applicable fees.
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Humboldt County
Statewide information on Humboldt County sex offenders is available via the California Department of Justice (DOJ). The department maintains a Megan’s Law Website where interested parties can find Humboldt County sex offender records via the name or map search. The name search requires a last name and an optional first name, while the map search requires a street name, street number, city, and zip code. The website also allows searchers to specify building apartment or suite numbers and include transient offenders on the result page. Furthermore, record seekers may use a proximity search to find sex offenders close to the user’s device position. The search result displays each offender’s full name, known aliases, physical description, offense information, addresses, and risk assessment.
How to Find Humboldt County Inmate Records
Parties looking for information on Humboldt County inmates may use the Inmate Search on the Sheriff’s Custody Services Division page. Provided by a third-party service, the platform allows interested parties to search by the offender’s full name or ID number. If the exact full name or ID number is unavailable, users may widen search results by indicating that the provided information is partial. The platform also displays offender photos where available. Alternatively, requestors may contact the Sheriff’s Office at the following address:
Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office
826 4th Street
Eureka, CA 95501
Email: hso@co.humboldt.ca.us
Hours: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday
How Do I Visit an Inmate in the Humboldt County Jail?
An interested visitor may fill out a Visitor Request Form available at the Humboldt County Correctional Facility’s lobby during scheduled visiting hours. The visitor must complete the form at least 15 minutes before the preferred visiting session and also submit one of the following:
- Any state driver’s license
- Any state identification card
- Military identification card
- Passport
- Federal identification card
- Current DMV printout showing a request for a state identification card or a driver’s license
Staff at the facility will schedule the visitor after receiving a completed form and ID. After the session, the visitor must immediately leave to avoid visitation penalties. Each inmate is allowed at least two 20-minute visiting sessions each week. However, some inmates may lose their visiting privileges as part of a disciplinary sanction.
Each visitor should be at least 18 years old. Younger persons may only visit with proof of emancipation or in the company of a parent or legal guardian. Visitors must not use a camera, recording devices, hand signals, or notes. Furthermore, the facility prohibits all disruptive behavior, especially if it interferes with another inmate's visit.
Visitors must not smoke, eat, or drink in the visiting room. Persons who are visibly intoxicated or appear in revealing or provocative clothing will be denied entry. Visitors that violate any facility rules may have their visits canceled and lose their visitation privileges.
Court Records
Since California operates a unified court system, all civil and criminal cases are under the Humboldt County Superior Court’s jurisdiction. The court operates several divisions that handle different case types, including Civil, Family, Criminal, Probate, Juvenile, and Small Claims.
Locations of Courts in Humboldt County
Humboldt County Superior Court - Main Courthouse
825 5th Street
Eureka, CA 95501
Phone: (707) 445-7256
Fax: (707) 441-4500
Humboldt County Superior Court - Garberville
423 Conger Street
Garberville, CA 95542
Phone: (707) 923-2141
Fax: (707) 923-3133
Humboldt County Superior Court - Hoopa
Highway 96
Hoopa, CA 95546
Phone: (707) 445-7256
Are Humboldt County Court Records Public?
Humboldt County court records are public records. All interested persons may contact the Superior Court to inspect records or obtain copies of records not sealed or otherwise restricted by the court. While most records are free, the Superior Court does not provide public access to Humboldt court records that contain private or sensitive details.
How to Obtain Humboldt County Civil Court Case Records
Interested persons can obtain Humboldt County civil court records from the Superior Court. All non-confidential records are obtainable by making in-person requests or sending completed copies of the court’s research request form. The requester should provide a case number, case name, a description of the record, and personal contact details. The court charges a $15 research fee and 50 cents per page for each record. Extra fees also apply for certified and exemplified copies. All requests should be submitted to the:
Humboldt County Superior Court
825 5th Street
Eureka, CA 95501
Phone: (707) 445-7256
Fax: (707) 441-4500
How to Obtain Humboldt County Criminal Court Case Records
Record seekers interested in Humboldt County criminal court records may submit requests to the Superior Court. Interested parties may complete the research request form with case details and present it in person or by mail. Applicable fees include a $15 research fee and a copy fee of 50 cents per page. Persons who need certified or exemplified copies may be charged additional fees. All persons should submit requests to the:
Humboldt County Superior Court
825 5th Street
Eureka, CA 95501
Phone: (707) 445-7256
Fax: (707) 441-4500
What are Humboldt County Vital Records?
Humboldt County vital records contain details of life events that happen in the county. Vital records include records of county marriages, divorces, births, and deaths, and are available at different government agencies. Most Humboldt vital records are open to the general public. However, only a small group of authorized persons may obtain certified copies.
Where and How to Obtain Humboldt County Divorce Records
The Humboldt County Superior Court maintains records of all county divorces. Anyone seeking copies of Humboldt County divorce records may visit the court or send a mail request. Regardless of the preferred method, each request should contain record details such as the names of the divorced parties, the divorce date, and the divorce location. Mail requests may also require self-addressed and stamped envelopes. The public should note that the Superior Court may charge request fees before producing Humboldt County divorce decrees. Interested parties may submit requests to the:
Humboldt County Clerk’s Office
421 I Street
Eureka, CA 95501
Phone: (707) 445-7526
Hours: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm
Drop Box Hours: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where and How to Get Public Humboldt County Marriage Records
The Humboldt County Clerk-Recorder’s Office keeps records of county marriages and issues copies to interested requestors. The office maintains certified copies and certified informational copies, both with varying eligibility requirements. A certified copy establishes the identity of the registrant and is usable for official or legal purposes. Certified copies of Humboldt County marriage records are restricted to the following requestors:
- The person listed on the record
- A parent, grandparent, or legal guardian
- A child, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner
- Anyone with a court order providing access
- A law enforcement or governmental agency representative conducting official business
- An attorney representing the person or their estate
- Any person acting on behalf of the person or the person’s estate, as appointed by a court or empowered by statute
All requestors must complete a certified marriage record application and indicate the desired type of record. Anyone requesting a certified copy must specify their relationship to the record's subject and complete the attached sworn statement. Mail requestors must have the sworn statement notarized.
All other requestors may obtain certified informational copies. However, requestors must note that these copies are clearly marked as informational and are not sufficient to establish identity. Parties requesting certified informational copies do not require sworn statements or an indication of a relationship with the subject of the record.
Humboldt County marriage certificates cost $15 per copy, payable by check or money order made out to the Humboldt County Clerk/Recorder. Parties may mail completed requests or submit them via in-person or drop-box requests at the following address:
Humboldt County Clerk/Recorder
Vital Records
825 5th Street
5th Floor
Eureka, CA 95501
Phone: (707) 445-7382
Where and How to Find Humboldt County Birth Records
Humboldt County birth records are available at the county Clerk-Recorder’s office. All interested parties may obtain records by completing a birth record application with the registrant’s full name, gender, city of birth, and date of birth. Other required details include each parent’s full name, including their last names before marriage or domestic partnership.
The Humboldt County Clerk-Recorder’s office issues certified informational copies and certified copies. Although certified informational copies are available to all requestors, these records are marked as informational and are not valid documents to establish identity.
California law restricts access to certified Humboldt County birth certificates. Requests for certified copies require completed and notarized sworn statements attached to the form. Eligible requestors include the following persons:
- The subject named on the record
- The subject’s parent, legal guardian, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner
- Anyone appointed by a court order or empowered by a California statute to request records on behalf of the subject or their estate
- An attorney acting on behalf of the subject or the subject’s estate
- A governmental or law enforcement agency representative conducting official business
Persons requesting certified informational copies may not be related to the subject of the record and do not require sworn statements or notarization. All Humboldt birth certificates cost $25 per copy and are requestable in person or by mail. The Clerk-Recorder’s office accepts checks and money orders made out to the Humboldt County Clerk/Recorder. Mail requestors should not send cash. Record seekers should submit mail or in-person requests to the:
Humboldt County Clerk/Recorder
Vital Records
825 5th Street
5th Floor
Eureka, CA 95501
Phone: (707) 445-7382
Where and How to Find Humboldt County Death Records
Interested parties may request Humboldt County death records from the Clerk-Recorder’s office. While all requesters may obtain certified informational copies of Humboldt County death certificates, certified copies are only available to the following requestors:
- The decedent’s parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, domestic partner or spouse
- An attorney representing the decedent’s estate
- Anyone acting under the authority of a court order
- A law enforcement agency’s representative
- A representative of a governmental agency
- An employee or agent of a funeral establishment requesting as provided by law
Each requestor must submit a completed death record application along with a check or money order for $21 made out to the Humboldt County Clerk/Recorder. Persons requesting certified copies by mail must submit completed and notarized sworn statements attached to their applications. All requests should be submitted to the:
Humboldt County Clerk/Recorder
Vital Records
825 5th Street
5th Floor
Eureka, CA 95501
Phone: (707) 445-7382
Are Property Records Open to the Public in Humboldt County?
Property records generated in Humboldt are public and open to the members of the public for retrieval and viewing. In Humboldt County, property records are housed and indexed with the Humboldt Court Clerk. However, the Humboldt County Property Assessor also maintains an online searchable portal. The Humboldt county court clerk has its office located at:
Kelly E. Sanders
Humboldt County Clerk-Recorder
825 5th Street
5th Floor
Eureka, CA 95501
County Clerk / Recorder Phone: (707) 445-7593
Toll-Free Phone: (888) Humb-Rec & (888) 486-2732
The County Clerk Recorder’s operating hours are from Monday - Friday with the exemption of county holidays between the hours of 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Where and How to Find Property Records in Humboldt County
The Humboldt County Court Clerk maintains and indexes records and other property-related documents that have been generated on properties in Humboldt County. The Humboldt County Court Clerk maintains a third-party online property search portal. Physical copies of property records can be retrieved from the Humboldt Court Clerk. Interested persons should fill the Official Record Copy Order Request form and submit it to the Humboldt County Clerk office located at:
Kelly E. Sanders
Humboldt County Clerk-Recorder
825 5th Street
5th Floor
Eureka, CA 95501
County Clerk / Recorder Phone: (707) 445-7593
Toll-Free Phone: (888) Humb-Rec & (888) 486-2732
There are adjoining fees to retrieve documents from the Humboldt County Court Clerk as follows: official copies of recorded documents cost $2.00 for the first page of each document searched and a $1.00 fee for the second page and other subsequent pages as contained in the document. Retrieving copies of maps generated within Humboldt County costs $7.00 for the first page and a fee of $5.00 for the Second and subsequent pages contained in the map document. The fee for certifying any of these documents is $2.00.
How to Look Up Humboldt County Property Records
The Humboldt County Assessor provides online access to property records through an online property search portal. Interested persons may conduct a property search or a document search on the portal. Information on property maintained by the Humboldt County Property Assessor can be searched by inputting the following criteria: owner name, parcel identification number, parcel address, document type, section/township/range, and subdivision. The information available upon a search includes the property detail, transaction history, supplemental tax history, recent sales, and property reports.
Location of Humboldt County Property Assessors
Humboldt County Property Assessor
Mailing Address:
825 5th Street
Room 300
Eureka, CA 95501
Phone: (707) 445-7663
Phone: (866) 240-0485
Fax: (707) 445-7410
Email: assessor@co.humboldt.ca.us
The office hour of the Humboldt County Property Assessor is from Monday - Friday between the hours 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
