What are Ontario Public Records?
According to the CPRA, public records include information relating to or used in the conduct of a government agency's business. The CPRA describes public records as all records used, retained, owned, or prepared by a public agency, regardless of characteristics or physical form. However, the CPRA provides for the following exemptions:
- Active litigation
- Personal and private details
- Law enforcement records, including intelligence records, complaints, investigations, and security procedures
- Taxpayer information
- Examination data
- Employee relations
Ontario Crime Statistics
The Federal Bureau of Investigation provides crime statistics for the city of Ontario through its Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program. According to its 2019 report, There were 659 violent crimes in Ontario, including 223 robberies and 85 rape cases. Respectively, the highest and lowest violent crime rates were for aggravated assault at 341 cases, and murder and nonnegligent manslaughter, at 10 cases.
Ontario also recorded 4,290 property crimes, including 928 motor vehicle thefts and 710 burglaries. With 31 reported cases, arson was the least committed property crime. Larceny-theft was the most committed property crime and the most common overall at 2,652 cases.
Are Ontario Criminal Records Public?
Under California law, access to criminal records and criminal history information is restricted. Except otherwise stated by law or court order, only authorized persons may view or obtain a criminal record copy. Apart from the person named on the record, employers, victims, or witnesses may obtain authorization to view a criminal record in some cases. Eligible persons may contact the Records Bureau of the Ontario Police Department (OPD) to obtain criminal records at $35 per record. If fingerprinting is required, the requestor must schedule an appointment by calling (909) 408-1792 The OPD offers fingerprinting services on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, and 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm. Visit the OPD at:
Ontario Police Department
2500 South Archibald Avenue
Ontario, CA 91761
(909) 395-2001
How to Obtain Police Reports and Arrest Records
The Ontario Police Department (OPD) issues copies of public Ontario records, such as police reports, arrest records, traffic collisions and citations, and other incident logs. Interested persons may request records through the OPD's Records Bureau at the front desk lobby. The OPD charges $35 for traffic reports and $10 for incident logs. To request, visit the Ontario Police Department headquarters.
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Ontario
The California Department of Justice maintains an online registry of the state's sex offenders through its Megan's Law website. Individuals may find offenders using their first and last names or through a map search that allows residents to input an address, specify a search radius, and include transient offenders. The registry also allows individuals to find offenders in their immediate area using the location of the requestor's device.
How to Find Ontario Inmate Records
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department (SBSD) provides public information on inmates in Ontario and other parts of the county. Using the inmate locator, residents may find Ontario inmate records by booking number or by name. The name search requires the inmate's last and first names, gender, and date of birth. If the date of birth is unknown, input an approximate age. Searchers may enter the inmate's middle name to streamline the search result.
The inmate locator also allows interested persons to conduct an out-of-custody search for released inmates. Individuals may select any of the displayed release dates to find information on an inmate released on the selected date.
How Do I Visit an inmate in the Ontario City Jail?
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department (SBSD) provides general guidelines for visits to all detention facilities in the county. All interested persons must schedule visits one day in advance by calling the Visiting Center at (909) 887-0364 Inmates may receive visitors every day, except Monday and Tuesday. Each visitor must be present for check-in at least 30 minutes before the scheduled visitation time. The visitor may also have to submit for a search before being allowed in. Anyone who arrives late or does not submit for a search may be denied entry. Minors are only allowed on visitations when accompanied by adults. The adult with an accompanying minor must keep the minor in check or risk having the visit terminated if the child is unruly.
In addition, visitors must present valid government-issued identification. Examples include a driver's license, passport, consulate identification card, Department of Defense ID card, etc. Furthermore, visitors must adhere to a strict dress code as prescribed by the SBSD. Under California law, a felon who has served time in a California state prison may not visit an inmate without written permission from the facility commander or a designee. Visit the jail at:
Ontario City Jail
2500 South Archibald Avenue
Ontario, CA 91761
Phone: (909) 395-2001
Fax: (909) 395-2720
Court Records
The San Bernardino County Superior Court operates multiple divisions in various cities, which serve Ontario in different capacities. For instance, the Superior Court in the Fontana District handles cases such as small claims, traffic infractions and appeals, and landlord-tenant matters. Ontario juvenile matters are heard at the juvenile court in San Bernardino city while the court in the Rancho Cucamonga District hears felonies and misdemeanors. Furthermore, the San Bernardino District Superior Court has civil, probate, and family law divisions which handle varying case types from Ontario, and also has a child support division for related matters. These courts grant access to different types of Ontario court records.
Locations of Courts That Serve Ontario
San Bernardino Superior Court - Fontana District
17780 Arrow Boulevard
Fontana, CA 92335
Phone: (909) 350-9322
San Bernardino Juvenile Delinquency
900 East Gilbert Street
Building 35
San Bernardino, CA 92415-0942
Phone: (909) 269-8840
Hours: 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, Monday to Friday
San Bernardino Superior Court – Rancho Cucamonga District
8303 Haven Avenue
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
Phone: (909) 350-9764
Phone: (TDD/TTY): (909) 285-3520
Hours: 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, Monday to Friday
San Bernardino Superior Court – San Bernardino District (Child Support Division)
655 West Second Street
Second Floor
San Bernardino, CA 92415-0248
Phone: (909) 269-8789
Fax: (909) 269-8502
Hours: 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, Monday to Friday
San Bernardino Superior Court – San Bernardino District (Civil Division)
247 West Third Street
San Bernardino, CA 92415-0210
Phone: (909) 708-8678
Hours: 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, Monday to Friday
San Bernardino Superior Court – San Bernardino District (Probate Division)
247 West Third Street
San Bernardino, CA 92415-0210
Phone: (909) 521-3388
Fax: (909) 521-3387
Hours: 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, Monday to Friday
This division handles Ontario elder or dependent adult abuse cases.
San Bernardino Superior Court – San Bernardino District (Family Law Division)
351 North Arrowhead Avenue
San Bernardino, CA 92415-0245
Phone: (909) 521-3136
Fax: (909) 521-3128
Are Ontario San Bernardino Court Records Public?
Under California law, San Bernardino court records are open to the public, except where access is restricted by statute or court order. Generally, juvenile court records are private and not obtainable by the general public. In addition, records detailing certain family law proceedings may be unavailable to the general public. This may include financial records, healthcare documents, and any record that identifies minors, or victims of sexual or domestic violence.
Can You Look up a San Bernardino Court Case Online?
The San Bernardino Superior Court provides public access to online court case information and remote access to document images from civil case filings. Ontario residents may use the court case information and document sales platform for family law, probate, civil, criminal, traffic, small claims, landlord-tenant, and appeal records. Note that some documents may incur a charge of 50 cents per page.
How to Obtain San Bernardino Civil Court Case Records
San Bernardino civil court records are available from the Superior Court in the San Bernardino District. Anyone may obtain a record by submitting a written request to the court's civil division with the requestor's contact information and details on the desired records. Visit or send to:
San Bernardino Superior Court – San Bernardino District
Civil Division
247 West Third Street
San Bernardino, CA 92415-0210
Phone: (909) 708-8678
Hours: 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, Monday to Friday
Residents may also find civil cases online via the smart search provided by the Superior Court. Search using a record number or the full name of a party to the case. The smart search also provides additional filtering options to further streamline the search.
How to Obtain San Bernardino Criminal Court Case Records
Interested parties may request San Bernardino criminal court records from the Superior Court in the Rancho Cucamonga District. To view or obtain copies of nonconfidential criminal records, send a written request or visit the court in person:
San Bernardino Superior Court
Rancho Cucamonga District
8303 Haven Avenue
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
Phone: (909) 350-9764
Phone: (TDD/TTY): (909) 285-3520
Hours: 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, Monday to Friday
Alternatively, Ontario residents may also use the smart search to find records by case number or the full name of any of the parties to the case.
What are Ontario Vital Records?
Ontario vital records carry details of life events that occur in the city. Vital records are created and maintained by the government and include records on births, marriages, divorces, and deaths. Ontario vital records are obtainable from San Bernardino government entities, including the Department of Public Health, the Assessor-Recorder-Clerk's Office, and the Superior Court.
Where and How to Obtain Ontario Divorce Records?
The Family Law Division of the Superior Court in the San Bernardino District handles divorce cases for parties in Ontario. Anyone may visit or send a written request to obtain a copy of a divorce record. Ensure that the request contains the divorced parties' names, dates, and all other important details to help find the record. Send the request or visit:
San Bernardino Superior Court – San Bernardino District
Family Law Division
351 North Arrowhead Avenue
San Bernardino, CA 92415-0245
Phone: (909) 521-3136
Fax: (909) 521-3128
Where and How to Get Public Ontario Marriage Records
The San Bernardino Assessor-Recorder-Clerk's Office provides copies of public Ontario marriage records to all requestors. Copies cost $15 each and may be ordered by mail or in person. A public copy of a marriage record is clearly marked as an informational copy, which is not a valid document to establish identity. Interested persons may begin by filling the application form. The form should be signed and notarized after completion. For payment, the requester may use a pre-printed check, cashier's check, postal or bank money order made out to "San Bernardino County Recorder." Send the documents to:
San Bernardino County Assessor-Recorder-Clerk
222 West Hospitality Lane
San Bernardino, CA 92415
Phone: (909) 387-8306
An in-person requestor must also fill the application form and notate the application confirmation number (SST#) displayed upon completing the form. Because in-person requests are by appointment only, call (855) 732-2575 to schedule an appointment at the above location only after submitting the application. In-person requestors may pay in cash.
Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in Ontario
Ontario confidential marriage records are requestable from the San Bernardino Assessor-Recorder-Clerk's Office. Confidential marriage records are certified copies and are only accessible by the following persons:
- Either married party
- A party with a court order authorizing access
- A law enforcement officer or a representative of a government entity in carrying out official business
- An immediate family member such as a child, sibling, grandchild, or grandparent
- An attorney or legal representative of either party
To order a confidential marriage record, complete the request form, specify a certified copy, and confirm authorization to receive the request. Visit the Assessor-Recorder-Clerk's Office after scheduling an appointment by calling (855) 732-2575 Each copy costs $15. Send the form to, or visit:
San Bernardino County Assessor-Recorder-Clerk
222 West Hospitality Lane
San Bernardino, CA 92415
Phone: (909) 387-8306
Where and How to Find Ontario Birth Records
The San Bernardino Department of Public Health entertains requests for copies of birth records. However, it only issues copies of certified records to the following persons:
- The person named on the record
- A party requesting a court order
- Law enforcement officers or representatives of other government agencies
- Immediate family member
- Attorney or legal representative
Note that the Department of Public Health only maintains records of San Bernardino County births that occurred over the last 24 months. For older records, contact the Assessor-Recorder-Clerk's Office. Persons who do not meet any of the above criteria will only receive an informational copy. To apply, complete and download the birth record application form. Mail-in requestors must notarize the sworn statement attached to the form. An in-person requestor may complete and download the form, but must sign it in the presence of a Vital Records Staff. Each record costs $28, payable by check to San Bernardino County. Mail the completed form or visit:
Department of Public Health
340 North Mountain View Avenue
San Bernardino, CA 92415-0038
In-person requestors may pay by check, money order, cash, or credit/debit card. All card transactions will cost an additional 2% or $1.95, whichever is greater. All fees are nonrefundable.
Where and How to Find Ontario Death Records
Persons interested in copies of Ontario death records may request from the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health. Records are only available for deaths that occurred in the last 24 months. Anyone interested in older records may contact the Assessor-Recorder-Clerk's Office.
The Department of Health issues informational copies to the general public, and certified copies to the following persons:
- An immediate family member of the registrant, such as a spouse, domestic partner, child, grandchild, or sibling
- The registrant's parent or legal guardian
- An attorney representing the registrant's estate
- A legal representative of the registrant
Persons may complete and download a death certificate application form for $21 each. If requesting by mail, sign and notarize the attached sworn statement. An in-person requestor may only sign the form in the presence of a Vital Records staff. Visit or send the form to:
Department of Public Health
340 North Mountain View Avenue
San Bernardino, CA 92415-0038
