SANTA MARIA PUBLIC RECORDS

What are Santa Maria Public Records?

Pursuant to the CPRA, Santa Maria public records include all documents generated or used by state or local agencies-except when exempted by law. Santa Maria public records may be either handwritten or typewritten. The form of the record does not affect its status as a record, as records may be either electronic or physical. Photographs, documents shared by email, and audio recordings all qualify as public records. Some records may not be publicly accessible. These include:

• Personal data, the disclosure of which would violate personal privacy;
• Juvenile information;
• Trade secrets and confidential information;
• Taxpayer records and records of private financial data;
• Data that have to do with an ongoing investigation by law enforcement;
• Details concerning pending litigation;
• Preliminary notes, annotations, or drafts.

Santa Maria Crime Statistics

The California Department of Justice reports the official crime statistics in all cities and counties on a yearly basis. In 2019, Santa Maria City reported a total number of 1,952 crimes, including 466 violent crimes and 1,486 property crimes. The violent crimes include five homicides, 52 rapes, 139 robberies, and 270 aggravated assaults. The property crimes include 257 burglaries, 821 larcenies, 397 motor vehicle thefts, and 11 arsons. These figures represent a decrease in the total number of crimes between 2018 and 2019 in Santa Maria City. Between 2018 and 2019, homicides (17%), rape (13%), robberies (13%), aggravated assaults (1%), burglaries (32%), larceny (16%), motor vehicle thefts (31%), and arsons (54%) dropped.

Are Santa Maria Criminal Records Public?

Some Santa Maria criminal records are public while some others are not. Criminal records generated by local law enforcement authorities are only available to law enforcement agencies, companies of public utilities, child care centers, and a small category of employers, such as security guard firms. Persons arrested by the Santa Maria Police Department can obtain copies of their criminal records by making a request to the police department.

Santa Maria criminal records are also only available to some specific persons at the state level. The California Department of Justice maintains a record of criminal records in all of California. However, it is only available to law enforcement agencies, employers in the state, and persons who wish to check their own records.

How to Obtain Santa Maria Police Reports and Arrest Records?

The Santa Maria Police Department maintains Santa Maria arrest records and police reports. Interested persons can request the records from the police department. Requests for the records can be made either in person or by mail with the address below.

Santa Maria Police Department
1111 Betteravia Road
Santa Maria, CA 93458
Phone: (805) 928-3781

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office Records Bureau also maintains a record of incident, crime, and accident reports in all of Santa Barbara, including Santa Maria. The records include Santa Maria police reports and arrest records. Interested persons can obtain the records in person, by mail, or by email. The Report Request Form should be completed and sent to the Sheriff’s Office Records Bureau. Copies of the records cost $9.50 if the report is not more than ten pages. There is an additional cost of 10 cents for every page after ten pages. The completed form should be submitted at:

Sheriff’s Office
4434 Calle Real
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
Email: records@sbsheriff.org
Phone: (805) 681-4189

How to Find Sex Offender Information in Santa Maria?

The Santa Maria Police Department maintains a Sex Offender Search portal which is available to the public. The registry includes individuals who have been convicted of a sexual offense that requires them to register with law enforcement annually. Interested persons can use the Offender Search portal. Users can enter a local address, and the registry will provide a list of all registered Santa Maria sex offenders who live within a one-mile radius of the address. The registry is limited to sexual offenders within the City of Santa maria. Users can also search for specific sexual offenders with their names.

The California Department of Justice keeps a record of all sex offenders living in California. Interested persons can use the searchable Sex Offender Registry to find information on sex offenders living in Santa Maria and other parts of California. The registry provides the names (including registered aliases), registered addresses, and physical characteristics of sex offenders. It also provides photographs where available, zip codes, and a mapping feature for users to make location-based searches.

How to Find Santa Maria Inmate Records?

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office maintains records of inmates in the jail in Santa Barbara. The information is available to the public. Interested persons can use the inmate search portal to find information on Santa Maria inmates. Users can use the inmate's first name, last name, or inmate number to find information on the inmate. The information available includes the inmate’s housing location, custody status, and date of arrest.

How Do I Visit an Inmate in Santa Maria Jail?

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s office runs the operation of the jail facilities in the County. Interested persons may visit an inmate. Visits are usually without contact and are conducted through a visit window using telephone handsets. Each jail facility specifies its visitation time, and the visitation times may be changed without prior notice. Interested persons can contact the Sheriff’s office to schedule a visit with the information below.

Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office
1105 Santa Barbara Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 568-2900

Interested persons can also contact the Santa Maria Sheriff’s station with the information below.

Santa Maria Sheriff’s Station
812 West Foster Road
Santa Maria, CA 93455
(805) 934-6150

Court Records

The different branches and divisions of the Santa Barbara County Superior Court are part of the California Judicial Branch. Pursuant to the California Rules of Court, the public has reasonable access to Santa Maria court records for viewing and copying. The court records include administrative records, criminal records, civil records, domestic relations records, traffic records, and probate records. Santa Barbara court records include records of cases determined by the Santa Barbara Superior Court. They include evidence submitted, case files, affidavits, and transcripts of trials.

Location of Courts in Santa Maria

Santa Barbara County Superior Courts
Santa Barbara County Superior Court - Anacapa Division
1100 Anacapa Street
P.O. Box 21107
Santa Barbara, CA 93121
Phone: (805) 882-4520
Fax: (805) 882-4519

Santa Barbara County Superior Court - Cook Division
312-C East Cook Street
Santa Maria, CA 93456
Phone: (805) 614-6414
Fax: (805) 614-6616

Santa Barbara County Superior Court - Figueroa Division
118 East Figueroa Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone: (805) 568-3959
Fax: (805) 882-4647

Santa Barbara County Superior Court - Lompoc Division
115 Civic Center Plaza
Lompoc, CA 93436
Phone: (805) 737-7789
Fax: (805) 737-5440

Santa Barbara County Superior Court - Miller Division
312 East Cook Street
Building E
Santa Maria, CA 93454
Phone: (805) 614-7550
Fax: (805) 614-6591

Santa Barbara County Superior Court - Santa Barbara Juvenile Court
1108 Santa Barbara Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone: (805) 882-4576

Santa Barbara County Superior Court - Santa Barbara Pre-Trial Services
County Jail
4434 Calle Real
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
Phone: (805) 681-5645
Fax: (805) 681-5641

Santa Barbara County Superior Court - Santa Maria Juvenile Court
4285 California Boulevard
Suite B
Santa Maria, CA 93455
Phone: (805) 614-6579
Fax: (805) 614-6581

Santa Barbara County Superior Court - Santa Maria Pre-Trial Services
4251 California Boulevard
Santa Maria, CA 93455
Phone: (805) 934-6140
Fax: (805) 934-6323

Santa Barbara County Superior Court - Solvang Division
1745 Mission Drive
Suite C
Solvang, CA 93463
Phone: (805) 686-5040
Fax: (805) 686-7491

Are Santa Maria Court Records Public?

Most Santa Maria court records are public, as required by the California Rules of Court. Interested persons may therefore request access to the records for inquiry or copying. However, some records are confidential and so are not accessible to the public. Examples of cases that may be confidential and limited from public access include:

• Civil cases involving harassment;
• Cases concerning child custody;
• Certain divorce cases;
• Cases of juvenile delinquency;
• Cases of juvenile dependency (where a child is separated from their parents)

Can you look up a Santa Maria Court Case Online?

Santa Maria court cases can be accessed online. However, only civil cases are available online. The Santa Barbara County Superior Court of California provides an online portal for searching through civil cases. Interested persons can search with the case number, the first name, middle name, or last name.

How to Obtain Santa Maria Civil Court Case Records?

Santa Maria civil court records are available to the public. Interested persons can make a request in person, by mail, or by email. Making the request would involve completing the Copy Request Form (also available in Spanish). For email requests, the completed form should be submitted to northcountyrecords@sbcourts.org. Payment should not be included, as an invoice will be sent informing the requester of the amount to be paid. The email request would be processed after confirmation of the payment.

For in-person and mail requests, a check should be made to the Clerk of the Court with not to exceed $175 written in the memo. If the in-person request can be processed while the requester waits, the requester may pay the applicable fees by cash or credit card. The courthouse is open from Monday to Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. The completed form for in-person and mail requests should be submitted to:

Santa Barbara County Superior Court
312-C East Cook Street
Santa Maria, CA 93454

How to Obtain Santa Maria Criminal Court Records?

Santa Maria criminal court records are available to the public. Interested persons can make requests to the Santa Barbara County Clerk of Court in person, by mail, or by email. Requesters should complete the Copy Request Form (also available in Spanish). Email requests should be submitted to northcountyrecords@sbcourts.org with the completed form. No payment should be included in the email. The Clerk of Court’s office will send an email informing the requester of the amount to be paid. The email request would be processed after the requester makes the payment.

Requesters can also submit the completed request form in person or by mail. The requester should provide a self-addressed stamped envelope of sufficient size and postage if the office is to mail the copy of the records to the requester. Payment for in-person requests can be by cash, credit/debit card, or check made payable to the Clerk of Court. Payments for mail requests should be by check made payable to the Clerk of Court. The office is open between Monday and Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The completed form should be submitted with the payment to:

Santa Barbara County Superior Court
312-C East Cook Street
Santa Maria, CA 93454

What are Santa Maria Vital Records?

Santa Maria vital records are documented details on certain life events that occured within the borders of the city. The vital records consist of Santa Maria marriage records, divorce records, birth certificates, and death certificates. Most vital records can be accessed by sending a request to the local agency or department that maintains the records. The Santa Maria City Clerk maintains records of Santa Maria vital records. The Santa Barbara County Clerk also maintains records of Santa Barbara vital records, including Santa Maria vital records.

Where and How to Obtain Santa Maria Divorce Records?

Santa Maria divorce records are in the custody of the Superior Court of Santa Barbara. Interested persons can obtain these records online, by mail, or in person. Online searches can be made through the online case summary portal. Users can search the portal with the names of the parties or the record number. There are also advanced search options, and so users can search with date, the case status, and the judicial officer that handled the case.

Interested persons can also complete the Copy Request Form and submit it to the courthouse that handled the divorce case. The court would give the requester information on the relevant fees to be paid.

Where and How to Get Public Santa Maria Marriage Records?

The Santa Barbara County Clerk’s office maintains Santa Maria marriage records. The records date from 1850 till the current year and cost $15 to request a copy. Pursuant to the California Health and Safety Code Section 103526, only authorized persons are eligible to obtain marriage records. All other individuals can only access informational copies. These authorized persons include:

• The parties to the marriage;
• A parent or legal guardian of a party to the marriage;
• A child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner of a party to the marriage;
• An attorney representing a party to the marriage or the party’s estate;
• Any person with a right to act on behalf of a party to the marriage, pursuant to a statute or court appointment;
• A party with a right to receive the record pursuant to a court order;
• A member of a law enforcement agency or a representative of another governmental agency who is conducting official business.

Interested persons may apply for Santa Maria marriage records in person or by mail. The Marriage Certificate Copy Order Application (also available in Spanish) should be completed. Payment can be made by check or money order made payable to Santa Barbara County Clerk-Recorder or by credit card. Cash payments are also acceptable for in-person requests. The request should be made to:

Clerk-Recorder Office
1100 Anacapa St
Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in Santa Maria?

The Clerk-Recorder keeps copies of Santa Maria confidential marriage records from 1850 till the present. Only the parties to the marriage and a person with a court order can access Santa Maria confidential marriage records. A copy of a confidential marriage record costs $15. Interested persons should fill the Confidential Marriage Certificate Copies Application (also available in Spanish) to request a confidential record. The request should be made either in person or by mail to:

Clerk-Recorder Office
1100 Anacapa St
Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Where and How to Find Santa Maria Birth Records?

The Santa Barbara County Clerk’s office maintains Santa Maria birth records. The records include births within Santa Maria from 1850 till the present and cost $28 to request. Pursuant to the California Health and Safety Code Section 103526, only authorized persons are eligible to obtain birth records. All other individuals can only informational copies, which is not a valid document to establish identity. These authorized persons include:

• The registrant whose name is on the birth record;
• A parent or legal guardian of the registrant;
• A child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner of the registrant;
• An attorney acting for the registrant or any person acting on behalf of the registrant pursuant to a statute or court appointment;
• A party who is entitled to receive the record pursuant to a court order;
• A licensed adoption agency seeking the birth record to comply with the requirements of Section 3140 or 7603 of the Family Code;
• A member of a law enforcement agency or a representative of another governmental agency who is conducting official business.

Interested persons can make a request for a Santa Maria birth certificate in person or by mail. The requester should fill the Birth Certificate Copy Order Application (also available in Spanish). The acceptable methods of payment are by check or money order made payable to the Santa Barbara County Clerk-Recorder, or by credit card. The requester may also pay with cash for in-person requests. The request should be made to:

Clerk-Recorder Office
1100 Anacapa Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Interested persons can also make requests to the Santa Barbara County Office of Vital Records within the first two years of the birth. The request would be made by mail and costs $28. The requester would complete the Application for Certified Copy of Birth Records and submit the completed application to:

Office of Vital Records
345, Camino Del Remedio
3rd Floor, Blg. 4, Rm. 320
Santa Barbara, CA 93110

Where and How to Find Santa Maria Death Records?

The Santa Barbara County Clerk’s office keeps Santa Maria death records from 1850 till the current date. A copy of a death record costs $21, while a copy of a fetal death record is $18. Only qualified persons can request Santa Maria death certificates, and all other persons can only obtain informational copies. Qualified persons include:

• A parent or legal guardian of the registrant whose name appears on the record
• A child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner of the registrant
• An attorney representing the registrant or the registrant’s estate
• Any person empowered by a court appointment or by statute to act on behalf of the registrant
• A party empowered to make a request pursuant to a court order
• A law enforcement agency or a representative of a governmental agency who is conducting official business
• Any person specified in paragraphs (1) to (8), including persons specified in subdivision (a), of Section 7100 of the Health and safety code
• Any funeral director or any funeral establishment’s employee/agent acting within the scope of their employment who requests certified copies on behalf of any individual specified in paragraphs (1) to (5), including subdivision (a), of Section 7100 of the Health and Safety Code

Interested persons can make a request for a Santa Maria death certificate in person or by mail. Requesters will need to fill the Death Certificate Copy Order Application (also available in Spanish). The acceptable methods of payment are by check or money order made payable to the Santa Barbara County Clerk-Recorder, or by credit card. The requester may also pay with cash for in-person requests. The request should be made to:

Clerk-Recorder Office
1100 Anacapa Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Interested persons can also make requests to the Santa Barbara County Office of Vital Records within the first two years of the death. The request would be made by mail and costs $21. The requester would complete the Application for Certified Copy of Death Records and submit the completed application to:

Office of Vital Records
345, Camino Del Remedio
3rd Floor, Blg. 4, Rm. 320
Santa Barbara, CA 93110