SAN JOSE PUBLIC RECORDS

What Are San Jose Public Records?

Consistent with the CPRA and the City of San José Ethics & Public Records Ordinance and Resolutions, San Jose City public records refer to any official record maintained by the city government, regardless of its form or characteristics. In San Jose, public records include any official information received, generated, prepared, used, and retained by state or local agencies in the city while conducting the public’s business.

San Jose public records may be handwritten or typed, such as letters, memos, reports, papers, or spreadsheets. Other formats include photographs, films, CDs, cards, tape recordings, and information transmitted by emails, text messages, social media handles, and websites. However, the law also provides for certain parts of a record to be redacted/removed if it has the following information:

• Records containing information on pending litigation
• Records on threats to local or national security
• Records of health reports, privileged physician-patient communication, and hospital records
• Records of ongoing law enforcement agency investigative reports
• Records of individual tax reports
• Preliminary drafts and notes
• Records of complaints or security tips made to, or investigations conducted by the City’s law enforcement agencies
• Other records sealed by law

San Jose Crime Statistics

The San Jose Police Department (SJPD) releases annual and monthly crime statistics, trends, and citywide traffic-fatality reports. The police department makes these reports available through crime mapping, CityProtect, and year-end summaries. Crimes reported in 2019 show a net total of 29,725 index crimes, with property crimes accounting for 85% of the crimes with 25,164 cases. Larceny theft was the most recurring property crime, with 14,924 indexed incidents.

Compared to 2018, the city experienced a 1.56% decrease in total crimes. Property crimes reduced by 2.28%, while violent crimes increased by 2.63%. The total number of vehicle thefts reduced by 20.48%, burglary reduced by 9.36%, while larceny thefts rose by 10.47%. In contrast, homicide cases increased by 21.43%, aggravated assault by 13.99%, rape grew by 9.11%, while robbery cases declined by 15.94%.

Are San Jose Criminal Records Public?

San Jose City criminal records are mostly accessible to eligible citizens, based on its open data policy. Pursuant to Government Code 6254 (f), police incident reports may be released to the victim(s)/defendants or authorized representatives, insurance carriers, and legal representatives.

For criminal history information, the San Jose Police Department gives access to employers who need the information for employment purposes. These include child care facilities, law enforcement agencies, security guard firms, and public utility companies. The record owner can also request personal copies of San Jose criminal records by contacting the SJPD records division. Lastly, eligible persons may conduct statewide criminal background checks through the California Department of Justice.

How to Obtain San Jose Police Reports and Arrest Records?

Interested applicants may obtain copies of San Jose arrest records and police reports by contacting the Records Unit of the San Jose Police Department. The unit provides access to disclosable city records via the Public Record Request platform. Requests for San Jose City arrest records may be made online, via regular U.S. mail, or in-person by visiting the office. The office opens between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. every workday. To request a police incident report via regular mail, download and complete the Report Request Form or prepare a written request.

The request must contain the name, address, date of birth, requestor’s phone number, the SJPD Report/ Incident Number (if known), name(s) of the parties involved, date, time, and location of the incident. Incident reports cost $16, while other records may be charged according to the number of pages. Submit requests with a certified check or money order made payable to the City of San Jose. Include a copy of a government-issued ID and a stamped self-addressed envelope. Mail requests to:

San Jose Police Department
Records Unit
201 W. Mission Street,
San Jose, CA 95110
Phone: (408) 277-8900

How to Find Sex Offender Information in San Jose

The California Department of Justice maintains the statewide sex and violent offenders registry. The department provides access to the source database through a searchable online registry that provides up-to-date information on registered high-risk sex offenders. San Jose residents can search and receive updates about the status of sex offenders in their neighborhoods. Search results include the offender’s name, physical descriptions (eye color, hair color, height), photograph/mugshot, and birthdate. Other details include phone numbers and zip codes based on the last address and the offenses that lead to convictions.

How to Find San Jose Inmate Records

Requestors can find San Jose inmate records from the Department of Correction, Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office. The department is the local repository of inmate records and provides information on the location of correctional inmate facilities and daily population statistics. Interested parties can access the repository through the Online Visitation Registration portal. The OVR grants public access to inmates' booking information. Requestors may begin the search by using any of the following;

• Inmate's personal file number (PFN)
• Booking number (CEN) assigned by the department
• Inmate's first and last names
• Inmate’s birth date or booking date

Requestors may also call the facility’s inmate information line at (408) 299-2305. It operates seven (7) days a week between 5 a.m and 1:00 a.m. Callers are required to know the correct spelling of the inmate’s full name to obtain information via the phone. Requestors may also visit the jail in-person to request information at:

County of Santa Clara
Office of the Sheriff
Custody Bureau
150 W. Hedding Street
San Jose, CA 95110

How Do I Visit an Inmate in San Jose Jail?

San Jose is home to Santa Clara County's main jail. The correctional facility, also known as San Jose Main Jail, is divided into the Main Jail North and Main Jail South (Elmwood Correctional Center for male and female inmates). The Sheriff’s Office administers the day-to-day administration of both facilities. San Jose Main Jail is located at:

150 W. Heeding Street,
San Jose, CA 95110
Phone: (408) 808-2804
Monday-Friday; 8 a.m to 5 p.m.

Inmates can receive visits everyday day of the week except Wednesdays. However, Clergy, bail/bondsmen, and attorneys can visit inmates at any time. Intending visitors must register and book a visit using the OVR. Visit appointments are on a first-come, first-serve basis, so intending visitors may book this as early as three days before the intended visit or at least one day beforehand. Visitation rules are posted at each facility's waiting space, while detailed information about visiting days and time schedules are available on the Sheriff's page on Santa Clara County website.

Inmates are given one 60-minute visit each during the week and another 60-minute visit on weekends. Two adults and a sizable number of children (who can be effectively supervised by the adults) may visit an inmate. At such times, each adult visitor gets a 30-minute time slot with the inmate (along with the children) to accommodate both adult visitors.

All adult visitors must present a government-issued photo ID, while children/minors require a notarized/ original birth certificate to visit the jail. Minors must be the biological children of the inmates or adult visitors. A parent or legal guardian must accompany a child at all times during the visit.

Late arrivals at the county jail can lead to canceled appointments. All visitors must arrive 30 minutes before appointed visits to be properly registered, searched, and prepared for the visit. A missed or canceled visit counts as having had the visit.

Visitors must successfully pass through the metal detector entry, including children. Inmates may also be contacted by correspondence, sent strictly via U.S. mail. The mail should be addressed thus:

Santa Clara County
Department of Corrections
Main Jail Complex
Inmate’s name,
Booking number
Personal File Number
885 North San Pedro Street
San Jose, CA 95110

Court Records

The Superior Court of Santa Clara County is the custodian of San Jose court records. The Clerk's office provides access to disclosable court records, including records on civil cases, some family cases, small claims, probate, administrative records, and traffic case records.

Locations of Courts in San Jose

The 6th Judicial District of California and the County seat of Santa Clara, San Jose is home to one federal court and four superior courts located at:

Federal Courts
Robert F. Peckham Federal Building & United States Courthouse
280 South 1st Street,
Room 2112
San Jose, CA 95113
Phone: (408) 535-5363 (Clerk's office Office: 2nd floor)
Phone: (408) 535-5393

State Courts
Downtown Superior Court (DTS)
191 North First Street,
San José, CA 95113
Phone: (408) 882-2100
Email: SCAdvisor@scscourt.org to

Business Hours:
8:30 a.m- 1:30 p.m (Mon-Thurs)
8:30 a.m -12:00 p.m (Fridays)

Family Justice Center Courthouse (Superior Court)
201 N. First Street,
San José, CA 95113
Phone: (408) 882-2700

Business Hours:
8:30 a.m -1:30 p.m (Mon-Thurs.)
8:30 a.m - 12:00 p.m (Fridays)

Hall of Justice (Superior Court)
190 West Hedding Street,
San José, CA 95110
Phone: (408) 808-6600

Business Hours:
8:30 a.m- 1:30 p.m (Mon-Thurs)
8:30 a.m -12:00 p.m (Fridays)

Juvenile Justice Court (Superior Court)
840 Guadalupe Parkway,
San Jose, CA 95110
Phone: (408) 808-6200

Business Hours:
8:30 a.m-1:30 p.m (Mon-Thurs)
8:30 a.m-12:00p.m (Fridays)

Old Courthouse (Superior Court)
161 North First Street,
San José, CA 95113
Phone: (408) 882-2100

Business Hours:
8:30 a.m – 1:30 p.m (Mon. – Thurs.)
8:30 a.m – 12:00 p.m (Fridays)

Santa Clara Courthouse (Superior Court)
1095 Homestead Road,
Santa Clara, CA 95050

Business Hours:
8:30 a.m -1:30 p.m (Mon-Thur)
8:30 a.m -12:00 p.m (Fridays)

Mailing address:
Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara
191 North First Street,
San Jose, CA 95113

Terraine Courthouse (Superior Court)
115 Terraine Street,
San Jose, CA 95110
Phone: (408) 491-4700

6th District Court of Appeal
333 West Santa Clara Street,
San Jose, CA 95113
Phone: (408) 277-1004

Notre Dame Courthouse
99 Notre Dame Avenue,
San Jose, CA 95113
Phone: (408) 882-2900

Are San Jose Court Records Public?

Not all San Jose City court records are open to the public. The state laws restrict public access to confidential materials or information that may violate a citizen's privacy rights. Some of these are:

• Records bearing names, addresses, and phone numbers of victims
• Civil harassment cases
• Criminal history information
• Medical information, probation reports
• Child custody cases
• Protective orders for domestic violence.
• Juvenile delinquency cases
• Juvenile delinquency cases
• Juvenile dependency cases (separation of child(ren) from parents)
• Certain divorce cases

These records are only accessible to authorized persons.

Can You Look Up a San Jose Court Case Online?

Usually, only San Jose court case information is available online, while actual documentary materials require mailed or in-person requests to the Clerk’s Office. Interested persons can obtain information such as case number, type of case, and filing date online through the Case Information Portal on the Superior Court website.

How to Obtain San Jose Civil Court Case Records

San Jose civil case records are available at the Santa Clara County Superior Court and can be obtained by mail, in person, or online. Requesting parties may search for civil case information online through the Case Information search tool. Users may query the search tool using party name, case number, case type, and filing date. For in-person requests at the Clerk's office, applicants must submit the case number, case name, title of the document(s) requested, and the filing date.

For mail-in requests, apply in writing stating the case number and other relevant information to aid the record search. Include a check made payable to the Superior Court, enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope, and mail request to:

The Superior Court of California,
County of Santa Clara
191 North First Street,
San José, CA 95113

The Clerk's office charges $15 for searches that exceed 10 minutes, $40 for certified copies, and $0.50 for each extra copy. Payments can be made in cash, check, or credit card.

Note: Copies of civil case pleadings are only available at the courthouse where the case was filed. Requests may be in-person or by mail.

How to Obtain San Jose Criminal Court Records

Interested persons can send requests for San Jose criminal court records in person or by mail, using the case number. To find the case number for cases filed in 2004 and later, search the online criminal index database, using either the defendant's name and date of birth, or name and filing date. The second option is to visit the Clerk’s Office at the Hall of Justice (San Jose criminal cases are filed there). Apart from the criminal index, the courthouse also allows the public to search the microfiche for cases filed before 2004, using the defendant's name, date of birth, and the year the case was filed.

Requests for criminal court records must be in writing, stating the specific document needed, such as minute order from a sentencing/docket/complaint. State the case number, defendant’s full name and his/her date of birth, and the type of documents needed.

For mail-in requests, requestors must provide his/her full name and contact information. Include a certified check and copy of valid ID. The search fee is $15, while a certified copy is $40, and each additional copy of the document costs $.50. Make the check payable to the Clerk of the Superior Court and mail request to:

The Superior Court
Hall of Justice,
190 West Hedding Street,
San Jose, CA 95110

What Are San Jose Vital Records?

San Jose vital records are official documents containing information about life events that occurred in the city. These include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. However, San Jose City has no jurisdiction to manage vital records, but these are retained and issued by the County of Santa Clara or the state-run repositories. Interested requesters can obtain San Jose City vital records by requesting access from the custodian agencies.

Where and How to Obtain San Jose Divorce Records?

San Jose divorce records are available at the Santa Clara County Superior Court. Individuals may request these records by mail, online, or in person. For in-person or mail requests, download and complete the family records request form. Include the case number for the specific record needed, but if unknown, include a $15.00 search fee in addition to the actual fees.

For cases filed on or before December 1996, applicants may search for the case number through the Records Department at the courthouse. For cases filed after January 1, 1997, applicants may do an index search online for the case number, using the divorced party’s names at the time of divorce. Individuals may also request the case number from the state Vital Records unit.

To submit a request for San Jose divorce records in person, visit the Clerk’s office at the Family Justice Centre Courthouse. Applicants may also drop requests into the Dropbox at the courthouse lobby on weekdays, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. No cash is allowed in the box, only checks. The courthouse is located at:

201 N. First Street,
San Jose, CA. 95113
Phone: (408) 882-2700
Email: Selfhelp@scscourt.org

To submit a request by mail, include a stamped self-addressed envelope, a valid photo ID, a certified check, and mail to:

Superior Court - FJC
Records Request
191 North First Street
San Jose, CA, 95113

All checks must be made payable to the Clerk of the Superior Court. The court charges the following fees for copies of San Jose divorce records:

• Research fee (for search without case number) - $15.00
• Certification fee (for Dissolution Judgments only) - $15.00
• Certification fee (all other Documents) - $40.00
• Copy fee per page (2 sided is $1.00) - $0.50 (In addition to search fee and certified fee)

Where and How to Get Public San Jose Marriage Records

The Santa Clara County Clerk-Recorder retains San Jose marriage records from 1850 to date and issues them upon request. While confidential records are not publicly available, anyone can request access to standard marriage records via mail, phone, online, or in person. To request a certified copy in person or by mail, download and complete an order form. It does not need to be notarized. Include a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, permanent resident card) and a $28 check or money order made payable to the County Clerk-Recorder. Seal the request package properly and drop it in-person into the Dropbox at the office, or mail it to:

The County Clerk-Recorder
70 West Hedding Street (at First Street)
San Jose, CA 95110
Phone: (408) 299-5688
Email: ClerkRecorder@rec.sccgov.org
8:00am - 4:30pm (Mon-Fri)

Where and How to Get Confidential San Jose Marriage Records

The County Clerk-Recorder vital services unit processes requests for San Jose confidential marriage certificates made in person, by mail, or by phone. A certified copy is accessible to the couple and any designated/authorized representatives. To request a certified copy of San Jose City marriage certificates, the office requires applicants to complete a sworn statement form along with notary acknowledgment as proof of eligibility. To apply by mail, download and complete the marriage certificate order form. Get the form notarized. Provide a copy of government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, permanent resident card) and a $28 check or money order, made payable to the County Clerk-Recorder.

For in-person requests, applicants must drop the completed form along with required documents and payment into the Dropbox provided at the front of the Clerk-Recorder Office. Completed requests will take about four to six weeks to send through the U.S. mail. Requests sent by regular mail take three to four weeks to process. For expedited response, requestors may use a pre-addressed, prepaid airbill for Express Mail, FedEx, or UPS. Mail the form, payment, and return envelope to the Clerk-Recorder office at:

70 West Hedding Street (at First Street)
San Jose, CA 95110
Phone: (408) 299-5688
Email: ClerkRecorder@rec.sccgov.org
8:00am - 4:30pm (Mon-Fri)

Where and How to Find San Jose Birth Records

The Santa Clara County Clerk-Recorder Office maintains birth records dated back from 1873 to date. Interested persons can obtain San Jose City birth records from the office. The county of Santa Clara Public Health Department is responsible for registering every birth that happens in the city, including out-of-hospital births. The health department forwards records of registered births to the Clerk-Recorder Office for retention and onward dissemination to the public.

Obtaining Copies of San Jose Birth Records

The county provides two types of birth copies on request: certified authorized copies and certified information copies. A certified birth certificate is accepted as proof of the record owner's identity, while the information copy is just for information. Apart from the record subject/registrant, only persons authorized by law can obtain certified copies. Namely:

• Registrant's parents
• Legal guardian
• Immediate family members (child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner of the registrant
• A person legally entitled by a court order
• A licensed adoption agency based on the requirements of Section 3140 or 7603 of the Family Code)
• The legal representative of the registrant
• Government agencies (for official business)

Section 103526 of the California Health and Safety Code permits only authorized persons as defined above to receive certified copies of San Jose City birth certificates. As such, each of the persons listed above must swear a statement under oath stating that he/she is legally authorized to obtain the document.

However, the only way an unauthorized person can qualify is to be designated by the registrant to request an authorized copy on his/her behalf. In such cases, the designate must present a mail-in application form, completed and notarized by the registrant, and bearing the designate’s name under the “Name of Person Receiving Copies" section on the form.

To request a certified copy of an authorized San Jose birth records, download and complete the birth certificate order form, fill the sworn statement, and get the form notarized before a notary public. Include a government-issued photo ID and certified check or money order for requests to be processed. Accepted means of identification include a driver's license, passport, or permanent resident card.

For requests made in-person, requestors must drop the properly sealed request package in the Dropbox stationed at the front of the County Clerk-Recorder office. Do not drop cash in the box. The response will be mailed back through the U.S. mail within four to six weeks.

For mail-in requests, fill the Sworn Statement (part 4) on the form for the request to be processed. To send requests by regular mail, include a self-addressed, stamped, standard-letter envelope. Response time by mail is between three to four weeks. Applicants may expedite mail response by enclosing a pre-addressed and prepaid airbill for UPS, Express Mail, or FedEx. Mail the form, payment, and return envelope to the Clerk-Recorder Office at:

70 West Hedding Street (at First Street)
San Jose, CA 95110
Phone: (408) 299-5688
Email: ClerkRecorder@rec.sccgov.org
8:00am - 4:30pm (Mon-Fri)

A certified informational birth record is open to the public, including individuals who are not related to the registrant. However, rather than a signature, these copies will have the notation “Informational, not a valid document to establish identity” printed across it. The request form does not have to be notarized, but a valid government-issued ID is required along with the payment.

If San Jose City birth certificates are not found immediately, the County Clerk forwards requests to the State of California Vital Health Department for a broader search, thus increasing the response time. And if the record remains unavailable, the office will issue a certificate of "No Certificate" to the requestor without a refund.

The Clerk-Recorder Office charges $28 for each certified copy, including the search fees. Only one notarized statement is required for multiple requests. Payments for walk-in requests may be in cash or credit card, with an additional $2.50 debit/credit card convenience fee. Alternatively, mail-in requests should be accompanied by a personal check, money order, or cashier’s check. These must be made payable to the San Clara County Clerk-Register.

Where and How to Find San Jose Death Records

The city's Clerk-Recorder Office maintains death records that have occurred in the county since 1873. It also provides two types of death copies on request: Certified authorized copies and Certified informational copies.

Eligible requestors for a copy of certified authorized death certificate in San Jose include:

• Immediate family members (spouse or domestic partner, child, parent, grandparent, grandchild, sibling)
• A surviving competent adult person respectively in the next degree of kinship
• A funeral director acting on behalf of authorized persons
• An agent under power of attorney for health care
• Conservator
• An attorney representing the estate of the person named on the record
• Government agencies (for official business)

To request a certified copy of an authorized death certificate, download and complete the death certificate order form, fill the sworn statement, and notarize the form before a notary public. Include a government-issued photo ID and a $21 certified check or a money order for processing. Accepted means of identification include a driver's license, passport, or permanent resident card.

For in-person requests, requestors should drop the properly sealed request package (no cash) in the Dropbox at the Clerk-Recorder's office. The response will be mailed back through U.S. mail in four to six weeks. Payment may be in cash, or credit card, with an additional $2.50 debit /credit-card convenience fee.

Applicants who intend to send requests by mail must fill the Sworn Statement (part 4) on the form for the request to be processed. Include a self-addressed, stamped letter envelope, along with ID and $21 check or money order to send by regular mail. Response time is between three to four weeks. To send by expedited mail, enclose a pre-addressed and prepaid airbill for any of UPS, Express Mail, or FedEx in the request package and mail it to the Clerk-Recorder Office at:

70 West Hedding Street (at First Street)
San Jose, CA 95110
Phone: (408) 299-5688
Email: ClerkRecorder@rec.sccgov.org
8:00am - 4:30pm (Mon-Fri)