San Mateo County, CA Public Records
San Mateo County has an estimated population of 742,893 (2024) across 449 square miles of land. In California, deeds, mortgages and other land records are recorded by the County Recorder. Court cases are handled by the California Courts – Judicial Branch of California; use the official links below to find the courthouse and clerk for San Mateo County.
📍 San Mateo County at a Glance
| Population (2024 est.) | 742,893 Source: www2.census.gov ↗ |
| Land area | 449 sq mi Source: www2.census.gov ↗ |
| Largest community | San MateoPopulation 103,006 (2024 est.) |
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⚖️ Criminal Records in San Mateo County, CA
Criminal case records for San Mateo County are kept by the California Courts – Judicial Branch of California. Misdemeanors and arraignments are generally handled by the local trial court, and felonies by the Superior Court. Many court records are public and can be viewed or copied at the clerk's office.
⚖️ Where to get criminal records for San Mateo County
| State court system | California Courts – Judicial Branch of California |
🔍 Background Check in San Mateo County, CA
A people search for San Mateo County pulls together public records such as court cases, property records and address history. It is for personal use only: under the FCRA it may not be used to screen tenants, employees, or for credit or insurance decisions. The official record sources for San Mateo County are listed below.
🔍 Where to get background check for San Mateo County
| Sex offender registry | California Megan's Law Website (California DOJ) Source: meganslaw.ca.gov ↗ |
| State court system | California Courts – Judicial Branch of California |
📋 Arrest Records in San Mateo County, CA
Arrest and booking records for San Mateo County are created by the arresting agency — usually the local police department or the California State Police. Once someone is charged, the case becomes a court record at the court that handles criminal cases for the area.
📋 Where to get arrest records for San Mateo County
| State court system | California Courts – Judicial Branch of California |
🏛️ Court Records in San Mateo County, CA
Court records for San Mateo County include civil suits, small claims, landlord-tenant cases, criminal cases, family matters and probate (estates). Below are the courts that serve San Mateo County, with addresses from the official California Courts – Judicial Branch of California directory.
🏛️ Where to get court records for San Mateo County
| State court system | California Courts – Judicial Branch of California |
🏠 Property Records in San Mateo County, CA
In California, deeds, mortgages and other land records are recorded by the County Recorder. Property tax assessments are kept by the local assessor's office at the town or city hall.
🏠 Where to get property records for San Mateo County
| Land records | In California, deeds, mortgages and other land records are recorded by the County Recorder. |
📜 Vital Records in San Mateo County, CA
Certified birth and death certificates for California are issued by the state vital records office; in many areas a county or local office can also issue copies, so check with the county first. Statewide records can also be ordered from the California Department of Public Health – Vital Records.
📜 Where to get vital records for San Mateo County
| State vital records office | California Department of Public Health – Vital Records Source: cdph.ca.gov ↗ |
🔒 Sex Offender Registry in San Mateo County, CA
The official sex offender registry for San Mateo County is maintained by the state. Search it directly — it is free and updated by law enforcement. Registry information may not be used to threaten, intimidate or harass anyone.
🔒 Where to get sex offender registry for San Mateo County
| Official registry | California Megan's Law Website (California DOJ) Source: meganslaw.ca.gov ↗ |
📄 Divorce Records in San Mateo County, CA
Divorce cases in California are heard by the Superior Court in each county. The full divorce case file is kept by that court; a divorce certificate (a short summary record) can be requested from the California Department of Public Health – Vital Records.
📄 Where to get divorce records for San Mateo County
| Divorce court | Divorce cases in California are heard by the Superior Court in each county. |
| State vital records office | California Department of Public Health – Vital Records Source: cdph.ca.gov ↗ |
| State court system | California Courts – Judicial Branch of California |
Largest Communities in San Mateo County
San Mateo (103,006), Daly City (101,418), Redwood City (82,982), South San Francisco (64,660), San Bruno (42,035), Pacifica (37,056), Menlo Park (33,040), Foster City (32,657), Burlingame (30,885), San Carlos (29,403), East Palo Alto (29,296), Belmont (27,132) 2024 population estimates, U.S. Census Bureau.