This is a private reference, not a government office or records custodian. We cannot retrieve or certify a record, verify who lives at an address, or change an agency’s files. Send those requests to the office that keeps the record. For an emergency, call 911. Contact local law enforcement if you face stalking or harassment.
Where to Ask About Records
Use the custodian that holds the record. For common California searches, the next office depends on the place, record type, and date:
- Address and parcel records: begin with the county assessor or recorder described on the California street directory page
- Older directory volumes: check the collections on the California city directory page
- One person across public records: follow the California resident lookup steps
- State and county offices: use the directory on the California records offices section
- A record not online: request an existing record under the California Public Records Act from the agency that keeps it
California has no single counter that handles every county’s property, court, and vital records. A public-records request goes to the department that holds the existing record. For older city directories and local history, the California State Library offers a statewide reference channel:
California State Library
California History Section
900 N Street, Room 200
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 654-0176
Reference hours listed: Monday–Friday, 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
The State Library is a history and directory research contact, not the custodian for every California public record. For deeds, vital certificates, cases, permits, and other current records, contact the specific county or state office named by that record type.