Search California People Records
California has one of the largest public records systems in the country. More than 39 million people live here, and dozens of agencies keep records you can search. From voter registration data to court cases, professional licenses to property filings, there are many ways to look up people in California. Most California people search tools are free. Some cost just a few dollars. This guide covers the main California people search databases, the agencies that run them, and what you can expect to find when you search for people records in California.
California People Search Quick Facts
California People Search Databases
California runs several free databases for finding people. The California Public Records Act, found in Government Code Section 7920.000, gives everyone the right to search public records held by California state and local agencies. This law backs the online search tools that agencies provide. Agencies must respond to people records requests within 10 days. The California Secretary of State maintains two of the most used people search tools. One covers voter data. The other holds business filings. Both are free and open to all for people search.
The California voter registration check at voterstatus.sos.ca.gov lets you look up people by registration status. You need a first name, last name, and date of birth to run a search. A California driver's license number also works. Results show registration status, county, and party preference. Under Elections Code Section 2194, home addresses and phone numbers in California voter records stay confidential. But basic registration data is still helpful for a people search in California. Call the voter hotline at (800) 345-VOTE for help.
The California bizfile portal at bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov holds over 17 million business records for people search. This search tool is free. Each record shows entity name, formation date, agent for service of process, and the names and addresses of officers and directors. You will not find phone numbers or email in these records. But bizfile can show who runs a business and where people are based in California. That makes it a strong people search tool for California. The business programs office can be reached at (916) 653-6814.
Find Licensed People in California
California tracks over 150 types of professional licenses for people search. The California Department of Consumer Affairs runs the main license search at search.dca.ca.gov. You can look up doctors, nurses, contractors, pharmacists, and more. Each California people record shows the holder's name, license number, status, and address. It also shows if the license was suspended or revoked. Some California boards have their own search tools, like the Contractors State License Board. This is a fast way to find and verify people who hold state licenses in California.
The State Bar of California keeps an attorney people search at apps.calbar.ca.gov that covers all active and inactive attorneys in California.
Search results show bar number, status, firm name, address, and any discipline records. The advanced people search lets you filter by legal specialty and language. The State Bar main office is at 180 Howard Street in San Francisco. Call 415-538-2000 for questions. The California Department of Real Estate also has a people records lookup at dre.ca.gov where you can search for real estate brokers and agents by name or license number across California. Search results show license status and any complaints on file.
California Criminal People Records
California criminal records are managed by the Department of Justice. The California DOJ maintains the statewide criminal record repository. Under Penal Code Section 13300, these people records are not open to the general public. You cannot search someone else's criminal history from the California DOJ. But you can request your own record for a $25 fee using a Live Scan fingerprint form. The DOJ processes about 2 million state-level background searches each year. Most electronic searches finish in three business days. For your own record review, contact the California Record Review Unit at (916) 227-3849 or email recordreview@doj.ca.gov. Under Penal Code Section 11142, sharing your own record with unauthorized people is a misdemeanor in California.
California's Megan's Law website at meganslaw.ca.gov is a California people search tool that shows registered sex offenders under Penal Code Section 290.46. The data comes from the California Sex and Arson Registry. Not all registered offenders appear on the site. The DOJ has not assessed risk levels for listed people. This is a free people records search that anyone can use.
The California Department of Corrections runs an inmate people search called CIRIS at ciris.mt.cdcr.ca.gov. CIRIS replaced the old Public Inmate Locator. People search results show the name, CDCR number, age, current location, and admission date. You also see parole hearing dates and outcomes. Call the CDCR ID Unit at (916) 445-6713 for help. California county sheriff websites have their own inmate search tools for people held in local jails.
Note: Background check status can be tracked at applicantstatus.doj.ca.gov for pending DOJ requests.
Search Court Records in California
California county courts keep case records for civil, criminal, family, and probate matters. Under California Rules of Court, Rule 2.503, the public can search registers of actions, calendars, and indexes both online and at the courthouse. But some California people records have limits. Family law, criminal, and domestic violence cases may only be available at the courthouse. Juvenile and adoption records are confidential. Most California county courts now have online people search portals. Some are free. Sacramento County charges nothing for online case search. Los Angeles County charges $4.75 per search.
Effective January 1, 2026, California law (AB 1524) lets people use their own devices to photograph court records at the courthouse. Each California county page on this site has links to the local court people search tools.
California Vital Records and Property Data
The California Department of Public Health keeps birth, death, marriage, and divorce records that help with people search. Under Health and Safety Code Section 103526, certified copies of birth and death records go only to authorized people like parents, spouses, or legal representatives. Anyone can get an "Informational Copy" for research. These copies say they are not valid for identity purposes. California birth certificates cost $29 from the state office as of January 2026. California county offices may issue copies faster. The California vital records office can be reached at (916) 445-2684. The California DMV also keeps people records. You can search driver or vehicle records online for $2 each or by mail for $5. Residence addresses stay confidential in California.
The California State Controller's unclaimed property search at ucpi.sco.ca.gov is a free California people search tool for finding people tied to unclaimed assets.
There is no time limit. There is no fee. Search by name or property ID to find unclaimed money. Call (800) 992-4647 for help. California county assessors also hold property records searchable by owner name. Most California assessor websites are free for people search. You can track background search status at applicantstatus.doj.ca.gov for any pending California DOJ fingerprint search requests.
Browse California People Records by County
Each county in California has its own clerk, court system, and assessor who keep people records. Pick a county below to find local search tools and contact info.
View All 10 California Counties
People Search in Major California Cities
California cities handle people search through their county offices. Pick a city below to find which county manages records for that area.