Curated by the Searchadex editorial team. Portal verified: June 2026.
Back to all statesCalifornia public records are governed by the California Public Records Act (CPRA), which gives residents and the public the right to access government documents and records. From property ownership and court records to business filings and vital statistics, California maintains extensive public databases across its 58 counties. California maintains extensive online portals across all 58 counties, with most superior courts publishing case dockets and assessors publishing parcel data. Whether you're conducting a background check, researching property history, or verifying business information, the resources below provide direct access to official California public records.
Most California public records can be accessed online through state agency portals like the California Secretary of State and the California Department of Public Health Vital Records, or through individual county clerk websites. For records not published online, agencies accept written requests under the California Public Records Act — usually by mail or email — and must respond within the statutory deadline. Certified copies of vital records and court documents typically require a small fee and proof of identity.
Search California corporations, LLCs, and partnerships registered with the Secretary of State. One of the most-searched portals in the country — returns entity status, agent, and filing documents.
California's BizFile Online returns entity status (active, suspended, dissolved, FTB-suspended), registered agent, formation date, entity type, and downloadable filing documents like the Statement of Information. It's one of the most-searched portals in the country. A key quirk: 'FTB suspended' means the Franchise Tax Board suspended the entity for unpaid taxes — it cannot legally contract until revived.
Verifying a vendor before signing a contract · Confirming good standing before funding a deal · Checking the registered agent before serving legal notice
California is home to more than 4 million registered business entities, making its BizFile Online portal one of the most-searched Secretary of State databases in the country. California LLCs, corporations, and limited partnerships are registered with the California Secretary of State and must file a Statement of Information periodically to remain in good standing. California also has some of the most stringent requirements for foreign entities — out-of-state companies doing business in California must register as a foreign corporation or LLC and maintain a registered agent in the state. The BizFile portal returns real-time entity status, registered agent information, and links to filed documents including Articles of Incorporation, Articles of Organization, and Statements of Information. For lenders and due diligence professionals, California entity status is critical — a 'suspended' or 'forfeited' status means the entity cannot legally sue, defend lawsuits, or enter binding contracts in California. Suspension most commonly results from failure to file the Statement of Information or pay the $800 minimum franchise tax to the Franchise Tax Board.
If the entity you found needs a registered agent, annual report filing, or compliance support, Harbor Compliance handles all 50 states.
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For compiled background reports that go beyond the official record — combining people search, contact data, and multi-source history — these professional tools can help. They are paid services, not government sources.
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Disclosure: links to professional tools are affiliate links. Searchadex may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. These are not government sources, and results are not FCRA-compliant for employment, housing, tenant, or credit decisions.