El Dorado County Public Records

What Are Public Records in El Dorado County?

Public records in El Dorado County are defined according to the California Public Records Act (CPRA), specifically under Government Code § 6252(e), which states that public records include "any writing containing information relating to the conduct of the public's business prepared, owned, used, or retained by any state or local agency regardless of physical form or characteristics."

El Dorado County maintains numerous types of public records accessible to citizens:

• Court Records: Civil, criminal, family law, probate, and small claims case information maintained by the Superior Court of California, County of El Dorado
• Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, assessments, and property transfers maintained by the County Recorder's Office
• Vital Records: Birth, death, and marriage certificates maintained by the County Recorder's Office
• Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and fictitious business name statements maintained by the County Clerk
• Tax Records: Property tax information, assessment records, and tax rolls maintained by the County Assessor and Tax Collector
• Voting and Election Records: Voter registration information, election results, and campaign finance disclosures maintained by the County Elections Department
• Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Records of County Board of Supervisors and other county commissions maintained by the Clerk of the Board
• Budget and Financial Documents: County budgets, expenditure reports, and financial statements maintained by the Auditor-Controller's Office
• Law Enforcement Records: Certain arrest logs, incident reports, and crime statistics maintained by the Sheriff's Office
• Land Use and Zoning Records: Planning documents, permits, and zoning information maintained by the Planning Department

Each record type is maintained by specific county departments, with the El Dorado County Recorder-Clerk serving as the primary custodian for many official records.

Is El Dorado County an Open Records County?

El Dorado County fully complies with the California Public Records Act, as codified in Government Code § 6250-6276.48. This comprehensive state law establishes the public's right to access government records.

Under Government Code § 6253(a), "Public records are open to inspection at all times during the office hours of the state or local agency and every person has a right to inspect any public record, except as hereafter provided."

El Dorado County adheres to these state mandates and has established procedures for processing public records requests in accordance with state law. The county maintains transparency in governance through compliance with California's open government laws, including the Ralph M. Brown Act (Government Code § 54950-54963), which ensures public meetings remain open and accessible.

The county's commitment to transparency is reflected in its Administrative Policy, which outlines procedures for responding to public records requests. County departments are required to respond to requests promptly, typically within 10 days as required by state law, though complex requests may require additional time.

El Dorado County also maintains an online presence where many public records are directly accessible through department websites, demonstrating the county's commitment to open government principles.

How to Find Public Records in El Dorado County in 2026

Members of the public seeking records in El Dorado County may follow these procedures to obtain the information they need:

1. Identify the appropriate department: Determine which county department maintains the records sought. The El Dorado County website provides a directory of departments and their responsibilities.

2. Submit a request: Public records requests may be submitted in several ways:

   • In person at the appropriate department office
   • By mail to the department's official address
   • By email to the department's designated contact
   • Through online request forms where available

3. For court records: The Superior Court of California, County of El Dorado maintains its own records system. Court records can be accessed:

   • Through the court's online services portal
   • By visiting the court clerk's office at either courthouse location
   • By submitting a written request for copies of specific documents

4. For property and vital records: Visit the Recorder-Clerk's Office in person or submit requests through their online portal. Many property records are searchable online through the county's property information system.

5. For law enforcement records: Contact the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office directly for available public safety records.

6. Specify record details: Requests should include:

   • Specific description of records sought
   • Date range if applicable
   • Names of relevant parties
   • Case numbers or other identifying information if known

7. Allow response time: Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(c), agencies must respond within 10 calendar days, though complex requests may require a 14-day extension.

8. Arrange for inspection or copies: Once records are located, arrangements can be made to:

   • Inspect records at the agency office during business hours
   • Receive paper copies (fees may apply)
   • Receive electronic copies where available

How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in El Dorado County?

El Dorado County charges fees for certain public records in accordance with California Government Code § 6253(b), which permits agencies to charge "fees covering direct costs of duplication" or a "statutory fee if applicable."

Current standard fees for public records in El Dorado County include:

• General Document Copies: $0.10-$0.25 per page for standard black and white copies
• Certified Copies of Vital Records:
  • Birth Certificates: $28.00 per copy
  • Death Certificates: $21.00 per copy
  • Marriage Certificates: $15.00 per copy
• Recorded Documents: $2.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page
• Maps and Large Format Documents: Varies based on size, typically $3.00-$10.00 per sheet
• Electronic Records: May include actual cost of production or programming
• Court Records: $0.50 per page for copies, $40.00 for certification of court records

Payment methods accepted by most county offices include:

• Cash (in-person only)
• Personal checks
• Money orders
• Credit cards (in-person and for certain online services)
• Electronic payments for online services

Fee waivers may be available in certain circumstances, particularly when the request is deemed to primarily benefit the general public. Such determinations are made on a case-by-case basis by the records custodian.

Research fees may apply for requests requiring extensive staff time to locate and compile records, particularly for searches spanning multiple years or requiring specialized knowledge.

All fees are subject to change based on county ordinances and state law requirements. Requestors are advised to confirm current fees with the specific department prior to submitting requests.

Does El Dorado County Have Free Public Records?

El Dorado County provides free inspection of public records during normal business hours in accordance with California Government Code § 6253(a), which states that "public records are open to inspection at all times during the office hours of the state or local agency."

Records available for free inspection or access include:

• Board of Supervisors Agendas and Minutes: Available for review on the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors website
• County Budgets and Financial Reports: Accessible through the Auditor-Controller's Office
• Election Results and Campaign Disclosures: Available through the Elections Department website
• Property Assessment Information: Basic property information can be searched online through the Assessor's Office
• Planning Commission Documents: Accessible through the Planning Department website
• Court Calendars and Tentative Rulings: Available through the Superior Court website

While inspection is free, reproduction costs apply when copies are requested. Additionally, certain records may require payment of statutory fees regardless of the format in which they are provided, particularly vital records and certain court documents as mandated by state law.

The county also maintains public computer terminals at various offices where members of the public may access certain electronic records without charge. These terminals are typically available during regular business hours at locations including the County Recorder's Office, County Law Library, and public libraries throughout the county.

Who Can Request Public Records in El Dorado County?

Under the California Public Records Act, specifically Government Code § 6253(a), "every person" has the right to inspect public records. El Dorado County adheres to this principle, allowing broad access to public records with minimal restrictions on who may request them.

Key eligibility considerations include:

• Residency: California residency is not required to request public records in El Dorado County. Any person, regardless of citizenship or residency status, may submit requests.

• Identification Requirements: For most general records, requestors are not required to provide identification or state the purpose of their request. However, certain records may require verification of identity, particularly when:

  • Requesting confidential records to which the requestor claims right of access
  • Seeking vital records such as birth or death certificates
  • Requesting records that contain personal identifying information

• Purpose Disclosure: Pursuant to Government Code § 6257.5, agencies may not require requestors to provide identification or reason for requesting records as a condition of access, except in specific circumstances prescribed by law.

• Special Categories: Certain records have specific eligibility requirements:

  • Vital Records: Only authorized individuals as defined in Health and Safety Code § 103525 may obtain certified copies of birth, death, and marriage certificates
  • Criminal History: Access is restricted to the subject of the records or authorized representatives
  • Juvenile Court Records: Generally confidential with limited access as specified in Welfare and Institutions Code § 827

• Commercial Use: While commercial use of public records is permitted, certain records may have restrictions on commercial redistribution, particularly voter registration information and certain personal data.

• Representatives: Attorneys, researchers, and other agents may request records on behalf of clients, provided they comply with any applicable verification requirements for protected records.

El Dorado County processes all requests in accordance with state law, regardless of the requestor's identity, except where specific statutory restrictions apply.

What Records Are Confidential in El Dorado County?

El Dorado County maintains certain records as confidential in accordance with exemptions established under the California Public Records Act, specifically Government Code § 6254, which exempts numerous categories of records from disclosure requirements.

Records that are generally exempt from public disclosure include:

• Personnel Records: Employee personnel files, medical information, and performance evaluations, though certain information such as salary and job title remains public
• Pending Litigation: Records pertaining to pending litigation to which the county is a party until the litigation is adjudicated or settled
• Law Enforcement Records: Investigative files, intelligence information, security procedures, and records that would endanger individuals or investigations if disclosed
• Juvenile Records: Court records and law enforcement records pertaining to minors, protected under Welfare and Institutions Code § 827
• Medical and Mental Health Records: Protected under HIPAA and state medical privacy laws
• Social Services Records: Child welfare records, adult protective services records, and public assistance records containing personal information
• Private Personal Information: Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, financial account information, and other personally identifying information
• Sealed Court Records: Records ordered sealed by a court, including certain criminal records subject to expungement
• Adoption Records: Sealed under Family Code § 9200 et seq.
• Library Patron Records: Protected under Government Code § 6267
• Critical Infrastructure Information: Details about public utilities, technology systems, or security measures that could compromise public safety
• Preliminary Drafts and Notes: Internal working documents not retained in the ordinary course of business
• Trade Secrets: Proprietary business information submitted to the county

When a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, El Dorado County will redact the confidential portions and release the remainder, as required by Government Code § 6253(a).

The county applies the "public interest balancing test" under Government Code § 6255, which permits withholding records when "the public interest served by not disclosing the record clearly outweighs the public interest served by disclosure."

El Dorado County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

El Dorado County Recorder-Clerk
360 Fair Lane
Placerville, CA 95667
(530) 621-5490
El Dorado County Recorder-Clerk

South Lake Tahoe Branch Office
3368 Lake Tahoe Blvd., Suite 108
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
(530) 573-3409
El Dorado County Recorder-Clerk

Regular Office Hours:
Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Services Provided:

• Recording of deeds, mortgages, liens, and other property documents
• Issuance of marriage licenses
• Filing of fictitious business name statements
• Issuance of certified copies of birth, death, and marriage certificates
• Passport application processing (Placerville office only)
• Notary public oath and bond filing
• Military discharge recording

Document Recording Hours:
Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Marriage License Services:
By appointment only at both locations
Appointments can be scheduled by calling the office or through the online appointment system on the official website

Lookup Public Records in El Dorado County

El Dorado County Superior Court Online Services

El Dorado County Superior Court