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San Mateo, California Public Records

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San Mateo Public Records Directory

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Frequently Asked Questions

1
What is the process for someone who is arrested in San Mateo, San Mateo County, California to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of San Mateo, California, you will be transported to the San Mateo County Jail for booking and processing. During booking, officers will record your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and log personal belongings. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment before the San Mateo Superior Court. Under California law, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford legal representation, a public defender will be appointed. Bail may be set at arraignment depending on the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Criminal history records are maintained by the California Department of Justice. The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/ciris/ where you can look up current detainees.
2
What are the school district and education performance data for , California?
The San Mateo Union High School District serves the city of San Mateo, California. According to the California Department of Education, the district had an overall Academic Performance Index (API) score of 845 in 2019, which is above the state average of 790. The district also had a graduation rate of 93.2%, which is higher than the state average of 83.2%.
3
What are the school district and education performance data for San Mateo, San Mateo County, California?
The San Mateo Union High School District serves the city of San Mateo, California. According to the California Department of Education, the district had an overall Academic Performance Index (API) score of 845 in 2019, which is higher than the state average of 790. The district also had a graduation rate of 93.2%, which is higher than the state average of 83.2%.
4
What are the crime statistics for , California?
According to the San Mateo Police Department, the total number of reported crimes in San Mateo for 2019 was 8,945. Of those, there were 1,845 violent crimes and 7,100 property crimes. The violent crime rate was 4.2 per 1,000 people, and the property crime rate was 33.2 per 1,000 people.
5
What are the crime statistics for San Mateo, San Mateo County, California?
According to the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office, the crime rate in San Mateo, San Mateo County, California is lower than the national average. In 2019, the total number of reported crimes in San Mateo was 4,845, which is a decrease of 4.3% from 2018. The most common crimes reported were larceny/theft (1,845), burglary (1,072), and motor vehicle theft (717).
6
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the California Library?
The San Mateo Public Library in San Mateo County, California provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and California government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the California Public Records Act (Gov. Code § 7920 et seq.), which governs access to government documents in California. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the San Mateo California Archives and Genealogy at https://www.sos.ca.gov/archives/collections/. Contact the San Mateo Public Library reference desk at (650) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
7
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the San Mateo, San Mateo County, California Library?
The San Mateo Public Library in San Mateo County, California provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and California government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the California Public Records Act (Gov. Code § 7920 et seq.), which governs access to government documents in California. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the San Mateo California Archives and Genealogy at https://www.sos.ca.gov/archives/collections/. Contact the San Mateo Public Library reference desk at (650) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
8
Where is the , California Public Library located?
The San Mateo, California Library is located at 55 West Third Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94402.
9
Where is the San Mateo, San Mateo County, California Public Library located?
The San Mateo Public Library is located at 55 West Third Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94402.
10
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in , California?
Fingerprinting services in San Mateo, San Mateo County, California are available through the San Mateo Police Department and the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office. Services are provided for employment background checks, licensing applications, immigration purposes, and personal record requests. You will typically need to bring a valid government-issued photo ID and, where applicable, a completed fingerprint card from the requesting agency. Appointments can often be scheduled by calling (650) or by visiting the department's website. Fingerprints are submitted to the California Department of Justice and the FBI for identity verification and criminal history review. Statewide criminal history checks can also be requested through the California Department of Justice.
11
What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from , California, and what information is provided in the records?
In order to obtain vital records from San Mateo, California, you must contact the San Mateo County Clerk/Recorder's Office. Vital records include birth, death, and marriage certificates. You must present valid photo identification when requesting vital records in person. Documents which are accepted include a driver's license, military ID card, passport, or other government-issued identification card. To request vital records online, you must create an account on the San Mateo County Clerk/Recorder's website and pay the applicable fee (which varies based on the type of record being requested). All documents must be requested with a full name, date of birth/date of event, and other identifying information where applicable. For more detailed information on fees and document delivery instructions, please visit the San Mateo County Clerk/Recorder's website.
12
What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from San Mateo, San Mateo County, California, and what information is provided in the records?
The San Mateo County Clerk-Recorder's Office is responsible for issuing vital records for San Mateo County, California.

To obtain vital records from the San Mateo County Clerk-Recorder's Office, you must submit a completed application form, along with a valid photo ID and the appropriate fee. The application form can be found on the San Mateo County Clerk-Recorder's website.

The vital records available from the San Mateo County Clerk-Recorder's Office include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. All of these records include the name of the person, the date of the event, and the place of the event.
13
About Police Reports
Police reports from San Mateo, California can be obtained from the San Mateo Police Department, located in San Mateo County. To request a police report, visit the Records Division in person or submit a written request by mail. You will typically need the report number, date of incident, and your valid photo ID. A fee may be charged per page for copies. Under the California Public Records Act (Gov. Code § 7920 et seq.), most police reports are public records in California, though portions related to active investigations, juvenile records, or sensitive personal information may be redacted. Contact the San Mateo Police Department Records Division at (650) for information on fees, hours, and online request options. For statewide criminal records, visit https://oag.ca.gov/fingerprints/record_review.
14
About background check
A background check in San Mateo, San Mateo County, California typically includes a review of criminal history, driving records, credit history, employment verification, education verification, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards commonly request background checks in California. Criminal background checks are processed through the California Department of Justice, which maintains arrest records, convictions, and disposition data for California residents. The California Department of Justice provides official criminal history checks at https://oag.ca.gov/fingerprints/record_review. Under the California Public Records Act (Gov. Code § 7920 et seq.), individuals have the right to request their own records. Federal background checks are available through the FBI's Identity History Summary program. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how background check information may be used by employers and landlords.