Public Records Resources for Ventura, California
Official government websites for Ventura, California and the surrounding area. All links point to .gov, .us, or .mil domains.
- Ventura County Official SiteVentura county public services.
- Ventura County DirectoryIndex of Ventura county's services and resources.
- Ventura County Sex OffendersInformation regarding registered sex offender.
- Ventura County Inmate/Most WantedSearch the inmate search public database.
- Ventura County Criminal CourtCriminal records of misdemeanor and felony filings for the County of Ventura.
- Ventura County Civil CourtCivil Cases, records and information of General and Limited jurisdiction.
- Ventura County Divorces, Family Law courtRecords and information regarding divorces.
- Ventura Probate Courtsfilings and court records of probate cases.
- Ventura Small Claims CourtsCase records information and help with lawsuits in the small claims division.
- Ventura Online Case InquiryLookup upcoming cases.
- Ventura Juvenile CourtCourt matters involving delinquent minors (under 18 years old).
- Ventura Court FormsForms for Ventura's superior courts.
About Ventura County
Population
840,000 residents
County Seat
the City of Ventura
Established
1872
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement & Arrests
- Arrest records in Ventura County are public records under the California Public Records Act (Government Code Section 6250 et seq.) and can be requested from the arresting agency or the Sheriff's Office.
- Requests should be submitted in writing and may incur copying fees; the agency has ten days to respond.
800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura, CA 93009 • Phone: 805-654-2311
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Courts & Case Records
- In-person searches are available at courthouse terminals free of charge, though certified copies require fees per Government Code Section 70626 (typically $15 for the first page and $1 for each additional page).
- Remote access to civil case files is available through the court's electronic filing system for registered users.
- Traffic and small claims cases can be searched online, and the court provides self-help centers at multiple locations to assist the public in accessing records and understanding court procedures.
800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura, CA 93001 • Phone: 805-289-8750
Property & Public Records
- Ventura County Tax Collector (phone: 805-654-2181) handles payment of property taxes and maintains records of tax sales and defaulted properties.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained in person or by mail for $13 for the first page and $3 for each additional page, with expedited service available for higher fees.
- Ventura County maintains a Geographic Information System (GIS) portal at vcgis.maps.arcgis.com providing parcel maps, zoning overlays, flood zones, and aerial imagery accessible to the public at no cost.
- All requests for copies must comply with California Government Code Section 27322 regarding fees for recording and copying services.
800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura, CA 93009 • Phone: 805-654-2263
Vital Records
Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.
- Marriage licenses are issued by the County Clerk with a current fee of $85, valid for 90 days from issuance, with confidential marriage licenses available for $95.
- Marriage ceremonies can be performed by the County Clerk for an additional fee.
- Online ordering of vital records is available through Ventura County's website and through VitalChek, an authorized third-party vendor, though additional service fees apply.
800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura, CA 93009 • Phone: 805-654-2263
Business & Licensing
Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.
- Ventura County Resource Management Agency Planning Division (phone: 805-654-2478) handles business licenses for unincorporated areas, zoning clearances, and land use permits.
- Sales tax permits are obtained through the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA).
800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura, CA 93009 • Phone: 805-654-2263
Official Government Resources
Ventura County Official SiteVentura county public services.
Ventura County Birth and Death RecordsOfficial birth and death certificates.
Ventura County DirectoryIndex of Ventura county's services and resources.
Ventura County Fictitious Business Name FilingsSearch for information by business name or business owner.
Ventura County Marriage RecordsGet information regarding obtaining marriage records in Ventura county.
Ventura County Official Public Records SearchCounty clerk recorder information and record access.
Ventura County Property AssessorProperty assessment and other county real estate resources.
Ventura County Property Tax InformationReview and obtain property taxes.
Ventura County Recorded DocumentsSearch and order recorded documents in the county.
Ventura Voter RegistrationRegistered voters and information.
Ventura County Sex OffendersInformation regarding registered sex offender.
Ventura County Inmate/Most WantedSearch the inmate search public database.
Ventura County Criminal CourtCriminal records of misdemeanor and felony filings for the County of Ventura.
Ventura County Civil CourtCivil Cases, records and information of General and Limited jurisdiction.
Ventura County Divorces, Family Law courtRecords and information regarding divorces.
Ventura Probate Courtsfilings and court records of probate cases.
Ventura Small Claims CourtsCase records information and help with lawsuits in the small claims division.
Ventura Traffic CourtsCitations, fines and traffic court and school information.
Ventura Online Case InquiryLookup upcoming cases.
Ventura Juvenile CourtCourt matters involving delinquent minors (under 18 years old).
Ventura Court FormsForms for Ventura's superior courts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Ventura County, California?
To search for someone recently arrested in Ventura County, you can use the Ventura County Sheriff's Office Inmate Information portal. The main jail facility is the local Pre-Trial Detention Facility. You can access the inmate lookup tool on the local Sheriff's Office website by entering the individual's name or booking number to find arrest details and current custody status.
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Ventura County, California?
Mugshots or booking photos For people arrested in Ventura County can be requested from the Ventura County Sheriff's Office. While the Sheriff's Office does not provide an online portal for public access to mugshots, you can visit their office in person or contact them for more information on obtaining these records. Keep in mind that access to mugshots may be subject to privacy laws and regulations.
How do I get a criminal background check in Ventura County, California?
To obtain a criminal background check in Ventura County, you can request a Live Scan through the California Department of Justice (DOJ). Locally, you can visit the Ventura County Sheriff's Office or authorized Live Scan locations to submit your fingerprints. The DOJ will process the request and provide the background check results, which include criminal history information specific to California.
How can I look up sex offenders in Ventura County, California?
You can look up sex offenders in Ventura County by accessing the California Megan's Law website, which is maintained by the California Department of Justice. This online registry provides information on registered sex offenders, including their names, addresses, and offenses. The site allows you to search by name, address, or city to find information specific to Ventura County.
How do I register to vote in Ventura County, California?
You can register to vote in Ventura County through the California Secretary of State's online portal at registertovote.ca.gov, by mail using a paper registration form, or in person at the Ventura County Clerk-Recorder-Elections Division at 800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura. The registration deadline is 15 days before an election, though California offers conditional voter registration up to and including Election Day at designated locations. Once registered, all this county voters automatically receive vote-by-mail ballots for every election, and can also vote in person at any vote center in the county during the voting period.
How do I look up property records in Ventura County, California?
Property records in Ventura County can be searched through the Ventura County Recorder-Clerk's Office online portal at recorder.countyofventura.org, where you can search by owner name, parcel number, or document number free of charge and view recorded deeds, mortgages, liens, and other documents for a per-page fee. The this county Assessor's Office provides a separate online property information system at assessor.countyofventura.org showing assessed values, ownership history, legal descriptions, and tax information at no cost. For GIS maps and parcel boundaries, the county's Geographic Information System portal offers free public access to interactive mapping tools and aerial imagery.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Ventura County, California?
Birth and death certificates for events in Ventura County can be obtained from the Ventura County Clerk-Recorder's Office at 800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura, CA 93009, or by phone at 805-654-2263. Birth certificates cost $29 for the first certified copy and death certificates cost $21, with in-person requests processed immediately when records are available and mail requests taking 2-3 weeks. Online ordering is available through the county website and VitalChek service with additional processing fees, and only authorized individuals with valid photo ID can obtain certified copies under California Health and Safety Code Section 103526.
How do I find business license records in Ventura County, California?
Business licenses in Ventura County are issued by individual cities for businesses within city limits and by the County Resource Management Agency for unincorporated areas. Fictitious business name (DBA) statements are filed with the Ventura County Clerk-Recorder at 805-654-2263 and can be searched through the Recorder's online system. For information on corporations, LLCs, and other business entities registered in California, use the free California Secretary of State Business Search at bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov, which provides entity status, registration dates, and agent information for all businesses in the county.