Records Management

Follow the instructions below to complete a case name search and submit the online request. Due to fluctuating request volume, Records Management staff will contact you within 24–48 hours after receiving your request.

Online request requirements: You must know your case number and provide a valid email address so confirmation can be sent to you. In-person appointments will be scheduled after the online request is received.

If you do not know your case number, you can use the public case search portal. For help, visit Case Management Video Tutorials. To begin your search, go to Case Management Search.

Submit the online request here: Online request form. Please enter accurate case and contact information. Incorrect information may delay your request and may require you to submit a new request. Records Management will send confirmation by email.

Requests for copies submitted by mail are processed within 20 business days from the date the request and payment are received. Processing time may vary based on request volume.

Researchers may schedule an appointment to use public kiosks in the second-floor view room at the Stockton Courthouse. To schedule an appointment, you must agree to the conditions below.

Research appointment conditions

1. Follow any social distancing protocols in place.
2. Arrive on time and leave promptly at the end of your appointment. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, you will need to be rescheduled.
3. Do not come in if you are not feeling well.
4. Researchers may not schedule consecutive appointment time slots.

How to request a research appointment

1. Go to www.sjcourts.org.
2. Select Support.
3. Select “Records Support” from the drop-down menu.
4. Enter your name.
5. Enter date of birth as 01011001.
6. In the inquiry box, include:
   • Researcher
   • Your mobile number or email (for confirmation)
   • Your preferred appointment date and time window:
     • 8:00–10:00
     • 10:00–12:30
     • 12:30–3:00
     • 3:00–5:00
7. Select “Submit.”

Records Management staff will send a confirmation text or email when your appointment is reserved. Do not appear until you have received confirmation.

Researcher reservation policy

Researchers may request one time slot for no more than two consecutive work weeks. Absences are monitored. If a researcher is absent from 25% or more of reserved appointments, they may not reserve a two-week period for at least 90 days.

Cancelled appointments may not be transferred to another individual. The appointment becomes available to the first person who submits a request.

Records Management is open for walk-ins or appointments. Appointments are available Monday through Friday (except holidays) in 20-minute intervals starting at 8:20 a.m.

Appointments are first-come, first-served and may not be available the same day. Appointments are not scheduled between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.

To request an appointment to view files or obtain copies, submit a General Records request. In the case number field, add the word “Appointment” and your preferred time, for example:
SF12345 — Appointment 10:00 a.m.
FL123456 — Appointment 10:20 a.m.
CR-2020-1234 — Appointment 2:40 p.m.

Do not appear for an appointment until you receive a confirmation email.

To reschedule, call (209) 992-5697. Arriving more than 10 minutes late will cancel the appointment and you will need to submit a new appointment request. Missed appointments cannot be rescheduled; a new request is required.

To request copies by mail, complete Form CR-109 (PDF) and mail it to:

Include the completed request form, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and your check or money order for copy fees. For convenience, you may write a personal check payable to “Superior Court of CA, SJC” and write “Not to Exceed $$$.00” with the maximum amount you authorize. Staff will make copies until the amount is used or the request is complete, whichever occurs first.

All mail is processed in the order received. Records Management does not offer rush processing. If you want copies returned using a method other than USPS, provide prepaid shipping materials or a fee voucher with your request.

Questions about mail requests: call (209) 992-5697, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Use Form CR-109 (PDF) and send requests to:

Turnaround time varies and is approximately 20 workdays from the date the request and payment are received. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your request.

If you do not know your case number, you may conduct research in person during regular business hours, or you may be able to pay the clerk to research for you. The rate is $15.00 for any name search that takes longer than 10 minutes.

This court does not complete criminal background checks. A name search is used to locate an existing case, not to determine whether you were charged with a crime. For a criminal history showing cases you have been convicted of, contact the Department of Justice:

California Department of Justice — Record Review
Telephone: (916) 227-3849

Case number search terminals are available at the following locations:

• Manteca Branch Court — 315 E Center St., Manteca, CA 95336 (currently unavailable)
• Stockton Main Courthouse — 180 E Weber Ave., Stockton, CA 95202 (2nd floor; appointment or walk-in)

If you do not know your case number, you may conduct research in person during regular business hours, or you may be able to pay the clerk to research for you. The rate is $15.00 for any name search that takes longer than 10 minutes.

This court does not complete criminal background checks. A name search is used to locate an existing case, not to determine whether you were charged with a crime. For a criminal history showing cases you have been convicted of, contact the Department of Justice:

California Department of Justice — Record Review
Telephone: (916) 227-3849

Case number search terminals are available at the following locations:

• Manteca Branch Court — 315 E Center St., Manteca, CA 95336 (currently unavailable)
• Stockton Main Courthouse — 180 E Weber Ave., Stockton, CA 95202 (2nd floor; appointment or walk-in)

Use Form CR-109 (PDF) and send requests to:

Turnaround time varies and is approximately 20 workdays from the date the request and payment are received. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your request.