San Mateo People Search

The San Mateo residents directory lets you search for people in this Peninsula city between San Francisco and San Jose. San Mateo has about 103,000 residents and sits in San Mateo County. Public records here come from county agencies in Redwood City, the San Mateo city clerk, and state-level databases. You can search voter rolls, court case files, property records, and vital records to find people in San Mateo. This page explains where each type of record is held and how to get it.

San Mateo County Records Access

Public records for San Mateo residents are managed by San Mateo County agencies based in Redwood City. The county seat is about 10 miles south of the city of San Mateo. The County Clerk-Recorder handles voter data, vital records, and recorded documents. Their main office is at 555 County Center in Redwood City. You can call (650) 363-4500 for general inquiries. Walk-in service is available on weekdays.

Voter registration files are a key tool for finding San Mateo residents. The county maintains a list of all registered voters with names, addresses, and party affiliations. You can request this data at the county level or through the California Secretary of State. Certified voter records have a fee attached, but basic voter roll searches are straightforward.

Vital records from San Mateo County include birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage records. The California Department of Public Health also processes vital record requests at the state level.

The state vital records office shows current processing times for requests. County-level requests through the Clerk-Recorder in Redwood City are usually faster for San Mateo records.

Note: Certified copies of birth certificates cost $15 at the county level in San Mateo County.

Search San Mateo Court Records

The San Mateo County Superior Court is in Redwood City at 400 County Center. All court cases for San Mateo residents go through this court. Civil lawsuits, criminal matters, family law, traffic violations, and probate cases are all handled here. You can search by name or case number to find records tied to someone in San Mateo.

Civil case records are public. They include debt collection cases, contract disputes, personal injury lawsuits, and landlord-tenant matters. Small claims files are public too. Each case record shows the parties, filing dates, and case outcome. Some records include addresses that help with San Mateo people searches. Criminal case lookups need an in-person visit to the court in Redwood City.

Copies cost about 10 cents per page for most records. The California Courts public records page has information on requesting records from any state court, including San Mateo County.

San Mateo City Clerk Records

The San Mateo City Clerk handles public records at the local level. City Hall is at 330 West 20th Avenue. The clerk manages city council minutes, resolutions, ordinances, and public records requests. Business license files are kept here too. These records can show you which San Mateo residents hold city permits or operate businesses in town.

Public records requests follow the California Public Records Act. The city must respond within 10 calendar days. A 14-day extension is possible for complex requests. Electronic records are free when sent by email. Paper copies have standard fees. The city also maintains campaign finance records and other filings that are open to the public. Code enforcement records and planning documents are available through other departments but can be requested through the clerk.

Note: San Mateo city records only cover city government. County-level records for San Mateo residents are in Redwood City.

San Mateo Property Directory

Property ownership records help you find San Mateo residents who own real estate. The San Mateo County Assessor has data on every parcel in the city. You can search by address or owner name. Results show the property owner, assessed value, lot size, and building details. The Assessor is in Redwood City at 555 County Center. Online lookups are also available through the county website.

Recorded documents add more detail. Grant deeds show who bought or sold a home in San Mateo. Trust deeds show who holds the loan. Liens and notices of default are public. All of these are filed with the San Mateo County Clerk-Recorder. They create a paper trail of property activity that you can use to track San Mateo residents over time. Recording fees start at $15 for the first page.

San Mateo has high property values compared to most of California. This means assessor records are detailed and well-maintained. Tax rolls update yearly and show the current owner of each parcel in the city.

Public Records Laws in San Mateo

The California Public Records Act governs all record requests in San Mateo. City and county agencies both follow this law. They have 10 calendar days to respond. Extensions are allowed with written notice. You never need to state a reason for your request. Most San Mateo government records are open to the public.

Some records are exempt. Personnel files, medical data, and active investigation records are protected. Home addresses of certain law enforcement officers and officials can be withheld. Voter information has its own rules under the Elections Code. Commercial use of voter data is a misdemeanor in California. Court records for family law and juvenile cases are sealed and only available at the courthouse in Redwood City.

Cities Near San Mateo

San Francisco is just north of San Mateo. Daly City is also nearby in San Mateo County but does not have a page on this site.