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Solano County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Solano County?

Public records in Solano 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."

Solano County maintains numerous types of public records that are accessible to members of the public, including:

  • Court Records: Civil, criminal, probate, and family court cases maintained by the Superior Court of California, County of Solano
  • Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, assessments, and property transfers
  • Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees
  • Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and fictitious business name statements
  • Tax Records: Property tax information and assessment records
  • Voting and Election Records: Voter registration data and election results
  • Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Records of the Board of Supervisors and other county commissions
  • Budget and Financial Documents: County expenditures, contracts, and financial reports
  • Law Enforcement Records: Arrest logs and certain incident reports (with statutory limitations)
  • Land Use and Zoning Records: Planning documents, permits, and environmental reports

The Solano County Clerk's Office maintains vital records, fictitious business name statements, and other official documents. Property records are maintained by the Solano County Assessor-Recorder's Office, while court records are under the jurisdiction of the Superior Court of California, County of Solano.

Is Solano County an Open Records County?

Solano County adheres to the California Public Records Act (CPRA), codified under Government Code § 6250-6276.48, which 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."

The county follows this state mandate, which was enacted to ensure transparency in government operations. As stated in Government Code § 6250, the legislature finds that "access to information concerning the conduct of the people's business is a fundamental and necessary right of every person in this state."

Solano County has implemented policies in compliance with the Ralph M. Brown Act, California's open meeting law, which requires that meetings of public bodies be open and public. The county's commitment to transparency is reflected in its public records request procedures and online access to many documents.

The county's administrative policies align with state requirements for records retention, disclosure, and public access. While the county follows state law regarding public records access, specific departments may have additional procedures for requesting certain types of records.

How to Find Public Records in Solano County in 2026

Members of the public seeking records in Solano County may utilize several methods to locate and obtain the information they need:

  1. Online Access: Many records are available through the county's online portals:

  2. In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the appropriate county office during regular business hours:

    Solano County Clerk's Office
    675 Texas Street, Suite 1900
    Fairfield, CA 94533
    (707) 784-7485
    Solano County Clerk

    Solano County Assessor-Recorder
    675 Texas Street, Suite 2700
    Fairfield, CA 94533
    (707) 784-6210
    Solano County Assessor-Recorder

  3. Written Requests: Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(b), written requests may be submitted to the appropriate department. The county provides a Public Records Request Form that requestors may use.

  4. Specialized Searches:

When making a request, individuals should provide specific information about the records sought, including names, dates, and document types when applicable. Under current law, agencies must respond to requests within 10 days, though this period may be extended under certain circumstances as provided in Government Code § 6253(c).

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

Solano County charges fees for 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 fee structures for public records in Solano County include:

  • General Copying Fees: $0.10 to $0.25 per page for standard documents
  • Certified Copies of Vital Records:
    • Birth Certificates: $28.00 per copy
    • Death Certificates: $24.00 per copy
    • Marriage Certificates: $17.00 per copy
  • Property Records:
    • Recorded Documents: $2.00 for the first page, $0.50 for each additional page
    • Certified Copies: Additional $2.00 per document
  • Court Records:
    • Case File Copies: $0.50 per page
    • Certified Court Documents: $40.00 for certification plus copy fees
  • Maps and Large Format Documents: $5.00 to $10.00 per sheet depending on size

The county accepts payment by cash, check, money order, and credit card (in most departments). Some online services may require credit card payment.

Fee waivers may be available in certain circumstances. Under Government Code § 6253.1, agencies must assist requestors in making focused requests that minimize costs. Additionally, if a request is deemed to be in the public interest, fees may be reduced or waived at the discretion of the department.

Standard inspection of records in person is generally provided at no cost, though fees apply for copies or certified documents. Specialized searches requiring extensive staff time may incur additional charges based on actual costs.

Does Solano County Have Free Public Records?

Solano County provides free access to certain public records in compliance with California law. Under Government Code § 6253(a), public records are open to inspection at no cost during regular office hours. The following free services are currently available:

The Superior Court of California, County of Solano provides free access to case information through its public terminals located at the courthouse. Basic case information can also be viewed through the court's online portal at no charge.

The Solano County Law Library offers free public access to legal resources, including certain public records and legal research materials.

While inspection is free, fees apply for copies, certified documents, and specialized searches as detailed in the previous section. Electronic records that require no redaction or special compilation may be provided electronically at no cost in some instances.

Who Can Request Public Records in Solano County?

Under California Government Code § 6253, any person may request public records in Solano County. The law states that "every person has a right to inspect any public record," with limited exceptions. Key eligibility information includes:

  • Residency Requirements: There is no residency requirement for requesting public records. Non-residents of Solano County and California have the same rights to access public records as residents.

  • 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, including:

    • Vital records (birth, death certificates) require proof of identity and, in some cases, proof of relationship to the subject
    • Court records with confidential components may require identification
    • Law enforcement records may require verification for certain sensitive information

  • Purpose Disclosure: Under Government Code § 6257.5, agencies "shall not require the requester to make a written request, or provide any personal information, unless the agency makes that requirement for a purpose specified in this chapter." Generally, requestors do not need to explain why they want records.

  • Special Categories:

    • Attorneys and legal representatives may have expanded access to certain records when representing clients
    • Commercial requestors have the same basic rights as individuals, though some specialized data may have use restrictions
    • Media representatives have the same access rights as other members of the public

For requests involving one's own records, additional identification may be required to protect privacy. When requesting records about another individual, access may be limited by privacy laws and exemptions under Government Code § 6254.

What Records Are Confidential in Solano County?

Certain records in Solano County are exempt from public disclosure in accordance with California Government Code § 6254, which specifies numerous categories of protected information. Confidential records include:

  • Personal Privacy Records:

    • Personnel and medical files that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy
    • Social Security numbers, financial account information, and other personal identifying data
    • Home addresses and telephone numbers of public employees and officials

  • Law Enforcement Records:

    • Active investigation records
    • Intelligence information
    • Security procedures
    • Victim information in certain cases
    • Juvenile arrest and criminal history information

  • Court-Related Records:

    • Sealed court records
    • Juvenile court records (with limited exceptions)
    • Grand jury proceedings (except final reports)
    • Family court mediation records
    • Mental health proceedings

  • Other Protected Records:

    • Adoption records
    • Child welfare and protective services records
    • Attorney-client privileged communications
    • Preliminary drafts and notes not retained in the ordinary course of business
    • Trade secrets and proprietary business information
    • Critical infrastructure information and security plans
    • Library patron records

Under Government Code § 6255, known as the "catch-all" exemption, records may also be withheld if "the public interest served by not disclosing the record clearly outweighs the public interest served by disclosure." This balancing test is applied on a case-by-case basis.

When a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, the county must redact the exempt portions and release the remainder, as required by Government Code § 6253(a).

Solano County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Solano County Assessor-Recorder's Office
675 Texas Street, Suite 2700
Fairfield, CA 94533
(707) 784-6210
Solano County Assessor-Recorder

Public Counter Hours:
Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county holidays

Services Provided:

  • Recording of deeds, mortgages, liens, and other property documents
  • Issuance of certified copies of recorded documents
  • Maintenance of property ownership records
  • Processing of marriage licenses
  • Recording of military discharge documents (DD-214)
  • Fictitious business name statements

The Recorder's Office maintains records dating back to the county's formation in 1850. Many records are available through the online portal, which allows searching of recorded documents. For assistance with specific recording needs, members of the public may contact the office directly during business hours.

Documents may be submitted for recording in person, by mail, or through authorized electronic recording submission. Standard processing time for document recording is typically 1-2 business days, though certified copies of previously recorded documents may be obtained on the same day when requested in person.

Lookup Public Records in Solano County

Superior Court of California, County of Solano

Solano County Recorder's Online Services

Solano Superior Court Portal

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