Monterey County Clerk of the Superior Court

Superior Court Clerk vs County Clerk-Recorder

Two offices in Monterey County go by similar names and do different work. The court clerk keeps case files. The County Clerk-Recorder, a separately elected office, keeps vital records and recorded real property. The court's civil/family/probate records page tells anyone looking for a marriage certificate or death certificate to contact the Clerk-Recorder at 168 W. Alisal Street while divorce records remain at the court. Confusing the two leads to wasted trips, so a clear split helps.

Records Counter Locations

The court splits its work across two main records counters by case type. Each counter has its own mail address, its own hours, and its own request form.

Record Request Forms

The clerk publishes two main records request forms. The Civil/Family/Probate Request for Record Search and Copies (CI-115) covers most non-criminal requests. The criminal records page provides instructions for criminal record requests. The Administrative Records Request form covers Rule 10.500 administrative requests, which are different from case-file requests.

Below is the official court Civil/Family/Probate records page, which links the CI-115 request form.

Form use is not mandatory; a plain letter with the required information works the same way.

Monterey County Clerk Fees

Court fees are set by the statewide civil and local fee schedule and the records page. The chart below covers the most common record requests at the Clerk's counter.

How to Request a Certified Copy from the Monterey County Clerk

1. Identify the case type (criminal at Salinas; civil, family, or probate at Monterey).
2. Have the case number ready; if unknown, plan on the $15 record-search fee.
3. Complete the CI-115 request form or write a plain letter with the same data.
4. Add a check or money order payable to Superior Court. Write "not to exceed $75" if the amount is unknown.
5. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for mailed responses.
6. Mail to the correct counter: 240 Church Street, Salinas (criminal) or 1200 Aguajito Road, Monterey (civil/family/probate).
7. Wait for processing: minimum 10 days for copies; 7-10 days for off-site files; 72 hours for more than five cases.
8. For mail criminal requests, include case number, full names, date of birth, driver's license number, and location and date of violation.

Criminal Record Requests at the Salinas Counter

Criminal record requests go to the Salinas Records counter at 240 Church Street. The criminal records page asks requesters to provide as much identifying detail as possible: case number, full names, date of birth, driver's license number, location and date of violation, and any other identifying information. In person, the clerk runs up to three searches at a time; more than three may take up to 72 hours. By mail, send a written request, a check or money order payable to Superior Court, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.

When the fee is unknown, the criminal records page allows a check marked "not to exceed $200.00" so the clerk can fill in the actual amount up to that cap. Criminal copy and certification fees follow the civil schedule of $0.50 per page and $25 per document with court seal. Older violation-date records (before November 1992) require the Salinas counter because they are not in the electronic system.

Mail Request vs In-Person Request

Both mail and in-person requests go to the same counters. The difference is timing, payment, and ID. Mail requests need full payment up front (or a "not to exceed" check), a written description of the records, and a return envelope. The clerk processes mail requests in order received, with a 10-day minimum for copies. Off-site files add 7-10 days. Requests for more than five cases need a Court File Request Form and 72 hours of advance notice.

Court Transcripts and Audio Recordings

Court reporters at Monterey produce transcripts of reported proceedings. Transcript requests go to the assigned court reporter, not the records counter. Audio recordings are available for some non-reported proceedings under California Rule of Court 2.952 and local rules. The clerk's office can identify the correct court reporter and the procedure for ordering a transcript. Transcript fees follow Government Code 69950 et seq., paid directly to the court reporter.

Audio is not the same as transcript; a transcript is a written record certified by the court reporter, while an audio recording is the raw recording where one exists. Audio is sometimes restricted by local rule or by court order in sensitive matters. The PIO at (831) 775-5400 x3020 can route audio-recording requests to the correct department.

Online Services from the Clerk

The court's online services page links the Public Portal Case Search, calendars, and online payment for criminal and traffic fines. The portal covers current and completed cases dating back to 2008 with no login. Criminal electronic information reaches back to November 1992. Older criminal files need a written request to the Salinas counter. The portal is not a substitute for a certified copy; certified copies still require a written or in-person request.

Public Access Rules

The court records page cites California Rule of Court 2.400(a) for public inspection of court files and 2.550(a) for the presumption of openness. Rule 2.500 covers electronic access policy. Rule 2.503 covers courthouse computer access. Rule 2.507 covers remote access. The clerk's role is to give the public access where rules allow and to protect confidential files where rules require. For sealed civil records, the requester must file a motion to unseal under Rules 2.550 and 2.551.

Filing a New Case with the Monterey County Clerk

Filing a new case happens at the same counter that later holds the records. Criminal cases are filed by the District Attorney at Salinas; the public does not file criminal complaints. Civil, family, and probate cases are filed by the parties at Monterey, 1200 Aguajito Road. Small claims are filed at Marina, Department 20. Traffic citations are filed by the issuing agency at Marina or King City; the driver does not initiate a filing.

Filing fees follow the statewide civil and local fee schedule. Common civil filing fees range from about $240 to $450 for first-paper fees, with reduced fees for limited civil. Family law dissolutions, probate petitions, and small claims each carry their own fee tiers. Fee waivers are available for qualifying parties using Judicial Council form FW-001 (or FW-001-GC for probate guardianship and conservatorship). E-filing is allowed in some case types under local rule; check the court's local rules before assuming any e-filing mandate.

Related Monterey County Searches

For court case search, see court records. For calendars and hearing lookup, see court dockets. For Clerk-Recorder marriage and divorce records, see marriage and divorce records. For probate filings, see probate records. For Sheriff public records and CPRA requests, see public records.