Search Orange County Court Cases

This page helps with a Case Search need in Orange County, California, by explaining the main online court search paths, record limits, and next steps for copies or certified records.

The Superior Court of California, County of Orange provides public online services for case index searches, case access, name search, calendars, and court record requests.

Orange County Superior Court Case Index

The search the Case Index page is the main public index path for Orange County Superior Court case lookup. It provides limited filing information and requires users to accept the court’s terms before continuing.

Use the Case Index when you need a broad starting point for Orange County case filing information. The online information is provided as a public service and is not the official court record.

Official record note: To obtain an official certified court record, request the specific documents from the court in person or in writing.

Case access by case type

Orange County Superior Court separates online case access by case type. Choose the access page that matches the kind of case you are trying to review.

• Use Civil Case Access for available civil case summary and register of action information.
• Use Criminal and Traffic Case Access for online criminal and traffic case information.
• Use Family Law Case Access for available family law case data.
• Use Probate Case Access for probate case information.
• Use Small Claims Case Access for small claims case information.

Civil case access covers unlimited and complex civil actions dating back to 1996 and limited civil actions dating back to 2005. Most civil documents filed on or after January 1, 2008 may be viewed and downloaded, with fees applying.

Name Search and attorney access

The court’s Name Search service requires sign-in. Enrollment is free, and registered users may use the “Search Me” feature to search on their registered name for free.

The Criminal Defense Attorney Portal is designed for attorneys searching traffic and criminal cases. Attorneys must provide a valid State Bar Number, name, and case number for a case where they appear as attorney of record.

For public name-based searching, sign in or enroll for Case Name Search through the court’s online service page.

Cases on Calendar searches

The court’s calendar search helps users find hearings by case number, case title, date, location, department, or hearing time. Cases set more than six weeks in the future will not display.

• Case category, such as Civil, Criminal, Family Law, Probate, Small Claims, or Traffic
• Case ID, if known
• Case title, last name, or business name if the case number is not known
• Location, department, hearing time, or date range when available

After entering the available details, use the court’s search cases on calendar service to review matching calendar results.

Older records and copy requests

The court maintains records dating back to 1898, but retention times vary by case type. Newer records may be available online, while older indexes may be located at the Justice Center tied to the case.

For civil, small claims, criminal, and traffic matters, record searches and copy requests may be handled in person or by mail. Request forms may require identifying details such as the case number, party names, document name, filing date, date of birth, driver’s license number, violation location, or violation date when those details apply.

For civil and small claims records, the court lists a copy fee of $0.50 per page, with an additional fee required to certify documents. Civil copy requests by mail should not include cash.

Criminal and traffic copy requests are generally filled within 7–10 working days. Mail requests should include a self-addressed, stamped envelope large enough for the requested copies.

Court locations for case records

Use the appropriate Justice Center when a record, index, file review, or copy request must be handled in person or by mail.

• Superior Court of California, County of Orange, 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701
• Central Justice Center, 751 West Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, CA 92701
• Civil Complex Center, 909 N. Main St., Santa Ana, CA 92701
• Community Court, 3390 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, CA 92626-1554
• Costa Mesa Justice Complex, 550 N Flower St, Santa Ana, CA 92703
• Harbor Justice Center - Newport Beach, 4601 Jamboree Rd, Newport Beach, CA 92660
• Lamoreaux Justice Center, 341 The City Dr S, Orange, CA 92868
• North Justice Center, 1275 N Berkeley Ave, Fullerton, CA 92832
• Stephen K. Tamura - West Justice Center, 8141 13th St, Westminster, CA 92683