This page helps users handle a Case Search need in Tulare County, California, including finding case information, requesting court records, and using court services tied to a case.
The Superior Court of California, County of Tulare provides an Online Portal for case search access and a Records Request Form for court record copy requests.
Superior Court of California, County of Tulare Online Portal
Use the court's open the Online Portal case search to look for case information. The portal states that users must log in to use the Case Search feature. If you do not have an account, use the registration option on the portal.
Have enough information ready to identify the case before you search or request records.
- Case number, when known
- Case name, when available
- Your contact information for follow-up requests
- A valid email address for online record requests
For a basic case search, start with the portal. For copies or staff follow-up, use the records request process.
- Open the court Online Portal and log in or register.
- Use the Case Search feature to find the case number or case information.
- If you need copies, complete the court's online records request form.
- Watch for a confirmation email or staff follow-up after submitting an online request.
Records Request Form for court copies
Use the court's submit a records request form when you need court records or copies. The form requires all fields marked with a red asterisk. Requests missing required fields will be ignored.
The online request process requires a case number and a valid email address. Court staff will reach out 24 to 48 hours after receiving an online request. In-person appointments are scheduled after the online request is received.
Confidential requests will be denied. Use the form for public court record requests only.
Mail and in-person copy requests
The court accepts copy requests in person, by appointment, online, or by mail. Mail requests must include the case number. Mailed copy requests must also include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Use the case number prefix to route a mailed request:
- Case numbers beginning with “V” go to the Visalia Division, Attn: Civil/Criminal Records.
- Case numbers beginning with “P” go to the South County Justice Center, Attn: Civil/Criminal Records.
Mail processing varies, but the court states the turnaround time is 15 workdays from the date the request and payment are received. Copy requests submitted by email or mail are processed within 15 business days from the date the request and payment are received, and processing time can change based on request volume.
If you do not know the case number
If you cannot locate a case number, the court directs users to conduct their own index search, visit a listed court location during regular business hours for research, or pay the clerk to research. The clerk research rate is $15.00 for any search that takes longer than 10 minutes per name.
Computer terminals for case number searches are available at the Visalia Division at 221 S. Mooney Blvd., Room 124 and Room 201, Visalia, CA 93291.
The court does not complete criminal background checks. The name search function identifies an existing case, not whether someone was charged with a crime.
Copy fees
The following fees apply to copies of court public records:
| Record or service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified Divorce Decrees, also called Dissolution of Judgment | $15.00 |
| Divorce Decrees for any public agency | $10.00 |
| Any certified document other than Dissolution of Judgment in Family Law, Family Support, Civil, Probate, Small Claims, Unlawful Detainer, Criminal, and Traffic | $40.00 plus copies |
| Non-certified copies of any document | $0.50 per page per side |
If submitting payment by mail, send a check, money order, or cashier check. Do not send cash. If picking up copies in person, the court accepts cash, credit, debit, check, cashier check, or money order.
Related case services
The court provides several related online services that may help after you find a case. Court calendars are prepared several days before a court appearance, and cases may be added or removed after a calendar is posted.
The Virtual Public Counter offers real-time support from Superior Court staff for services such as court records requests, payments, and self-help. Some services may still require an in-person visit.
For court appearance reminders, the Court Appearance Reminder System allows listed case parties to search, subscribe, and opt in for text and email reminders.
Tulare County court contacts for case records
Use these court contacts for case record routing, mailed copy requests, and public counter questions tied to case searches or records.
- Visalia Division, 221 South Mooney Boulevard, Visalia, CA 93291, Attn: Civil/Criminal Records for case numbers beginning with “V”. Phone: (559) 730-5000
- South County Justice Center, 300 E. Olive Avenue, Porterville, CA 93257, Attn: Civil/Criminal Records for case numbers beginning with “P”. Phone: (559) 782-3700
- Visalia Division public terminals, 221 S. Mooney Blvd., Room 124 and Room 201, Visalia, CA 93291
Common questions
Where do I search for a Tulare County court case online?
Use the Superior Court of California, County of Tulare Online Portal. You must log in to use the Case Search feature, and you can register if you do not have an account.
How do I request copies of Tulare County court records?
Use the court's online Records Request Form, request copies by mail, or schedule an appointment through the court process. Online requests require a case number and a valid email address.
What happens if I do not know the case number?
You can conduct your own index search, use public terminals at the Visalia Division, or pay the clerk to research if the search takes longer than 10 minutes per name.
How long does a mailed court records request take?
The court states that mailed requests have a 15-workday turnaround from the date the request and payment are received. Processing time can change based on request volume.
Does the court provide criminal background checks?
No. The court states that it does not complete criminal background checks. For criminal history showing convictions, the court directs users to the State of California Department of Justice.
Can I request confidential records through the online form?
No. The court states that confidential requests will be denied.