This page helps users complete a case search in Ventura County, California, by pointing to the main online court search options and the Records Department path for cases that are not available online.

Ventura Superior Court provides separate search options for Civil, Probate, Small Claims, Family Law, Criminal, and Traffic case information. Some records require an online account, a case number, or a written or in-person records request.

Ventura Superior Court case inquiry options

Start with the case type. Ventura Superior Court separates case searches by database, so the best search path depends on whether the matter is civil, probate, small claims, family law, criminal, or traffic.

  • Civil, Probate, and Small Claims searches may use a case number, party name, or calendar search.
  • Family Law searches may use a case number, case name, or calendar date range.
  • Criminal case searches require a first and last name or a case number.
  • Traffic case searches require a citation number.

Use the court search option that matches the case type before contacting staff for a records search.

  • Choose the case category that matches the record you need.
  • Open the official search page for that case category.
  • Enter the supported search information, such as a case number, name, or citation number.
  • If the case is not available online, use the Records Department request process.

The search Civil, Probate, and Small Claims case information option provides access to Ventura Superior Court case information for those case types. An online account is required.

The system can show the Register of Actions, which lists documents filed in the case, filing dates, and filing parties. A case number is required to search the Register of Actions.

Small Claims documents may be viewed and printed when permitted by the California Rules of Court. Civil and Probate non-confidential scanned and court-generated documents processed after March 20, 2023, may also be available when permitted. Probate Estate and Trust Accountings are excluded from that online document access.

Access limits: confidential and sealed case information is not available online, and some information may be restricted by law or court rule.

The search Family Law case information tool supports searches by case number, case name, or calendar search date range.

Ventura Superior Court began entering cases in the Family Law database on September 1, 1991. Cases filed after that date are available in the system, and some active older cases were also entered.

Family Law minute orders are no longer available online. Information that is not available through the online system must be requested through the Records Department.

Criminal and traffic case information

The search Criminal or Traffic case information page can provide information such as a citation number and case status.

Criminal case searches require a first and last name or a case number. Traffic case searches require a citation number. The case information page also includes search selections for case number, citation number, bail bond number, and business name.

Municipal Court cases began entering the system on January 1, 1989, and cases filed before that date are not available in the database. Only current infractions and misdemeanors are available. Superior Court cases began entering the system in 1995 when the courts were combined, so older felony cases may be partially entered or not entered.

Search limit: criminal and traffic searches no longer allow searches by date of birth or driver’s license number.

Records Department searches and copies

Cases that are not available in the online systems can be researched through the Ventura Superior Court Records Department in person or in writing. Court staff will not process search requests over the phone.

Record search requests have a $15 fee per search request, with a maximum of 15 names per request. Search requests are usually completed within 5 to 7 business days, excluding holidays. Payments must be received before requests are processed.

The Records Department accepts in-person requests Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., excluding holidays. Written requests should include a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment. Checks should be made payable to Ventura Superior Court.

Copy fees include $0.50 per page, $40 for certification, $15 for a certified Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage, and $11 for an audio recording CD.

Viewing court files in person

Case files may be viewed at the appropriate courthouse records location. A current picture identification is required, and documents may not be removed from case files. Case files may not be removed from the courthouse.

At the Hall of Justice in Ventura, cases may be viewed in Room 218. At the Juvenile Courthouse in Oxnard, cases may be viewed in Room 122, and the person viewing the file must be a party to the case.

Some older court files are stored off site and must be retrieved before viewing. Taking photographs of court documents is not permitted, and some files may not be viewed without a court order.

Confidential, juvenile, probate, and adoption records

Confidential case types have access limits. If copies of confidential documents are requested, the requester must submit a notarized copy of a driver’s license, passport, or identification card.

The Juvenile Courthouse in Oxnard maintains Juvenile, Probate, Guardianship, and Adoption records. Adoption, Juvenile, Probate, Conservatorship, and Guardianship records requests should be directed to the Juvenile and Probate Courthouse rather than the general records request form.

Marriage and business licenses, birth and death certificates, and mechanics liens are handled through the Ventura County Clerk and Recorder, not the Superior Court case records process.

Ventura County court records contacts

Use these court contacts for case search help, records requests, copies, and courthouse records questions.

Common questions

Where can I search Ventura County Civil, Probate, and Small Claims cases?

Use the Ventura Superior Court Civil, Probate, and Small Claims online service. An account is required, and some information may be limited by court rules.

Where can I search Ventura County Family Law cases?

Use the Family Law Case Number Search tool for case number, case name, or calendar searches. Family Law minute orders are not available online.

What should I do if I cannot find a case online?

Contact the Ventura Superior Court Records Department or submit a search request in person or in writing. Court staff do not process search requests over the phone.

Is online case information the official court record?

No. Ventura Superior Court states that online case information is provided as a public service and does not constitute the official record of the Court.

How much does a Ventura Superior Court record search cost?

A record search request costs $15, with a maximum of 15 names per request. Copy and certification fees may also apply.

Can I view Ventura County court files in person?

Yes. Files may be viewed at the appropriate records location with current picture identification. Case files and documents may not be removed from the courthouse.