California Public Records Key Terms

Using key words to search California's public records

By Paula Papp

Knowing how to search for public records can help find vital information on such issues as criminal background on potential employees or people you may be dating; physicians who are licensed to provide care legally, sexual offenders, unclaimed property and birth, death and divorce records.

Public records contain many different types of information that can be used for a variety of reasons. Examples of the types of information include the following key terms.

Contractors state licenses

If contemplating construction services, check that the contractor is licensed to do the work. The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) provides this as well as citations, licenses, complaint investigations, license suspensions and possible criminal, civil and administrative sanctions against those who are in violation.
Try: The California Department of Consumer Affairs Contractors State License Board has a huge amount of educational materials as well as the capability to do an online check of any licensed contractor.

Sex offender registration and exclusion information

The Justice Department of California maintains a list of all sex offenders who reside in California through the Sex Offender Tracking Program.
Try: Persons who are convicted of sexual crimes are required by California state law to register as sex offenders with local law enforcement agency in the county in which they reside. This information can be accessed on Attorney General's Department of Justice website.

Unclaimed property

California law requires that any property that has remained in possession of the State without any activity on the part of the owner, generally for three years or more, be listed for possible claim. The most common types of unclaimed property include stocks, dividends, safe deposit box contents, uncashed money orders and checks, bank accounts and other unclaimed accounts.
Try: The Unclaimed Property Program has a free online search tool to help find any unclaimed property that either your business of your family may be entitled to claim.

Physician licenses

Knowing that a physician rendering care to patients has a valid license, as well as information about disciplinary actions, convictions or termination/revocation of privileges to provide health care services or any actions again him/her can help consumers make informed health care decisions.
Try: The Medical Board of California maintains a database which gives complete information about a physician's license and other pertinent practice data. Details of what can be searched for and how to search are all explained in full.

Vital records

Record of California births, deaths, still born deaths, fetal death, divorce and marriage records are kept and maintained by the California Department of Public Health, Office of Vital Records.
Try: Vital records are obtained through the county offices of the State where the event or action took place. A list of the types of vital records available for public search and the procedure to do one is at the California Department of Health's website.

Tax defaulted land sales

Property that have unpaid taxes are tax-defaulted. After 5 years, it then is subject to sale by the county tax collector in order to pay the defaulted taxes. This can be done by public auction, sale negotiated to a public organization or a sealed bid type sale.
Try: Public auctions are held by the California State Controller's Office which posts dates of auctions, land location details and bidding guidelines for anyone who is interested in investigating the purchase of these types of land.