Search San Bernardino Civil Records

Civil court records for San Bernardino are kept by the Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino. You can search for civil case information online through the court's public access portal. The system lets you view case documents, registers of actions, and filing information for civil cases throughout San Bernardino County. San Bernardino is the county seat and home to the main criminal courthouse, though civil cases can be filed at multiple district locations. The court offers remote access to view and purchase documents from civil cases for a fee of $0.50 per page.

San Bernardino County Handles All Cases

Civil cases involving San Bernardino residents or businesses are filed with San Bernardino County Superior Court. California does not have city courts for civil litigation. All civil matters go through the county Superior Court system. San Bernardino County operates multiple court districts to serve different geographic areas of the county.

The San Bernardino District courthouse handles both criminal and civil matters. It is located at 247 West Third Street, San Bernardino, CA 92415-0240. The phone number is (909) 384-1888. This is the main courthouse for the city of San Bernardino and surrounding communities. You can file civil cases here or at other district courthouses based on where you live or where the incident occurred.

San Bernardino County is one of the largest counties in the United States by land area. Because of this size, the court operates several district locations. The Rancho Cucamonga District is at 8303 Haven Avenue, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730. The Victorville District serves the High Desert area. The Fontana District handles cases for the western part of the county. Each district has its own clerk's office and case filing procedures.

You can search for cases online through the court's public access portal at cap.sb-court.org. This system covers all districts. Case data for cases filed before 1998 may be limited. For older cases, contact the specific court district where the case was filed. Staff can help you locate archived records.

Online Case Access Portal

The Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino provides remote access to civil case information. The portal shows case summaries, registers of actions, and available documents. You can search by party name, case number, or attorney name. The system displays results from all court districts in one place.

When you find a case, click on it to see the register of actions. This lists every filing, motion, hearing, and order in chronological order. You can see what documents were filed and when court events took place. The register gives you a complete timeline of the case from filing to final judgment.

Documents can be viewed and downloaded for $0.50 per page. You pay by credit card when you access the document. The court uses this fee to maintain the online system and cover the cost of providing remote access. Not all documents in every case are available online. Some older filings or certain case types may require an in-person visit.

The online portal is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can search from home, work, or anywhere with internet access. This saves time compared to visiting the courthouse in person. The system is updated regularly with new filings and case information.

Visit the Courthouse

You can review case files in person at any San Bernardino County courthouse. Bring a valid photo ID. Court security requires identification to access case files. Tell the clerk the case number or the names of the parties. Staff will retrieve the file for you to review.

Copies cost $0.50 per page when requested in person. Certified copies cost an additional $40 for the certification on top of the per-page fee. You need certified copies for most official purposes like appeals or legal filings. Regular copies work fine for personal reference.

The clerk's office hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Some locations may have different hours. Call ahead to confirm before you visit. Arrive early if you need help from staff, as lines can be long during peak times.

If the file you need is stored off-site, staff will request it from the records facility. This takes additional time. Ask the clerk for an estimate of how long retrieval will take. Some districts can get files within a few days. Others may take longer depending on where the records are stored.

Civil Case Types

San Bernardino County Superior Court handles all types of civil disputes. Unlimited civil cases involve claims over $35,000. These cases include personal injury lawsuits, medical malpractice claims, business litigation, contract disputes, real estate disagreements, and employment cases. Complex cases with multiple parties or difficult legal issues typically exceed the $35,000 threshold.

Limited civil cases cover amounts between $10,000 and $35,000. Common limited civil matters include landlord-tenant disputes, debt collection lawsuits, property damage claims, and contract disagreements. Unlawful detainer eviction cases are limited civil cases. The procedures are simpler and faster than unlimited civil court.

Small claims court resolves disputes up to $10,000 for most people. Businesses that file more than 12 small claims per year are limited to $5,000 per case. You do not need a lawyer in small claims court. The process is informal. You present your evidence to the judge, and the judge decides the case.

Typical small claims cases include:

• Security deposit disputes between landlords and tenants
• Unpaid debts or loans between individuals
• Property damage from car accidents or negligence
• Breach of contract for services or goods
• Consumer complaints about defective products or services

Note: Most civil court records are public, but some information may be sealed or redacted by court order to protect privacy.

Filing and Service Fees

Filing fees in San Bernardino County follow the statewide California schedule with some local variations. An unlimited civil complaint costs $435 to file. The answer in an unlimited civil case also costs $435. Limited civil cases have lower filing fees. A complaint seeking between $10,000 and $35,000 costs $370. Cases under $10,000 cost $225 for the first responsive paper.

Small claims filing fees depend on claim amount. Claims up to $1,500 cost $30. Claims between $1,500.01 and $5,000 cost $50. Claims from $5,000.01 to $10,000 cost $75. These fees make small claims court accessible for everyday disputes.

Copy fees are standard. Copies cost $0.50 per page. Certification adds $40. A certified copy of a 15-page document costs $7.50 for copies plus $40.00 for certification, totaling $47.50. Research fees of $15 may apply if staff spends more than 10 minutes searching for records without a case number.

San Bernardino and Riverside counties have some local fee surcharges that differ from other California counties. Check the court's fee schedule for the most current rates. Fee amounts can change when state law is updated. The court website lists all current fees.

Court District Locations

San Bernardino County operates multiple courthouse districts. The San Bernardino District is the main facility for the city of San Bernardino. It is at 247 West Third Street, San Bernardino, CA 92415-0240. This courthouse handles criminal and civil cases for the central part of the county.

The Rancho Cucamonga District serves the western part of the county. Address is 8303 Haven Avenue, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730. Phone is (909) 350-9764. This location handles a high volume of civil cases from the Inland Empire communities.

The Victorville District serves the High Desert region. It is located at 14455 Civic Drive, Victorville, CA 92392. Phone is (760) 245-6215. This courthouse handles cases from Victorville, Hesperia, Apple Valley, and surrounding desert communities.

The Fontana District is at 17780 Arrow Boulevard, Fontana, CA 92335. Phone is (909) 350-9322. This location serves Fontana and nearby cities in the western county area. Each district has its own clerk's office, filing procedures, and courtroom departments.

Legal Help and Resources

The San Bernardino County Law Library provides free access to legal research materials. The main library is at the San Bernardino courthouse. Branch libraries operate at other courthouse locations. You can use law books, online databases, and research computers. Staff can help you find legal resources but cannot give legal advice.

Inland Counties Legal Services provides free civil legal assistance to low-income residents. They help with housing, family law, public benefits, and consumer issues. You must meet income guidelines to qualify. Apply online or call their intake line to see if you are eligible.

The Superior Court Self-Help Center offers assistance with court forms and procedures. Staff can explain how to fill out forms, what documents to file, and what happens at court hearings. They cannot represent you in court or give legal advice about your specific case. The Self-Help Center is located at the San Bernardino courthouse.

Private attorneys in San Bernardino handle all types of civil litigation. The State Bar of California operates a lawyer referral service. Many attorneys offer free initial consultations. Ask about fees, payment plans, and experience with your type of case during your first meeting.

Nearby California Cities

Other major cities in San Bernardino County and surrounding areas file civil cases through their respective county Superior Courts.