Lake County Background Check Records

Lake County background check records are available through the sheriff department and Superior Court. This rural North Coast county has about 68,000 residents around Clear Lake. The sheriff offers local background checks and Live Scan services. This guide explains how to access criminal records in Lake County.

Lake County Sheriff Records

The Lake County Sheriff provides records services including background checks. Visit the sheriff records page for details. They offer a local background check for $10 that shows Lake County records only. This is cheaper than a full state DOJ check but limited in scope.

Live Scan fingerprinting is available with a $20 rolling fee. On top of this you pay $32 to the state DOJ and $17 to the FBI for federal records. Total cost is about $69 for a complete check through Live Scan. The sheriff serves all of Lake County since there is no city police.

Lake County is rural with limited Live Scan options. The sheriff may be the primary choice for most residents. Private operators may also serve the area. Check the DOJ locator to see all options.

Lake County Court Records

Lake Superior Court handles criminal cases for the county. The courthouse is in Lakeport. You can search cases and request copies of documents. Criminal records are public unless sealed by court order.

Certified copies cost $40 per document. Regular copies have per page fees. Contact the clerk for specific pricing. Being a small county, the court staff can usually help you find what you need quickly.

Lake County Background Check Fees

Fees in Lake County include state charges plus local fees. The DOJ charges $32. The FBI charges $17. The sheriff rolling fee is $20. A local background check is just $10.

Total costs for a full state and federal check run about $69 at the sheriff. The $10 local check only shows Lake County records. Court fees follow standard California rates.

Note: Lake County has some of the lower fees in California for background check services.

Nearby California Counties

Lake County is in Northern California around Clear Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake entirely within the state. Several counties surround it.

Neighboring counties include Mendocino County to the west, Sonoma County to the south, Napa County to the southeast, and Colusa County to the east.

Cities in Lake County

Lake County has two small cities: Lakeport (the county seat) and Clearlake. Neither has a population over 50,000. The sheriff provides law enforcement for the entire county. Criminal cases go through Lake Superior Court.