Marin County Background Check Records

Marin County background check records are available through the sheriff department and Superior Court. Located just north of San Francisco across the Golden Gate Bridge, this county has about 260,000 residents. The sheriff offers Live Scan by appointment at a $30 rolling fee. This guide explains how to access criminal records in Marin County.

Marin County Sheriff Live Scan

The Marin County Sheriff provides Live Scan fingerprinting services by appointment only. The rolling fee is $30 per person. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Call (415) 473-7286 to schedule an appointment.

On top of the rolling fee, you pay $32 to the state DOJ and $17 to the FBI for federal records. Total cost is about $79 for a complete check. Clearance letters are available for $2 if you need a document showing no local arrests.

The sheriff serves all of Marin County. Most cities contract with the sheriff for police services. Private Live Scan operators also serve the area with possibly more flexible hours.

Marin County Court Records

Marin Superior Court handles criminal cases for the county. The main courthouse is in San Rafael. 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. The court serves all cities in Marin County including San Rafael, Novato, and Mill Valley.

Live Scan in Marin County Cities

Marin County has 11 cities. San Rafael is the largest and county seat. Novato is the second largest. Most cities contract with the sheriff for police services rather than having their own departments.

Since most cities use the sheriff, the main Live Scan option is through the sheriff office. Private operators also serve the county. Use the DOJ locator to find all certified sites near you.

Note: Being close to San Francisco, Marin residents can also access Bay Area Live Scan locations if needed.

Marin County Background Check Fees

Fees in Marin County include state charges plus local fees. The DOJ charges $32. The FBI charges $17. The sheriff rolling fee is $30. Clearance letters are $2.

Total costs for a full state and federal check run about $79 at the sheriff. Private operators may charge different prices. Court fees follow standard California rates with $40 for certified copies.

Nearby California Counties

Marin County is in the North Bay, directly north of San Francisco across the Golden Gate Bridge. It borders the bay and several other counties.

Neighboring counties include San Francisco County to the south (across the bridge), Sonoma County to the north, and Contra Costa County across the bay to the east.

Cities in Marin County

Marin County has 11 cities. None exceed 50,000 population to qualify as major cities under our threshold. San Rafael is the largest at about 60,000. Criminal cases go through Marin Superior Court.