Merced County Background Check Records

Merced County background check records are available through the sheriff and Superior Court. This Central Valley county has about 290,000 residents. The city of Merced is the county seat and home to UC Merced. The sheriff offers Live Scan at a $20 rolling fee. This guide covers how to access criminal records in Merced County.

Merced County Sheriff Live Scan

The Merced County Sheriff provides Live Scan fingerprinting services. The rolling fee is $20 per person. Call (209) 385-7446 for hours and location information. The sheriff office is in the city of Merced.

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 $69 for a complete check. This is a reasonable rate for the Central Valley. The sheriff serves the unincorporated areas and some contract cities.

Private Live Scan operators also serve Merced County. With UC Merced bringing students who need background checks, there is good demand for services. Use the DOJ locator to find all certified sites near you.

Merced County Court Records

Merced Superior Court handles criminal cases for the county. The main courthouse is in the city of Merced. 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 six cities and unincorporated areas of Merced County.

Merced County is a major agricultural area in the San Joaquin Valley. The court handles cases from farming communities and the growing UC Merced area.

Live Scan in Merced County Cities

Merced County has six incorporated cities. Merced is the largest with about 86,000 people. Los Banos is second with around 47,000. Other cities include Atwater, Livingston, Gustine, and Dos Palos.

Merced has its own police department that may offer Live Scan. Los Banos and Atwater may also have options. Contact local departments to check availability. The sheriff handles contract cities and unincorporated areas.

Merced County Background Check Fees

Fees in Merced County include state charges plus local fees. The DOJ charges $32. The FBI charges $17. The sheriff rolling fee is $20.

Total costs for a full state and federal check run about $69 at the sheriff. Court fees follow standard California rates with $40 for certified copies.

Nearby California Counties

Merced County is in the San Joaquin Valley. Highway 99 and Highway 152 are major routes through the county.

Neighboring counties include Stanislaus County to the north, Mariposa County to the east, Madera County to the south, Fresno County to the southeast, and Santa Clara County to the west.

Cities in Merced County

Merced County has six incorporated cities. All criminal cases go through Merced Superior Court.

• Merced (county seat)
• Los Banos
• Atwater
• Livingston
• Gustine
• Dos Palos