Monterey County Background Check

Monterey County background check records are available through the sheriff and Superior Court. This Central Coast county has about 440,000 residents spread from Salinas to Big Sur. The sheriff records division handles Live Scan and criminal history checks. The court maintains case files for all criminal matters. This guide covers how to access records in Monterey County.

Monterey County Sheriff Records Division

The Monterey County Sheriff has a records division that handles background check services. Visit the sheriff records page for details. They offer Live Scan fingerprinting and criminal history checks for the county.

The Live Scan rolling fee is $28. A criminal history check through the sheriff costs $92 and covers county records. This is more expensive than some other counties. On top of Live Scan fees, you pay $32 to the state DOJ and $17 to the FBI for federal records. Call (831) 755-3700 for current information.

The sheriff serves the unincorporated areas and some contract cities. Cities like Salinas and Marina have their own police departments. Contact them separately for their services.

Monterey County Court Records

Monterey Superior Court maintains criminal case records for the county. The main courthouse is in Salinas. You can search cases and request copies of documents. Criminal records are public unless sealed by court order.

Copy fees and certified copy rates follow California standards. Certified copies are $40 per document. Regular copies have per page fees. Contact the clerk for specific pricing. You can visit in person or submit mail requests for copies.

Note: Some Monterey County court records may be available through state court portals as well.

Live Scan in Monterey County Cities

Monterey County has 12 cities. Salinas is the largest and county seat. Other cities include Monterey, Pacific Grove, Seaside, and Marina. Each may have different options for fingerprinting services.

Cities with their own police may offer Live Scan. Contact Salinas Police or your local department to check availability. Private Live Scan operators also serve the county. Use the DOJ locator to find all certified sites near you.

Monterey County Background Check Fees

Fees in Monterey County include state charges plus local fees. The DOJ fee is $32. The FBI fee is $17. The sheriff charges $28 for Live Scan rolling fee. A full county criminal history check is $92.

Total cost for a state and federal check through the sheriff runs about $77 for just fingerprinting. Private operators may have different prices. Court fees follow standard California rates.

Nearby California Counties

Monterey County is on California's Central Coast. It stretches from the coast to the Salinas Valley. Several other counties share borders with it.

Neighboring counties include Santa Cruz County to the north, San Benito County to the northeast, Fresno County to the east, Kings County to the southeast, and San Luis Obispo County to the south.

Major Cities in Monterey County

These cities are in Monterey County. Criminal cases go through Monterey Superior Court. Click a city for local background check info.