Orange County Background Check Search

Orange County background check records can be accessed through the sheriff department and Superior Court system. With over 3 million people, this county ranks third in California by population. The sheriff offers Live Scan at a low $15 rolling fee. Court records are available through the OC Superior Court system. This guide covers how to find criminal records and get fingerprinted in Orange County.

OC Sheriff Live Scan and Records

The Orange County Sheriff provides Live Scan fingerprinting services. The rolling fee is only $15, one of the lowest in Southern California. This makes the sheriff a popular choice for residents who need a background check. You still pay the state DOJ fee of $32 and FBI fee of $17 on top of this.

Live Scan hours at the sheriff are limited. They offer service Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 3:40 PM. Call (949) 206-6100 for current info. Because of the limited hours, many people in Orange County also use private Live Scan operators or city police departments instead.

The sheriff records division handles requests for police reports and other documents. Visit the OC Sheriff Records page for forms and instructions. Processing times vary based on what you request.

Orange County Superior Court Records

Orange County Superior Court handles all criminal cases in the county. The court has an online system for searching case records. You can look up cases by defendant name or case number. Basic info like charges, court dates, and case status are available online.

For copies of court documents, contact the clerk of court. The main courthouse is in Santa Ana. Fees apply for all copies. Certified copies cost $40 per document. Regular copies are charged by the page. You can request records in person, by mail, or sometimes online depending on the document type.

Criminal court records in Orange County are public unless sealed by a judge. Anyone can search the online system. You do not need to be involved in the case. Sealed records and juvenile cases are not available to the public. This follows California state law on court record access.

Live Scan in Orange County Cities

Many cities in Orange County have their own Live Scan services through police departments. Irvine Police offers fingerprinting at a $19 rolling fee. Call 949-724-7000 for details. Costa Mesa has Live Scan on Wednesday and Thursday mornings at (714) 754-5033. Anaheim charges $46 for their service.

Some cities have stopped offering public Live Scan. Fullerton ended their service in January 2023. Check with your local police department before going. Hours and availability change often. The DOJ Live Scan locator lists all certified operators including private businesses with longer hours.

Private Live Scan sites are common in Orange County. Many are in business parks and strip malls. Prices range from $20 to $50 for the rolling fee. Some charge extra for rush service or weekend hours. Call ahead to compare prices and availability.

Background Check Fees in Orange County

Background check costs in Orange County include government fees plus rolling fees. The DOJ charges $32 for state records. The FBI charges $17 for federal records. These fees go directly to those agencies. You pay them at the Live Scan site along with the rolling fee.

Rolling fees in Orange County vary. The sheriff is cheapest at $15. City police departments range from $18 in Costa Mesa to $46 in Anaheim. Irvine is $19. Private operators charge $20 to $50 on average. Court record fees follow state guidelines. Certified copies are $40. Per page charges apply for regular copies at the clerk window.

Note: Budget $65 to $100 total for a complete background check with both state and federal records in Orange County.

Nearby California Counties

Orange County sits between Los Angeles and San Diego. Several other counties are within easy driving distance. Each county maintains its own criminal records and court systems.

Neighboring counties include Los Angeles County to the north, San Bernardino County to the northeast, Riverside County to the east, and San Diego County to the south. Contact each county separately for their records.

Major Cities in Orange County

These cities are located in Orange County. Criminal cases are filed in OC Superior Court. Click a city for local background check resources.