Santa Clara County Background Check

Santa Clara County background check records are available through the county sheriff and Superior Court system. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, this county has nearly 2 million residents. The sheriff offers Live Scan at a low $20 rolling fee. Court records can be searched through the county's online portal. This guide covers all the ways to access criminal history in Santa Clara County.

Santa Clara County Sheriff Live Scan

The Santa Clara County Sheriff provides Live Scan fingerprinting services. The rolling fee is $20 per person. This is one of the lowest rates in the Bay Area. On top of this, you pay $32 to the state DOJ and $17 to the FBI if you need federal records. Call (408) 808-4705 to schedule an appointment.

The sheriff also offers fingerprinting services for San Jose residents since the city contracts with the county for police services. Many tech workers in Santa Clara County need background checks for various reasons. The sheriff location serves anyone regardless of why they need prints.

DOJ fees for Santa Clara County Live Scan range from $10 to $158 depending on the type of check requested. Standard checks cost less. Specialized licensing checks may cost more. The agency requesting your background check will tell you what level of service you need on the Live Scan form.

Santa Clara County Court Criminal Records

Santa Clara Superior Court maintains criminal case records for the county. The court has a self-help section with information about criminal case records. Visit the court criminal records page to learn about access options.

Criminal records in Santa Clara County are public unless sealed by court order. You can search cases online by defendant name. The system shows case status, charges, and hearing information. Getting certified copies requires a request to the clerk. Fees apply for all copies. Standard per page rates and $40 certification fees are typical.

The main courthouse is in San Jose. Other court locations serve different parts of the county. Contact the clerk to find out where specific case files are kept. They can tell you how to get copies and what it costs.

Live Scan in Santa Clara County Cities

Santa Clara County has 15 cities. San Jose is the largest and uses the county sheriff for police services. Residents of San Jose go to the sheriff for Live Scan. Other cities have their own police departments with varying services.

The city of Santa Clara offers fingerprinting on Wednesdays from 2 PM to 4 PM. Call (408) 615-4701 for details. Sunnyvale, Mountain View, and Palo Alto may have their own options. Each city sets its own prices and hours. Private Live Scan operators also serve the county with more flexible schedules.

Note: Many tech companies in Santa Clara County use private Live Scan vendors for convenience and faster service.

Santa Clara County Background Check Fees

Background check costs in Santa Clara County include state fees plus local charges. The DOJ fee is $32 for state records. The FBI fee is $17 for federal records. Rolling fees vary by provider.

The sheriff charges $20 for rolling. This is competitive for the Bay Area. Private operators in Santa Clara County may charge $30 to $50. Total cost for a complete check runs about $69 at the sheriff to over $100 at some private locations. Court fees are standard with $40 for certified copies.

Nearby California Counties

Santa Clara County is in the South Bay Area of Northern California. It borders several other Bay Area counties and extends to the coast at some points.

Neighboring counties include Alameda County to the north, San Mateo County to the northwest, Santa Cruz County to the southwest, and Merced County to the east. Each has separate criminal record systems.

Major Cities in Santa Clara County

These cities are in Santa Clara County. Criminal cases are handled by Santa Clara Superior Court. Click a city for local background check info.