Sierra County Background Check

Sierra County background check records are available through the sheriff and Superior Court. This tiny mountain county has only about 3,000 residents, making it California's second least populated county after Alpine. Downieville is the county seat. Services are very limited due to the small population. This guide covers how to access criminal records in Sierra County.

Sierra County Sheriff Services

The Sierra County Sheriff provides law enforcement for the county. Contact them for Live Scan availability and fees. Given the tiny population, services may be limited or by appointment only. Call ahead before traveling.

On top of any local fees, Live Scan requires $32 to the state DOJ and $17 to the FBI for federal records. The sheriff handles all law enforcement in Sierra County. There are no city police departments.

Private Live Scan operators do not exist in Sierra County due to the tiny population. Residents typically travel to Nevada County (Grass Valley or Nevada City) or Yuba County for services. Plan for significant travel time on mountain roads.

Sierra County Court Records

Sierra Superior Court handles criminal cases for the county. The courthouse is in Downieville. Call (530) 289-3698 for court information. You can search cases and request copies of documents.

Certified copies cost $40 per document. Regular copies have per page fees. Criminal records are public unless sealed by court order. The court handles very few cases each year given the small population.

Sierra County has one of the smallest court systems in California. Staff can provide personalized assistance that larger courts cannot offer.

Services in Sierra County

Sierra County has one incorporated town: Loyalton. It has about 700 people. Downieville is the county seat but is unincorporated with around 300 residents. Other small communities include Sierra City and Sierraville.

The sheriff provides all law enforcement. There are no city police departments. Services are extremely limited. Most residents travel to larger neighboring counties for background check services.

Note: Sierra County has significant winter snow. Many roads close or become difficult during winter months.

Sierra County Background Check Fees

Fees in Sierra County include state charges plus local fees. The DOJ charges $32. The FBI charges $17. Contact the sheriff for current Live Scan availability and fees.

Court fees follow standard California rates with $40 for certified copies. Given limited local options, most people travel to neighboring counties.

Nearby California Counties

Sierra County is in the northern Sierra Nevada mountains. Highway 49 and Highway 89 are the main routes through the county.

Neighboring counties include Plumas County to the north, Lassen County to the northeast, Nevada County to the south, and Yuba County to the west.

Communities in Sierra County

Sierra County has one incorporated town and several small communities. All criminal cases go through Sierra Superior Court in Downieville.

• Loyalton (only incorporated town)
• Downieville (county seat, unincorporated)
• Sierra City
• Sierraville
• Calpine