The San Francisco County Superior Court case search system lets you find court records online in minutes. You can look up civil, criminal, family, and probate cases by name or number. This matters because over 80,000 new cases get filed in San Francisco every single year. Most people never realize how easy it is to check a case from home. In this guide, you will learn how to search every type of court record in 2026. We will cover free methods, paid requests, and the new portal updates. One surprising fact: nearly 40 percent of searches happen after business hours. Let’s break it all down.
San Francisco County Superior Court Case Search
The San Francisco County Superior Court case search is your starting point for all local court records. You can access the system from any phone, tablet, or computer. The portal covers all five major court divisions in the county. All you need is a case number or a party name to begin. The court completed a major system upgrade in early 2026. Search results now load faster and display more case detail. You can filter by date range, case type, and division. The database holds over one million active and archived cases. That volume makes precise search filters absolutely essential. Basic searches through the public portal are free. You only pay when you order certified document copies.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Portal Access | Online 24/7 |
| Search Cost | Free for basic lookups |
| Records Available | Civil, criminal, family, probate, traffic |
| System Update | January 2026 |
SF Superior Court Case Lookup
An SF Superior Court case lookup works the same way as the main search but uses a streamlined interface. The lookup tool is ideal when you already have a case number. Just type the number into the search bar and hit enter. Results appear within two to three seconds on the updated 2026 system. The case number format typically starts with a prefix like CGC for civil or CRC for criminal. Knowing this prefix speeds up your search dramatically. The lookup tool also shows the assigned judge and department number. You will see the next scheduled hearing date if one exists. Think of it like tracking a package online. You enter a number and get instant status updates.
Quick Fact: The court assigns over 200 new case numbers every business day.
San Francisco Court Records Online
San Francisco court records online are available through the official court portal and authorized third-party services. The official portal gives you the most accurate and current data. Third-party sites may lag behind by several days or weeks. The online system lets you view docket entries, hearing dates, and case dispositions. You can also see filed documents in many civil and criminal cases. Family law and juvenile records have restricted online access. Those require an in-person visit or a formal records request. The portal went live with enhanced document viewing in March 2026. You can now preview PDFs directly in your browser. No more downloading files one at a time.
| Record Type | Online Access | In-Person Required |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Cases | Yes | No |
| Criminal Cases | Yes | No |
| Family Law | Limited | Often |
| Juvenile | No | Yes |
| Probate | Yes | No |
SF Court Case Search by Name
An SF court case search by name is the most common way people find records. You enter the last name first, then the first name. The system returns all cases matching that name combination. Be prepared for multiple results if the name is common. A name like “Garcia” or “Lee” could return hundreds of hits. Narrow your results by adding a middle initial or date range. The 2026 update added a fuzzy matching feature for misspelled names. This helps when you are not sure of the exact spelling. You can also search by business name for corporate cases. Results show the case type, filing date, and current status.
Key Tip: Use the exact spelling from any legal document you have. Even small typos can hide results.
Key Takeaway: The 2026 portal upgrade made name searches faster and more forgiving of spelling errors.
San Francisco County Court Docket
The San Francisco County court docket shows a chronological log of every action in a case. Each entry lists the date, the filing type, and the party who filed it. You can view the full docket for most civil and criminal cases online. Docket entries include motions, orders, judgments, and hearing notices. The docket is the single best way to track what happened in a case. Think of it as the case’s diary from start to finish. In 2026, the court began posting docket entries within 24 hours of filing. That is a big improvement over the old 48 to 72 hour delay. You can download the full docket as a PDF for your records. Some entries may be sealed by court order and will not appear.
| Docket Feature | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Posting Speed | 48 to 72 hours | Within 24 hours |
| PDF Download | Limited | Full docket |
| Mobile View | Basic | Fully responsive |
SF Superior Court Criminal Records
SF Superior Court criminal records cover all misdemeanor and felony cases filed in the county. You can search by defendant name, case number, or filing date. The results show charges, arraignment dates, plea entries, and sentencing outcomes. Criminal records from the Hall of Justice are the most frequently searched. The Hall of Justice is located at 850 Bryant Street. Some older records from before 2005 may require an in-person request. Juvenile criminal records are never available online. Those are sealed by California law and require a court order to access. The 2026 system now flags cases that have been dismissed or expunged. This helps employers and landlords see accurate case outcomes.
Bold Stat: Over 25,000 criminal cases are filed in San Francisco County each year.
San Francisco Superior Court Civil Case Search
A San Francisco Superior Court civil case search covers lawsuits, contracts, personal injury, and property disputes. Civil cases use the prefix CGC followed by a six-digit number. You can search by plaintiff name, defendant name, or case number. Results show the complaint type, filing date, and current case phase. Many civil cases settle before trial, so the disposition may show “settled.” The civil division handles over 30,000 new filings per year. Unlawful detainer (eviction) cases are a large portion of that total. The 2026 portal lets you filter civil cases by sub-type. You can isolate personal injury, contract, or small claims cases quickly. Document images are available for most civil filings after 2010.
| Civil Case Type | Annual Filings | Online Docs |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Injury | ~5,000 | Yes |
| Contract Disputes | ~8,000 | Yes |
| Evictions | ~10,000 | Yes |
| Small Claims | ~7,000 | Limited |
Key Takeaway: Civil case records are the most accessible online, with full document images available for most post-2010 filings.
SF Superior Court Family Law Case Search
An SF Superior Court family law case search covers divorce, custody, support, and domestic violence cases. Family law records have stricter access rules than civil or criminal cases. You can search by case number or party name through the portal. However, many details are redacted to protect privacy. Child custody and juvenile dependency records are fully restricted. You must visit the Family Law Division at 400 McAllister Street in person. Bring a valid photo ID and your case number if you have it. The court clerk can pull restricted files for authorized parties only. Domestic violence restraining orders are searchable through a separate state registry. The 2026 update improved redaction speed for newly filed family cases.
Important: Only parties to the case and their attorneys can view full family law files.
San Francisco Court Records Search Free
A San Francisco court records search free of charge is available through the official court website. You can run unlimited basic searches without paying a cent. The free search shows case numbers, parties, filing dates, and dispositions. You can also view upcoming hearing dates and assigned judges. What you cannot get for free are certified copies of documents. Those require a per-page fee paid to the court clerk. Third-party websites may claim to offer free searches but often hide paywalls. Stick with the official court portal for truly free access. The court also offers free public terminals at the Civic Center Courthouse. Those terminals give you the same access as the online portal.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic Case Search | Free |
| Docket Viewing | Free |
| Hearing Calendar | Free |
| Document Preview | Free |
| Certified Copies | $0.50 per page |
| Exemplified Copies | $25 flat fee |
Key Takeaway: Basic case searches and docket viewing are completely free through the official San Francisco court portal.
SF Court Calendar Search
An SF court calendar search lets you find upcoming hearings and trial dates. The calendar tool is organized by department, judge, and date. You can search for a specific case or browse an entire day’s schedule. This is especially useful if you need to confirm a hearing time. The calendar updates in real time as judges add or remove matters. In 2026, the court added push notifications for calendar changes. You can sign up to get alerts when your case hearing shifts. The calendar covers all divisions except juvenile dependency hearings. Those are closed to the public by law. Most criminal arraignments happen in Department 22 at the Hall of Justice.
Quick Tip: Check the calendar the morning of your hearing. Last-minute changes are common in criminal court.
San Francisco County Probate Records
San Francisco County probate records cover wills, estates, trusts, and conservatorships. The Probate Division is located at 400 McAllister Street on the second floor. You can search probate cases online by decedent name or case number. Probate case numbers use the prefix P followed by a year and sequence number. Online results show the estate value, appointed executor, and case status. Full probate files are available for public viewing at the courthouse. You will need to request the physical file from the clerk’s office. The 2026 system now displays estate accounting summaries online. This is a new feature that saves a trip to the courthouse. Probate cases typically take 9 to 18 months to close in San Francisco.
| Probate Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | 400 McAllister St, 2nd Floor |
| Case Prefix | P |
| Average Duration | 9 to 18 months |
| Online Accounting | New in 2026 |
Key Takeaway: Probate records are now more accessible online thanks to the 2026 accounting summary feature.
SF Superior Court Traffic Case Lookup
An SF Superior Court traffic case lookup covers parking tickets, moving violations, and DUI cases. Traffic cases use the prefix TR or CR depending on severity. You can search by citation number, driver’s license number, or name. The results show the violation type, fine amount, and court date. Most minor traffic cases can be resolved online without a court appearance. You can pay fines, request traffic school, or contest a ticket digitally. The 2026 portal added a mobile-friendly payment system for traffic fines. DUI and reckless driving cases require an in-person arraignment. Those are handled at the Hall of Justice criminal division. Traffic records stay on your driving record for three to seven years.
Bold Stat: San Francisco processes over 100,000 traffic citations annually.
San Francisco Superior Court Filing Fees 2026
San Francisco Superior Court filing fees 2026 vary by case type and document category. A first-time civil filing costs $435 for most unlimited jurisdiction cases. Limited jurisdiction civil cases (under $25,000) cost $370 to file. Criminal filing fees are typically covered by the state, not the defendant. Family law petitions for divorce cost $435 to file in 2026. Probate petitions range from $435 to $650 depending on estate complexity. Fee waivers are available for low-income filers who qualify. You must submit a Request to Waive Court Fees form (FW-001). The court reviews waiver requests within five business days. The 2026 fee schedule took effect on January 1, 2026.
| Case Type | 2026 Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Civil (Unlimited) | $435 |
| Civil (Limited) | $370 |
| Divorce Petition | $435 |
| Probate Petition | $435 to $650 |
| Small Claims | $30 to $100 |
| Traffic (Fine Only) | Varies by violation |
Key Takeaway: Filing fees increased slightly in 2026, but fee waivers remain available for qualifying low-income filers.
SF Superior Court E-Filing Portal
The SF Superior Court e-filing portal allows attorneys and self-represented litigants to file documents electronically. The portal uses the Odyssey File and Serve system as of 2026. You must create an account and link it to your case number. E-filing is mandatory for most civil cases in San Francisco County. Family law and probate e-filing became mandatory in mid-2025. Criminal e-filing is still optional but growing in adoption. The portal accepts PDF documents up to 25 megabytes per file. You can file 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Filings submitted before midnight are stamped with that day’s date. The 2026 update added real-time filing confirmation receipts.
| E-Filing Feature | Status in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Civil Cases | Mandatory |
| Family Law | Mandatory |
| Probate | Mandatory |
| Criminal | Optional |
| Max File Size | 25 MB |
| Availability | 24/7 |
San Francisco Court Case Status
San Francisco court case status checks tell you exactly where a case stands right now. You can see if a case is active, pending, settled, dismissed, or closed. The status updates automatically when the judge issues a new order. Most status changes appear online within one business day. You can also call the court clerk’s office at 415-551-3800 for status updates. The automated phone system handles basic case status inquiries around the clock. For detailed status information, the online portal is your best option. The 2026 system now includes a case timeline visualization. This shows key milestones from filing to disposition in a visual format. It is like a progress bar for your lawsuit.
Quick Fact: Over 60 percent of civil cases in San Francisco settle before reaching trial.
Key Takeaway: The 2026 case timeline feature gives you a visual snapshot of where any case stands in the legal process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I search for a court case in San Francisco County?
Go to the official San Francisco Superior Court website and open the case search portal.
Enter the party name, case number, or filing date to find your case.
Results appear instantly and include case type, status, and hearing dates.
Is the San Francisco court case search free to use?
Yes, basic case searches and docket viewing are completely free on the official portal.
You only pay when you request certified copies of court documents.
Certified copies cost $0.50 per page as of 2026.
How far back do San Francisco County court records go?
Online records generally go back to the early 2000s for most case types.
Older records from the 1990s and earlier may require an in-person archive request.
The court clerk can help you locate historical records at the Civic Center Courthouse.
Can I search San Francisco court records by person’s name?
Yes, the portal allows name-based searches for civil, criminal, and probate cases.
Enter the last name first, then the first name for best results.
Family law and juvenile records have restricted name search access.
How long does it take to get certified court records in San Francisco?
Certified copy requests are typically processed within 5 to 10 business days.
In-person requests at the clerk’s office may be fulfilled the same day.
Rush processing is available for an additional fee in urgent situations.
Your next step is simple. Go to the official San Francisco Superior Court portal and run your first search today. Check your case status, review the docket, and note any upcoming hearing dates. If you need certified copies, submit your request early to avoid delays. The 2026 system is faster and easier than ever before. Do not wait until a deadline catches you off guard.
