San Mateo County CA Superior Court: Case Search & Records
Looking up a San Mateo Superior Court case? You can search by a person’s name, case number, or filing date, then examine the available docket entries. But the county uses two different tools—MIDX for finding the case and Odyssey for viewing the case history and available records.
The difference matters. MIDX is an index, not the complete court file. Odyssey offers a register of actions and some documents, but access is limited for specific case types. If you need a certified judgment, older file, or a document unavailable online, the Records Management Division in Redwood City handles many of those requests.
MIDX vs. Odyssey: Which San Mateo Court Search Should You Use?
San Mateo Superior Court’s two public-access tools serve different jobs. If you do not know the case number, start with the index. If you already know the case, Odyssey is usually the more useful place to review its activity and available public documents.
Search non-confidential, non-sealed civil, criminal, family law, probate and small claims records by case number, party name or filing date.
It generally provides a case number, party type, case name, filing date and index-source information. It is not the complete register of actions.
Official MIDX access instructions →Search non-sealed, non-confidential cases and open their public register of actions, hearings, financial information and available document images.
No public registration is required. Some case types have docket information but no remotely viewable documents.
Open Odyssey Public Portal →How to Search San Mateo Superior Court Cases by Name
Searching by name is particularly helpful when you have lost your paperwork or want to find a civil lawsuit, small claims matter, probate case, or criminal case without its case number.
- Open the official case-access page. Visit San Mateo Court Online Case Access.
- Choose MIDX for an index search. If the case number is unknown, search by the party name or filing date.
- Start with a simple name query. Enter the correct last name, first name or business name as supported by the search.
- Review possible matches. Compare the case name, party type, filing date and case number.
- Copy the case number exactly. Keep the letters that appear before or within the number.
- Open the Odyssey Public Portal. Select Smart Search and use the case number or party details to find the record.
- Open the case details. Review the register of actions and documents that are remotely accessible.
Use an asterisk when the exact name is unknown
Odyssey’s official guidance recommends wildcard searches with the asterisk *. For example, a business recorded as “Generic Company, Inc.” might be found using Generic Co*. Use Advanced Filtering Options from Smart Search when you need a narrower result.
San Mateo Case Number Lookup: Old and New Odyssey Formats
San Mateo’s Odyssey conversion created a case-number difference that older generic search guides often overlook. Cases filed before June 16, 2016 may have different case-number prefixes from cases entered directly in Odyssey after that date.
| Case category | Converted/older example | Native Odyssey example |
|---|---|---|
| Civil | CIV123456 or CLJ123456 | 16CIV00123 |
| Family Law | FAM0123456 | 16FAM00123 |
| Probate | PRO123456 | 16PRO00123 |
| Small Claims | SCS, SCC or SCN prefix | 16SCS00123 |
| Criminal | NM, NF, SC, SF or SM prefix | Use the exact identifier supplied by the court |
These are format examples from the court, not real case numbers. Native Odyssey numbers usually begin with the two-digit filing year followed by a three-character case-type code and a sequence number.
- Read the number from the original notice, citation or court document.
- Preserve its letters and digits.
- Open Odyssey Smart Search.
- Enter the exact number and confirm the case title.
- If no match appears, try the permitted wildcard method or MIDX and compare with the original case number.
- For older converted cases, allow for differences in how old event codes are displayed.
Which San Mateo Court Documents Can You View Online?
The public Odyssey Portal provides register-of-actions information for several categories, but public case details and downloadable documents are not the same thing. The court’s current portal instructions identify limits, including restricted family-law images.
| Case category | Public case activity | Remote document access |
|---|---|---|
| Civil | Generally available for non-sealed cases | Public documents may be available |
| Criminal | Public register of actions | Public Portal does not offer criminal document images in the same way as listed civil-side categories |
| Family Law | Nonconfidential case activity may appear | Family-law documents are currently withheld from public portal display |
| Probate | Available public case information | Nonconfidential public documents may be available |
| Small Claims | Available public case information | Nonconfidential public documents may be available |
| Traffic | Available public traffic information | Certain available public documents; traffic payment service is also offered |
| Adoption / Juvenile / Mental Health | Excluded from public remote display | Not publicly accessible online through the ordinary portal |
If a document is missing online, use official viewing instructions rather than assuming the document was never filed.
How to Read the San Mateo Register of Actions
Odyssey’s case-detail screens may include case information, party information, events and hearings, financial entries, and documents. Each section answers a different question. The event history helps establish the sequence of filings and actions.
San Mateo Civil, Criminal, Family, Probate & Traffic Records
Use MIDX or Odyssey for public actions involving lawsuits, contract claims, small claims, certain landlord-tenant matters and other civil proceedings.
Confirm the case type and look for judgments, dismissals and orders rather than relying on the initial complaint.
Public case history may appear online, but criminal documents generally require other records-access procedures.
For criminal cases filed before 1993, contact the Criminal Clerk at (650) 261-5100, option 1.
You may locate nonconfidential case information online, but family-law document images are not displayed through the public Odyssey Portal.
For a divorce judgment or other family document, use Records Management.
Search estate matters and available public probate filings by case number or party information.
Some probate-related records are protected or may need in-person inspection.
Use the court’s Traffic Division to look up a ticket, review payments, extension options, traffic school or contesting a citation.
Official Traffic DivisionThese categories are not available for ordinary public remote searching in Odyssey.
Ask the relevant division about eligibility, authorization and inspection procedures.
Old San Mateo Court Records: Pre-1993 Criminal Cases and Off-Site Files
If your search concerns an older file, there are two distinct problems: the case may not appear in the online index, or the physical file may be maintained in off-site storage.
Use the court’s Criminal Clerk instead of repeatedly searching the online index.
Phone: (650) 261-5100, option 1
Have the defendant name, approximate year and any known case number ready.
The Court requires an in-person request at Records Management for certain off-site case files and a $10 prepayment per file.
The court states these files will be available within about 72 hours and held for five working days after receipt.
Off-site file ranges identified by the Court
| Division | Listed range | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| Civil | CIV/CLJ 448606–456869 | May also be digitally viewable at the records counter |
| Family Law | FAM 088281–133295 | Ask Records Management for file retrieval |
| Probate | PRO 112923–127108 | Other files can also be stored off-site |
How to Request San Mateo Court Records and Certified Copies
The Records Management Division provides copies for criminal, civil, family law, probate, small claims and unlawful-detainer case files. Traffic and juvenile file requests go through their respective departments.
Official mailing address
San Mateo Superior Court — Records Management 400 County Center, 1st Floor, Room ARedwood City, CA 94063
Phone: (650) 261-5100
What to include in a mail request
The Records Management Division states that it replies to mail requests within 30 days after receipt. It also states that the division does not conduct case research for requesters, so locate the case number and document information before submitting.
Published San Mateo court record fees
| Records service | Published fee | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary copies | $0.50 per side | Copy of a record or paper on file |
| Certified dissolution record | $15 | Marriage or domestic-partnership dissolution record |
| Certification of other document | $40 | Certifying a copy of a record or proceeding |
| Exemplification | $50 | Additional authentication procedure |
| Compare copy with original | $1 per side | Comparison service |
| Record search longer than 10 minutes | $15 | Applicable qualifying search |
| Off-site file retrieval | $10 | Per stored file |
Read the Court’s complete copy-by-mail instructions and current fee schedule.
Where to Visit for San Mateo Superior Court Records
The court’s public records counter is at the Hall of Justice and Records in Redwood City. Traffic records and certain criminal or juvenile services have different divisional procedures; do not assume every document is handled at the same counter.
Redwood City, CA 94063
Public file viewing is by appointment, Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m., excluding court holidays. Phone hours are also listed as 8:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Check appointments and records accessSouth San Francisco, CA 94080
This branch provides traffic and criminal services. The traffic division lists phone service at (650) 363-4300 or (650) 261-5100, option 5.
Check Northern Branch detailsSan Mateo Traffic Ticket Search and Payment
The court has a dedicated Traffic Division for citation lookup, extensions, traffic school, contesting tickets and payments. Do not use an ordinary criminal case search as your only route for a traffic ticket.
- Open the official Traffic Division page.
- Choose the available Look Up Your Case or payment service.
- Enter the ticket or case information requested by the official portal.
- Confirm the citation, due date and available actions.
- Check eligibility for an extension, traffic school, trial request or financial-hardship relief rather than automatically paying.
- Follow the official instructions if a hearing or court appearance is required.
No San Mateo Court Case Found? Troubleshoot the Search
| Problem | Possible cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Name search has no result | Name spelling or case category mismatch | Try a shorter name or wildcard and verify the correct court |
| Case number is rejected | Old and new Odyssey formats differ | Retain all case-number letters and use MIDX to cross-check |
| Docket appears but document is missing | Restricted document or remote-display limitation | Use Records Management for available copies or inspection |
| Old criminal case missing | Case filed before the searchable period | Call the Criminal Clerk for pre-1993 cases |
| File not ready at counter | File stored off-site | Request retrieval, prepay the listed fee if applicable, and arrange access |
| Juvenile or confidential case absent | Access restrictions | Ask the appropriate division about authorized access |
| Traffic ticket not found in index | Different traffic service | Use the court’s dedicated Traffic Division portal |
Official San Mateo Superior Court Sources
These court-operated sources explain the services and limitations described above.
10 FAQs About San Mateo Superior Court Case Search & Records
1. How do I search a San Mateo Superior Court case online?
Use the official San Mateo Superior Court MIDX index to find a case by name, number or filing date. Then open the Odyssey Public Portal to review available nonconfidential case activity, hearings and documents. Public Odyssey access does not require registration.
2. What is the difference between MIDX and Odyssey?
MIDX is the San Mateo Superior Court records index. It generally identifies the case number, case name, party type and filing date. Odyssey provides available case details, including a register of actions, hearing information and permitted document images. MIDX is useful for finding the case; Odyssey is useful for examining it.
3. Can I search San Mateo court cases by a person’s name?
Yes. MIDX supports party-name searching, and Odyssey Smart Search supports case and party searching. The court recommends an asterisk wildcard when the exact party name is unknown. Compare the case number, parties and filing date before relying on a match.
4. Do I need to register for the San Mateo Odyssey Public Portal?
No. The Odyssey Public Portal does not require registration. Separate attorney and self-represented litigant portals have different eligibility and account requirements. Ordinary public case searches should use the public portal.
5. Why does my old San Mateo case number look different?
Cases filed from January 1, 2000 through June 15, 2016 were converted from an older system and often use letter prefixes such as CIV, CLJ, FAM, PRO or SCS. Native Odyssey cases filed after June 15, 2016 commonly start with a two-digit year and a three-letter case type, such as 16CIV00123.
6. Can I download San Mateo criminal or family-law court documents online?
The public Odyssey Portal displays nonconfidential register-of-actions information for criminal and family-law cases, but remote document access is restricted. The court states that family-law document images are currently precluded from public portal display. For available copies, ask the appropriate clerk or Records Management Division.
7. Where can I request certified San Mateo court records?
Contact San Mateo Superior Court Records Management at 400 County Center, 1st Floor, Room A, Redwood City, CA 94063. Have the case number, parties, document description and filing date ready. Juvenile and traffic records are handled by their respective departments.
8. How much do San Mateo Superior Court copies and certification cost?
The court lists ordinary copies at $0.50 per side, general certification at $40, certified marriage or domestic-partnership dissolution records at $15, exemplification at $50, searches longer than 10 minutes at $15, and off-site file retrieval at $10. Confirm the applicable charge before requesting records.
9. How do I find an old San Mateo criminal case filed before 1993?
For criminal cases filed before 1993, the court instructs users to contact the Criminal Court Clerk at (650) 261-5100, option 1. Prepare the defendant name, approximate filing year and any known case number. Do not assume an online no-result means the case does not exist.
10. Can I inspect San Mateo court files in person?
Yes, public files are available for inspection at Records Management in the Hall of Justice, 400 County Center, Redwood City, subject to confidentiality and access rules. Appointments are required, and ordinary public viewing hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., excluding court holidays. The court permits viewing up to five files at a time.