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Chico, California Public Records

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Search official government public records, criminal records, court records, and background check resources for Chico, California.

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Chico Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Chico, California government websites.

Frequently Asked Questions

1
What is the process for someone who is arrested in Chico, Butte County, California to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of Chico, California, you will be transported to the Butte County Jail for booking and processing. During booking, officers will record your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and log personal belongings. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment before the Butte Superior Court. Under California law, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford legal representation, a public defender will be appointed. Bail may be set at arraignment depending on the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Criminal history records are maintained by the California Department of Justice. The Butte County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/ciris/ where you can look up current detainees.
2
What are the school district and education performance data for Chico, Butte County, California?
The Chico Unified School District serves the city of Chico, Butte County, California. According to the California Department of Education, the district's most recent Academic Performance Index (API) score was 817 out of a possible 1000. This score is higher than the state average of 790. The district also has a graduation rate of 91.2%, which is higher than the state average of 83.2%.
3
What are the crime statistics for Chico, Butte County, California?
According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program, the total number of reported crimes in Chico, Butte County, California in 2019 was 4,845. Of those, there were 1,845 violent crimes and 3,000 property crimes.
4
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Chico, Butte County, California Library?
You can find public records in the Chico branch of the Butte County Library. The library offers access to a variety of public records, including birth, death, marriage, and divorce records, as well as property records, court records, and other government documents.
5
Where is the Chico, Butte County, California Public Library located?
The Chico, Butte County, California Library is located at 1108 Sherman Avenue, Chico, CA 95926.
6
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Chico, Butte County, California?
Fingerprinting services in Chico, Butte County, California are available through the Chico Police Department and the Butte County Sheriff's Office. Services are provided for employment background checks, licensing applications, immigration purposes, and personal record requests. You will typically need to bring a valid government-issued photo ID and, where applicable, a completed fingerprint card from the requesting agency. Appointments can often be scheduled by calling (530) or by visiting the department's website. Fingerprints are submitted to the California Department of Justice and the FBI for identity verification and criminal history review. Statewide criminal history checks can also be requested through the California Department of Justice.
7
What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Chico, Butte County, California, and what information is provided in the records?
The Butte County Clerk-Recorder's Office is responsible for issuing vital records for Chico, Butte County, California. To obtain vital records, you must submit a request in person or by mail.

In-Person Request:

1. Visit the Butte County Clerk-Recorder's Office at 155 Nelson Avenue, Oroville, CA 95965.

2. Complete the appropriate application form for the type of record you are requesting.

3. Present a valid photo ID.

4. Pay the applicable fee.

5. Receive your record.

By Mail Request:

1. Download and complete the appropriate application form for the type of record you are requesting.

2. Include a copy of a valid photo ID.

3. Include a check or money order for the applicable fee.

4. Mail the application, ID, and payment to: Butte County Clerk-Recorder's Office, 155 Nelson Avenue, Oroville, CA 95965.

Vital records include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. Each record includes the name of the individual, date of the event, and the location of the event.
8
About Police Reports
Police reports from Chico, California can be obtained from the Chico Police Department, located in Butte County. To request a police report, visit the Records Division in person or submit a written request by mail. You will typically need the report number, date of incident, and your valid photo ID. A fee may be charged per page for copies. Under the California Public Records Act (Gov. Code § 7920 et seq.), most police reports are public records in California, though portions related to active investigations, juvenile records, or sensitive personal information may be redacted. Contact the Chico Police Department Records Division at (530) for information on fees, hours, and online request options. For statewide criminal records, visit https://oag.ca.gov/fingerprints/record_review.
9
About background check
A background check in Chico, Butte County, California typically includes a review of criminal history, driving records, credit history, employment verification, education verification, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards commonly request background checks in California. Criminal background checks are processed through the California Department of Justice, which maintains arrest records, convictions, and disposition data for California residents. The California Department of Justice provides official criminal history checks at https://oag.ca.gov/fingerprints/record_review. Under the California Public Records Act (Gov. Code § 7920 et seq.), individuals have the right to request their own records. Federal background checks are available through the FBI's Identity History Summary program. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how background check information may be used by employers and landlords.
Last reviewed: Mar 25, 2026 Updated: Mar 25, 2026