California Public Records

Inyo County

Official starting points for sheriff, superior court, clerk-recorder, assessor, tax, elections, crime statistics, and vital records in Inyo County, California.

County seat: Independence Established: 1866 CPRA response: 10 calendar days Updated: 2026-03-21
18,039Population
10,227 sq miArea
$280,000Typical home value
0.72%Typical property tax rate

Quick facts

Sheriff
Jeff Hollowell
Court
Inyo County Superior Court
Birth certificate fee
$29
Death certificate fee
$24
Marriage license fee
$90
Main communities
Bishop, Lone Pine, Big Pine, Independence, and Death Valley Junction

County profile

Inyo County is a California county with records governed by the California Public Records Act (CPRA).

Major industries: tourism (Death Valley NP, Eastern Sierra), LADWP water operations, mining, military (NTTR adjacency), and outdoor recreation

What makes Inyo County notable

Death Valley National Park Records

Death Valley National Park — the hottest, driest place in North America — is primarily in Inyo County. NPS administrative documents, visitor permits, and environmental impact statements for park projects are public records at nps.gov/deva.

LADWP Owens Valley Water Rights

The Los Angeles Department of Water & Power owns vast landholdings in Inyo County for Owens Valley water extraction. LADWP water rights filings, groundwater monitoring data, and land use records are major public records available at ladwp.com and waterrights.ca.gov.

Largest County by Area in California

Inyo County covers 10,227 square miles — California's second largest county — with most land owned by federal agencies (BLM, NPS, Forest Service). Federal land records are through BLM at blm.gov/office/bishop-field-office.

CPRA — Remote Desert County

Inyo County must respond to CPRA requests within 10 calendar days. The combined Assessor-Clerk-Recorder at 168 N Edwards St, Independence, CA 93526; (760) 878-0222 handles all records requests. Mail submissions recommended given remote location.

Eastern Sierra Recreation Records

Mount Whitney — the tallest peak in the lower 48 states — is in Inyo County. USFS wilderness permits, campground records, and trail maintenance reports are public via inyo.fs.usda.gov.

Crime snapshot

Inyo County reported very low crime rates in 2024 consistent with its small, dispersed population spread across a vast rural area.

1Homicides (2024)Consistent with prior years
70+Violent Crimes (2024)Flat vs 2023
350+Property Crimes (2024)↓ 5% vs 2023
30Avg. Daily Jail PopulationInyo County Jail

Crime source: California DOJ crime statistics.

Frequently asked questions

How do I search for recent arrests in Inyo County?
Contact the Inyo County Sheriff's Office at (760) 878-0383 or visit inyocounty.us/departments/sheriff. Submit written CPRA requests to the Sheriff at 168 N Edwards St, Independence, CA 93526.
Where can I find court records in Inyo County?
Inyo County Superior Court at 168 N Edwards St, Independence, CA 93526; (760) 872-2631. Visit inyo.courts.ca.gov for case information. Branch court at 301 W Line St, Bishop for northern county matters.
How do I get a criminal background check in Inyo County / California?
California statewide background checks go through CA DOJ at oag.ca.gov/fingerprints. Live Scan is available at the Sheriff's Office in Bishop (207 S Main St) and Independence. Costs approx. $32 DOJ + $17 FBI.
How do I look up property records in Inyo County?
The combined Inyo County Assessor-Clerk-Recorder at (760) 878-0222 handles property assessment and deed records. Visit inyocounty.us/departments/assessor-clerk-recorder. Note: LADWP owns significant parcels in the Owens Valley.