About Martinez — In Depth
Jail & Inmate Records
The Martinez Detention Facility is the main jail for Contra Costa County. Individuals arrested anywhere in Contra Costa County are transported here for booking, processing, and detention until they post bail or make a court appearance. The public can search for current detainees through an online inmate lookup service. Visitation at the facility requires advance scheduling, and visitors must follow strict guidelines once approved.
Arrest Records
Arrest records throughout Contra Costa County are maintained by both the Sheriff's Office and local police departments. Residents and attorneys can request these records through the appropriate law enforcement agency. A typical arrest record includes the individual's name, arrest date, charges filed, and booking details. The California Public Records Act grants public access to these documents, though certain restrictions apply to protect privacy and preserve the integrity of ongoing investigations.
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Contra Costa County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. These records are maintained by the Contra Costa County Superior Court and the sheriff's office. Residents can run a background check through the California Department of Justice, which provides statewide criminal history information. The California Department of Justice offers additional resources for accessing criminal records, so that residents have access to necessary legal information.
Vital Records
Vital records for Martinez, including birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses, are managed by the California Department of Public Health. Residents can access these documents through the department's Vital Records program, found at https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHSI/Pages/Vital Records.aspx. The California Courts website at https://www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp-courtrecords.htm also provides information on obtaining court records and other legal documents within the city.
Business & Licensing Records
The City of Martinez website at http://www.cityofmartinez.org/ provides essential resources for businesses operating in the Contra Costa County seat. Companies can find information on obtaining business licenses, permits, and navigating zoning regulations, along with details on economic development programs and support services. The range of information available reflects the city's commitment to building a strong business environment for both new ventures and established enterprises throughout the community.
Economy & Demographics
Martinez's economy is supported by a diverse mix of local businesses, retail establishments, and a thriving marina along the Carquinez Strait. The city's proximity to major transportation hubs and its designation as the Contra Costa County seat contribute to its economic vitality. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's QuickFacts for Martinez, the city's median household income is $78,641, and the largest industries include healthcare, retail trade, and professional services.
Elections & Voter Records
The Contra Costa County Elections Division, located at 555 Escobar Street, Martinez, CA 94553 (phone: 925-335-7800, website: cocovote.us), administers all federal, state, county, and local elections for residents of the Contra Costa County seat. The office handles voter registration, ballot processing, polling place management, and election results reporting. California voters can register online at registertovote.ca.gov up to 15 days before Election Day, or use conditional voter registration and vote provisionally through Election Day at vote centers.
Registration requires a California driver's license or ID number, or the last four digits of a Social Security number. Municipal elections in the city cover the Mayor and four City Council members, with the council elected through district-based elections and staggered four-year terms. org and cocovote.us. Residents can find their assigned polling place or vote center by visiting cocovote.us/voter-lookup or calling the Elections Division. Contra Costa County operates under the Voter's Choice Act model, meaning all registered voters automatically receive vote-by-mail ballots, and vote centers remain open for multiple days before and on Election Day, allowing voters to cast ballots at any center countywide. There is no U.S. Senate race in California in 2026 as both seats are on different cycles. Vote-by-mail ballot applications are automatic for all registered voters in California; ballots are mailed approximately 29 days before Election Day and can be returned by mail (postmarked by Election Day), dropped at official ballot drop boxes throughout Contra Costa County (locations at cocovote.us), or brought to any vote center. California law (Elections Code Section 2188) makes voter registration information partially public: names and addresses are available to campaigns and researchers, but birthdates, driver's license numbers, and other identifiers are confidential. Campaign finance disclosures for local candidates are filed with the City Clerk and viewable at cityofmartinez.org, while county and state races are disclosed through the California Fair Political Practices Commission at fppc.ca.gov. Precinct-level election results are published by the Contra Costa Elections Division at cocovote.us/results following certification.
Official Government Resources
Martinez California Criminal History Records
California Department of Justice criminal history record review for Martinez.
Martinez California Property Records
California Board of Equalization property tax and records for Martinez.
Martinez California Archives and Genealogy
California State Archives genealogy and historical collections for Martinez.
Martinez California Bankruptcy Court
US Bankruptcy Court Northern District of California for Martinez.
California Courts, Martinez Case Search
California Courts self-help guide to court records for Martinez.
Martinez California Vital Records
California Department of Public Health vital records for Martinez.
Martinez California Missing Persons
California DOJ missing persons and unidentified persons for Martinez.
Martinez California Most Wanted
FBI San Francisco Field Office most-wanted fugitives including Martinez.
Martinez California Sex Offender Registry
California Megan's Law sex offender search for Martinez area.
Martinez California Census and Vital Statistics
U.S. Census Bureau quick facts, demographics, and population statistics for Martinez.
City of Martinez
Directory of Martinez city records and information
Martinez Public Library
Reference materials and research services 740 Court Street Martinez, CA 94553 Phone: (925) 646-2898
Martinez Criminal Records Search and History
Public Records Access California Attorney General Public Inquiry Unit P.O. Box 944255, Sacramento, CA 94244-2550 Phone: (800) 952-5225
Martinez California Official Criminal History Background Check
Attorney General's Office California Department of Justice Attn: Public Inquiry Unit P.O. Box 944255 Sacramento, CA 94244-2550
Center for Missing & Exploited Children
Quick search for missing children, sex offenders, Amber alerts, records and more public information.
Search For Inmates in Martinez and Corrections Records
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation inmate locator. Search for inmates currently in custody of CDCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register to vote in Martinez, California?
To register to vote in Martinez, California, residents can register online through the California Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Contra Costa County elections office. California requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The standard online and mail registration deadline is 15 days before an election; conditional voter registration is available after that deadline and on Election Day at county election offices and vote centers. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the California Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Martinez, contact the Contra Costa County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
How do I look up property records in Martinez, California?
Property records for Martinez, California are maintained by the Contra Costa County Assessor's Office and the Contra Costa County Clerk and Recorder. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Contra Costa County, including parcels in Martinez. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Contra Costa County Clerk and Recorder maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many California counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. The Contra Costa County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Martinez, California?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Martinez, California residents are available through both county and state offices. The California Department of Public Health, Vital Records, located in Sacramento, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in California. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Contra Costa County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Contra Costa County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.
Fingerprinting Services
Services are provided for background checks, professional licensing, and other official purposes. Contact local law enforcement for scheduling and fees.