About Montara — In Depth
Jail & Inmate Records
The Maguire Correctional Facility is the main detention center for San Mateo County. When someone is arrested anywhere in San Mateo County, they're brought here for booking, fingerprinted, photographed, and evaluated for bail. The facility offers an inmate lookup service accessible through San Mateo County's official website, making it possible for the public to search for current detainees. Visitation requires advance scheduling and strict adherence to facility guidelines.
Arrest Records
Arrest records across San Mateo County are kept by the Sheriff's Office and the various municipal police departments that serve incorporated cities. Residents and attorneys seeking these records need to contact the agency that made the arrest. The records themselves contain the arrested person's name, arrest date, charges filed, and booking information. Access is governed by the California Public Records Act, which balances transparency with privacy protections for sensitive details. Requests can be submitted in person, by mail, or through online portals where available.
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in San Mateo County includes felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry records. Background checks can be conducted through the California Department of Justice, which provides criminal history information for residents. The California Department of Justice also helps with maintaining statewide criminal records, which are accessible to law enforcement and authorized agencies for investigative purposes.
Vital Records
Vital records for Montara residents, including birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses, are managed by the San Mateo County Clerk-Recorder's Office. This office maintains the official registry of these important life events and can provide certified copies upon request. The Clerk-Recorder's Office is located in nearby Redwood City and serves the entire San Mateo County region, including the 94037 ZIP code area that covers Montara.
Business & Licensing Records
Because Montara is unincorporated, there is no city Community Development Department issuing business licenses or zoning permits. Instead, businesses operating in the 94037 ZIP code area must work directly with San Mateo County offices for regulatory approvals and compliance matters. The county handles all licensing, permitting, and economic development support for commercial activities in this coastal community. Local businesses seeking information on these processes should contact the appropriate county department rather than a municipal office.
Economy & Demographics
Montara's economy is driven by a mix of tourism, small businesses, and its proximity to the larger Bay Area job market. The town's picturesque setting and outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, beachcombing, and tide pooling, attract visitors from across the region. Local businesses, such as restaurants, galleries, and specialty shops, cater to both tourists and the 2,649 residents of the 94037 ZIP code area.
Many Montara residents also commute to jobs in the technology, healthcare, and other industries located throughout the Bay Area, taking advantage of the town's coastal location and easy access to regional transportation networks.
Elections & Voter Records
Montara voters rely on the San Mateo County Registration & Elections Division, located at 40 Tower Road, San Mateo, CA 94402 (phone: 650-312-5222, website: https://www.smcacre.org). This office manages voter registration, election administration, vote-by-mail ballots, and precinct operations for the entire county. California residents can register online at https://registertovote.ca.gov up to 15 days before an election, though conditional voter registration remains available during the final 14 days and on Election Day itself at the San Mateo County elections office or any vote center.
Registration requires a California driver's license or ID number, or the last four digits of a Social Security number. As an unincorporated community, Montara has no municipal government, no mayor, and no city council elections. Residents instead participate in San Mateo County Board of Supervisors elections - District 3 covers the coastside including Montara - along with state legislative races in California State Senate District 13 and State Assembly District 22, U.S. House of Representatives District 15, and statewide offices. Voters can locate their assigned polling place or vote center at https://www.smcacre.org/voter-information or by calling 650-312-5222. Voters can track their ballot status at https://wheresmyballot.sos.ca.gov. Public election records in California include voter registration files (available with restrictions under California Elections Code § 2188), campaign finance reports searchable at http://cal-access.sos.ca.gov for state candidates and at https://netfile.com/Connect2/api/public/list/agencies for local San Mateo County campaigns, candidate statements, precinct-level election results, and historical turnout data, all available through the County Elections Division and Secretary of State.
Public Records Resources for Montara, California
Official government websites for Montara, California and the surrounding area. We prioritize official government sources (.gov, .us, or .mil) and supplement with verified municipal, county, or statewide portals (.org or .com) where the agency uses a non-government domain.
- California Criminal Self Service CenterHow to see or get a copy of records from criminal cases.
- California Department of Justice Background ChecksBackground criminal record searches of individuals as a pre-employment requirement, fingerprinting, foreign adoptions, licensing, certification, condition of residency and more. Online criminal history checks, applicant fingerprinting and processing.
- California Inmate LocatorLocate inmates held in California correctional facilities. Obtain an inmate's contact information including the current facility and location where the prisoner is held. Research statistical information about parolees and inmates. View reports about.
- California Sex OffendersInformation provided by criminal justice departments and local police agencies. Daily updated list of persons required to register in California as sex offenders. View detailed profiles on all registrants. Publication directory of reports to.
- California Wanted AlertsSearch for fugitives wanted by the California department of Corrections. The state's wanted person's online database to the public will show photo, age, physical description, offense, bulletins, warrant date and crime information.
- California Criminal History Request and ReviewInformation of arrests and convictions in California
- California Highway PatrolLook up current arrests, CIG alerts (radio stations broadcast of warnings regarding unusual or hazardous traffic conditions) and hot spots.
- California Department of Fish and GameFishing licenses, hunting licenses and more.
- California Attorney GeneralCalifornia office of the attorney general.
- Commission On Peace Officer Standards and TrainingCalifornia law enforcement training academy and more.
- California Property RecordsObtain property tax info by contacting the county assessor.
- Unclaimed Property SearchDatabase of unclaimed property reported by various financial institutions, insurance companies, corporations and associations. Search can be conducted by individual owner's name, business name, government entity or property. Query results show.
Nearby Cities in San Mateo County, California
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register to vote in Montara, California?
To register to vote in Montara, California, residents can register online through the California Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the San Mateo 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 county and state elections (Montara is an unincorporated community in San Mateo County and does not hold municipal elections), contact the San Mateo County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
How do I look up property records in Montara, California?
Property records for Montara, California are maintained by the San Mateo County Assessor's Office and the San Mateo County Clerk and Recorder. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within San Mateo County, including parcels in Montara. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The San Mateo 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 San Mateo County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Montara, California?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Montara, 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 San Mateo County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for San Mateo 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.