All links go directly to official Ontario, California government websites.
About Ontario City Government
Government TypeCity Council
The city government of Ontario, California, operates under a City Council-Manager system, with the governing body known as the Ontario City Council. The council consists of five elected members, each serving a four-year term. Council members are elected at-large, meaning they represent the entire city rather than specific districts.Meeting schedules are available through the local government office.
About Ontario, California
Law enforcement in Ontario is primarily managed by the Ontario Police Department. The department keeps detailed records of arrests and criminal activities, which are accessible through formal request processes. If you need information on inmates or past criminal records, the San Bernardino County Jail provides resources for searching inmate records and requesting background checks. The Ontario Police Department is known for its community policing efforts and has received recognition for its innovative crime prevention programs, which have contributed to a decline in crime rates in recent years. Residents can access public and vital records under the California Public Records Act (CPRA) by submitting requests to the appropriate offices. For essential documents such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, individuals can turn to the San Bernardino County Clerk’s office. Property records can be obtained through the San Bernardino County Assessor's office, while court records are accessible via the San Bernardino County Superior Court. With several online portals available, including the Clerk’s and Assessor’s websites, residents can efficiently request information from the comfort of their homes, streamlining the process of obtaining vital and public records in Ontario.
Ontario, California Public Records & Government Resources
ID & Warrants, (916) 445-6713 Inmate Check Line (Media), (916) 557-5933 California Department of Corrections and Rehabil
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement in San Bernardino County involves multiple agencies working across jurisdictional lines. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department handles unincorporated areas and supports major crimes, while municipal departments—including those in San Bernardino, Ontario, and Rancho Cucamonga—manage enforcement within their respective city limits. These agencies coordinate regularly on large-scale investigations and regional safety initiatives.
Jail & Inmate Records
The West Valley Detention Center is the primary jail facility for San Bernardino County. The facility processes bookings For people arrested throughout San Bernardino County, and the sheriff's department maintains an online inmate locator for searches. Visitors must schedule appointments in advance and bring identification. Bond and bail procedures follow California state law, allowing release pending trial through payment arranged with bail bondsmen or directly at the facility.
Arrest Records
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department maintains arrest records for San Bernardino County. Residents and attorneys can request these records through the department's records division, usually with a formal request and sometimes a fee. The records contain arrest dates, charges, and booking details. Access is governed by the California Public Records Act, which balances transparency with protection of sensitive information.
Court Records
Residents of Ontario, California, have access to the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California, which maintains a location in the city. Court records and case information can be searched through the court's website. The California Courts website offers a self-help portal with resources for navigating the state's judicial system, including tools for accessing court records in the area.
Criminal Records
San Bernardino County's criminal records system includes felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry records. The Sheriff's Department and local police departments maintain these records, while the California Department of Justice provides statewide background checks. Residents can request criminal records through the sheriff's department or the California Bureau of Investigation, which offers fingerprint-based background checks. The system ensures documentation of criminal activities within San Bernardino County.
Public Records Access
Public records in Ontario are available through the City's Records Management Department. Property records, including deeds and assessments, can be accessed via the California Board of Equalization website. The California State Archives maintains historical records and documents related to the city and surrounding communities. Researchers can search the archives for genealogical information and other historical materials.
Vital Records
Vital records for Ontario, California, are maintained by the California Department of Public Health. Residents can obtain birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses through the department's Vital Records program. The City of Ontario also offers information and resources related to vital records on its website, directing residents to the appropriate state agencies for their needs.
Business & Licensing Records
The City of Ontario's Economic Development Department manages business-related records and information. Residents and entrepreneurs can access resources for starting or expanding a business, including details on permits, licenses, and zoning regulations. The city actively promotes economic development initiatives designed to attract new businesses and support the local economy.
Economy & Demographics
Ontario, California, has a diverse and thriving economy, with major industries including logistics, manufacturing, and retail. The city is home to several large employers, such as the Ontario International Airport, which is a hub for air cargo and passenger transportation. The Ontario Mills shopping center is also a significant economic driver, attracting visitors and generating revenue for the local community. The city's skilled workforce and strategic location make it an attractive destination for businesses of all sizes.
Elections & Voter Records
The San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters serves Ontario residents from 777 East Rialto Avenue, San Bernardino, CA 92415, phone (909) 387-8300, website sbcrov.com. This office administers all federal, state, county, and municipal elections, maintains voter registration rolls, processes mail-in ballots, and certifies results. California residents can register online at registertovote.ca.gov up to 15 days before an election, or use conditional voter registration available through Election Day at vote centers. Voters must be U.S.
Citizens, California residents, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and not currently serving a state prison term for a felony conviction. Online registration requires a California driver's license or ID number. Municipal elections in the city cover the mayor, elected citywide, and four city council seats representing specific wards. The next municipal election is scheduled for November 2026, when certain council seats will appear on the ballot. Residents can find their polling location or vote center through the County Registrar's website at sbcrov.com/elections or by calling the office. San Bernardino County uses a vote center model allowing any registered voter to cast a ballot at any center countywide during the voting period. Public election records in California include voter registration statistics (not individual voter history), campaign finance reports filed with the city clerk and California Fair Political Practices Commission at fppc.ca.gov, candidate statements and filings, ballot measure text and arguments, and precinct-level results available at sbcrov.com after certification. In the November 2024 presidential election, San Bernardino County reported approximately 57 percent voter turnout with over 570,000 ballots cast countywide. For the November 3, 2026 general election, voters in Ontario and San Bernardino County will decide races that may include all 80 State Assembly seats, half of the 40 State Senate seats, county Board of Supervisors districts, county constitutional offices such as Sheriff, District Attorney, Assessor, and possibly city offices depending on the election cycle. Any registered voter can request a vote-by-mail ballot online at sbcrov.com or by calling the Registrar's office; voters can choose permanent vote-by-mail status. Ballots are mailed starting 29 days before Election Day and must be postmarked by Election Day and received within 7 days to be counted, or returned to any vote center or secure drop box by 8 PM on Election Day.
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online Statewide Portal | Property: Yes: Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: Yes: Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: Limited: State Office Required | Business: Yes: Free State Database | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall: 8.5/10 — San Bernardino County and California provide excellent online access to most public records including property searches, court case lookups, inmate information, business entities, and election data, though vital records require formal requests and fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
1What are the school district and education performance data for Ontario, San Bernardino County, California?
Public schools in Ontario, San Bernardino County, California are administered by the local school district. For information about school enrollment, academic performance, and school ratings, residents should contact the San Bernardino County school administration or the California Department of Education. School district boundaries, student-teacher ratios, and test scores are available through the National Center for Education Statistics at nces.ed.gov.
2What are the crime statistics for Ontario, San Bernardino County, California?
Crime data for Ontario, San Bernardino County, California is maintained by local law enforcement agencies. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office and local police departments report crime statistics to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Residents can access crime data through the FBI Crime Data Explorer or by contacting local law enforcement directly. For specific crime reports or incident data, submit a public records request to the Ontario police department or the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office.
3Where is the Ontario, San Bernardino County, California Public Library located?
The Ontario Public Library serves residents of Ontario and the surrounding San Bernardino County area in California. Contact the library directly or visit the San Bernardino County library system website for the current address, phone number, hours of operation, and available services.
4What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Ontario, San Bernardino County, California, and what information is provided in the records?
Vital records for Ontario, San Bernardino County, California including birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses are available through the California Department of Public Health. Requests can be made online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the San Bernardino County Clerk's office may also process vital record requests. You will need valid photo identification and proof of eligibility. Processing times and fees vary by office and request method.
5How do I register to vote in Ontario, California?
To register to vote in Ontario, California, residents can register online through the California Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the San Bernardino County elections office. California requires voters to be U. Citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. 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 Ontario, contact the San Bernardino County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
6How do I look up property records in Ontario, California?
Property records for Ontario, California are maintained by the San Bernardino County Assessor's Office and the San Bernardino County Clerk and Recorder. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within San Bernardino County, including parcels in Ontario. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The San Bernardino 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. For in-person requests, visit the San Bernardino County offices at the county courthouse. The San Bernardino County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
7How do I get a birth or death certificate in Ontario, California?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Ontario, 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 Bernardino County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for San Bernardino 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.
8How do I find business license records in Ontario, California?
Business licensing for Ontario, California operates at municipal, county, and state levels. The Ontario town or city clerk's office handles local business permits, zoning approvals, and any municipal license requirements for businesses operating within Ontario limits. San Bernardino County may require additional registrations for businesses in unincorporated areas or county-level sales tax licensing. At the state level, all California businesses must register with the California Secretary of State and obtain applicable state tax identification numbers from the California Department of Revenue. Professional licenses for regulated occupations are issued by the relevant California licensing boards. For a complete list of requirements for starting a business in Ontario, contact the Ontario clerk's office and the San Bernardino County economic development office.
9Library Public Records Access
Public records resources are available at the Ontario library and through the San Bernardino County library system. Patrons can access government documents, historical records, and online databases. The library staff can assist with locating specific public records and research materials.
10Fingerprinting Services
Fingerprinting services in Ontario, California are available through the local police department and the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office. Services are provided for background checks, professional licensing, and other official purposes. Contact local law enforcement for scheduling and fees.
Nearby Cities in San Bernardino County, California
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county: