Tulare County

Tulare County, California is located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley in central California, covering approximately 4,839 square miles. Tulare County seat is Visalia, which is the largest city and administrative center. As of recent estimates, Tulare County has a population exceeding 475,774 residents, making it one of the most populous counties in the Central Valley. Tulare County is bordered by Fresno County to the north, Inyo County to the east, Kern County to the south, and Kings County to the west. Tulare County is home to a portion of Sequoia National Park, which features the famous General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth by volume. Tulare County's geography ranges from the fertile valley floor, which is intensively farmed, to the rugged Sierra Nevada mountains reaching elevations over 14,000 feet. Tulare County was established in 1852, making it one of California's original 27 counties. Tulare County's name derives from Tulare Lake, which was once the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River before agricultural diversion. Tulare County Recorder's Office is located at 221 South Mooney Boulevard, Room 105E, Visalia, CA 93291. Tulare County Clerk-Recorder handles vital records and property recordings. Tulare County Assessor-Clerk-Recorder maintains property assessment records at the same complex. Major cities include Visalia, Visalia area, Porterville, Dinuba, and Exeter. Tulare County is renowned as an agricultural powerhouse, producing dairy products, citrus, grapes, and other crops that make it one of the top agricultural counties in the United States.

• Tulare County's geography ranges from the fertile valley floor, which is intensively farmed, to the rugged Sierra Nevada mountains reaching elevations over 14,000 feet.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• The system provides booking dates, charges, bail amounts, and expected release dates.
• Arrest records are considered public records under the California Public Records Act (Government Code Section 6250 et seq.), and requests can be submitted in writing to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
• Mugshots and booking photos are generally accessible through the Sheriff's Office inmate lookup system or by submitting a formal public records request.
• Processing times and fees vary by agency, with costs typically covering staff time and copying expenses.

Jail & Inmate Records

• The bond process follows California state laws, allowing for cash bail or bail bonds to secure an inmate's release.

• The court website at Tulare.courts.ca.gov provides full information about court services, case filing procedures, and public access.
• The court charges fees for certified copies of documents, with standard rates set according to California Government Code Section 70626.
• Uncertified copies are typically available at lower cost.
• Small claims cases with disputes up to $10,000 are handled expeditiously, with hearings typically scheduled within 40 days of filing.

• The office website at tularecounty.ca.gov/acr provides online access to recorded documents through a searchable database.
• Images of recorded documents are available for viewing and printing, with fees charged for copies.
• Current and delinquent tax information can be searched online by parcel number or property address.
• Tulare County Assessor provides property assessment information, ownership details, and assessed values through an online property information system.
• Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested in person, by mail, or online, with fees typically $10 for the first page and $2 for each additional page.

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

• Processing time for in-person requests is typically same-day if the record is readily located; mail requests take approximately 2-3 weeks.
• Death certificates for deaths occurring in Tulare County are similarly available through the County Clerk-Recorder, with the same fee structure and identification requirements.
• Informational certified copies, which cannot be used for identity purposes, may be available to a broader range of requestors.
• Marriage licenses must be obtained in person from the County Clerk, with both parties present, at a cost of $86 for a public marriage license and $93 for a confidential marriage license.
• Marriage certificates (proof of recorded marriage) cost $18 for a certified copy.

Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.

• Sales tax permits are issued by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.