About Yolo County
Yolo County is located in the northern Central Valley of California, spanning approximately 1,024 square miles between the Sacramento Valley and the Coast Ranges. Yolo County seat is Woodland, situated about 15 miles northwest of Sacramento. As of recent census estimates, Yolo County has a population of approximately 220,000 residents. Yolo County includes diverse scenes from fertile agricultural plains to rolling hills and includes portions of the Cache Creek watershed. Major incorporated cities include Davis, West Sacramento, Winters, and Woodland. Yolo County is renowned for its agricultural productivity, producing tomatoes, almonds, walnuts, wine grapes, and rice. The presence of the University of California, Davis—one of the world's premier research institutions—significantly shapes Yolo County's character and economy. Historic Cache Creek Canyon, the Capay Valley wine region, and the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area are notable landmarks. Yolo County was established in 1850 as one of California's original 27 counties, named after the Patwin village of Yodoi. Public records services are administered by several county offices: Yolo County Recorder's Office at 625 Court Street, Room B-05, Woodland, CA 95695; Yolo County Clerk at 625 Court Street, Room 105, Woodland; and Yolo County Assessor at 625 Court Street, Room 102, Woodland. These offices maintain full records of land transactions, vital records, and property assessments for public access.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement & Arrests
- Arrest records are public under the California Public Records Act (Government Code Section 6250 et seq.) and can be requested from the arresting agency or the Sheriff's Office.
- Written requests should specify the individual's name and date of birth.
- Fees for copies and research time may apply.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Jail & Inmate Records
- The bond and bail process follows California state laws, allowing for the release of detainees upon posting the required bail amount.
Courts & Case Records
- Remote access fees apply for detailed document viewing, typically $0.10 per page for electronic copies.
- Certified copies of court documents cost $25 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page.
- Traffic citations and infractions are processed through the court's traffic division, with online payment options available.
Property & Public Records
- The office provides an online document search system accessible through Yolo County website at www.yolocounty.gov where users can search the Grantor-Grantee Index and Official Records Index free of charge.
- Viewing and printing documents requires payment, typically $1.00 per page for unofficial copies.
- Certified copies cost $11 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page.
- Property tax records are maintained separately by Yolo County Assessor's Office at 625 Court Street, Room 102, Woodland, CA 95695 (phone: 530-666-8135).
- Yolo County Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Division provides an interactive online parcel viewer showing property boundaries, zoning designations, flood zones, and other spatial data layers.
Vital Records
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 records are readily available; mail requests take 2-4 weeks.
- Confidential marriage licenses are also available for $105.
- Marriage certificates (proof of completed marriage) cost $17 for certified copies.
- Divorce records (marital dissolution decrees) are maintained by Yolo County Superior Court, not the County Clerk, and must be requested through the court at 725 Court Street, Woodland.
- Online ordering of vital records may be available through Yolo County website or authorized third-party vendors, though additional service fees apply.
Business & Licensing
Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.
- The California Secretary of State Business Search portal at bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov provides free access to corporation, LLC, limited partnership, and other entity registrations statewide.
- This database includes entity status, registration date, agent for service of process, and principal office address.
- Yolo County Community Development Agency at 292 West Beamer Street, Woodland, CA 95695 (phone: 530-666-8775) issues building permits, conducts inspections, and maintains zoning records for unincorporated areas.
- Sales tax permits are obtained through the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.