Can I view or download court documents online?
Some San Diego Superior Court documents are available for online preview or paid download, depending on the case type, filing date and document. Other documents can be ordered online but are delivered by mail. Start with the official Accessing Court Records page to select the appropriate Register of Actions.
Find the case and choose the correct system
Have the court case number and file location available. If you need help finding them, see how to find your court case number. The Court Index locates cases; finding an index entry does not mean that the documents are available to download.
The court provides a Family Register of Actions and a separate Register of Actions for Civil, Small Claims, Probate and Criminal cases. Use the links on the official records page.
Check what is available for your case type
| Case type | Document access |
|---|---|
| Civil, Small Claims and Probate | Some documents in cases initiated on or after January 1, 2008, may be downloaded for a fee. Available documents may also have a first-page preview. |
| Family | Some documents in imaged cases filed on or after August 24, 2015, can be purchased online and mailed to you. |
| Criminal | Documents are not available for online viewing or download. Some documents in cases filed on or after February 17, 2026, can be purchased online and mailed to you. |
These filing dates do not guarantee that every document is available. Review the selected document, current charges and delivery method before paying. A first-page preview does not show any additional pages, and an online purchase does not always provide an immediate download.
If the document is unavailable online
Follow the court’s Obtain a Copy of a Court File instructions for in-person or mail requests. Have the case number, parties’ names and the names of the documents you need available.
For viewing at the courthouse, consult the View a Court File instructions. Confirm the business office and any retrieval arrangements before visiting. Copying, research or off-site retrieval fees may apply.
Sealed and confidential records have separate access restrictions. An online listing or payment does not override those restrictions.
If you need a certified copy
Do not assume that an ordinary download meets a requirement for a certified copy. Confirm the required format with the organization requesting the document, then ask the court about certification procedures and fees.