The California Public Records Act (CPRA) ensures access to public records from state agencies and local government.  Any person may receive a copy of an identifiable public record, and any City record that is requested will be provided for review unless it is exempt from disclosure under the law. 

The City offers many online options to find the records you are looking for:

Vital Records such as birth, death or marriage certificates, are available through the County of Marin. More information and request forms can be found online through the Marin County Recorder Office.

For records related to the Novato Fire Protection District, Novato Sanitary District or North Marin Water District, please reach out to each jurisdiction directly.

Public Records Act Requests

If you are not able to locate the records you are looking for via the links above, you may submit a Public Records Act request through the Online Records Portal.

 When requesting records:

• be as specific as possible;
• include a date range, if applicable; and
• include a detailed description of information needed

If you are unsure what you are looking for, the City Clerk's office can assist you in your request. 

Fees:

A fee may apply to your request.  Duplication of paper records is currently 30 cents (.30) per standard 8.5 X 11 page.

The City does not charge for staff time and costs incurred in searching for, locating or collecting records.