Records

The Records Unit serves as the central repository for records essential to the efficient operation of the Redwood City Police Department. The unit is responsible for maintaining a wide range of police records, including crime reports, warrants, citations, and registrant information. In addition to records management, the unit often serves as the first point of contact for community members, both by telephone through the police business line and in person at the front desk.

Several of the services below will incur a fee. For more information, and to view current fees, please click here.

Contact Us

The Records Unit is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., excluding City-observed holidays. During business hours, Records personnel assist the public with services including obtaining and reporting crime and accident reports, citation signoffs, local clearance letters, fingerprinting, and other records-related requests. The unit also supports allied agencies by conducting local records checks and processing internal subpoenas. Visit the front lobby or call (650) 780-7100 for assistance.

Local Records Check – Clearance Letter

Clearance Letters are available to Redwood City residents and provide an arrest record check of the Redwood City Police Department’s local records system; arrests from other law enforcement agencies will not be included. Requests must include fee payment and may be made on a walk-in basis during lobby hours, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with valid photo identification. 

For information on obtaining a State of California criminal record (for personal review only), please visit the State of California Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General website here.

Live Scan – Fingerprinting

Live Scan and ink card fingerprinting services are available by appointment only. Appointments are offered Tuesday through Thursday between 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., and 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. To schedule an appointment, please contact the Records Unit at (650) 780-7100.

All applicants must present valid government-issued identification (U.S. or foreign). Live Scan services also require a completed Live Scan request form provided by the agency requesting the service, and fee payment. 

Vehicle Releases

The registered owner of a vehicle towed by the Redwood City Police Department must obtain a vehicle release form from police department prior to retrieving the vehicle from the tow company. This service is completed at the Police Department and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• The registered owner must provide a valid driver’s license and pay the release fee to the Redwood City Police Department. Depending on the reason for the tow, the owner may also have to provide current valid registration or a moving permit issued by the DMV.  If the owner does not have a valid driver’s license, then they must bring a valid licensed driver with them to sign the vehicle release form.

• After obtaining a vehicle release form from the Police Department, the owner must take the form to the tow company, where all towing and storage fees must be paid to the tow company.

Repossession Fee

If your vehicle was repossessed in the City of Redwood City (excluding unincorporated areas), you will need to obtain a repo receipt from the Redwood City Police Department and pay a fee. You must be the registered owner of the vehicle and present a valid driver’s license. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Ticket Sign-Off

If you received a traffic citation for an equipment violation, you may visit the Redwood City Police Department to have your citation signed off at no charge. Please ensure the violation has been corrected prior to your visit. Walk-ins are welcome during lobby hours, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Please note: We are unable to sign off for violations of Vehicle Code section 16028, those need to be handled directly with the court.

Administrative Citations

An Administrative Citation is a civil penalty issued for violations of the Redwood City Municipal Code. It can be issued by either the Redwood City Police Department or the City's Code Enforcement division. Citations include a fine that must be paid within a set timeframe, and recipients have the right to appeal through an administrative hearing.

For full details on fines, payment options, and the appeals process, visit the City's Administrative Citations page here. 

*Fees are subject to change based on the Redwood City fee schedule for the fiscal year*