Los Angeles County CA Recorder: Deeds & Records

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Los Angeles County, California • deeds and recorded real estate records

Los Angeles County Recorder: How to Find Deeds, Recorded Documents and Certified Copies

The official office for deeds, deeds of trust, liens, releases, easements and other recorded real estate documents in Los Angeles County is the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk (RR/CC).

There is one important limitation that surprises many first-time users: Los Angeles County does not provide a public internet search of its Recorder real-estate indexes or document images. You can order a record online, but the Recorder’s real-estate index itself is maintained by grantor name, grantee name and recording year, not by street address.

If you only know a property address: first open the Los Angeles County Assessor Portal and identify the correct property and 10-digit Assessor Identification Number (AIN). Then gather the likely grantor/grantee names and approximate recording year from your deed, closing papers, title documents, Assessor event history or other reliable records before requesting or viewing the Recorder document.
Official office Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk Dean C. Logan
Real estate record coverage Records available from 1850 to present
Recorder/County Clerk phone (800) 201-8999
Real estate records phone route (800) 201-8999, option 3
Property recording phone route (800) 201-8999, option 2
Do not pay a third-party “deed search” site before understanding this: the official Recorder does not offer an unrestricted web index by owner, address or APN. An online RR/CC order is a document-copy request, not a public browser-based deed-index search.
Independent guide: County-CAD.us is not the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, County Assessor, Treasurer and Tax Collector, Department of Consumer and Business Affairs or another government agency. Official searches, document requests, recordings and payments must be completed through the government resources linked below.
Start with what you actually need

Choose Your Los Angeles County Recorder Task

I only know the property address Find the AIN first and build the Recorder search information. I know the owner/seller/buyer name Learn how Los Angeles County indexes real-estate documents. I want to search/view records myself Use the Norwalk viewing appointment process. I need a deed copy Online, mail, fax and in-person copy routes. I need a certified deed Check current certification fees and request options. I need to record a deed APN, acknowledgment, PCOR, transfer tax and recording requirements. I need transfer-tax help County DTT and special city-rate considerations. I am worried about property fraud Use Homeowner Notification and e-Notification. An owner has died Affidavit of Death and property-recording route. I found a lien Understand what the Recorder can and cannot resolve.
Address-to-deed workflow

A Beginner’s Los Angeles County Deed Search Path

1 Address Start with the property.
2 Find AIN Use the Assessor Portal.
3 Find names/year Grantor, grantee and date clues.
4 Recorder index Search/view or request record.
5 Verify deed Check names and legal description.
6 Order copy Plain or certified if needed.

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Official destination directory

Which Los Angeles County Website Should You Open?

RR
RR/CC Real Estate Records Start here for existing recorded deeds and real-estate records.
Open Official Real Estate Records
AIN
Los Angeles County Assessor Portal Search by property address or Assessor Identification Number.
Open Official Assessor Search
VIEW
View Real Estate Records Appointments for onsite index/document research at Norwalk.
Open Official Viewing Instructions
COPY
Real Estate Record Request Online, in-person, fax or mail copy requests.
Open Record Request Options
REC
Property Document Recording Use for submitting a deed or other document for recording.
Open Official Recording Information
LOC
RR/CC Office Locations Confirm services, hours and branch availability before visiting.
View Official Office Locations
Scenario 1: you only know the street address

How to Find a Los Angeles County Deed When You Only Know the Address

The Recorder cannot search its real-estate database by street address. Los Angeles County says its Recorder property records are filed by grantor name, grantee name and year of recording.
1
Open this website first Los Angeles County Assessor Portal
Search Property by Address
Open the Assessor Portal above. Use the county system rather than beginning with a commercial deed website.
Choose Basic Search and enter the property address. Start with the street number and main street name.
Open the correct parcel. Confirm city, ZIP code, property characteristics and parcel context.
Save the 10-digit Assessor Identification Number. The Los Angeles County parcel identifier is commonly called the AIN.
Review Events / Ownership history when available. Recent Assessor event information can provide recording-date clues, sequence information or transfer activity useful for locating the underlying recorded document.
Gather likely grantor and grantee names. Use your closing statement, title report, previous deed, escrow papers, loan documents or other reliable source.
Estimate the recording year. The Recorder’s index is organized by party name and recording year, so even an approximate range is much more useful than only an address.
Choose how you want to continue. Make an onsite viewing appointment, submit a written mail/fax search request, or order a known record online.

What Is the Los Angeles County AIN?

The Assessor Identification Number is the parcel identifier used by the Los Angeles County Assessor. It is normally a 10-digit number commonly displayed with hyphens.

Use AIN for Assessor property lookup, parcel research, assessment data, tax research and identifying the correct parcel before deed research.
Do not expect AIN alone to search the Recorder index RR/CC real-estate indexing is name/year based. Use the AIN to make sure you are researching the correct property.
Condo warning: one building address can contain many separate AINs. Parking spaces, storage parcels and adjoining lots can also be separately assessed. Confirm the exact parcel before ordering a deed.
Scenario 2: you know a party name

How Los Angeles County Deed Records Are Indexed

The Recorder says real-estate records are maintained in alphabetical indexes by name and the year the document was recorded.

Grantor Generally the party conveying or granting the interest represented by the recorded instrument.
Grantee Generally the party receiving the interest represented by the document.
Recording year One of the key pieces of information used to narrow the alphabetical index.
Document title Grant Deed, Quitclaim Deed, Deed of Trust, Reconveyance, lien, affidavit or another recorded instrument.
Same name does not prove the same person. Compare the property, document type, recording date, legal description, AIN/APN reference and transaction context.
Search the index yourself

How to View Los Angeles County Real Estate Records in Person

Los Angeles County provides onsite real-estate-record viewing at the Norwalk Headquarters. The county does not provide the same real-estate index as a public internet database.

VIEW
Official Viewing Real Estate Records page Appointment information and historical record location.
Make / Review Viewing Appointment
Open the official Viewing Real Estate Records page.
Use the appointment option. The viewing page currently allows appointments to be scheduled up to two weeks in advance.
Prepare the grantor/grantee name and recording year. The Recorder does not accept telephone requests to perform index searches.
Go to the Norwalk Headquarters for the scheduled appointment. The headquarters is at 12400 Imperial Highway, Norwalk, CA 90650.
Use the correct historical-record area. The county currently says records dated 1851-1957 are reviewed on the lower level, while records from 1958 to the present are reviewed on the second floor.
Identify the exact recorded document. Save the document number, recording date, parties and document type.
Purchase a copy only if needed. Viewing and copy purchasing are different tasks.
Important: Los Angeles County specifically states that telephone requests for real-estate index searches are not accepted.
Four official request routes

How to Get a Los Angeles County Deed or Real Estate Record Copy

Online

RR/CC directs online copy requests to its approved LexisNexis ordering service.

Open Official Online Request Instructions
In Person

Make an appointment and request the copy through an RR/CC office that provides the applicable real-estate-record service.

Open In-Person Instructions
By Mail

Send a written request containing the document title, names listed on the document and recording year or year range.

Open Mail Request Instructions
By Fax

Fax the required search/document information and delivery details using the current RR/CC fax-request procedure.

Open Fax Request Instructions

Online Deed Copy Request: What to Do After Opening the Website

WEB
RR/CC Online Request page The official county page routes the order to LexisNexis.
Open Official Online Request
Open the RR/CC Online Request page above.
Click the LexisNexis request link provided by Los Angeles County. Starting from the county page helps avoid imitation websites.
Enter the requested record information. Use the exact document number when available; otherwise provide the strongest identifying information requested by the order system.
Choose the copy type. Determine whether you need a plain or certified copy.
Review fees before paying. Certified copies carry the applicable certification charge.
Save the order confirmation.
RR/CC currently states that online real-estate-record orders are processed within 20 working days from the date the request is received.

How to Request a Los Angeles County Deed by Mail

A useful mail request should not simply say “send me the deed for this address.” Los Angeles County asks for information that matches the Recorder’s index.

Write the title of the document. Example: Grant Deed, Quitclaim Deed, Deed of Trust or another known title.
List the names appearing on the document. Include the grantor/grantee information you know.
Provide the recording year. If you do not know the exact year, state the years you want searched.
Calculate the search and copy fees. Use the current RR/CC fee page before preparing payment.
Make the check or money order payable to Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. Do not send cash.
Mail the request to Real Estate Records. Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, Real Estate Records, P.O. Box 1130, Norwalk, CA 90651-1130.
Allow for processing. RR/CC currently states that mail record orders are processed within 20 working days after receipt.

How to Request a Los Angeles County Real Estate Record by Fax

FAX
Official fax-request instructions Current fax number and required information.
Review Current Fax Instructions

The current RR/CC fax number for the real-estate-record request process is (562) 864-1250.

Include:

  • title of the document;
  • names listed on the document;
  • recording year;
  • mailing address for delivery;
  • whether regular mail or expedited UPS delivery is requested;
  • daytime telephone number with area code; and
  • required credit-card payment information.
Current RR/CC real estate copy fees

Los Angeles County Deed Copy and Certification Fees

$5 Plain Copy First page of the document.
$3 Additional Page Each additional page of a plain or certified document.
$6 Certified Copy First page of a certified real-estate document.
$0.50 Search Fee Per name, per year, non-refundable; $1 minimum.
$18.50 Expedited Mail / UPS Current expedited mail charge listed by RR/CC.
$1.75 Credit Card Handling Current handling/service charge where applicable.
You cannot buy only selected pages of a recorded document. Los Angeles County says the complete document must be purchased.
$
Official Real Estate Records Fee Page Always recheck fees before paying.
Verify Current Copy Fees

What Types of Los Angeles County Property Documents Can Be Recorded?

Grant Deed Common California deed containing certain implied warranties by the grantor.
Quitclaim Deed Transfers whatever interest the grantor may have without deed warranties.
Deed of Trust Common California real-estate financing/security instrument.
Full Reconveyance Commonly associated with release of a deed-of-trust interest after payoff.
Liens Various recorded claims can appear against property or an owner.
Affidavit of Death Used in applicable title/survivorship situations after a death.
Easements Recorded interests involving use or access rights.
Restrictive Covenants Historical restrictions may appear in older recorded instruments.
Re-recorded Documents Certain defective or incomplete recordings may require an authorized re-recording process.
The Recorder records qualifying documents but does not provide legal advice about which deed you should use or how title should be held.
Recording a document is different from searching one

How to Record a Deed in Los Angeles County

REC
Official Recording Requirements Review these requirements before signing, mailing or visiting.
Open Recording Requirements
Confirm the property is in Los Angeles County. The RR/CC records documents affecting Los Angeles County real property.
Prepare an authorized recordable document. The instrument must be authorized or required by law to be recorded.
Use original signatures when required. RR/CC lists original signatures as a general requirement unless an applicable certified-copy rule applies.
Provide the recording-request and return information. Include the name of the party requesting recording and a return name/address.
Make sure acknowledgment/notarization requirements are satisfied. Deeds generally require proper acknowledgment unless a legal exception applies.
Put the Assessor’s Parcel Number on applicable documents. RR/CC specifically lists APN as required on deeds, trust deeds, mortgages, Notices of Default and Notices of Trustee’s Sale.
Complete the Preliminary Change of Ownership Report when required. Ownership-changing real-estate documents generally require a PCOR.
Check Documentary Transfer Tax. State/county and city transfer-tax rules can apply depending on the transaction.
Check SB 2 and other recording fees. Do not assume the recording cost is only one flat base fee.
Check document readability and page dimensions. The Recorder requires legible text, seals, certificates and attachments.
Submit through an accepted recording method. Follow the current RR/CC in-person or mail procedure, or use an authorized e-recording workflow where applicable.
Keep the recorded document and recording number. This number becomes the best reference for future copies and title research.

Los Angeles County Document Formatting Rules That Cause Rejections

Standard page size RR/CC identifies 8.5 × 11 inches as the standard page size. Other sizes can produce additional fees.
First-page recording space A minimum 2.5-inch area is reserved across the top of the first page for return information and Recorder use.
Side margins RR/CC requires at least 0.5 inches blank on the vertical sides.
Legible notary seal The notary seal must reproduce clearly in the official record.
Readable attachments Legal descriptions and exhibits must be photographically reproducible.
Noncompliant first page A compliant cover page may be needed when the first page does not provide required recording space.
Preliminary Change of Ownership Report

When Does a Los Angeles County Deed Need a PCOR?

RR/CC states that documents affecting a change in ownership of real property should include a completed Preliminary Change of Ownership Report.

PCOR
RR/CC Property Recording FAQ / PCOR Resources Use the current county PCOR form and instructions.
Open Current PCOR Resources
Do not copy an old PCOR from a previous transaction. Use the current Los Angeles County/California form and answer the transaction-specific questions accurately.

Grant Deed vs Quitclaim Deed: What RR/CC Says

Grant Deed

Los Angeles County describes a grant deed as a common California deed containing implied warranties that the grantor has not previously conveyed or encumbered the property in the specified manner.

For recording, RR/CC identifies completion, grantor signature, notarization, applicable transfer-tax/exemption language and PCOR as important requirements.

Quitclaim Deed

RR/CC describes a quitclaim deed as transferring whatever real-property interest the grantor may have, without warranties.

Completion, grantor signature, notarization, transfer-tax/exemption language and PCOR requirements still need to be addressed.

DEED
Official Los Angeles County Deeds page Grant deed and quitclaim recording guidance.
Open Official Deed Guidance
Choosing a deed changes legal rights. The Recorder cannot tell you which deed is appropriate, how title should be held or whether a transfer has estate, tax, creditor or ownership consequences.
Current transfer-tax rules checked August 2026

Los Angeles County Documentary Transfer Tax

Los Angeles County states that Documentary Transfer Tax generally applies when real property is conveyed and the taxable consideration/value exceeds $100.

General County DTT rate $0.55 for each $500, or fractional part of $500, of taxable value.
City taxes can be additional Certain cities in Los Angeles County impose separate or higher city documentary-transfer taxes.
DTT
Official Documentary Transfer Tax page County formula and current special-city rates.
Check Current Transfer Tax Rates

Important City of Los Angeles 2026 Rule

For documents subject to City of Los Angeles transfer tax on or after July 1, 2026, RR/CC currently lists the city transfer tax at $2.25 per $500 or fraction thereof, plus the applicable additional Measure ULA transfer tax when the transaction value crosses the indexed thresholds.

More than $5.4 million but less than $10.9 million Current additional City of Los Angeles ULA rate: 4% of total transaction value.
$10.9 million or more Current additional City of Los Angeles ULA rate: 5.5% of total transaction value.
Do not calculate a high-value transfer from this article alone. Transfer-tax exemptions, liens remaining on the property, city location, transaction structure and annually indexed thresholds can change the result. Recheck the official RR/CC page immediately before recording.

What Is the California SB 2 Recording Fee?

Certain real-estate instruments accepted for recording can be subject to an additional $75 fee per document, subject to applicable statutory rules and exemptions, with a maximum of $225 per single transaction per parcel.

RR/CC explains that some transfers subject to Documentary Transfer Tax and qualifying owner-occupied residential transfers can fall within statutory SB 2 exemptions.

If an SB 2 exemption applies, the appropriate exemption declaration should be placed on the document or applicable cover page. Do not simply omit the fee without documenting the claimed exemption.
Review Official SB 2 Recording Guidance

Why There Is No Single “Los Angeles County Deed Recording Fee”

The final recording charge can depend on the document, number of pages, number of titles, statutory surcharges, fraud-related fees, SB 2 treatment, transfer tax and other transaction-specific requirements.

Identify the exact document type.
Count pages and document titles.
Determine whether SB 2 applies or an exemption applies.
Calculate Documentary Transfer Tax separately.
Check applicable city transfer tax.
Use the current official RR/CC fee page for the final amount.
Open Current Property Recording Fees

Where to Mail a Deed for Recording in Los Angeles County

Mail to
Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
Document Analysis and Recording Section
P.O. Box 1250
Norwalk, CA 90651-1250
Do not mail recording documents to a branch office. Los Angeles County specifically directs mail to the appropriate Norwalk headquarters mailing section.
Prepare the complete recordable document.
Attach required PCOR or other forms.
Determine applicable recording fees and taxes.
Make payment payable to Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk.
Use the Document Analysis and Recording P.O. Box above.
Keep a complete copy of everything sent.

Can the Los Angeles County Recorder Notarize Your Deed?

No. RR/CC’s real-estate-record FAQ states that notary services are not available at its offices.

This is different from branch offices performing notary oaths or authentication services in their County Clerk role. Do not arrive with an unsigned deed expecting RR/CC staff to act as your transaction notary.

Property after an owner’s death

Affidavit of Death of Joint Tenant or Trustee

Los Angeles County publishes property-recording guidance for Affidavits of Death involving joint tenants, trustees and surviving spouses.

AOD
Official Affidavit of Death guidance Joint tenant, trustee and surviving spouse resources.
Open Affidavit of Death Guidance
Identify how title was held. Do not assume an affidavit is appropriate merely because one owner died.
Use the applicable affidavit form.
Obtain a certified copy of the death certificate.
Prepare the Preliminary Change of Ownership Report when required. RR/CC notes an exception for Death of Beneficiary under Deed of Trust.
Review acknowledgment/jurat requirements.
Submit the complete package for recording.
Joint tenancy, trusts, probate and survivorship can create significant legal and tax consequences. Use the Recorder for filing requirements, not as a substitute for estate/title advice.

Found a Lien in Los Angeles County Records?

The Recorder’s role is to maintain the recorded instrument. It does not decide whether the underlying debt or dispute is valid.

Obtain the complete lien document. Do not rely only on a short index entry.
Identify who recorded the lien.
Review the document number and recording date.
Contact the party who filed the lien. RR/CC directs questions about the underlying lien to the filing party.
Obtain an appropriate release when the matter is resolved.
Record the release through RR/CC when required.
Homeowner Notification Program

How Los Angeles County Helps Homeowners Spot Suspicious Recordings

Los Angeles County’s Homeowner Notification Program sends homeowners information about certain recorded documents involving ownership changes, loans, Notices of Default and Notices of Sale.

The county has also added an e-Notification option that can provide faster email alerts.

ALERT
Official Homeowner Notification Program Paper notice + optional e-Notification.
Open Homeowner Notification Program

How to Enable e-Notification

Open the Los Angeles County Assessor Portal.
Create or sign in to your Assessor profile.
Opt in to e-Notification.
Monitor future alerts. Treat unexpected ownership, loan, default or sale recordings seriously.
Verify the actual recorded document. Do not rely only on the alert email.
If you believe a deed or other real-estate document is fraudulent, Los Angeles County directs residents to the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs at (800) 593-8222 or homehelp@dcba.lacounty.gov.

Found Discriminatory Language in an Old Los Angeles County Deed?

Los Angeles County operates a Restrictive Covenant Modification process for unlawful discriminatory restrictions found in historical recorded documents.

RCM
Restrictive Covenant Modification Current official submission and review process.
Open Restrictive Covenant Program
Identify the recorded document containing the restriction.
Complete the Restrictive Covenant Modification Form.
Submit the form with the recorded document.
Use an accepted submission method. Digitally signed forms can currently be emailed to RCM@rrcc.lacounty.gov; in-person submissions are handled at Norwalk.
County Counsel reviews the language.
If approved, RR/CC completes the modification recording process.
Los Angeles County currently states that qualifying Restrictive Covenant Modification documents are recorded without a recording fee.
Current Los Angeles County recovery assistance

No-Cost Property Records for Residents Impacted by Fires

Los Angeles County currently offers no-cost property-record assistance to qualifying residents directly impacted by fires.

Phone Call (800) 201-8999, option 3.
Email RRCCFireAssistance@rrcc.lacounty.gov
RR/CC currently identifies Norwalk, LAX, Van Nuys and Lancaster as locations supporting this property-record fire-assistance service. Verify the current program before traveling.

Recorder, Assessor, Tax Collector or Court: Which Office Do You Need?

Your task
Correct office
What to do
Deed, deed of trust, lien or release
Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
View, request or record the real-estate document.
Find AIN or assessed value
Los Angeles County Assessor
Search by address or AIN in the Assessor Portal.
Property tax bill/payment
Treasurer and Tax Collector
Search the bill, payment status or delinquent amount.
Will
Superior Court
RR/CC states that wills are filed with the Clerk of the Superior Court.
Building permit or blueprint
Building & Safety / Public Works
Use the relevant city or county building-record system.
Current RR/CC office information

Los Angeles County Recorder Office Locations for Property Records

Norwalk Headquarters — Full Recorder / Real Estate Records Route

Address
12400 Imperial Highway
Norwalk, CA 90650
Hours
Monday-Friday
8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
except applicable holidays
Real Estate Records room for certified copies
Room 2207
Phone
(800) 201-8999
Email
recorder@rrcc.lacounty.gov

Branches Offering Recording / 1982-Present Real Estate Copies

Lancaster

44509 16th St. West
Suite 101
Lancaster, CA 93534

Monday-Friday
8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Current RR/CC services include recording documents and issuing copies of real-estate records from 1982 to present.

LAX / Courthouse

11701 S. La Cienega Blvd.
6th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90045

Monday-Friday
8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Current services include document recording and copies of real-estate records from 1982 to present.

Van Nuys

14340 W. Sylvan St.
Van Nuys, CA 91401

Monday-Friday
8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Current services include document recording and copies of real-estate records from 1982 to present.

Do not assume every RR/CC branch handles real-estate recording. Services differ by location. For example, the current Beverly Hills and East Los Angeles service lists do not show the same real-estate-record functions as Lancaster, LAX and Van Nuys. Check the live location page.
Verify RR/CC Branch Services Before Visiting

Viewing a Record and Ordering a Copy Are Different

View first Best when you do not yet know the exact recording number and need to inspect the name/year index at Norwalk.
Order directly Best when you already know enough information to identify the exact deed or recorded instrument.
Money-saving approach: identify the correct document number before ordering multiple certified copies. A similarly named party can have several unrelated recordings.

How Far Back Do Los Angeles County Real Estate Records Go?

RR/CC states that Los Angeles County real-estate records are available from 1850 to the present.

1851-1957 onsite viewing RR/CC currently directs these records to the lower-level viewing area at the Norwalk Headquarters.
1958-present onsite viewing RR/CC currently directs these records to the second-floor viewing area at Norwalk.
Historical research tip: an old property may have changed parcel numbers, street addresses or legal descriptions. Search the Recorder by historical party names and recording years rather than assuming today’s address existed in the same form.
Los Angeles-specific practical shortcuts

Local Tips for Faster LA County Deed Research

Do not search the Recorder by address. LA County explicitly indexes real-estate records by grantor/grantee name and recording year.
Use the Assessor Portal as the address bridge. Search the address, save the 10-digit AIN and review transfer-event clues.
Save the Recorder document number once found. It is much more reliable for future copy orders than repeating a broad name/year search.
One condo address can represent several AINs. Confirm the exact unit, parking parcel or separately assessed interest.
Do not treat the Assessor’s boundary description as the deed’s legal description. The Assessor specifically warns that its internal Property Boundary Description is not the legal description.
Assessor maps are not surveys. Use a licensed surveyor and recorded documents for legal boundary disputes.
Do not assume the latest Assessor owner name proves title. Use the recorded deed and professional title review for legal ownership questions.
Check the city before calculating transfer tax. City of Los Angeles, Culver City, Pomona, Redondo Beach and Santa Monica have special city transfer-tax rules.
Do not mail documents to branch offices. RR/CC directs recording and real-estate-record mail to the appropriate Norwalk P.O. Box.
Notary authentication is not deed notarization. RR/CC does not provide ordinary notary services for your property transaction.
Check branch services before driving across Los Angeles County. Not every branch performs document recording or provides real-estate copies.
Use fire-recovery assistance if applicable. Qualifying residents impacted by fires may currently receive eligible property records without cost.

Before Relying on a Los Angeles County Recorded Deed

  • Verify the county: confirm the real property is located in Los Angeles County.
  • Confirm the AIN: use the Assessor Portal to identify the correct parcel.
  • Confirm parties: compare grantor and grantee names carefully.
  • Confirm recording date: place the deed in the correct chronological sequence.
  • Confirm document type: do not confuse a deed with a deed of trust, lien or reconveyance.
  • Review the legal description: use the recorded instrument, not merely the street address.
  • Review later recordings: later deeds, liens, releases or affidavits may change the picture.
  • Determine copy level: know whether a plain copy or certified copy is required.
  • Use title/legal review when needed: public record research is not a complete title examination.

County-CAD.us Research & Editorial Standards

Sources & Methodology

Review the government-source hierarchy used for county property pages.

Read Sources & Methodology
Editorial Policy

Review verification, updates and correction standards.

Read Editorial Policy
Report an Outdated Government Link

Notify the editorial team when RR/CC changes an office, form, fee or request process.

Contact County-CAD.us
Independent Website Disclaimer

Understand the difference between this informational guide and the government agencies performing official services.

Read Disclaimer
Primary government source ledger

Official Sources Used for This Los Angeles County Recorder Guide

RR/CC Real Estate Records — General Information

Used for record coverage, public-access rules, request options and the no-public-online-index limitation.

Open Official Source
Real Estate Records FAQs

Used for grantor/grantee/year indexing, address-search limitation, complete-document purchase rule, lien and fraud guidance.

Open Official FAQs
Viewing Real Estate Records

Used for Norwalk appointments, historical record floors and onsite index access.

Open Viewing Instructions
Real Estate Records Request Fees

Used for plain, certified, additional-page, search, handling and expedited-mail fees.

Open Copy Fees
Property Document Recording Requirements

Used for APN, PCOR, signatures, acknowledgment, legibility, margins, mail recording and other filing requirements.

Open Recording Requirements
Documentary Transfer Taxes

Used for county DTT rate and current special-city / City of Los Angeles rates.

Open Transfer Tax Information
Los Angeles County Assessor Portal

Used for address/AIN property identification before Recorder research.

Open Assessor Portal
RR/CC Branch Office Locations

Used for current addresses, branch hours and real-estate-record services.

Open Office Locations
Homeowner Notification Program

Used for property-document alerts and Assessor Portal e-Notification instructions.

Open Notification Program
Restrictive Covenant Modification

Used for current modification submission and no-fee recording procedure.

Open RCM Program
Editorial verification: August 14, 2026. Recording fees, city transfer-tax thresholds, office services, appointments, forms and third-party order processors can change. Confirm the final transaction on the linked Los Angeles County page immediately before recording, paying or ordering.
10 Los Angeles County Recorder questions

Los Angeles County Recorder FAQs

1. Can I search Los Angeles County deeds online for free?

The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk does not provide unrestricted public internet access to its real-estate indexes or recorded document images. You can order copies online, but the Recorder index itself is maintained by grantor/grantee name and recording year. If you only know an address, first use the Los Angeles County Assessor Portal to identify the parcel and AIN.

2. Can the Los Angeles County Recorder search a deed by property address?

No. RR/CC states that Los Angeles County real-estate records are filed by grantor name, grantee name and recording year. Use the Assessor Portal to research the address first, then gather the names and approximate recording year needed for Recorder research.

3. How far back do Los Angeles County deed records go?

RR/CC states that real-estate records are available from 1850 to the present. For onsite viewing at Norwalk, the current viewing page says records from 1851 through 1957 are available in the lower level and records from 1958 to the present are available on the second floor.

4. How much is a copy of a Los Angeles County deed?

The current RR/CC fee schedule lists a plain copy at $5 for the first page and $3 for each additional page. A certified copy is $6 for the first page and $3 for each additional page. Search, expedited delivery and payment handling fees can also apply.

5. How do I request a Los Angeles County deed by mail?

Send a written request containing the title of the document, the names listed on it and the year it was recorded. If the exact year is unknown, provide the years you want searched. Send the request and applicable check or money order to Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, Real Estate Records, P.O. Box 1130, Norwalk, CA 90651-1130.

6. What do I need to record a deed in Los Angeles County?

General requirements include a recordable document affecting Los Angeles County property, applicable original signatures, proper acknowledgment, recording-request and return information, the APN on applicable documents, a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report when required, legible formatting, applicable transfer-tax declarations and payment of current recording fees.

7. What is the Los Angeles County documentary transfer tax rate?

The general county rate is currently $0.55 for each $500, or fractional part of $500, of taxable consideration/value. Additional city transfer taxes can apply. City of Los Angeles transactions are subject to separate city rates and current Measure ULA thresholds, so the live RR/CC Documentary Transfer Tax page should be checked before recording.

8. Can the Los Angeles County Recorder notarize my deed?

No. RR/CC’s real-estate-record FAQ states that notary services are not available at its offices. Have the required signatures and acknowledgments completed correctly before presenting the deed for recording.

9. How can I receive alerts when a document is recorded against my Los Angeles County home?

Los Angeles County operates a Homeowner Notification Program and also provides e-Notification. To enable electronic alerts, create or sign in to a profile on the Los Angeles County Assessor Portal and opt in to e-Notification. Verify any unfamiliar recorded instrument promptly.

10. Where is the Los Angeles County Recorder’s main office?

The Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s Norwalk Headquarters is at 12400 Imperial Highway, Norwalk, CA 90650. The current main office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except applicable holidays. Real-estate-record assistance is available at (800) 201-8999, with option 3 for recorded real-estate records.

Free County CAD Property Tax Assistant

Estimate Taxes, Exemptions, Escrow, Protest Savings and Next Steps

This sitewide tool helps homeowners, buyers, sellers and investors understand property tax numbers before they check the official county appraisal district or tax office. It runs in your browser, does not collect personal data and gives practical next steps after each calculation.

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8-in-1Calculator, checklist and official-search helper in one widget.
No loginWorks instantly without collecting names, emails or property IDs.
Mobile-firstDesigned for phone users reading county CAD articles.
HelpfulGives next steps, not only numbers.

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Use Tax, Exemption and Protest tabs to understand your appraisal notice and possible savings.

Best for buyers

Use Buyer Budget and Monthly Escrow before relying only on a mortgage payment estimate.

Property Tax Estimate Calculator

Estimate annual tax using property value, assessment ratio, exemptions and local tax rate.

Homestead and Exemption Savings

Estimate how much a homestead, senior, disabled, veteran or local exemption may reduce annual tax.

Monthly Escrow / Ownership Cost

Estimate monthly property tax, insurance, HOA and reserve cushion. Useful for buyers and homeowners comparing affordability.

Property Tax Protest Savings

Estimate possible savings if your appraised value is reduced after a protest, evidence review or correction.

Appraised Value Growth / Cap Impact

Estimate how a value increase or appraisal cap may affect taxable value. Rules vary by state, county and exemption status.

Home Buyer Monthly Budget Estimate

Estimate a more realistic monthly ownership cost by adding mortgage, property tax, insurance and HOA.

Find Official County CAD and Tax Resources

Enter county and state to create safe search links. This avoids guessing official URLs and helps users find the correct county appraisal district, property search, tax payment and exemption pages.

Why this tool helps your site

It gives visitors an interactive reason to stay on the page, calculate their own numbers and move from general reading to practical action.

Best placement

  • Below county CAD articles
  • Before FAQ section on long posts
  • Inside sidebar or after first major section on desktop

Estimate disclaimer

Values are educational estimates. Visitors should confirm final values, exemptions, tax rates, payment status and deadlines with official county resources.

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