Los Angeles County CA Recorder: Deeds, Property Records, Copies & Recording Help
The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, often searched as the Los Angeles County Recorder, records real property documents such as deeds, deed of trust documents, leases, liens, notices of default, notices of trustee’s sale, and related property filings for property located in Los Angeles County.
For Recorder/County Clerk help, call 800-201-8999. For vital and real estate records requests, the official email is recorder@rrcc.lacounty.gov. The main headquarters is at 12400 Imperial Highway, Norwalk, CA 90650.
Los Angeles County Recorder Phone Number, Email & Address
The main official contact for Los Angeles County recorder services is the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. Call 800-201-8999. For vital and real estate records requests, email recorder@rrcc.lacounty.gov.
Recorder/County Clerk Phone
Phone: 800-201-8999
Use for: deed recording, real estate records, certified copies, vital records, marriage records, business filings, and general Recorder/County Clerk help.
Recorder Email
Records email:
recorder@rrcc.lacounty.gov
Use this for vital and real estate record request questions. Do not email private financial details unless the official office specifically instructs you.
Norwalk Headquarters
Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
12400 Imperial Highway
Norwalk, CA 90650
Main office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM; closed weekends and observed holidays.
How to Search or Request Los Angeles County Deeds and Real Estate Records
Los Angeles County real estate records are public records, but the Recorder does not provide public internet access to its real estate indexes or records. The office says records are maintained in alphabetical indexes by grantor name, grantee name, and year of recording, and it cannot accept telephone requests for index searches.
In-Person Search
Use Norwalk headquarters when you need to review indexes and records yourself. Records dated 1851-1957 are reviewed on the lower level; records from 1958 to present are reviewed on the 2nd floor at Norwalk headquarters.
Online Copy Request
You can request a copy of a real estate record online through the official request path, which routes to LexisNexis. The Recorder says online orders are processed within 20 working days from receipt.
No Address Search
Do not call expecting staff to search a deed by street address. LA County RR/CC says property records are filed by grantor name, grantee name, and year recorded.
How to Record a Deed or Property Document in Los Angeles County
The County Recorder accepts documents authorized or required by California law for recording if the property is in Los Angeles County, the required information is included, all applicable fees and taxes are paid, and the document is photographically reproducible.
Confirm the Property Is in Los Angeles County
The Recorder can record real property documents only when the property is located in Los Angeles County. Confirm the legal description, Assessor Parcel Number, city, and county before mailing or visiting.
Use the Correct Document Type
Common recording documents include grant deed, quitclaim deed, deed of trust, release/reconveyance, lien, abstract of judgment, notice of default, notice of trustee’s sale, homestead declaration, and restrictive covenant modification documents.
Prepare Required Recording Elements
A recordable document generally needs original signatures unless it is a certified copy from the proper public custodian, a proper California acknowledgement unless exempt, the person requesting recording, and a return name and address.
Include APN and PCOR When Required
LA County’s requirements say an Assessor Parcel Number is required on notices of default, notices of trustee’s sale, deeds, trust deeds, and mortgages. Documents affecting a change in ownership should include a completed Preliminary Change of Ownership Report when required.
Check Page Size and Recording Space
Standard page size is 8.5 by 11 inches. The first page needs reserved recording space at the top, and vertical margins are required. If the first page does not meet the spacing rule, a compliant cover page may be needed.
File by Mail or Appointment / Drop-Off
Mailed documents go to the Document Analysis and Recording Section at P.O. Box 1250, Norwalk, CA 90651-1250. Courier services, third-party representatives, attorney services, and messengers must drop off deeds, deeds of trust, leases, and notices of default submitted for recording.
Pay Recording Fees and Transfer Taxes
All applicable recording fees and taxes must be paid at the time of recording. Documentary Transfer Tax calculations are the responsibility of the document preparer, not the County Recorder.
Request a Certified Copy When Needed
LA County’s recording requirements say a certified copy may be requested and received immediately upon recordation for the stated copy fee. The original document is returned after the office completes archival processing.
Which LA County Office or Request Path Should You Use?
Choose your issue below. This tool helps separate deed recording, deed copies, property taxes, building permits, fraud concerns, and court records.
Choose a topic above to see the best official path.
Los Angeles County Recorder Office Locations for Deeds and Records
Norwalk is the main headquarters and mailing point. LA County’s branch-location page says all mail should go to the Norwalk headquarters offices and not to district offices. Some branch offices can record documents and issue real estate record copies from 1982-present, but services vary by location.
Norwalk Main Office
Address:
12400 Imperial Hwy.
Norwalk, CA 90650
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Services listed: real estate records after recording, document analysis and recording, vital records, marriage services, business filings, notary services, and election services.
Open Norwalk Map ↗Mailing Addresses
Document Analysis and Recording:
Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
Document Analysis and Recording Section
P.O. Box 1250
Norwalk, CA 90651-1250
Real Estate Records:
P.O. Box 1130
Norwalk, CA 90651-1130
Selected Branches With Recording Services
The official branch list identifies Lancaster, LAX/Courthouse, and Van Nuys as locations that record documents and issue copies of real estate records from 1982-present.
Branch hours commonly show Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM, but always confirm the current branch page before visiting.
Los Angeles County Recorder Fees for Copies, Deeds and Recording
Fees depend on the document type, number of pages, number of names, documentary transfer tax, SB2 fee rules, special city transfer tax, and whether you request plain or certified copies. Always check the official fee page before mailing payment.
| Service | Officially Listed Amount / Rule | What It Means | Where Users Make Mistakes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certified real estate record copy | $6 first page; $3 each additional page. | Use when a certified copy is required for court, lender, title, estate, or government purposes. | Buying a plain copy when a certified copy is required. |
| Plain real estate record copy | $5 first page; $3 each additional page. | Useful for personal review when certification is not needed. | Assuming a plain copy proves official recording in every legal situation. |
| Search fee | $0.50 per name per year; $1 minimum; non-refundable. | Used when requesting a record search by name and year. | Submitting only a property address instead of grantor/grantee name and year. |
| Base recording fee | Regular recording fee page lists a base fee and additional statutory fees by document type. | Grant deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, reconveyances, liens, and notices can have different fee combinations. | Mailing only the base amount and missing SB2, indexing, PCOR, transfer tax, or city tax items. |
| Preliminary Change of Ownership Report fee in lieu | $20 when a change-of-ownership document is recorded without concurrent filing of the required PCOR. | PCOR is important for ownership transfers and assessor processing. | Forgetting the PCOR with grant deeds and other ownership-transfer documents. |
| Documentary Transfer Tax | County DTT is based on $0.55 per $500, or fraction, when consideration/value exceeds $100; special cities may add tax. | The Recorder collects the tax, but the document preparer is responsible for the calculation. | Forgetting extra city transfer taxes in cities like Los Angeles, Culver City, Pomona, Redondo Beach, or Santa Monica. |
Los Angeles County Documentary Transfer Tax Estimator
This calculator is for education only. Documentary Transfer Tax calculations are the responsibility of the document preparer, not the County Recorder. Special city transfer taxes and exemptions can change the final amount.
Standard estimate uses $0.55 per $500 or fractional part. City of Los Angeles example adds $4.50 per $1,000 as an educational estimate. Always verify special city rates and exemptions on the official page.
How LA County Homeowners Can Watch for Suspicious Deeds or Liens
LA County has a Homeowner Notification Program. The Recorder sends copies of documents recorded against a home, such as ownership-change documents, loan documents, Notices of Default, and Notices of Sale. The county also describes an e-Notification option through the Assessor portal.
Homeowner Notification
If documents are recorded against your home, LA County’s program helps alert you so you can review whether the document is legitimate.
Review the Document Title
The notification includes a copy of the recorded document. The document title may show whether it is a deed, deed of trust, Notice of Default, Notice of Sale, lien, or another recorded instrument.
Report Real Estate Fraud
LA County RR/CC FAQ directs real estate fraud concerns to the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs at 800-593-8222 or homehelp@dcba.lacounty.gov.
Official Los Angeles County Recorder Links
Use these official links before paying a third-party website or mailing a document. Each resource includes what to do after opening it.
LA County RR/CC — Contact Us
Official phone number, Norwalk address, recorder email, and department contacts.
- Use 800-201-8999 for Recorder/County Clerk help.
- Use recorder@rrcc.lacounty.gov for vital and real estate records request questions.
- Confirm the Norwalk headquarters address before mailing or visiting.
- Check observed holidays before planning an in-person trip.
LA County RR/CC — Real Estate Records General Info
Official explanation of who can request copies, what records are available, and why the online index is not publicly available.
- Read the “Who Can Obtain Real Estate Records Copies?” section.
- Review the available request options: online, in-person, fax, and mail.
- Read the explanation that records and indexes are not available through public internet access.
- Use this page before paying a private website for unofficial copies.
LA County RR/CC — View Real Estate Records by Appointment
Official guidance for reviewing indexes and records in person at Norwalk headquarters.
- Check whether your record is 1851-1957 or 1958-present.
- Prepare grantor name, grantee name, and approximate recording year.
- Schedule an appointment if required by the current page.
- Do not expect a telephone index search by street address.
LA County RR/CC — Real Estate Record Online Request
Official online request path for ordering real estate record copies.
- Click the online request option, which routes to LexisNexis.
- Enter the requested document information as accurately as possible.
- Expect online orders to be processed within the stated 20 working days from receipt.
- Check the fee page before ordering certified or plain copies.
LA County RR/CC — Recording Requirements
Official checklist for recording deeds and real property documents.
- Confirm the property is located in Los Angeles County.
- Review signature, acknowledgement, APN, PCOR, legibility, and page-size rules.
- Use the mailing address for Document Analysis and Recording if filing by mail.
- Do not submit a deed prepared from a generic template without legal review.
LA County RR/CC — Recording Fees
Official fee list for grant deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, liens, and related property document recording.
- Open the expandable section for your exact document title.
- Check base fee, SB2 fee, fraud fee, indexing fee, additional page fee, and PCOR fee rules.
- Confirm whether transfer tax or special city tax applies.
- Make payment payable exactly as instructed by the official page.
LA County RR/CC — Documentary Transfer Taxes
Official transfer-tax guidance, county rate, and special city-rate information.
- Read the county documentary transfer tax rate.
- Check whether the property is in Culver City, Los Angeles, Pomona, Redondo Beach, or Santa Monica.
- Review exemption statement requirements if no transfer tax is due.
- Remember that the document preparer is responsible for the calculation.
LA County RR/CC — Homeowner Notification Program
Official homeowner alert program for documents recorded against your property.
- Read what types of recorded documents trigger a notice.
- Review the e-Notification sign-up instruction through the LA County Assessor portal.
- When you receive a notice, identify the document title and recording details.
- Contact DCBA if the document looks suspicious or fraud-related.
LA County RR/CC — Branch Office Locations
Official branch list showing office addresses, hours, services, and mailing rules.
- Check whether the branch offers document recording or real estate copy services.
- Confirm the branch hours before visiting.
- Use Norwalk for all mail, not a district office.
- Use the map link for the exact location and parking route.
Common Los Angeles County Recorder Mistakes
Mistakes That Delay Deeds and Copy Requests
- Searching the Recorder index by street address instead of grantor/grantee name and recording year.
- Mailing documents to a district office instead of the Norwalk headquarters mailing address.
- Forgetting the Assessor Parcel Number on deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, notices of default, or notices of trustee’s sale.
- Recording a change-of-ownership document without handling the Preliminary Change of Ownership Report.
- Using a deed template without a proper California acknowledgement or legal review.
- Assuming the Recorder can remove a public record without a court order.
- Calling the Recorder about wills, building permits, property tax bills, or tax assessments.
Better LA County Workflow
- Use RR/CC for recorded deeds, real estate record copies, and recording property documents.
- Use the Assessor for APN, ownership roll, assessed value, and property characteristic questions.
- Use the Treasurer and Tax Collector for tax bills, delinquent taxes, and tax payments.
- Use Building and Safety/Public Works for building permits, blueprints, and inspection records.
- Use Superior Court for wills, probate, lawsuits, and court filings.
- Use DCBA for real estate fraud or homeowner protection assistance.
What Should You Do Next?
| Your Situation | Best Next Step | Correct Office / Link |
|---|---|---|
| You need a copy of a recorded deed. | Gather grantor name, grantee name, year recorded, and document title. Request online, by mail, fax, or in person. | LA County RR/CC Real Estate Records |
| You want to record a grant deed or quitclaim deed. | Review recording requirements, PCOR rules, notary acknowledgement, APN, return address, recording fees, and DTT before submission. | LA County RR/CC Property Document Recording |
| You need to search older indexes yourself. | Schedule or confirm in-person record viewing at Norwalk and search by name and year. | Norwalk RR/CC headquarters |
| You received a suspicious deed, lien, Notice of Default, or Notice of Sale. | Request a copy, identify the document title and recording party, then contact DCBA or legal counsel if fraud is suspected. | RR/CC + LA County DCBA |
| You need property tax payment help. | Do not contact the Recorder first. Use the Treasurer and Tax Collector. | Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector |
| You need APN, assessed value, ownership roll, or property characteristics. | Use the Los Angeles County Assessor, not the Recorder. | Los Angeles County Assessor |
Los Angeles County Recorder FAQs
What is the Los Angeles County Recorder phone number?
The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk phone number is 800-201-8999. Use option 2 for Property Document Recording and option 3 for Real Estate Records when the phone menu provides those options.
Where is the Los Angeles County Recorder located?
The main Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk headquarters is at 12400 Imperial Highway, Norwalk, CA 90650. Main office hours are listed as Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding weekends and observed holidays.
Can I search Los Angeles County deed records online?
LA County RR/CC says it does not provide public internet access to real estate records or indexes. Real estate records can be requested online, in person, by mail, or by fax, but public online index searching is not offered by the Recorder.
Can I search Los Angeles County property records by address?
No. LA County RR/CC says property records are filed by grantor name, grantee name, and year of recording. Prepare names and approximate recording years instead of only a street address.
Are deeds public records in California?
Yes. The Los Angeles County real estate records FAQ says deeds are public records in California. Public records may still have access rules, copy fees, and privacy limitations.
How much is a certified copy of a Los Angeles County deed?
The LA County RR/CC real estate records fee page lists certified copies at $6 for the first page and $3 for each additional page. A plain copy is listed at $5 for the first page and $3 for each additional page.
Where do I mail a deed for recording in Los Angeles County?
Mail property documents for recording to Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, Document Analysis and Recording Section, P.O. Box 1250, Norwalk, CA 90651-1250. Do not mail district offices; the official branch page says all mail should go to Norwalk headquarters.
Can the Recorder prepare my deed or give legal advice?
No. LA County RR/CC says it does not provide legal advice and cannot assist the public with preparing legal documents. Consult a qualified professional for deed preparation, title issues, trust transfers, estate transfers, divorce transfers, and lien-release disputes.
How can I remove a lien from Los Angeles County property records?
The Recorder can provide a copy of the lien so you can identify who placed it. To remove it, you generally need a release of lien from the responsible party or a legal/court process showing the matter has been resolved.
Is this website the official Los Angeles County Recorder?
No. CountyClerkOfCourt.us is an independent educational resource. It is not the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, Los Angeles County Assessor, Treasurer and Tax Collector, Superior Court, or Department of Consumer and Business Affairs.
Independent Educational Guide
CountyClerkOfCourt.us is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, Los Angeles County Assessor, Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector, Los Angeles County Superior Court, Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs, or the State of California.
Deed recording, document acceptance, indexing, copy issuance, recording fees, documentary transfer taxes, lien releases, privacy restrictions, real estate fraud review, and court orders are determined by official agencies and applicable law. This page is not legal, title, real estate, financial, or tax advice.
Property-owner records, deed records, lien records, and tax records should not be used for employment screening, tenant screening, credit eligibility, insurance underwriting, or other regulated consumer-reporting purposes. This website is not a Consumer Reporting Agency.