El Dorado County Recorder: Deeds, Official Records, Copies, Fees & Online Search
The El Dorado County Recorder-Clerk in Placerville, California records and preserves real property documents such as deeds, deeds of trust, liens, maps, releases, reconveyances and other official records. The office also collects Documentary Transfer Tax on property sales and provides public access to official records.
This guide explains how to search the El Dorado County Official Records Index, how to order copies, why APN comparison matters for records after 2013, how recording fees are calculated, and when to contact the Assessor, Treasurer-Tax Collector, County Surveyor, courts or a legal professional instead of the Recorder.
What Does the El Dorado County Recorder Do?
The El Dorado County Recorder-Clerk records documents that establish or affect land ownership in El Dorado County and maintains official records for public access. Use the Recorder for recorded deeds, deeds of trust, liens, releases, maps, official record copies, document recording, Documentary Transfer Tax questions and real-estate fraud monitoring.
Use the Recorder For
- Grant deeds, quitclaim deeds and deeds of trust.
- Reconveyances, lien releases, mechanics liens and judgments.
- Recorded maps, survey maps, subdivision maps and official record copies.
- Document recording review, fees, PCOR routing and transfer-tax declarations.
Use the Assessor For
- APN / parcel-number lookup.
- Assessed value, land value and structure value.
- Homeowners’ Exemption and property assessment questions.
- Current and historical parcel details and Assessor maps.
Use Other Offices For
- Treasurer-Tax Collector: property-tax payments and tax-bill questions.
- County Surveyor: survey/map questions and GIS support.
- Superior Court: court records, divorce files and legal case documents.
- Attorney/title company: deed drafting, title review and legal corrections.
How to Search El Dorado County Deeds and Official Records Online
El Dorado County provides an Official Records Index through the Recorder-Clerk Self-Service system. The county says the most common search is By Name, using “last name” space “first name” with no comma. Users may also search by Document Number or Book & Page.
Collect Names, Dates and Parcel Clues First
Before searching, gather the owner name, prior owner name, trust or business name, approximate recording date, document number, book/page reference, and APN if known. A street address alone may not be enough for a clean Recorder search.
Search the Official Records Index by Name
On the official index, start with the name search. Enter the last name, one space, then the first name. Do not use a comma. For companies, trusts and estates, try the core entity words and common variations.
Try Document Number or Book & Page
If a deed, title report, mortgage statement, closing file or older record gives you a document number or book/page reference, use that direct search path. It is often faster than broad name searching.
Compare APN for Records After 2013
El Dorado County says that for records after 2013, users may verify the right property by comparing the Assessor’s Parcel Number listed under the “Additional Information” section. If you do not know the APN, use the Assessor property information search first.
Use the Shopping Cart to Request Copies
The county explains that the system currently allows users to view the index. To buy a copy, use the shopping cart or purchase option, add the document to cart, proceed to checkout, fill customer information and place the order.
Pick Up or Request Electronic Copies
Orders are maintained in the county system for 30 days. For electronic copies, the county instructs users to complete the credit card authorization form and email it to recorderclerk@edcgov.us. The county notes that its credit-card vendor charges a $2.50 processing fee.
How to Read an El Dorado County Recorded Document Result
The Recorder index helps you locate records, but different fields answer different questions. Use this decoder before relying on a deed, lien, reconveyance or map result.
| Record Field | What It Usually Means | How to Use It | Common Mistake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grantor | The person or entity transferring, granting, releasing or assigning an interest. | Use it to trace who signed or gave the recorded interest. | Assuming the grantor is the current owner without checking later records. |
| Grantee | The person or entity receiving the interest or benefit under the document. | Use it to follow ownership, lending or release history forward. | Ignoring trusts, LLCs, estates, spelling changes or married-name changes. |
| Document Number | The Recorder’s unique reference for the recorded instrument. | Save it before ordering copies or comparing the record with a title report. | Confusing the document number with an APN or tax bill number. |
| Book & Page | An older or alternate location reference for recorded records. | Useful when searching older deeds, maps or chain-of-title references. | Stopping at one old book/page without checking later releases or transfers. |
| APN / Parcel Number | The Assessor’s parcel identifier, especially useful for records after 2013 where APN may appear in additional information. | Use it to connect Recorder records with Assessor and tax records. | Assuming every older document will perfectly match today’s parcel configuration. |
| Recording Date | The date the document was recorded by the Recorder-Clerk. | Use it to establish sequence among deeds, liens, reconveyances and releases. | Confusing recording date with signing date, escrow closing date or tax lien date. |
| Document Title | The type of instrument, such as Grant Deed, Deed of Trust, Reconveyance, Lien, Judgment or Map. | Use it to decide whether the document affects ownership, debt, release, lien or map history. | Reading every recorded document as proof of a sale. |
| Documentary Transfer Tax | A tax collected on many property sales unless an acceptable exemption is stated. | May help interpret a transfer, but exemptions and non-sale transfers change the meaning. | Assuming no or low transfer tax always means no value changed hands. |
El Dorado County Recorder Fees: Deeds, Copies, SB2, DTT and 2026 Updates
El Dorado County fees can include base recording charges, additional page charges, additional title charges, SB2 Affordable Housing and Jobs Act fees, Documentary Transfer Tax, uniformity penalties, extra recording references, indexing charges, PCOR penalties and current local add-ons. Verify the official fee schedule before mailing or bringing documents.
| Fee / Item | County-Listed Amount or Rule | When It Matters | Practical Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| First page and first title | $14.00 | Basic starting point for many recordable documents. | Count titles as well as pages; a single paper can contain more than one recordable title. |
| Each additional page | $3.00 | Applies after the first page of the document. | Include attachments, exhibits and cover sheets when counting pages. |
| Each additional title | $14.00 | Applies when a document contains more than one title that can stand alone. | Examples may include combined deed of trust / assignment-of-rents documents. |
| SB2 Affordable Housing and Jobs Act fee | $75 per title, capped at $225, unless a valid exemption applies. | Can apply to many real-estate documents that are not paying Documentary Transfer Tax. | Use the SB2 Exemption Title Sheet if claiming an exemption. |
| Documentary Transfer Tax | $0.55 per $500 of value. | Applies to many conveyances of real property unless an acceptable exemption is listed. | Transfer-tax exemption code and required language must appear on the face of the document when claimed. |
| Uniformity penalty | $3.00 | May apply when document format does not meet required standards. | Use the Recorder title sheet or fix formatting before recording where possible. |
| Additional recording reference | $3.00 after the first reference. | Applies when a document references multiple previously recorded documents. | Releases, substitutions, modifications and cancellations often need prior recording references. |
| Additional indexing | $5.00 for each group of 10 names after the initial 10 names. | Matters on documents with many parties, lenders, trustees or entities. | Count all names that must be indexed, not only the first grantor and grantee. |
| Missing PCOR with deed or Affidavit of Death | Additional $20 fee. | Applies when a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report must accompany the document and is missing. | Attach the PCOR when recording deeds or Affidavits of Death unless an official exception applies. |
| Survey Monument Fee | $10 on qualifying deeds, effective July 1, 2026. | Current El Dorado County notice says this applies to qualifying deeds. | Ask the Recorder whether your deed qualifies before calculating the final total. |
| Real Estate Fraud recording fee | Suspended through December 31, 2026; scheduled at $2.00 per recording from January 1, 2027. | Useful for future-dated recording cost estimates. | Check the fee schedule again after January 1, 2027. |
El Dorado County Recorder Fee Estimator
Use this as a rough planning tool for common recording questions. Final fees must be confirmed by the El Dorado County Recorder-Clerk before you record or mail documents.
Formula used: $14 first page and first title, $3 each additional page, $14 each additional title, DTT at $0.55 per $500 of entered value, optional SB2 at $75 per title capped at $225, optional $10 survey monument fee, optional $20 PCOR fee, and selected small add-on.
How to Prepare a Deed or Real Estate Document for El Dorado County Recording
El Dorado County says documents are recorded daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM and will be recorded the same day if recording requirements are met and applicable fees are paid. Documents are recorded or rejected within 2 business days, and the original is usually mailed back later in about 2–3 weeks.
Confirm the Document Is Ready to Record
Make sure the document is the correct legal instrument for the transaction, such as a grant deed, quitclaim deed, deed of trust, reconveyance, lien, release, affidavit, map or other recordable document.
Do Not Ask the Recorder to Draft the Deed
The Recorder-Clerk does not provide blank documents for recording, and California law prohibits the office from giving legal advice or preparing legal instruments. The county strongly recommends legal advice before recording documents affecting title.
Attach PCOR When Required
El Dorado County’s recording page states that a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report must accompany any Affidavit of Death or deed; otherwise, an additional $20 fee applies.
Review SB2 and Transfer-Tax Language
Documents that are not paying Documentary Transfer Tax may need valid SB2 exemption language or fees. Conveyance documents may also need transfer-tax declaration or exemption language on the face of the document.
Email for Recordability and Fee Review Before Mailing
The county says you may email a copy of your document to recorderclerk@edcgov.us for recordability review and fee calculation before coming into the office or mailing the document. The page says the office responds within 2 business days.
Mail or Bring the Document to Placerville
Make checks payable to El Dorado Recorder-Clerk and mail documents to El Dorado County Recorder-Clerk, 360 Fair Lane, Placerville, CA 95667. South Lake Tahoe is appointment-only and does not accept mail.
El Dorado County Recorder Office Address, Phone, Hours and Map
The main Recorder-Clerk office is in Placerville. There is also a South Lake Tahoe appointment office, but the county says no mail is accepted at the South Lake Tahoe location.
Placerville Recorder-Clerk Office
Address / mailing address:
360 Fair Lane
Placerville, CA 95667
Phone: 530-621-5490
Fax: 530-621-2147
Email: recorderclerk@edcgov.us
Office hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, except legal holidays.
Recording hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM.
Open Placerville Map ↗South Lake Tahoe Appointment Office
Address:
3368 Lake Tahoe Blvd. #108
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
No mail accepted at this office.
Hours: Thursdays, 9:45 AM–3:30 PM, except legal holidays. Closed 12:00 PM–1:00 PM for lunch.
Access: Appointment only.
Open Contact Page ↗Arrival Checklist
- Bring the original document and any required PCOR or cover/title sheet.
- Bring exact payment or verify amount by email before visiting.
- Arrive before the 4:00 PM recording cutoff.
- Use Placerville for mailed recording submissions.
- Schedule South Lake Tahoe appointments before going there.
El Dorado County Recorder vs Assessor vs Treasurer-Tax Collector vs Courts
Deed records, property values, tax bills, maps and court files are not handled by one office. Use this local breakdown before calling or visiting.
| Your Question | Best Office | Why | Starting Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| I need a deed, deed of trust, lien, release or recorded map. | El Dorado County Recorder-Clerk | The Recorder keeps official records related to land and recorded documents. | Official Records Index |
| I need APN, assessed value, land value or Homeowners’ Exemption data. | El Dorado County Assessor | The Assessor property information search contains current and historical parcel details and Assessor maps. | Assessor Property Information Search |
| I need to pay property tax or view outstanding tax balances. | Treasurer-Tax Collector | Tax payments and tax-bill account search are handled separately from document recording. | Tax Collector Search / Payment Portal |
| I need GIS layers, survey help or land-development map questions. | County Surveyor / GIS | The county’s My Property page points users to Surveyor and GIS resources for map-related support. | County Surveyor / EDC GIS Viewer |
| I need divorce records, lawsuit records or case-file copies. | El Dorado County Superior Court | Court case records are not Recorder land records. | Superior Court Record Search Requests |
| I need a deed prepared, corrected or legally reviewed. | Attorney or title professional | The Recorder is prohibited from giving legal advice or preparing legal instruments. | Legal professional + Recorder recording requirements |
El Dorado County Property Fraud Monitoring and Quitclaim Deed Notices
El Dorado County Recorder-Clerk has a real estate fraud monitoring page and says the office has partnered with Equity Protect to provide free property monitoring services. The Recorder-Clerk also describes a procedure for sending notification to property owners when a quitclaim deed is recorded outside of a title company.
Free Monitoring
The county states that free monitoring can provide email notifications, monthly analysis and a risk assessment. Read the county’s page carefully because it also explains that paid premium options may be offered, with no obligation to purchase.
Quitclaim Deed Notice
The Recorder-Clerk says the office sends a notification of transfer letter to the property owner when a quitclaim deed is recorded outside of a title company, using the property-tax-bill mailing address as of January 1 of the given year.
Suspected Fraud
If someone tries to sell your property and a real estate agent contacts you, the county says to complete the El Dorado County District Attorney Complaint Form or call the Fraud Hotline at 866-629-0171.
Official El Dorado County Recorder Links and What to Do After Opening Them
These official resources support the main tasks people search for: finding deeds, ordering copies, recording documents, checking fees, comparing APN data, paying property taxes and monitoring possible real estate fraud.
El Dorado County Recorder-Clerk Official Page
Main county page explaining Recorder-Clerk duties, official records, real property document recording and Documentary Transfer Tax collection.
- Confirm that you are on the official El Dorado County Recorder-Clerk page.
- Read the July 1, 2026 Survey Monument Fee notice if recording a qualifying deed.
- Use the page to reach official records, forms, fees, recording and contact resources.
- Do not treat the Recorder page as legal advice for deed preparation.
El Dorado County Official Records Index
Official guide for searching by name, document number, book/page and ordering copies from index results.
- Start with the name search using last name, space, first name.
- Use Document Number or Book & Page if you already have a direct reference.
- For records after 2013, compare APN under “Additional Information” when available.
- Use the shopping cart or purchase option to start a copy order.
Recorder-Clerk Self-Service System
Live search system for Official Records Search by name, recording date, document type, section/township/range, document number or book/page.
- Choose the search option that matches what you know.
- Use name search for grantor/grantee history.
- Use document number or book/page when available from a title report or prior deed.
- Save document numbers before ordering copies or comparing related records.
Recording a Document
Official page for recording hours, mailing instructions, PCOR warning, recordability review and legal-advice notice.
- Read the warning that the Recorder does not provide blank recording documents.
- Email a copy to recorderclerk@edcgov.us if you want recordability and fee review before visiting or mailing.
- Attach PCOR when recording a deed or Affidavit of Death unless official instructions say otherwise.
- Make checks payable to El Dorado Recorder-Clerk and mail to 360 Fair Lane, Placerville, CA 95667.
Recorder-Clerk Forms
Official forms page for fee schedule, PCOR, SB2 exemption title sheet, title sheet, acknowledgment, jurat, clarity statement and record requests.
- Open the form that matches your task instead of downloading random deed forms.
- Use PCOR for deed or Affidavit of Death filing when required.
- Use the SB2 Exemption Title Sheet only when you are claiming a valid SB2 exemption.
- Use the Copy of Official Records & Maps form when requesting copies by credit card.
How to Calculate Recording Fees
Official county fee worksheet showing first-page, additional-page, additional-title, SB2, DTT, uniformity, reference and indexing fee components.
- Count the first page and each additional page.
- Count each title that can stand alone.
- Decide whether Documentary Transfer Tax applies.
- Add SB2, uniformity, additional-reference or indexing fees only when applicable.
Assessor Property Information Search
Use this when you need APN, property details, Assessor maps, current recorded document number, tax-rate area or assessed-value context.
- Search by APN or available property information.
- Open the correct parcel detail page.
- Copy the APN, tax-rate area, current recorded document number and value fields.
- Return to the Recorder index when you need the actual recorded document chain.
Property Tax Search / Treasurer-Tax Collector
Use this for tax bill, fee parcel, assessment number and payment questions, not for deed recording.
- Use fee parcel search for a summary of current or delinquent fiscal-year assessments.
- Use assessment number when you need a specific assessment.
- For address searches, try omitting Street, Road, Drive or Lane if the search fails.
- Remember that online payments may include vendor service fees, not county fees.
Real Estate Fraud Monitoring
Official county page describing free property monitoring, quitclaim deed notification procedures and fraud-reporting steps.
- Read the free monitoring description and any optional paid-service language.
- Search the Recorder index periodically under your name.
- If a suspicious sale or listing appears, contact the District Attorney complaint process or fraud hotline.
- Keep copies of suspicious mail, listings, agent contacts and document references.
Mistakes to Avoid With El Dorado County Deeds and Recorder Records
Problems That Delay Searches or Recording
- Searching by street address only when the Recorder index works mainly by name, document number or book/page.
- Entering a comma in name search instead of using last name, space, first name.
- Confusing APN, fee parcel, assessment number and Recorder document number.
- Mailing documents to the South Lake Tahoe appointment office.
- Recording a deed or Affidavit of Death without PCOR when required.
- Forgetting SB2 exemption language or Documentary Transfer Tax declaration.
- Asking the Recorder to prepare or legally correct a deed.
Better El Dorado County Workflow
- Use the Assessor search to find APN and current recorded document number.
- Search the Recorder index by name, document number or book/page.
- Compare APN under Additional Information for records after 2013.
- Email the document for recordability and fee review before mailing.
- Attach PCOR, SB2 title sheet or transfer-tax exemption language when applicable.
- Use the tax portal only for property-tax balance and payment questions.
- Use legal or title help for deed preparation and title questions.
Next Step Based on Your El Dorado County Recorder Task
| Your Goal | Best Next Step | Use This Office / Link |
|---|---|---|
| Find a deed, lien, deed of trust or reconveyance. | Search by last name space first name, document number or book/page; use APN to verify records after 2013. | Official Records Index |
| Order a copy of a recorded document. | Add the document to cart, proceed to checkout, place the order, then pick up or request electronic copies with the credit-card authorization form. | Official Records Index + Copy Request Form |
| Record a deed or Affidavit of Death. | Review legal preparation, attach PCOR, check SB2/DTT, calculate fees, and bring or mail to the Placerville office. | Recording a Document + Forms |
| Estimate recording fees. | Count pages, titles, DTT, SB2, survey monument fee, references, indexing names, uniformity and PCOR issues. | Fee Worksheet + Recorder Review |
| Need APN, assessment number or value information. | Search Assessor property information first, then use Recorder records for deed-chain research. | Assessor Property Information Search |
| Concerned about deed fraud. | Enroll or review free monitoring, search the Recorder index under your name, and contact the fraud hotline if suspicious activity appears. | Real Estate Fraud Monitoring |
El Dorado County Recorder FAQs
Which El Dorado County Recorder does this guide cover?
This guide covers the El Dorado County Recorder-Clerk in El Dorado County, California. The main recording and mailing location is 360 Fair Lane, Placerville, CA 95667.
How do I search El Dorado County deeds online?
Use the El Dorado County Official Records Index or Recorder-Clerk Self-Service system. The county says the most common search is by name using last name, space, first name with no comma. You can also search by document number or book and page.
Can I search El Dorado County Recorder records by APN?
The Recorder guidance says that for records after 2013, users may verify the correct property by comparing the Assessor’s Parcel Number listed under “Additional Information.” If you do not know the APN, use the Assessor property information search first.
Can I view full document images online for free?
The county states that the current system allows users to view the index. If you want to purchase a document copy, use the shopping cart or purchase option, proceed to checkout and follow the county’s pickup or electronic-copy instructions.
What is the basic El Dorado County recording fee?
The county fee worksheet lists $14 for the first page and first title of the document, $3 for each additional page and $14 for each additional title. Other charges such as SB2, DTT, PCOR, survey monument, indexing, reference or penalty fees may also apply.
Does El Dorado County charge Documentary Transfer Tax?
Yes. The Recorder-Clerk collects Documentary Transfer Tax on property sales. The county fee worksheet uses $0.55 per $500 of value. If a transfer-tax exemption is claimed, the Revenue and Taxation Code section and required language must be listed on the face of the document.
What is the El Dorado County Survey Monument Fee?
El Dorado County states that effective July 1, 2026, a $10 Survey Monument Fee will be assessed on qualifying deeds. Ask the Recorder-Clerk whether your deed qualifies before finalizing fees.
Will the Recorder-Clerk prepare my deed?
No. The Recorder-Clerk does not provide blank documents for recording and is prohibited from giving legal advice or preparing legal instruments. Use a California attorney or title professional for deed drafting, trust transfers, probate transfers, corrections or title questions.
Where do I mail documents for recording?
Mail recording documents to El Dorado County Recorder-Clerk, 360 Fair Lane, Placerville, CA 95667. Make checks payable to El Dorado Recorder-Clerk. The South Lake Tahoe office is appointment-only and does not accept mail.
Is this website a government office or title company?
No. This is an independent educational guide. It is not the El Dorado County Recorder-Clerk, El Dorado County Assessor, Treasurer-Tax Collector, Superior Court, a law firm, a title company or a consumer reporting agency. Always verify current rules and records with the responsible official office.
Independent Educational Guide
This page is an independent educational guide to the El Dorado County Recorder-Clerk in El Dorado County, California. It is not the El Dorado County Recorder-Clerk, El Dorado County Government, the Assessor, the Treasurer-Tax Collector, the Superior Court, a title company or a law firm.
Recorded document availability, search features, APN display, copy procedures, recording requirements, fee amounts, transfer-tax treatment, survey monument charges, office hours and appointment rules can change. Always verify current instructions directly with the El Dorado County Recorder-Clerk or the responsible official office before recording, ordering, paying or relying on a document.
Public property and recorded-document information should be used for property, title-reference, tax, historical, genealogical and public-record purposes only. Do not use this website as a people-search service or for employment screening, tenant screening, credit eligibility, insurance underwriting or other regulated consumer-reporting purposes.