Los Angeles Recorder Office: Address & Records
The Los Angeles Recorder Office is officially the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. For real estate documents, the office records property documents, maintains real estate records, issues real estate record copies, and handles County Clerk services such as marriage records, fictitious business names and notary-related filings.
The main office is in Norwalk at 12400 Imperial Highway, Norwalk, CA 90650. A key Los Angeles County difference is that the RR/CC does not provide online access to real estate records or indexes through the internet; users must request copies online/by mail/fax or schedule in-person viewing.
Where Is the County Recorder Office in Los Angeles?
The main Los Angeles County Recorder office is the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk Norwalk headquarters at 12400 Imperial Highway, Norwalk, CA 90650. Use this office for full RR/CC services, real estate record viewing by appointment, property document recording, birth/death/marriage records, fictitious business name filings, notary services and election services.
Main Recorder Office
Norwalk is the main RR/CC location and the safest starting point for property document recording, real estate records after recording, older real estate record viewing and mailed-document routing.
Address: 12400 Imperial Highway, Norwalk, CA 90650.
Branch Offices
Lancaster, LAX/Courthouse and Van Nuys list document recording and real estate record copies from 1982-present. Other district offices may have more limited services.
Important: all mail goes to Norwalk, not the district offices.
Real Estate Search Reality
LA County does not provide online access to real estate records or indexes via the internet. Request copies online/by mail/fax, or schedule in-person viewing.
Do not expect: a public online deed index like many smaller counties.
Los Angeles County Recorder, Assessor and Treasurer: Which Office Does What?
Los Angeles County property users often call the Recorder when they really need the Assessor, Treasurer or court. Use this decoder before requesting records or visiting an office.
| Your Task | Best Office / System | What It Helps With | What It Does Not Do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Record a deed, deed of trust, lease or notice of default | LA County RR/CC Property Document Recording | Document analysis, recording acceptance, recording fees, SB2 fee handling, PCOR routing and return of original documents. | Does not prepare legal documents or calculate transfer tax for you. |
| Get a copy of a recorded deed or real estate record | LA County RR/CC Real Estate Records | Plain/certified copies, online copy ordering, mail/fax/in-person request options and appointment viewing. | Does not provide open internet access to real estate indexes. |
| Find AIN/APN, assessed value or property characteristics | Los Angeles County Assessor | Assessment records, AIN/APN search, property value, assessment roll and parcel-related property information. | Does not record deeds or issue recorder-certified real estate copies. |
| Pay or check property taxes | Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector | Secured and unsecured property taxes, tax bills, duplicate bills, payment status, delinquency and tax-default questions. | Does not record deeds or change ownership documents. |
| Search court cases or obtain divorce case records | Los Angeles Superior Court | Court dockets, case records, lawsuits, probate, civil cases and divorce case files. | Does not maintain RR/CC real estate record indexes. |
Los Angeles Recorder Office Address, Phone and Map
For the broadest recorder/county clerk services, use the Norwalk headquarters. Branch offices can help with some services, but mail and many core recorder workflows route through Norwalk.
Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
Main address:
12400 Imperial Highway
Norwalk, CA 90650
Recorder/County Clerk phone: 800-201-8999
Property document recording: 800-201-8999, option 2
Real estate records after recording: 800-201-8999, option 3
Email for vital and real estate record requests: recorder@rrcc.lacounty.gov
Main office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm
Open Norwalk Map ↗Los Angeles County RR/CC Branch Offices for Records and Recording
Not every branch performs every recorder service. For property document recording and real estate record copies, verify the branch service list before visiting.
| Office | Address | Listed Hours | Recorder-Related Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norwalk Main Office | 12400 Imperial Hwy., Norwalk, CA 90650 | Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm | Real estate records after recording, document analysis and recording, vital records, marriage licenses, FBN filings, notary services and election services. |
| Lancaster | 44509 16th St. West, Suite 101, Lancaster, CA 93534 | Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm | Record documents and issue copies of real estate records from 1982-present, plus selected County Clerk and vital-record services. |
| LAX / Courthouse | 11701 S. La Cienega Blvd., 6th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90045 | Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm | Record documents and issue copies of real estate records from 1982-present, plus selected County Clerk and vital-record services. |
| Van Nuys | 14340 W. Sylvan St., Van Nuys, CA 91401 | Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm | Record documents and issue copies of real estate records from 1982-present, plus selected County Clerk and vital-record services. |
| Beverly Hills | 9355 Burton Way, 4th Floor, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 | Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:00pm | Marriage-license and ceremony-related services; do not assume deed recording is available here. |
| East Los Angeles | 4716 E. Cesar Chavez Blvd., Building B, Los Angeles, CA 90022 | Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:00pm | Vital-record requests, marriage licenses, domestic partnership statements and voter services; no deed-recording service is listed in the branch table. |
| Florence / Firestone | 7807 Compton Ave., Room 102, Los Angeles, CA 90001 | Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm | Vital-record requests, marriage licenses, ceremonies, domestic partnership statements and voter registration forms; no deed-recording service is listed in the branch table. |
How to Get Los Angeles County Real Estate Records
Los Angeles County does not work like counties that publish a free searchable online deed index. For real estate records, choose one of these routes: online copy request, mail request, fax request, in-person copy request, or in-person viewing by appointment.
Decide Whether You Need a Copy or an Index Search
If you know the document number, recording date, names or property information, request a copy. If you need to search indexes yourself, schedule an in-person appointment at Norwalk because LA County does not provide online public access to real estate indexes.
Use Online Request for Copy Orders
LA County’s online request page directs users to request real estate record copies online through LexisNexis. The county states online orders are processed within 20 working days from the date the request is received.
Schedule In-Person Viewing When You Need the Index
For in-person viewing, LA County says records dated 1851-1957 are available on the lower level and records dated 1958-present are available on the 2nd floor at Norwalk headquarters. Appointments can be scheduled up to two weeks in advance for viewing.
Bring the Best Search Clues
LA County real estate records are maintained in alphabetical indexes by name and year recorded. Bring grantor, grantee, former owner, trustee, lender, document type, approximate recording year, legal description, APN/AIN and property address clues.
Choose Plain or Certified Copy
Use a plain copy for ordinary review. Use a certified copy when an agency, court, lender, escrow company, title company or legal process specifically requires certification.
Do Not Ask for Telephone Index Searches
LA County says it cannot accept telephone requests for index searches. Call for process questions, but use the official request or appointment path for actual record work.
How to Record Property Documents in Los Angeles County
Recording a new document is different from ordering a copy. LA County examines documents presented for recording and collects fees and taxes based on California law and county requirements.
Confirm the Property Is in Los Angeles County
The RR/CC recording requirements state that the property must be located in Los Angeles County. If the property is in Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, Ventura or Kern County, use that county’s recorder instead.
Use a Document Authorized or Required by Law
The County Recorder accepts documents that are authorized or required by California law to be recorded, contain required information, and are photographically reproducible.
Use Original Signatures or Certified Copies
Signatures generally must be original unless the document is a certified copy issued by the appropriate custodian of the public record. Do not submit an ordinary photocopy when an original recordable instrument is required.
Add Return Name and Mailing Address
A recording package must include the name of the party requesting recording and the name and address where the document can be returned after recording.
Check Acknowledgment, Notary and APN Rules
LA County says the document must be properly acknowledged unless exempt, notary seals must be legible for microfilm reproduction, and APN is required on notices of default, notices of trustee sale, deeds, trust deeds and mortgages.
Include PCOR for Ownership Changes
When recording documents affecting a change in ownership of real property, include a completed Preliminary Change of Ownership Report. Without concurrent PCOR filing, the county may charge an additional fee.
Follow Page Size and Spacing Rules
Standard page size is 8.5 by 11 inches. LA County also lists first-page recording-space rules, side-margin rules, legibility requirements and additional fees for other page sizes.
Submit by Appointment, Drop-Off or Mail as Allowed
Appointments for recording can be scheduled up to three weeks in advance. Mailed documents go to the Document Analysis and Recording Section at P.O. Box 1250, Norwalk, CA 90651-1250.
Los Angeles Recorder Fees: Recording, Copies and Transfer Tax
LA County recording fees can change by document type, number of pages, names, references, SB2 exemption status, PCOR filing, transfer-tax status and city. Use this section for planning only and verify the official fee page before submitting.
| Fee / Rule | LA County Official Detail | Plain-English Use | Before You Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular recording base fee | Regular recording fee table lists a $15 base fee. | Starting county recording fee component for many recordable real estate documents. | Other required charges can make the final total much higher. |
| SB2 Building Homes and Jobs Act fee | $75 may apply per real estate instrument, paper or notice, subject to statutory exemptions and a maximum stated by LA County. | Major fee that often affects deeds, deeds of trust, reconveyances, notices and other real estate instruments unless a valid exemption applies. | Place a valid exemption declaration on the document or cover page when applicable. |
| Fraud fee / program fee | LA County fee tables list fraud-related fees for certain real estate instruments. | Supports real estate fraud notification/prosecution programs. | Check the exact fee by document title on the official fee page. |
| Additional pages | Regular recording fee table lists $3 for each additional page. | Applies when the document has more pages beyond the base recording component. | Count pages and attachments before estimating fees. |
| PCOR fee in lieu | $20 may be charged if a change-in-ownership document is recorded without concurrent Preliminary Change of Ownership Report filing. | Encourages filing the required property ownership-change report with the recorded transfer document. | Attach PCOR when required to avoid the fee in lieu. |
| Real estate copy fees by mail | Certified copy: $6 first page, $3 each additional page. Plain copy: $5 first page, $3 each additional page. | Used when ordering recorded real estate document copies. | Certified online requests may have added vendor/processing charges. |
| Documentary transfer tax | County rate is generally $0.55 per $500 or fraction thereof when consideration/value exceeds $100; special city rates may apply. | Applies to many documents conveying real property. | Document preparer is responsible for tax calculation, not the County Recorder. |
| City of Los Angeles transfer tax | LA County lists special City of Los Angeles transfer-tax rules and thresholds that change by effective date. | Important when the property is inside the City of Los Angeles, not just Los Angeles County. | Check the current city-specific table before recording a sale transfer. |
Simple LA County Copy Fee Estimator
This calculator estimates only real estate copy fees using the county’s mail-fee table. It does not calculate recording, SB2, transfer tax, city transfer tax, PCOR, indexing, reference, certified online vendor or expedited UPS charges.
Common Los Angeles County Recorder Documents
Before requesting or recording a document, identify the document type. Different documents have different legal effects, fees and copy-request details.
Deeds
Grant deeds, quitclaim deeds, interspousal deeds, trustee deeds and similar documents may transfer real property interests. These often require APN/AIN, acknowledgment, return address and PCOR review.
Deeds of Trust & Reconveyances
Deeds of trust secure loans against property. Reconveyances or releases may show that a loan was paid or released. Do not confuse a reconveyance with a new ownership deed.
Liens, Lis Pendens & Notices
Liens and notices may affect real property but may not transfer ownership. LA County notes that questions about the underlying lien should be directed to the party filing the lien.
Official Los Angeles Recorder Office Links
Use these official resources before paying a third-party record website or mailing documents. Each link includes what to do after opening it.
LA County RR/CC Contact Page
Official address, main phone, recorder options and email for vital and real estate records requests.
- Confirm the page title is Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk.
- Use 800-201-8999 for Recorder/County Clerk questions.
- Select option 2 for property document recording or option 3 for real estate records after recording.
- Use recorder@rrcc.lacounty.gov for vital and real estate record request questions.
RR/CC Branch Office Locations
Official list of Norwalk and district offices, addresses, hours, branch services and mailing locations.
- Start with Norwalk if you need full recorder/county clerk service.
- Check whether Lancaster, LAX/Courthouse or Van Nuys lists document recording before visiting.
- Do not mail documents to district offices.
- Use the Norwalk mailing addresses listed by section.
View Real Estate Records by Appointment
Official page explaining in-person viewing, record year locations and no online index access.
- Read the statement that LA County does not provide online real estate records or indexes via the internet.
- Use appointment viewing if you need to search indexes yourself.
- Note that 1851-1957 records are on the lower level and 1958-present records are on the 2nd floor at Norwalk.
- Schedule in advance because appointment windows can fill.
Real Estate Records Request
Official copy-request page for online, in-person, fax, mail and fee options.
- Choose Online Request, In-Person Request, Fax Request, Mail Request or Fees.
- Use online request when you have enough information to order a copy.
- Use in-person request when you want the copy at your scheduled appointment.
- Check the fee page before submitting payment.
Property Document Recording Requirements
Official requirements for recording deeds, deeds of trust, leases, notices and other real estate documents.
- Confirm the property is located in Los Angeles County.
- Check original signature, acknowledgment, notary, return-address and APN requirements.
- Attach PCOR for documents affecting ownership changes when required.
- Use the Document Analysis and Recording Section mailing address for mailed submissions.
Property Document Recording Fees
Official fee tables for regular recording, SB2 fee, additional pages, indexing, reference fees, PCOR fee in lieu and document-specific charges.
- Open the expandable fee list.
- Find the exact document title, such as Grant Deed or Deed of Trust.
- Check whether SB2 exemption language applies to your document.
- Do not estimate final fees from the base fee alone.
Documentary Transfer Taxes
Official LA County page for county and city documentary transfer tax rules and city-specific rates.
- Read the county transfer-tax formula first.
- Check whether the property is inside a city with special rates.
- For City of Los Angeles property, review the effective-date thresholds.
- Remember the document preparer is responsible for the tax calculation.
LA County Assessor Portal
Official place to look up AIN/APN and assessment-related property information before ordering or recording documents.
- Search by AIN/APN or property address when you need parcel details.
- Copy the AIN/APN if your document or request requires it.
- Use the Recorder for recorded document copies after you identify the property.
- Do not treat Assessor property data as a title report.
LA County Treasurer and Tax Collector
Official property-tax office for tax bills, tax payments, duplicate bills and secured/unsecured tax questions.
- Use this link only for property-tax payment or bill questions.
- Search by AIN/APN, bill number or property address as available.
- Use RR/CC instead when you need to record or copy a deed.
- Keep tax payment receipts separate from recorded deed documents.
Common Los Angeles Recorder Office Mistakes
Mistakes That Delay Users
- Assuming LA County has a free online public deed index.
- Mailing recorder documents to a branch office instead of the Norwalk mailing address.
- Going to Beverly Hills, East LA or Florence/Firestone for deed recording without checking service limits.
- Requesting a telephone index search even though LA County says telephone index searches are not accepted.
- Recording an ownership-change document without PCOR when required.
- Forgetting APN/AIN on deeds, trust deeds, mortgages, notices of default or trustee sale notices.
- Asking the RR/CC to calculate documentary transfer tax for the preparer.
- Calling the Recorder to pay property taxes instead of the Treasurer and Tax Collector.
Better Workflow
- Use Norwalk for full service and older in-person real estate record viewing.
- Use Lancaster, LAX/Courthouse or Van Nuys only after confirming the listed service matches your task.
- Request copies through the Real Estate Records Request page.
- Schedule an appointment if you need to view real estate indexes yourself.
- Use the Assessor portal for AIN/APN and property assessment clues.
- Use the official fee page by exact document title before submitting payment.
- Attach PCOR and SB2 exemption cover language when applicable.
- Use an attorney or title company for deed drafting and legal-effect questions.
What Should You Do Next?
Choose the path that matches your exact Los Angeles County recorder problem.
| Your Situation | Best Next Step | Office / Link to Use |
|---|---|---|
| You need the Recorder office address. | Use the Norwalk main office at 12400 Imperial Highway, Norwalk, CA 90650. | RR/CC Contact / Branch Office Locations |
| You need a copy of a deed or recorded document. | Use Real Estate Records Request online, by mail, fax or in person. | Real Estate Records Request |
| You need to search real estate indexes yourself. | Schedule an in-person viewing appointment at Norwalk. | View Real Estate Records by Appointment |
| You need to record a deed or deed of trust. | Review recording requirements, fees, PCOR, APN, acknowledgment and transfer-tax rules first. | Property Document Recording Requirements |
| You only know the property address. | Use the Assessor portal to find AIN/APN and property clues before requesting records. | LA County Assessor Portal |
| You need to pay property taxes. | Use the Treasurer and Tax Collector, not the RR/CC. | LA County Treasurer and Tax Collector |
| You are unsure which branch can record documents. | Check the branch office table and call before visiting. | RR/CC Branch Office Locations |
Los Angeles Recorder Office FAQs
What is the Los Angeles Recorder Office called?
The official office is the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, often abbreviated RR/CC. It handles property document recording, real estate records after recording, birth/death/marriage records, fictitious business names, notary services and election services.
What is the Los Angeles County Recorder office address?
The main Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk office is at 12400 Imperial Highway, Norwalk, CA 90650. The branch office page lists Norwalk as the main office, with Monday-Friday hours from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
What phone number should I call for Los Angeles County recorder records?
Call the Recorder/County Clerk at 800-201-8999. LA County lists option 2 for property document recording and option 3 for real estate records after recording.
Can I search Los Angeles County real estate records online?
No. LA County states that it does not provide online access to real estate records or indexes via the internet. For copies, use the real estate records request process. For index viewing, schedule an in-person appointment.
How far back do Los Angeles County real estate records go?
The RR/CC says it records and maintains real estate records dating back to the 1850s. For in-person viewing, the county explains that records dated 1851 to 1957 are available on the lower level and records dated 1958 to present are available on the 2nd floor at Norwalk headquarters.
Can I request a Los Angeles County deed copy online?
Yes. LA County’s Real Estate Records Request page directs users to request copies online through LexisNexis. The county says online orders are processed within 20 working days from the date the request is received.
What is the certified copy fee for Los Angeles County real estate records?
LA County’s real estate records request fee page lists certified copies at $6 for the first page and $3 for each additional page. Plain copies are listed at $5 for the first page and $3 for each additional page.
Where do I mail property documents for recording in Los Angeles County?
Mail property documents to Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, Document Analysis and Recording Section, P.O. Box 1250, Norwalk, CA 90651-1250. LA County says all mail should go to Norwalk headquarters offices and not to district offices.
Can I pay Los Angeles County property taxes at the Recorder office?
No. LA County’s RR/CC property document recording FAQ says property taxes are not paid through the RR/CC office. Use the Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector for property-tax payment and bill questions.
Can I use Los Angeles recorder records for background checks?
No. This guide is for property-record and recorder-office navigation only. Public property 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.
Independent Educational Guide
County-Appraisal-District.org is an independent informational website. It is not affiliated with Los Angeles County, the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, the Los Angeles County Assessor, the Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector, LexisNexis, any California court, any title company or any law firm.
Recorder office hours, branch services, document recording acceptance, copy availability, fees, appointment rules, mailed-document processing, transfer-tax rules, SB2 exemptions, PCOR requirements and real estate record access are controlled by official Los Angeles County offices and California law. Always verify current requirements with the responsible office before submitting or paying for a document.
This article is not legal advice, title advice, tax advice or a substitute for attorney review, title insurance, escrow instructions, a title search or an official public-record request. Real estate record information should be verified against the actual recorded document and the appropriate official office.