Tulare County Recorder: Deeds, Official Records, Copies, Fees & Office Guide
The Tulare County Recorder is part of the Tulare County Assessor/Clerk-Recorder. The Recorder files, indexes and maintains public documents connected with land transactions in Tulare County, including grant deeds, deeds of trust, mechanic’s liens, tax liens, reconveyances, subdivision and parcel maps, mining claim records and military discharge papers.
This guide explains how to search Tulare County official records, request copies, record a deed, estimate common recording and copy fees, avoid PCOR/DTT/SB2 mistakes, use the updated Government Plaza address, and understand what the Recorder can and cannot do for title or legal-document questions.
What Does the Tulare County Recorder Do?
The Tulare County Recorder records and preserves official documents affecting real property in Tulare County, California. Recorded documents are kept permanently for research and certified-copy purposes, and the Recorder collects documentary transfer tax and conveyance taxes on property sales when applicable.
Use the Recorder for Deeds & Official Records
Use the Recorder for grant deeds, deeds of trust, quitclaim deeds, reconveyances, liens, maps, recorded copies, official-record searches and document-recording questions.
Best for: recorded document numbers, copies, recording fees and land-record history.
Use the Assessor for Parcel & Value Records
The Assessor side handles taxable property records, assessment values, parcel details and many property-tax-related questions. Start there when you only have an address or APN and need parcel context.
Best for: APN, property characteristics, assessed value and tax-roll ownership context.
Use Court or Legal Help for Title Problems
The Recorder records documents submitted by other parties. It does not decide ownership disputes, remove liens by request, conduct title searches or prepare legal documents.
Best for: court-certified judgments, attorney-drafted corrective deeds and title-company research.
Recorder vs Clerk vs Assessor vs Tax Collector in Tulare County
Tulare County combines Assessor, Clerk and Recorder functions under one elected office, but each division handles a different task. Choosing the right division prevents wasted trips and rejected mail.
| Office / Division | Main Role | Use It For | Do Not Use It For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tulare County Recorder | Records, indexes and maintains land-transaction documents and official records. | Deeds, deeds of trust, liens, reconveyances, maps, military discharge recordings, copies, certification and recording fees. | Legal advice, title opinions, deed drafting, tax-bill payment or ownership-dispute resolution. |
| County Clerk | Issues and files clerk records and certificates. | Birth, death and marriage records, marriage licenses, fictitious business names, oaths, notary filings and some public filings. | Recording real-property deeds or issuing recorded land-document copies. |
| Assessor | Maintains property assessment and taxable-property records. | Property values, APNs, parcel details, assessment roll and property-tax reassessment questions. | Recording deeds or certifying recorded copies. |
| Treasurer-Tax Collector | Handles tax bills and tax payments. | Property-tax payment, delinquency, receipts and installment questions. | Recording instruments or searching Recorder document images. |
| Superior Court | Maintains court records and court-certified documents. | Court-certified judgments, probate, divorce, family law, civil and criminal case records. | County Recorder official land-record search or copy checkout. |
How to Search Tulare County Deeds and Official Records Online
Tulare County provides an online portal to search recorded documents. For best results, search by name, document number or document type, and try possible spelling variations. The official copy page explains that document images are viewable only after purchase.
Open the Official Records Search Portal
Start from the Tulare County Assessor/Clerk-Recorder website and select Official Records Search. Confirm that the portal identifies Tulare County Clerk-Recorder before entering search details.
Search by the Strongest Detail You Have
If you know the document number, use it first. If not, search by grantor or grantee name. The portal also supports document-type searching, which is useful for deeds, deeds of trust, reconveyances and liens.
Try Spelling Variations
Tulare County’s copy page recommends using all possible spelling variations of names and other search criteria to maximize results. Search last name only, business names without punctuation, and alternate spellings when needed.
Use Assessor Tools for Address-Only Research
Recorder searches are usually document and party based. If you only know a street address, use Assessor property tools first to identify APN, owner or property context, then return to the Recorder search with names or document details.
Purchase or Request Copies After Confirming the Record
Once you identify the correct document, order an uncertified copy online for immediate download, or request certified copies in person or by mail. Certified copies cannot be purchased online.
How to Request Tulare County Recorded Document Copies
Tulare County recorded document copies can be obtained online, in person or by mail. The right method depends on whether you need an uncertified copy for research or a certified copy for legal, title, court or official use.
Online Uncertified Copies
Uncertified copies of official records may be purchased online with a credit card and downloaded immediately after payment. Images are viewable only after purchase.
Best for: research, review and non-certified document reference.
In-Person Copies
Visit the Recorder’s Office at 5951 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia, CA 93277. Bring payment by credit card, check, money order or cash. Checks should be payable to Tulare County Assessor/Clerk-Recorder.
Best for: users who need certified copies or in-office search help.
Mail Copies
Complete the Recorded Document Request Form and mail it with a check or money order. Do not mail cash. Send the request to 5951 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia, CA 93277.
Best for: out-of-area users who need certified copies.
How to Record a Deed or Legal Document in Tulare County
Documents may be submitted electronically by authorized submitters, in person, or by mail. If you do not regularly record documents, Tulare County says recording in person or by mail is usually best for your needs.
Confirm the Property Is in Tulare County
Every document presented for recording must involve property located in Tulare County when the document affects real property. If the property is near a county boundary, verify the county before preparing your deed.
Prepare Original Signatures or Certified Copies
Tulare County’s document requirements say the document must contain original signatures or be a certified copy of the original. Certified copies must be unaltered.
Check First-Page Formatting
Reserve the left-hand 3.5 inches of the top 2.5 inches of the first page for the person requesting recording and the return mailing address. Reserve the right-hand 5 inches of the top 2.5 inches for the Recorder label.
Handle APN, PCOR, DTT and SB2
Deeds, quitclaim deeds and deeds of trust must include the Assessor’s Parcel Number. Documents affecting a change in ownership must include a completed PCOR or a $20 surcharge applies. Transfer documents may also require Documentary Transfer Tax and SB2 / Building Homes and Jobs Act treatment.
Submit In Person or by Mail
In-person recording is available at 5951 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia, CA. For mail recording, send the request and payment to Tulare County Assessor/Clerk-Recorder at 5951 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia, CA 93277.
Verify the Recorded Result
After the document is recorded, use the Official Records Search to verify the document number, title, recording date and party names. Keep the recording receipt, conformed copy and mailed return documents.
Tulare County Recording Requirements and Common Mistakes
A document can be returned unrecorded if required fees are wrong, APN is missing where required, PCOR is omitted, margins are wrong, title is missing, signatures are not original, or the document is not readable enough to produce a clear photographic image.
Prepare These Items
- Property located in Tulare County.
- Original signatures or certified copy.
- Document title on the first page.
- Return address and requesting-party information.
- APN on deeds, quitclaim deeds and deeds of trust.
- PCOR for ownership-change documents.
Format Checks
- Standard 8.5-by-11-inch paper when possible.
- Minimum 0.5-inch vertical side margins.
- Top first-page area reserved correctly.
- Legible text, notary seals and attachments.
- Clear exhibits marked as exhibits.
- Cover page when the Recorder label area is missing.
Problems That Delay Recording
- Missing APN on required real estate documents.
- Mailing a deed without PCOR.
- Leaving transfer tax/exemption unclear.
- Using wrong address from older forms.
- Asking staff to choose or prepare legal forms.
- Submitting payment that does not match the current fee schedule.
Tulare County Recorder Fees, Copies, DTT, PCOR and SB2
Tulare County’s fee schedule explains that many Recorder fees are set or limited by state law. Incorrect fees can cause documents to be returned unrecorded, so verify the official fee schedule before mailing or recording.
| Fee / Requirement | Published Tulare Rule | Practical Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Single title legal document | $21 first page, except deeds and documents recorded in connection with transfer-tax transactions. | Common starting fee for many non-transfer legal documents. |
| Transfer-tax documents | $14 first page for documents subject to transfer tax and documents recorded concurrently in connection with the transfer. | Applies to many transfer-related deeds and connected documents. |
| Additional pages | $3 for each additional page of the same document. | Count every page before preparing payment. |
| Nonconforming pages | Additional $3 per page for documents not complying with statutory page-size, format, paper-quality and recording standards. | Use proper margins, legible text and standard paper when possible. |
| PCOR missing penalty | $20 penalty charge when a document evidencing a change in ownership is submitted without a completed PCOR. | Attach PCOR to qualifying ownership-change documents. |
| Documentary Transfer Tax | $0.55 per $500 of value, or fraction thereof. | Use DTT calculator or tax tables and get legal/tax guidance when uncertain. |
| SB2 / Homes and Jobs Act | $75 per qualifying real estate instrument, paper or notice, capped at $225 per single transaction per parcel. | Use the correct SB2 cover page or exemption when applicable. |
| Survey Monument Fee | $10 on all deeds, with listed exemptions such as quitclaim, easement, mineral and corrected deeds. | May apply in addition to recording and transfer-related fees. |
| Official record copies | $3 first page, $1 each additional page of the same document, and $2 per certified copy. | Certified copies are in-person or mail only. |
Tulare County Recording, Copy and DTT Estimator
This educational calculator is for planning only. It does not include every possible statutory charge, SB2 fee, survey monument fee, multiple-title fee, indexing fee, lien notice fee, eRecording vendor fee or examiner rejection issue.
Formula used: selected first-page fee + $3 for each additional page + $0.55 per $500 or fraction thereof of entered taxable value. This does not include SB2, PCOR penalty, survey monument fee, extra indexing, multiple-title fees, copies, certification or other special charges.
Does Tulare County Accept eRecording?
Yes. Tulare County explains that authorized submitters can electronically submit and receive specific electronic records that are instruments of real estate transactions. If you do not record documents regularly, the county says recording in person or by mail is usually best.
Who May Use It
Authorized submitters may include title insurers, title companies, institutional lenders and government entities.
Certified Transmission Path
Authorized submitters may need to work with agents certified and approved by the California Department of Justice to transmit documents electronically.
How to Start
Contact the Recorder’s Office at 559-636-5050 if you are interested in recording electronically.
Tulare County Recorder Office Address, Phone, Hours and Map
The current official Tulare County Assessor/Clerk-Recorder pages list the Recorder’s Office at the Government Plaza address on South Mooney Boulevard in Visalia. Use this address for in-person recording and mailed recording/copy requests unless the county later posts a different instruction.
Tulare County Recorder’s Office
Current address:
5951 S. Mooney Blvd.
Visalia, CA 93277
Phone: 559-636-5050
Email: recorder@tularecounty.ca.gov
Office hours: Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM.
Filing and recording hours: Monday–Friday, 8 AM–3 PM.
Payment for in-person recording: cash, Visa, MasterCard, check with preprinted name/address, or money order. Checks should be payable to Tulare County Assessor/Clerk-Recorder.
Open Recorder Map ↗Official Tulare County Recorder Links and What to Do After Opening Them
Use these official links for live searches, copy requests, recording rules, fee verification and forms. Each link includes short next steps so users do not land on an official page and still feel lost.
Tulare County Clerk-Recorder Main Page
Official overview of Clerk and Recorder services, current office address, phone, hours and land-record function.
- Confirm the current Recorder’s Office address and phone.
- Review the types of documents the Recorder maintains.
- Use the linked Official Records Search for recorded documents.
- Use the linked fee pages before preparing payment.
Official Records Search
Official Tyler-hosted document search and copy portal for Tulare County Clerk-Recorder records.
- Search by document number if available.
- Otherwise search by party name or document type.
- Try alternate spellings and wider search criteria.
- Add selected documents to the cart if ordering uncertified copies online.
Copies of Recorded Documents
Official copy instructions for online, in-person and mail requests, including uncertified and certified copy rules.
- Decide whether you need uncertified or certified copies.
- Use the online portal for immediate uncertified copies.
- Use in-person or mail request for certified copies.
- Do not mail cash for copy requests.
Recording a Document
Official page explaining eRecording, in-person recording, mail recording, payment methods and the 2027 APN update.
- Read the January 1, 2027 APN notice.
- Choose in-person, mail or eRecording.
- Review required PCOR rules for ownership-change documents.
- Prepare payment payable to Tulare County Assessor/Clerk-Recorder.
Document Recording Requirements
Official requirements for property location, signatures, APN, first-page space, title, legibility, exhibits and PCOR.
- Confirm the property is located in Tulare County.
- Check original signature and certified-copy rules.
- Verify APN, margin, title and legibility requirements.
- Attach PCOR if the document affects ownership.
Recorder Fee Schedule
Official fee schedule for recording fees, PCOR penalty, SB2, DTT, copy fees, certification, maps, UCCs and additional indexing.
- Identify whether your document is transfer-tax related.
- Count pages and extra titles.
- Check PCOR, SB2 and DTT sections.
- Call the Recorder if your total is unclear before mailing.
What Should You Do Next?
| Your Situation | Best Next Step | Correct Office / Tool |
|---|---|---|
| You need a copy of a recorded deed. | Search the Official Records portal, confirm document details, then order uncertified copies online or certified copies in person/by mail. | Tulare County Recorder |
| You need to record a grant deed or quitclaim deed. | Prepare the document, include APN, attach PCOR where required, address DTT/SB2 and submit with correct payment. | Recorder + document preparer |
| You only know a street address. | Use Assessor property tools to identify APN and owner context, then search Recorder documents by party name or document details. | Assessor first, then Recorder |
| Your lien was paid but no release is recorded. | Contact the authority or entity that placed the lien and ask them to record the correct release document. | Lien holder / agency, then Recorder |
| You need a title search. | Use a title company or legal professional. The Recorder does not conduct title searches. | Title company / attorney |
| You are mailing a recording package. | Use the current 5951 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia, CA 93277 address and verify fees before mailing. | Tulare County Recorder |
Mistakes to Avoid With Tulare County Recorder Records
Problems That Cause Delay
- Using the older 221 S. Mooney address from old PDFs instead of the current 5951 S. Mooney address.
- Mailing a deed without PCOR when ownership changes.
- Forgetting APN on deeds, quitclaim deeds or deeds of trust.
- Underpaying because SB2, DTT or extra pages were not counted.
- Expecting online uncertified copies to substitute for certified copies.
- Asking Recorder staff to draft or choose a deed form.
Better Recording Checklist
- Verify current address and filing hours before visiting.
- Search by name, document number and document type.
- Use Assessor tools first for address-only research.
- Include APN, PCOR, DTT and SB2 information when required.
- Check the current fee schedule before mailing payment.
- Keep document number, receipt, conformed copy and return envelope tracking.
Tulare County Recorder FAQs
What is the current Tulare County Recorder office address?
The current official Tulare County Clerk-Recorder pages list the Recorder’s Office at 5951 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia, CA 93277. Some older forms and third-party pages may still show the prior 221 S. Mooney Blvd. location.
What are the Tulare County Recorder hours?
The Recorder’s Office is listed as open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, except closed holidays. Filing and recording hours are 8 AM to 3 PM.
How do I search Tulare County deed records online?
Use the Tulare County Official Records Search portal. Search by document number when available, or by party name and document type. Try spelling variations and broader search terms if the first search does not find the document.
Can I buy certified copies online?
No. Tulare County says uncertified copies may be purchased online and downloaded immediately after payment, but certified copies of official records can only be purchased by visiting the office or by mail.
What are the Tulare County recorded document copy fees?
The official copy guidance lists $3 for the first page, $1 for each additional page of the same document, and $2 additional per certified copy.
Where do I mail a recorded document copy request?
Mail the completed Recorded Document Request Form with check or money order payable to Tulare County Assessor/Clerk-Recorder. The current address is 5951 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia, CA 93277. Do not mail cash.
Do I need a PCOR with a deed in Tulare County?
Documents affecting a change in ownership must include a completed Preliminary Change of Ownership Report. If a required PCOR is missing, Tulare County lists a $20 penalty charge.
What is the Tulare County Documentary Transfer Tax rate?
The fee schedule lists Documentary Transfer Tax as $0.55 per $500 of value, or fraction thereof. Tulare County also provides a Documentary Transfer Tax calculator and warns that professional guidance may be needed for transfer-tax questions.
Can the Recorder help me fill out a deed?
No. Tulare County says Recorder staff are prohibited by law from providing legal advice or assisting in document preparation. Use an attorney, authorized legal document assistant or real estate professional when a deed affects title.
Can I use Tulare County recorder records for tenant or employment screening?
No. Recorded documents are public records, but this website is not a Consumer Reporting Agency and does not provide consumer reports. Do not use this guide or property-record information for employment screening, tenant screening, credit eligibility, insurance underwriting or other regulated consumer-reporting purposes.
Independent Educational Guide
CountyCADPropertySearch.org is an independent informational website. It is not the Tulare County Assessor/Clerk-Recorder, Tulare County Recorder, Tulare County Assessor, Tulare County Treasurer-Tax Collector, Tulare County Superior Court, a title company, a law firm or a Consumer Reporting Agency.
Recording fees, copy fees, office addresses, filing hours, APN rules, PCOR rules, Documentary Transfer Tax rules, SB2 rules, eRecording procedures and forms can change. Always verify current instructions with the Tulare County Assessor/Clerk-Recorder before recording, ordering copies or relying on a document for a closing, title transfer or legal matter.
This page explains public-record workflows in plain English. It does not provide legal advice, title advice, tax advice, document drafting, title insurance, ownership certification or guaranteed recording acceptance.