Sacramento County CA Recorder Office: Address, Deed Search & Recorded Documents
Need a copy of a grant deed, want to check a recorded deed of trust, or have a property document ready to record? The Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder handles those services at its main office on American River Drive, with a smaller satellite location on East Stockton Boulevard.
The county’s online recording index goes back to 1849, but it does not display document images online. That distinction matters: you can identify a deed from home, then request the actual copy through the county.
Use this guide to find the correct office, search by owner name and recording year, order a certified copy, understand the 2026 recording fees, and avoid missing the 3 PM same-day recording cutoff.
Where Is the Sacramento County Recorder Office?
The main Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder office is at 3636 American River Drive, Suite 110, Sacramento, CA 95864. It is the best location for same-day recording of an eligible deed submitted before 3 PM. A south satellite at 8239 E. Stockton Boulevard accepts recording documents but does not offer same-day recording.
Visit the Main Office
For same-day eligible recording, bring your documents to the American River Drive location before the 3 PM processing cutoff.
Address and directions →Search Recorded Deeds
Use the county’s official online index to find a document reference. You cannot view the full recorded document through the public web index.
Search instructions →Get a Certified Copy
Use the county’s recorded-document copy ordering process. Certification costs more than an ordinary copy, and the county publishes separate first-page and additional-page charges.
Copy fees and steps →How to Search Sacramento County Recorder Deeds Online
Sacramento County provides access to a general index of documents recorded since 1849. It is intended to help you locate document references before requesting a copy.
Open the Official Recorded-Document Index
Visit the Sacramento County Online Index of Recorded Documents, then select Perform a Search.
Search by Party Name and Recording Year
The county’s copy-service instructions identify searching by party name and recording year. Try a seller, buyer, lender or other known party. Use any additional search controls provided by the live index.
Check the Type of Recorded Instrument
Look for a grant deed or other deed when tracing ownership. For financing, the relevant record may be a deed of trust, assignment or reconveyance. These do not serve the same purpose.
Compare the Recording Details
Check the available names, recording date and reference. A common surname may return unrelated records, and the date the deed was signed may differ from the recording date.
Save the Book/Page or Document Reference
Record the index reference, relevant parties and year. The county instructs copy customers to use the index to locate book and page information before ordering.
Request the Actual Document Separately
The public online index does not provide full scanned document images. Follow the county’s recorded-document copies page to request a regular or certified copy by the available methods.
Sacramento County Deed, Trust Deed and Lien Records Explained
| Document | What It Usually Concerns | Why You May Need It |
|---|---|---|
| Grant deed | Conveyance of an interest in real property | Investigating a recorded property transfer |
| Quitclaim deed | Transfer of whatever interest the grantor may have | Checking the extent and parties of a conveyance |
| Deed of trust | Instrument securing a real-estate loan | Locating recorded financing information |
| Reconveyance | Document associated with release of a deed of trust | Researching whether a security interest was reconveyed |
| Assignment of deed of trust | Transfer of an interest in a security instrument | Following recorded changes in the beneficiary’s interest |
| Lien | A claimed or established recorded interest | Finding potential encumbrances or subsequent releases |
How to Get a Copy of a Recorded Sacramento County Deed
The county makes recorded documents available for viewing at its office locations and offers copies by request. Choose certification only if the receiving institution needs an authenticated record.
Identify the Document First
Use the recorded-document index and save the party names, recording year and book/page or other reference.
Open the County Recorded Documents Page
Visit Recorded Document Copies and select the available document order form if using mail or fax.
Choose an Order Method
The county lists mail or fax of a completed order form, an in-person visit to either office, and telephone assistance at 916-874-6334.
Specify Regular or Certified Copy
Check whether the document is needed for personal records or for an official purpose requiring certification.
Check the Total Fee
The published recorded-document copy schedule is $8 for the first page, $1 for each additional page and $1 for certification per document.
| Copy Type | Official Charge | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Regular copy | $8 first page + $1 additional page | Three-page deed: $10 |
| Certified copy | Regular copy price + $1 certification | Three-page deed: $11 |
| Self-service uncertified copy | $1 per page in person | Three pages: $3 |
| Conformed copy supplied by customer | No conformance fee | County stamps an eligible submitted copy with acceptance information |
Sacramento County Recorder Fees for New Deeds
For ordinary 8½-by-11-inch pages, Sacramento County publishes a basic recording charge of $20 for the first page/title and $3 for each additional page. Separate statutory charges can affect the final amount.
| Item | Published Amount | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| First page/title | $20 | Basic recording charge for a standard-sized page/title |
| Each additional standard page | $3 | For additional pages meeting the standard size requirements |
| Each additional title | $20 | Where a document contains another chargeable title |
| Building Homes and Jobs Act fee | Up to $75 per applicable document | Some recordings are subject to SB 2; exemptions and statutory caps apply |
| Missing Preliminary Change of Ownership Report | $20 additional fee | When BOE-502-A is required and not presented with a transfer document |
| Documentary transfer tax | Separate | Determined under the applicable taxable transfer and jurisdictional rules |
How to Record a Grant Deed in Sacramento County
The Clerk/Recorder publishes a specific checklist for property-ownership transfers. Sacramento County also requires a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report (BOE-502-A) with the deed unless an applicable exception controls.
Confirm the Property Is in Sacramento County
Use the existing deed and Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN). Do not file in Sacramento merely because the owner has a Sacramento mailing address.
Identify the Grantor and Grantee
List the current owner or transferor and the recipient of the interest. A grant deed and quitclaim deed have different legal characteristics, so choose the appropriate instrument with professional advice when needed.
Include the Property Identification
Check the legal description or other acceptable county identification, such as the lot and tract information, the APN and the applicable city or unincorporated area.
Check All Required Addresses
Include the “When Recorded Mail To” address and the mailing address for future tax statements, as required by the county’s ownership-transfer guidance.
Complete Signatures and Notarial Acknowledgment
Confirm that required grantor signatures are present and properly acknowledged by a notary public.
Attach BOE-502-A and Check Transfer Tax
Obtain the Preliminary Change of Ownership Report from the Sacramento County Assessor or Clerk/Recorder. The county identifies an additional $20 recording fee when the required report is not submitted with the ownership-transfer document.
Submit Before the Main Office’s 3 PM Cutoff
For eligible same-day processing, present the completed documents at 3636 American River Drive, Suite 110, before 3 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Documents received later are processed the next business day.
Keep the Recording Confirmation
Record the document reference and retain your confirmation. The county states that recorded originals are normally mailed back within ten working days after recording.
Sacramento County Recorder Office Address, Hours and Directions
Main Clerk/Recorder Office
3636 American River Drive, Suite 110
Sacramento, CA 95864
Office hours: Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM.
Same-day recording: Documents must be presented by 3 PM and meet all recording requirements.
Phone: (916) 874-6334
Use this location for: Same-day eligible deed recording, copy services and general Clerk/Recorder transactions.
Main Office Directions ↗South Satellite Office
8239 E. Stockton Boulevard
Sacramento, CA 95828
Office hours: Monday–Friday, 9 AM–4 PM.
Same-day recording: Not available. Accepted documents are recorded at the main office within two business days under the county’s stated procedure.
Phone: (916) 874-6334
Payment: Cash or check only for documents submitted for recording at the satellite office.
South Office Directions ↗Map of the main Clerk/Recorder location. For current parking instructions, use the parking map linked from the official Location, Hours and Holidays page.
Recorder, Assessor or Superior Court?
| Your Task | Correct Office | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Search a recorded deed or lien | County Clerk/Recorder | Use the Online Index of Recorded Documents |
| Request a certified grant deed | County Clerk/Recorder | Use Recorded Document Copies |
| Record a new deed | County Clerk/Recorder | Review ownership-transfer recording requirements |
| Find an APN or property assessment | Sacramento County Assessor | Review the property account and BOE-502-A resources |
| Find divorce records or court orders | Sacramento Superior Court | Contact the court’s Civil Division |
| Find wills or probate court records | Sacramento Superior Court | Contact the Probate Unit |
| Determine whether title is clear | Qualified title professional or California real-estate attorney | Request appropriate title research |
Can’t Find a Sacramento County Deed? Check These Details
No Matching Index Entry
- Try the previous owner’s name.
- Check alternate spellings and initials.
- Broaden the recording-year range.
- Try an organization or trust name if applicable.
- Confirm the property is in Sacramento County.
Found the Index but Not the Deed
- The online index does not display full recorded documents.
- Save the document reference and recording year.
- Use the county’s recorded-document copy order form.
- Visit an office if you need to view the available original archive record.
- Ask for certification when the receiving institution requires it.
What Should You Do After Finding a Sacramento County Record?
You Found the Correct Deed
Save its index reference and request a document copy if you need to review the full legal description or present evidence of recording.
A Deed of Trust Still Appears
Search for related reconveyances or assignments. Do not assume an older deed of trust proves the current loan balance.
Ownership Information Appears Incorrect
Compare the recorded deed with the assessor’s ownership information. Contact the appropriate office about administrative corrections, or consult a professional if a new legal instrument is needed.
You Need a Certified Copy Urgently
Call 916-874-6334 with the document reference and confirm current copy-service availability and charges before traveling.
Sacramento County Recorder Search, Copies, Fees and Forms
1. Online Index of Recorded Documents
Official search for recorded deeds, trust deeds, reconveyances, assignments and liens.
- Click Perform a Search.
- Search using names and a recording year.
- Save the correct document reference.
- Use the copy-request service for images.
2. Recorded Document Copies
Official copy ordering, mail/fax instructions and certified-copy prices.
- Identify the document through the index.
- Open the county’s copy order form or select an in-person method.
- Specify ordinary or certified copy.
- Confirm total pages, cost and payment instructions.
3. Sacramento County Recording Fees
Base recording amounts, copy charges and applicable statutory surcharges.
- Open Basic Recording Fees.
- Check page and title charges.
- Review Building Homes and Jobs Act exemptions or fees.
- Verify additional required charges before submitting.
4. Transferring Ownership of Real Property
County deed checklist, BOE-502-A requirement and mail/in-person instructions.
- Identify the grantor and grantee.
- Check property description, APN and addresses.
- Confirm notarized signatures.
- Include the required Preliminary Change of Ownership Report.
5. Office Locations and Hours
Main office, south satellite, same-day cutoff and holiday closures.
- Choose the American River Drive or south satellite office.
- Check hours and any closure notice.
- Use the main office for eligible same-day recording before 3 PM.
- Review the parking map before arriving.
Sacramento County Recorder Office FAQs
1. Where is the Sacramento County Recorder’s main office?
The main Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder office is at 3636 American River Drive, Suite 110, Sacramento, CA 95864. Regular office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM.
2. What is the Sacramento County Recorder phone number?
The main Clerk/Recorder telephone number is 916-874-6334. The county also lists 800-313-7133 for callers outside the 916 area code but within California.
3. Can I search Sacramento County deeds online?
Yes. The official Online Index of Recorded Documents covers indexed records since 1849. The online search helps identify documents but does not display their full images.
4. How do I obtain a certified Sacramento County deed?
Use the county’s Recorded Document Copies page to request an authenticated copy by its available ordering methods. The published charge is $8 for the first page, $1 for each additional page and $1 for certification per document.
5. What time is the same-day deed recording cutoff?
The main Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder office provides same-day recording for eligible documents presented by 3 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Documents received later are recorded the next business day.
6. Does the south Sacramento Recorder office record deeds the same day?
No. The satellite office at 8239 E. Stockton Boulevard accepts recording documents, but the county says they are recorded at the main office within two business days. Recording payments at the satellite must be made by cash or check.
7. How much does it cost to record a deed in Sacramento County?
The basic county recording fee is $20 for the first standard page/title and $3 for each additional standard page. Other charges, including additional titles, applicable Building Homes and Jobs Act fees and documentary transfer tax, may apply.
8. Is Form BOE-502-A required when recording a deed?
Sacramento County states that a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report, BOE-502-A, must accompany a document transferring ownership. If the required report is not presented, the county assesses an additional $20 recording fee.
9. Are Sacramento County divorce and probate records available from the Recorder?
No. The county directs divorce decrees, court orders, wills and probate records to the Sacramento Superior Court rather than the Recorder’s recorded-document copy service.
10. How soon does a newly recorded deed appear in the online index?
The Sacramento County Recorder states that the online recorded-document index is generally updated within two business days after recording. A recent deed may not appear immediately.
Sources and Independent Editorial Notice
Reviewed: October 23, 2026.
This article uses Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder official pages for locations, recorded-document search, copy fees, ownership transfers, recording requirements and office hours, including the county’s May 2026 announcement concerning Thursday extended services.
County-Appraisal-District.org is an independent informational publisher. It is not affiliated with Sacramento County, the Clerk/Recorder, the Assessor or the Superior Court. This page does not record documents, supply certified copies or provide legal title advice.
Fees, processing arrangements and holiday schedules may change. Confirm critical transaction requirements directly with the responsible office. Public-record information is not an authorized substitute for regulated consumer reports.