Alameda County CA Recorder Office: Address, Deed Search & Official Records
Need a property deed in Oakland, Berkeley, Fremont, Hayward, Dublin, Livermore or another Alameda County community? The Alameda County Clerk-Recorder maintains recorded real-estate documents dating back to 1853.
Its main office is at 1106 Madison Street in Oakland, with a satellite office in Dublin. You can search the online official-records index for documents recorded from 1969 onward, then order the actual copy if needed.
This guide explains where to search, how to get a certified deed, the 4:30 PM recording cutoff, copy fees, historical records, recording requirements and documentary transfer tax.
Official government records · Two service locations · 10 local FAQs
Where Can You Search Alameda County Recorded Deeds?
The official Official Public Records service offers two separate workflows: search the indexed recordings, or order a copy using a known instrument number or book/page reference.
Search the Records Index
Find recorded documents by the names of parties and the other options offered by the county’s online research system. Digital indexing begins in 1969.
Follow the search steps →Order a Recorded Document
Once you know the instrument number or book/page, request a plain or certified copy through the official ordering service.
Copy ordering steps →Find a Historic Deed
County land records date to 1853. Instruments recorded before 1969 must be searched using the older in-office indexes.
Historical search guidance →How to Search Alameda County Deeds Online
The Clerk-Recorder indexes real-property documents by the parties named in them. Start with a known former owner, buyer, lender or trust, depending on the type of document you need.
Open the Official Records Portal
Visit Alameda County Official Public Records. Read the disclaimer and use the site’s link to enter the records search.
Choose the Search Option
Use the online search fields available to you. A person’s name or organization name is normally a useful starting point because the county indexes documents under their recorded parties.
Search the Grantor or Grantee
A grantor generally transfers a property interest; a grantee receives one. Search previous owners and applicable business or trust names when the first attempt returns no match.
Use a Relevant Recording Period
If the system offers date filters, search around the property’s purchase or refinance period. The signing date and recorded date are not necessarily the same.
Check the Instrument Type and Parties
Distinguish a grant deed or quitclaim deed from a deed of trust, assignment or reconveyance. A party-name match alone does not confirm the correct property.
Save the Document Reference
Keep the instrument number, book/page or reel/image number shown in the relevant record. These are the references the county uses to process copy orders.
Order the Copy if You Need the Document
Return to the county’s Official Public Records service, select an ordering method and enter the recording reference. Specify whether certification is required.
Alameda County Deeds From 1853 to the Present
| Recording Period | Where to Research | Useful Information |
|---|---|---|
| 1853–1968 | Oakland Recorder office | Older name indexes on microfilm; in-person research required |
| 1969–present | Online Official Public Records | Electronically indexed documents searchable online |
| Recently recorded | Online index or customer service | Call with the document type and named parties to confirm the assigned instrument number |
For an older deed, gather prior owners’ names, approximate transaction dates and any references from an existing deed or title report. The Recorder can explain how to access the older indexes, but a comprehensive ownership or lien investigation may require a title professional.
How to Obtain an Alameda County Recorded Deed Copy
The Recorder accepts official-record copy orders online, in person and by mail. The copy cost depends on the page count and whether certification is required.
Order Online
- Search for the deed’s official reference.
- Open the Official Public Records ordering service.
- Choose Official Public Records documents.
- Enter the requested recording reference and order details.
- Use an accepted Visa or Mastercard and follow the order confirmation instructions.
Order at the Oakland Office
- Visit 1106 Madison Street during office hours.
- Complete the document copy request form.
- Specify regular or certified copy.
- Pay the required page charges.
- Collect the document or follow the office’s processing instructions.
Office printing stops at 4:15 PM. Copy orders received after 4 PM are processed the next business day.
| Copy Type | County Fee | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Plain recorded-document copy | $3.50 per page | Three-page deed: $10.50 |
| Certified recorded-document copy | $4.50 first page + $3.50 each additional page | Three-page certified deed: $11.50 |
| Large or high-page-count office request | Page-based charge; additional processing time possible | County indicates some requests take 1–3 business days |
| Mail request | Copy charges plus necessary return-postage arrangements | Allow approximately 5–10 business days for processing |
Alameda County Recorder Fees for New Deeds
Recording a new deed costs more than requesting an existing document copy. Alameda County publishes a separate recording schedule covering each chargeable document title, additional pages, special-title charges, statutory surcharges and applicable documentary transfer tax.
| Recording Charge or Rule | Published County Guidance |
|---|---|
| Ordinary instrument/title | Check the current deed category in the official Clerk-Recorder fee schedule. |
| Additional recording page | $3 per additional page under the county’s published multi-title example. |
| Multiple-title instrument | $89 per title, plus applicable extra pages and special-title fees. |
| Nonstandard page size | $3 additional per page if any page differs from standard 8½-by-11-inch size. |
| Required recording cover sheet | $3 additional page fee when the document lacks the necessary first-page recording space. |
| SB 2 Building Homes and Jobs Act | $75 per applicable title, up to the statutory $225 transaction cap unless exempt. |
| Documentary transfer tax | Separate tax determined by the property’s location, taxable value and applicable exemptions. |
How to Record a Deed in Alameda County
Confirm the Correct Recording County
Verify that the real property is located in Alameda County. A homeowner’s mailing address does not determine the proper Recorder.
Prepare the Appropriate Instrument
Use a legally appropriate grant deed, quitclaim deed or other instrument. The Recorder does not provide legal advice about which deed changes ownership correctly.
Check the First Page and Recording Space
Provide at least a half-inch clear margin on each vertical side. Reserve the top 2½ inches of the first page for recording and return information, with the left 3½ inches designated for the recording requestor and return address.
Use an Acceptable Page Size
Standard paper is 8½ by 11 inches. The county assesses additional fees for nonstandard pages and will not accept pages larger than 8½ by 14 inches.
Check Signatures and Legal Description
Confirm the correct parties, required signatures, acknowledgments and complete legal description. Use a title professional or attorney when the ownership consequences are uncertain.
Prepare PCOR and Transfer-Tax Information
For a qualifying change of ownership, complete the Preliminary Change of Ownership Report (PCOR) and determine whether documentary transfer tax or a recognized exemption applies.
Pay and Submit the Document
Submit to the Oakland Clerk-Recorder or through another county-authorized recording channel. For in-person recording, arrive before the 4:30 PM cutoff. Check current recording services at Dublin before relying on that location.
Keep the Recording Reference
Save the instrument number and confirmation. You can use these details later to verify the recording or order a certified copy.
Alameda County Documentary Transfer Tax and City Conveyance Tax
California’s documentary transfer-tax system is separate from the Recorder’s filing charges. Alameda County may collect the county documentary transfer tax and, depending on the property’s location, an additional city real-property transfer tax.
County Documentary Transfer Tax
The usual California county documentary transfer-tax rate is $0.55 per $500 of taxable consideration, or fraction thereof, subject to statutory definitions and exemptions.
Property transfers without conventional consideration can still require analysis under the applicable law.
City-Level Taxes May Differ
Alameda County publishes additional city conveyance tax schedules for cities including Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, Albany, Emeryville, Hayward, Piedmont and San Leandro.
Rates and value thresholds can change. Confirm the precise city rate and transaction treatment instead of adding an outdated flat amount.
Alameda County Recorder Office Address, Phone and Hours
Oakland Main Clerk-Recorder Office
1106 Madison Street
Oakland, CA 94607
Telephone: 510-272-6362
Toll-free: 888-280-7708
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5 PM, except holidays.
Recording cutoff: 4:30 PM.
Copy printing cutoff: 4:15 PM.
Transit: A few blocks from Lake Merritt BART. Metered street parking is limited, with paid parking in the surrounding area.
Oakland Directions ↗Dublin Tri-Valley Satellite Office
7600 Dublin Boulevard, Suite 160
Dublin, CA 94568
Telephone: 510-272-6362
The county states that the office entrance is through the building’s courtyard.
Important: The county’s contact information specifies that mail transactions are not accepted at this location.
Call before traveling to confirm current counter hours and whether the recording or copy service you need is offered at Dublin.
Dublin Directions ↗Map shows the main Oakland location. If you are coming from the Tri-Valley, verify Dublin service availability before choosing an office.
Why an Alameda County Deed May Not Appear Online
No Search Result
- Try a previous owner, seller or trustee name.
- Check spelling and business names.
- Expand the recording-date range.
- Remember that pre-1969 indexes require in-person research.
- Confirm the property’s county and legal description.
Index Found, but Copy Unavailable
- Check the instrument number or book/page reference.
- Allow two weeks after recording for a new online copy order.
- Use the official copy-order service rather than unrelated paid aggregators.
- Contact the Oakland office for early records.
- Ask for certification only if your use requires it.
Alameda County Recorder Search, Copies, Fees and Office Links
1. Official Public Records Search
Open the county records portal ↗
- Enter the official-records search service.
- Search the parties and relevant date.
- Identify the correct document.
- Save the instrument or book/page reference.
2. Official Records Copy Instructions
Open copying and research instructions ↗
- Check the record’s date and online eligibility.
- Choose online, mail or in-person ordering.
- Review plain versus certified-copy costs.
- Follow the relevant payment and delivery instructions.
3. Order Official Public Records Online
Open the county’s online copy-order system ↗
- Select Official Public Records documents.
- Enter the known recording reference.
- Provide the requested order information.
- Use a supported card and save the confirmation.
4. Real-Property Recording Fees
Review recording format and charges ↗
- Check page size and recording-space requirements.
- Identify any multiple-title or cover-sheet fees.
- Review SB 2 fees and exemptions.
- Verify total payment before filing.
5. County Clerk-Recorder Fee Schedule
Open full fee and transfer-tax directory ↗
- Find Deeds & Leases or the general fee schedule.
- Review the applicable documentary transfer tax.
- Check applicable city transfer-tax rates.
- Confirm current charges with the Recorder if needed.
6. County Office Directory
Review Oakland and Dublin office details ↗
- Confirm the official office location.
- Check the main customer service number.
- Verify satellite services before traveling.
Alameda County Recorder Office FAQs
1. Where is the Alameda County Recorder’s main office?
The main Alameda County Clerk-Recorder office is located at 1106 Madison Street, Oakland, CA 94607. Regular office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5 PM, excluding holidays.
2. What is the Alameda County Recorder phone number?
The Clerk-Recorder’s local phone number is 510-272-6362, and the toll-free number is 888-280-7708.
3. Can I search Alameda County deeds online?
Yes. Alameda County provides an online index for recorded documents dating from 1969 to the present. Older records must be researched through the in-office indexes.
4. How far back do Alameda County land records go?
Recorded land documents date back to 1853. Records from 1853 through 1968 use older microfilm indexes, while records from 1969 onward are electronically indexed.
5. How much does an Alameda County recorded deed copy cost?
The county charges $3.50 per page for a plain copy. A certified copy costs $4.50 for the first page and $3.50 for each additional page.
6. Can I order a certified Alameda County deed online?
The county offers an online official-public-records ordering service using a known instrument number or book/page reference. Check the service’s available certification and delivery options when placing an order.
7. What time is the Alameda County deed recording cutoff?
The Oakland Recorder office’s document-recording cutoff is 4:30 PM on regular business days, although the office remains open until 5 PM.
8. Is there an Alameda County Recorder office in Dublin?
Yes. The county lists a Tri-Valley satellite at 7600 Dublin Boulevard, Suite 160, Dublin, CA 94568. The entrance is through the courtyard, and mail transactions are not accepted there.
9. Is documentary transfer tax separate from the Alameda County recording fee?
Yes. Documentary transfer tax is separate from ordinary deed recording charges. Some Alameda County cities also impose additional conveyance taxes with their own rates and thresholds.
10. Can the Alameda County Recorder confirm that a property has clear title?
No. The Recorder maintains public instruments but does not perform comprehensive lien research or title examinations. A qualified California title professional or real-estate attorney can assess title questions.