California County Recorder: Los Angeles Deed Search, Copies and Recording Office
The official Los Angeles County Recorder is the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk (RR/CC), headquartered in Norwalk, California. The department preserves deeds, deeds of trust, reconveyances and other recorded real-estate instruments.
Los Angeles County operates differently from many California counties: the Recorder does not publish its real-estate document indexes or document images online for direct public searching. Instead, you may research records by appointment or request copies online, by mail or through the county’s other published request methods.
This guide covers deed research, the Norwalk office, certified copies, recording requirements, the Los Angeles County documentary transfer tax, City of Los Angeles transfer-tax differences and applicable Recorder fees.
Research reviewed October 18, 2026 • Official Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk resources.
Which California County Recorder Handles Los Angeles Property?
A property located in the City of Los Angeles, Pasadena, Santa Monica, Long Beach or another Los Angeles County municipality is generally recorded with the Los Angeles County RR/CC, not a separate city recorder. City transfer taxes may still differ.
Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
- Record deeds and deeds of trust
- Maintain the public real-estate index
- Provide document inspection appointments
- Issue plain and certified copies
- Collect applicable recording and transfer fees
County Assessor
- Assessor Parcel Numbers
- Assessment and value information
- Property ownership data for assessment
- Preliminary Change of Ownership Reports
- Reassessment and exemption information
Other Professionals and Offices
- Title companies: title searches
- Attorneys: deed preparation
- Tax agencies: tax assessments and payments
- Surveyors: property boundaries
- Superior Court: probate and litigation records
How to Search Los Angeles County Deeds and Real Estate Records
Los Angeles County has recorded real-estate records dating to 1850. Its index is organized by grantor, grantee and year recorded. The county does not provide public internet access to that official index.
Identify the correct property and owner
Gather the street address, legal owner’s name, previous owner, approximate transfer year and any existing instrument number. You can use the Los Angeles County Assessor’s property resources to find assessment or parcel information, but a parcel lookup is not a complete title search.
Choose inspection or copy ordering
If you want to browse the actual county index or inspect possible deeds yourself, use the Recorder’s Viewing Real Estate Records appointment process.
If you already know the document or can provide sufficient party and year details, use a copy-request method instead.
Make a Norwalk research appointment
The county’s Norwalk headquarters provides in-person inspection. The county identifies older records from 1851–1957 in the lower-level research area and records from 1958 onward on the second floor.
Use the current appointment process linked from the county’s website. Check the available appointment window and security instructions before visiting.
Search by grantor, grantee and recording year
Start with the buyer’s or current owner’s name as grantee, then look for the transferring party as grantor. If you find a relevant deed, note its recording reference and inspect the legal description.
Try previous owners, family-name variants, trust names and business names if your first attempt does not produce the expected result.
Check later documents and related references
A deed of trust may be followed by a substitution of trustee, assignment or reconveyance. A recent deed might not disclose every older lien affecting the property. Review related instruments when conducting research, or obtain a professional title examination.
Purchase an official copy when needed
Los Angeles County permits copy requests online through LexisNexis, in person, by mail and under its published fax request process. A certified copy is different from inspecting a record without buying it.
The county’s standard copy fee is $5 first page plus $3 each additional page; certified copies are $6 first page plus $3 each additional page.
Los Angeles County Deeds From 1850, 1900 and Older Recorded Books
Los Angeles County states that it maintains real-estate records dating back to 1850. Its viewing guidance separates older physical research collections from newer records, while documents are indexed by names and recording years.
| Records | Available Research Route | Practical Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1850 onward | County recorded real-estate archive | Specific inspection and copy availability depends on record identification and condition. |
| 1851–1957 | Norwalk lower-level viewing area | Use the county’s appointment procedure. |
| 1958 to present | Norwalk second-floor research | Indexed by party name and recording year. |
| Owner name and year known | In-person research or written copy request | Identify the document type and exact year where possible. |
| Exact year unknown | Mail search request with year range | Search fees can accrue per name per year. |
| Need legal chain of title | Title company or attorney | Recorder staff does not provide a complete title opinion. |
Los Angeles County Recorder Address, Phone, Hours and Google Map
Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
Norwalk Headquarters
Physical address:
12400 Imperial Highway
Norwalk, CA 90650
Real Estate Records:
Room 2207
Phone: 800-201-8999
Email: recorder@rrcc.lacounty.gov
Hours:
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, excluding holidays.
Research and certain in-person requests require an appointment. Review security and appointment instructions before traveling.
Directions to Norwalk ↗Where to Mail Deeds vs. Where to Mail Recorded Document Copy Requests
Los Angeles County uses separate mail destinations for new document recording and purchasing existing real-estate records. Using the wrong P.O. box can delay processing.
Mail a New Document for Recording
Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
Document Analysis and Recording Section
P.O. Box 1250
Norwalk, CA 90651-1250
Include the eligible original instrument and appropriate fees. Follow the county’s payment instructions and avoid mailing cash.
Mail a Request for an Existing Deed Copy
Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
Real Estate Records
P.O. Box 1130
Norwalk, CA 90651-1130
Provide the document title, recorded names and year, or specify the years to search. Include payment under the published copy-search rules.
How to Record a Deed in Los Angeles County, California
The Recorder examines submitted instruments for recording eligibility, required information, legibility and payment. The office does not decide whether the deed is legally appropriate for your circumstances.
Prepare the legally appropriate deed
Choose the deed type suitable for the ownership change. Ensure the property lies within Los Angeles County and include the parties, complete legal description and other necessary transfer information.
For trust, inheritance, divorce, survivorship or corrective deeds, seek advice from a California attorney or qualified title professional.
Complete execution and acknowledgment
Signatures generally must be original unless a qualifying certified-record exception applies. Documents must be properly acknowledged unless exempt. The notary seal and accompanying acknowledgment must be legible.
Check APN, preparer and return information
The county requires an Assessor’s Parcel Number on deeds, trust deeds, mortgages, notices of default and notices of trustee’s sale. Include the person requesting recording and an appropriate return name/address.
Include the PCOR and comply with formatting
For documents affecting a change in ownership, include a completed Preliminary Change of Ownership Report where required. A $20 fee may apply when a required PCOR is missing.
Standard pages are 8½ × 11 inches. The first page must reserve at least 2½ inches at the top, including space for recording-request information. Leave at least ½-inch side margins.
Determine recording fees and transfer tax
The county’s published base recording charge is $15 for common instrument categories, plus $3 per additional page. SB-2, fraud notification, restrictive-covenant program and other fees may apply.
Calculate applicable county and city documentary transfer taxes separately. The amount varies significantly by the actual city where the property is located.
Submit through the proper recording channel
Follow the county’s in-person or mail recording requirements. The county instructs couriers, attorneys, third-party representatives and messengers to use the designated document drop-off process for deeds, deeds of trust, leases and notices of default.
For mailed recording, use the Document Analysis and Recording Section, P.O. Box 1250, not the copy-request address.
What Real Estate Records Does the Los Angeles County Recorder Maintain?
Grant and Quitclaim Deeds
These document conveyances of real-property interests. Review grantor, grantee, legal description and any consideration declaration.
Deeds of Trust
Recorded security instruments used in California property financing. Later assignments or reconveyances may be significant.
Reconveyances
These may document release of an identified deed of trust. Match the referenced recording number to the original security document.
Liens and Notices
Recorded liens, notices of default and notices of sale can reveal claims or proceedings affecting land.
Easements and Maps
Recorded easements and property descriptions may explain access or land interests, but do not replace a professional survey.
Other Legal Instruments
Recorded agreements and legally authorized notices can form part of a property’s documented history.
Los Angeles County Recorder Fees and Certified Deed Copy Costs
The county publishes document-specific charges. The $15 base fee and $3 additional pages do not necessarily represent the complete cost of recording a deed.
| Service or Charge | Published Fee | Practical Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Base recording fee | $15 | Common first-page base recording category. |
| Additional pages | $3 each | Each page after the first. |
| SB-2 Building Homes and Jobs fee | $75 when applicable | Statutory exemptions apply; maximum $225 per transaction. |
| Real-estate fraud program fee | Document-specific | Fee schedule includes $7 notification and $10 district-attorney fraud categories depending on instrument. |
| AB-1466 program charge | $2 when applicable | Subject to statutory exemptions. |
| Nonconforming page | $3 each | Applicable to nonstandard pages under the county’s published rules. |
| Missing required PCOR | $20 | May apply to documents evidencing changes of ownership. |
| Extra indexed document reference | $1 | Where an additional record reference requires indexing. |
| Additional group of ten indexed names | $4 | County indexing fee category. |
| Plain real-estate document copy | $5 first page + $3 additional | Order the complete document. |
| Certified real-estate document copy | $6 first page + $3 additional | For officially certified copies. |
| Mail index search | $0.50/name/year, $1 minimum | Nonrefundable search charge. |
| Credit-card order handling | $1.75 | County-published card-order handling charge. |
Los Angeles County vs. City of Los Angeles Documentary Transfer Tax
A Los Angeles County Recorder filing can incur a county documentary transfer tax and a separate city tax. The city where the property is physically located matters: a parcel in Los Angeles city limits can be treated differently from one in Pasadena, Long Beach or an unincorporated county area.
| Jurisdiction | Published Rate or Rule | What to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles County baseline | $0.55 per $500 or fraction | General documentary transfer tax calculation on taxable value. |
| City of Los Angeles — regular city tax | $2.25 per $500 or fraction | Additional city rate; recorded separately from the county portion. |
| City of Los Angeles — Measure ULA, July 1, 2026 thresholds | 4% above $5.4 million and below $10.9 million; 5.5% at or above $10.9 million | Additional tiered tax when applicable. Thresholds and exemptions must be checked for the transaction date. |
| Culver City | Tiered rates | Uses property-value brackets; consult the city’s own calculator. |
| Pomona | $2.20 per $1,000 | City-specific transfer tax treatment. |
| Redondo Beach | $2.20 per $1,000 | City-specific transfer tax treatment. |
| Santa Monica | Tiered city rates | Can differ substantially from baseline county tax. |
Los Angeles County Recording and Copy Fee Estimator
Estimate the base page charge, selected statutory charges, county documentary tax and plain or certified copies. Because City of Los Angeles and other city taxes can be tiered or transaction-specific, this calculator does not estimate city transfer tax.
Base pages $18.00 • Selected fees $0.00 • County transfer tax $0.00
The recording mode excludes document-specific fraud charges, city transfer taxes, nonstandard pages, extra indexing, additional titles and special transactions. The county documentary tax uses $0.55 per $500 or fraction of reportable consideration, with tax computed only for amounts exceeding $100 under the published rule. Copy mode uses $5 plain or $6 certified first-page pricing plus $3 each additional page; search and payment handling charges are excluded.
How to Order a Los Angeles County Deed Copy Online, by Mail or in Person
Order Online
The county’s Real Estate Records Request page links to LexisNexis for ordering copies.
This is a paid request service, not an open deed-index search. The county says requests are processed within 20 working days.
Request in Person
Use the Norwalk headquarters Real Estate Records section. The county offers appointments for research and document requests; copies may be provided on the appointment date according to its published process.
Request by Mail
Send a written request with document title, recorded parties, recording year or requested search years to P.O. Box 1130, Norwalk, CA 90651-1130.
Include an accepted check or money-order payment. Do not mail cash.
Five Los Angeles Recorder Search Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Why It Is a Problem | Better Action |
|---|---|---|
| Looking for a free Los Angeles County official deed-image portal | The RR/CC does not provide public internet access to its deed indexes or images. | Book a research appointment or order a copy. |
| Using a Los Angeles city office for county recording | Los Angeles County Recorder functions are administered through Norwalk. | Contact the RR/CC. |
| Applying ordinary county transfer tax to a City of Los Angeles multimillion-dollar sale | City taxes and Measure ULA may add substantial charges. | Check city-specific rates and current thresholds. |
| Mailing a deed to the copy-request P.O. box | Recording and copy ordering use different addresses. | Use P.O. Box 1250 for recording and P.O. Box 1130 for records requests. |
| Assuming an Assessor ownership listing is a complete title report | Assessment data and legal title examination are different. | Inspect recorded instruments and obtain professional title help when needed. |
Los Angeles County Recorder Search, Recording and Copy Links
Los Angeles County Recorder — Official Home
County services for real-estate records, recording, vital records and other Recorder programs.
- Choose Real Estate Records for existing documents.
- Choose Property Document Recording for new filings.
- Use the county’s published requirements and fees.
View Real Estate Records by Appointment
Official in-person index research and document inspection instructions.
- Review historical and current record viewing locations.
- Use the county’s current appointment process.
- Bring names, recording years and available document references.
Real Estate Records Online Copy Request
Official ordering guidance with LexisNexis request access.
- Review the accepted ordering methods.
- Choose the county-linked online provider if ordering remotely.
- Provide identifying information and pay the copy charge.
- Allow the county’s posted processing period.
Document Recording Requirements
APN, acknowledgment, original signature, PCOR, page-size and return-address instructions.
- Check that the property is in Los Angeles County.
- Review signatures, notary and margin requirements.
- Include PCOR when required.
- Follow the county’s submission method and payment instructions.
Property Document Recording Fees
County’s current category-specific recording, SB-2, fraud and additional-page fees.
- Select the type of instrument being recorded.
- Check its base and additional-page fees.
- Review SB-2 and other statutory charges.
- Confirm your final fee before submitting.
Documentary Transfer Taxes by City
County and city tax rates, including City of Los Angeles ULA thresholds.
- Identify the city where the parcel is physically located.
- Check the county tax and city-specific tax rules.
- Use the rates and thresholds effective on your recording date.
- Determine exemption treatment before recording.
Recorder Office Locations and Mailing Addresses
Norwalk main office, branch services and separate recording versus copy-request mailing destinations.
- Confirm the Norwalk headquarters address and hours.
- Review which services each branch provides.
- Select P.O. Box 1250 for new recordings or P.O. Box 1130 for copies.
Los Angeles County Deed Search Decision Guide
| Your Situation | Next Step | Correct Resource |
|---|---|---|
| Need to research the deed index | Schedule a viewing appointment at Norwalk. | RR/CC Real Estate Records |
| Know the owner and recording year | Use the official copy-request process or in-person index research. | RR/CC Copy Request |
| Need a certified deed | Order a certified complete document, not only selected pages. | RR/CC Copies |
| Need a record from 1900 | Use Norwalk’s historical viewing instructions. | RR/CC Historical Records |
| Need to record a deed | Prepare the instrument, PCOR, transfer-tax declaration and required fee. | Document Analysis and Recording |
| Own property inside City of Los Angeles | Review city tax and possible Measure ULA tax in addition to county tax. | RR/CC Documentary Transfer Tax |
| Need assessed value or an APN | Use the County Assessor’s property information resources. | Los Angeles County Assessor |
| Need a title or lien opinion | Arrange a professional title search. | Title Company / Attorney |
Los Angeles County Recorder FAQs
What is the California County Recorder for Los Angeles?
The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk is the official county recorder for real-estate documents located in Los Angeles County, California.
Where is the Los Angeles County Recorder’s Office?
The main office is at 12400 Imperial Highway, Norwalk, CA 90650. The Real Estate Records section is located in Room 2207.
What is the Los Angeles County Recorder phone number?
The official Recorder/County Clerk phone number is 800-201-8999.
Can I search Los Angeles County deeds online?
The county does not provide public internet access to its real-estate indexes or recorded-document images. You can inspect records by appointment in Norwalk or request copies online, by mail or using its other published request options.
How far back do Los Angeles County property records go?
The county maintains recorded real-estate records dating to 1850. Its public viewing instructions identify records from 1851–1957 in a lower-level Norwalk research area and 1958-present records on the second floor.
Can I order a Los Angeles County deed copy online?
Yes. The county links to a LexisNexis ordering service for requesting copies online. This does not provide direct online searching of the county’s complete deed index.
How much does a certified deed copy cost?
A certified real-estate record copy costs $6 for the first page plus $3 for each additional page. Plain copies cost $5 for the first page plus $3 for each additional page. Search or handling fees may apply.
How much does it cost to record a deed in Los Angeles County?
The county lists a $15 base recording charge for common categories and $3 per additional page. Fraud-program charges, AB-1466, SB-2, documentary transfer taxes and other instrument-specific fees may increase the total.
Is Los Angeles County transfer tax the same as City of Los Angeles transfer tax?
No. The county baseline documentary transfer tax is $0.55 per $500 or fraction of applicable taxable value. City of Los Angeles property may incur additional city documentary transfer tax and, for qualifying higher-value transactions, Measure ULA tax.
Can I mail a deed to Los Angeles County Recorder?
Eligible completed recording instruments may be mailed to Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, Document Analysis and Recording Section, P.O. Box 1250, Norwalk, CA 90651-1250, with the required fees and documentation. Copy requests use a different mailing address.
Independent Los Angeles County Property Records Guide
This is an independently published informational resource, not an official Los Angeles County government website. It is not operated by or affiliated with the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, Los Angeles County government or the State of California.
Office procedures, fees, tax thresholds, appointment availability and state law may change. Verify all document requirements and charges directly with the county or a qualified attorney or title professional before recording.
This guide is not legal advice, tax advice, a title opinion or a guarantee of property ownership. Public property information must not be used as a regulated consumer report for credit, housing, employment or insurance eligibility screening.
Sources: Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk Real Estate Records, Viewing Records, Recording Requirements, Recording Fees, Documentary Transfer Tax, Branch Locations, and Copy Request guidance. The WordPress page’s H1 and site-level schema should be provided by its theme and SEO plugin.