El Dorado County CA Recorder: Deeds, Official Records, Recording Fees, Copies & Placerville Office Guide
The El Dorado County Recorder-Clerk records and indexes deeds, deeds of trust, reconveyances, liens, maps, affidavits, official records and other real-property documents for properties in Placerville, South Lake Tahoe, El Dorado Hills, Cameron Park, Pollock Pines and the rest of El Dorado County, California.
This guide explains how to search the county’s Official Records Index, why post-2013 records may show APN information, how to record a deed in Placerville, what the current fee schedule shows, when a PCOR is needed, how the SB2 fee and documentary transfer tax work, and which office to use for property values, tax bills, court files and vital records.
What Does the El Dorado County Recorder-Clerk Do?
Use the El Dorado County Recorder-Clerk when you need recorded real-property documents: grant deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, reconveyances, liens, maps, easements, affidavits, official record copies, vital records and other Recorder-Clerk services. Do not use the Recorder as the first stop for assessed value, property tax bills, court cases or legal advice.
Use the Recorder-Clerk For
- Recorded deeds and official record copies.
- Deeds of trust, reconveyances, liens and releases.
- Subdivision, parcel, survey and assessment maps.
- Vital records, marriage licenses and Clerk filings.
- Recording fee, PCOR and SB2 questions.
Use the Assessor For
- Assessor parcel number and property data.
- Current and historical parcel details.
- Assessor maps and value information.
- Ownership shown on the local assessment roll.
- Exemptions and assessment questions.
Use Other Offices For
- Tax Collector: tax bills and payments.
- Superior Court: case records and divorce decrees.
- County Surveyor: survey and monument issues.
- Public Health / Vital Statistics: some recent events.
- Attorney/title company: legal document preparation.
How to Search El Dorado County Deeds and Official Records Online
El Dorado County’s Official Records Index lets the public search recorded documents. The county explains that the system currently allows index searching and copy ordering, but users who want copies electronically must complete the credit-card authorization form and email it to the Recorder-Clerk.
Open the Official Records Index
Start on the county’s Official Records Index page rather than a third-party deed website. From there, open the El Dorado County Recorder-Clerk Self-Service / Official Records search.
Search by Name Using the County Format
The county says the most common search is by name. Enter the last name, then a space, then the first name, with no comma. For businesses, trusts or LLCs, try the main entity name and a shorter keyword if the first search fails.
Use Document Number or Book/Page When You Have It
If a title report, escrow packet, prior deed, reconveyance, court paper or old copy gives a document number or book/page reference, search that reference first. It is usually more precise than a common name.
Use Document Type, Map Book/Page or Advanced Search When Needed
The self-service system includes search paths for name, document number, book/page, document type, map book/page and advanced searching by name, recording date, document type or section-township-range.
For Records After 2013, Compare the APN Field
The county notes that if you are looking for a record after 2013, you may verify you have the right property by comparing the Assessor’s Parcel Number listed under the “Additional Information” section.
Add the Document to the Copy Cart if You Need a Copy
The county explains that copy orders can be placed through the cart. You may proceed to checkout, enter customer information, and the order stays in the system for 30 days.
Use the Credit-Card Form for Electronic Copies
If you want copies electronically, fill out the county’s credit-card authorization form and email it to recorderclerk@edcgov.us. The county notes that its credit-card vendor charges a $2.50 processing fee.
What You May See on an El Dorado County Recorded Document
A recorded document is useful, but each field answers a different question. Use this decoder before ordering copies or relying on one document for a property decision.
| Field / Item | What It Usually Means | How to Use It | Common Mistake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grantor | The party transferring, granting, releasing or assigning an interest. | Use it to trace who gave or released the interest. | Assuming the grantor is the current owner without checking later records. |
| Grantee | The party receiving the interest. | Use it to follow ownership, lien or trust-deed history forward. | Missing trusts, estates, LLCs, spouse names or name changes. |
| Document number | The recorded instrument reference. | Use it for copy orders and precise future searching. | Confusing it with the APN or tax-bill number. |
| Book/page | Older-style or alternative location reference for a recorded document. | Helpful for older deed chains and historical research. | Searching only current names when an older book/page reference exists. |
| APN / Assessor Parcel Number | The Assessor’s parcel identifier, sometimes shown in Additional Information for post-2013 records. | Compare it with the Assessor property record to reduce mismatch risk. | Assuming every old record has a modern APN field. |
| Document type | Examples include grant deed, quitclaim deed, deed of trust, reconveyance, lien, map or affidavit. | Use it to decide whether you are viewing a transfer, loan security instrument or release. | Treating a deed of trust like a deed transferring ownership. |
| Recording date | The date the Recorder accepted and recorded the instrument. | Use it to order document events and search later releases or reconveyances. | Confusing signing date, closing date and recording date. |
How to Record a Deed or Real-Property Document in El Dorado County
El Dorado County says documents can be brought to the Placerville office and recorded the same day if recording requirements are met and all applicable fees are paid. Mailed or reviewed documents are either recorded or rejected within 2 business days, and the original is mailed back later, usually in 2–3 weeks.
Prepare the Document Outside the Recorder’s Office
The Recorder-Clerk does not provide blank documents for recording and recommends legal advice before recording any document affecting title. Use a California attorney, title company or trusted legal-form source when title is affected.
Check Whether a PCOR Must Be Included
A Preliminary Change of Ownership Report must accompany any Affidavit of Death or deed. If the PCOR is missing, the county fee schedule and recording page show an additional $20 fee.
Decide Whether SB2 Applies or an Exemption Must Be Claimed
California’s Building Homes and Jobs Act fee can add $75 per applicable real-estate instrument, up to $225 per transaction. Some exemptions apply and must be stated on the face page or an SB2 exemption title sheet.
Calculate Documentary Transfer Tax for Sales
El Dorado County’s fee schedule lists Documentary Transfer Tax at $0.55 per $500. California Revenue and Taxation Code section 11911 applies when the consideration or value exceeds $100, excluding liens or encumbrances remaining on the property.
Account for the 2026 Survey Monument Fee
El Dorado County states that effective July 1, 2026, a $10 Survey Monument Fee will be assessed on qualifying deeds. If your deed is recorded after that date, verify whether this fee applies.
Email for Recordability Review if You Are Unsure
The county says staff can review a document for recordability and calculate recording fees before mailing. Email the document to recorderclerk@edcgov.us; the county says it will respond within 2 business days.
Submit in Person or by Mail With Correct Payment
Make checks payable to El Dorado Recorder-Clerk. Mail recording documents to El Dorado County Recorder-Clerk, 360 Fair Lane, Placerville, CA 95667, or bring them to the Placerville office during the recording window.
Verify the Recorded Index and Original Return
After recording, verify the index entry, document number and image/copy order path. The county says original documents are mailed back later, usually 2–3 weeks after recording.
El Dorado County Recorder Fees, Copies and Cost Estimator
El Dorado County’s Recorder fee schedule lists regular recording fees, transfer tax, SB2 fee, PCOR missing-document fee, map fees, official-record copy fees and certification fees. Always check the official fee schedule before recording because exemptions, document type, page count, title count and transfer facts can change the final amount.
| Fee Item | Current Listed Amount | Practical Note |
|---|---|---|
| Regular recording first page and title | $14.00 | Listed for an 8½ × 11 first page and title. |
| Each additional page | $3.00 | Page count matters for deeds, deeds of trust and other documents. |
| Each additional title | $14.00 | Applies when the document has additional titles requiring indexing. |
| Documentary Transfer Tax | $0.55 per $500 | Applies to qualifying real-property transfers; exemptions may apply. |
| SB2 Building Homes and Jobs Act fee | $75.00, maximum $225 | Some exemptions apply and must be stated on the face page or title sheet. |
| PCOR missing from required deed / Affidavit of Death | $20.00 | Attach PCOR when required to avoid this extra fee. |
| Survey Monument Fee | $10.00 on qualifying deeds | Effective July 1, 2026, according to the county notice. |
| Official record copy | $3.00 first page + $1.00 each additional page | Certification is listed separately. |
| Certification | $2.00 | Add when a certified copy is needed. |
El Dorado County Recording Fee Estimator
This calculator is educational only. It uses selected Recorder fee-schedule items and simplified California transfer-tax logic. It does not replace the Recorder’s final fee calculation, attorney review, escrow instructions, title-company calculation or official tax determination.
Formula note: base estimate starts with $14 first page/title, $3 each additional page, $14 each additional title, $0.55 per $500 or fractional part for DTT when the consideration/value exceeds $100, selected SB2 amount, optional $20 PCOR penalty, optional $10 survey monument fee, and copy/certification amounts.
Recorder-Clerk vs Assessor vs Tax Collector vs Court
El Dorado County records are split across offices. Use this table to avoid calling the wrong counter.
| Need | Correct Starting Point | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded deed, deed of trust, lien, reconveyance or map | Recorder-Clerk Official Records Index | The Recorder records, indexes and stores official land records. |
| Assessor Parcel Number, parcel details or assessed value | El Dorado County Assessor | The Assessor maintains parcel and assessment information. |
| Property tax bill or payment | Treasurer-Tax Collector | The tax collector handles billing, payments and tax-related collections. |
| Divorce decree or court case file | Superior Court of California, County of El Dorado | Court records are not Recorder official records. |
| Survey monument or survey-map issue | County Surveyor / Recorder as applicable | Survey records may involve surveyor review and map recording. |
| Birth, death or marriage certificate | Recorder-Clerk / Vital Records route | The Recorder-Clerk processes certain vital-record requests, with special rules for recent events. |
El Dorado County Recorder-Clerk Office in Placerville
The Placerville office is the main Recorder-Clerk location for recording documents, mail submissions and most in-person recorder services. The South Lake Tahoe office is by appointment only, has limited Thursday hours, and does not accept mail.
Placerville Recorder-Clerk Office
Address / Mail:
El Dorado County Recorder-Clerk
360 Fair Lane
Placerville, CA 95667
Phone: 530-621-5490
Fax: 530-621-2147
Email: recorderclerk@edcgov.us
Public hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, except legal holidays.
Recording window: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM.
Open Placerville Map ↗South Lake Tahoe Office
Address:
3368 Lake Tahoe Blvd. #108
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Mail: No mail accepted at this office.
Hours: Thursdays, 9:45 AM–3:30 PM, except legal holidays. Office closes 12:00 PM–1:00 PM for lunch.
Access: Appointment only.
Mailing and Payment Notes
For recording by mail, make checks payable to El Dorado Recorder-Clerk and mail documents to the Placerville address. Include any self-addressed stamped envelope when a conformed copy or return mailing is needed.
If paying by personal check for records requests, the county forms page notes a 15-working-day hold. Use money order or credit card where the official form allows faster processing.
Official El Dorado County Recorder Links
Use these official links for live searches, copies, recording instructions, fee verification and office contact details. Each link includes what to do after opening it.
El Dorado County Recorder-Clerk Official Page
Official department page explaining Recorder-Clerk duties, official records, documentary transfer tax and public copy access.
- Read the county notice at the top, including the 2026 Survey Monument Fee update.
- Use the Recorder-Clerk menu to choose official records, recording, forms or contact information.
- Verify whether your question is about recording, copies, vital records or Clerk filings.
- Use the contact page if you need appointment or recording-window details.
Official Records Index
County page explaining name search, document number search, book/page search, copy ordering and electronic copy instructions.
- Start with name search using last name, space, first name, with no comma.
- Use document number or book/page if you already have a recorded reference.
- For post-2013 records, compare the APN in Additional Information when available.
- Add the record to the cart if you need to purchase a copy.
Direct Recorder-Clerk Self-Service Search
Live self-service search route for official records, document number, book/page, document type, map book/page and advanced searching.
- Choose the official records search option.
- Select name, document number, book/page, map book/page or advanced search.
- Use recording date and document type to narrow large result sets.
- Save the document number before ordering or emailing for copies.
Recording a Document
Official page for recording instructions, appointments, PCOR, SB2 title sheet, transfer tax exemptions and mailing details.
- Read the county’s warning that it does not provide blank recording documents.
- Download PCOR, SB2 Exemption Title Sheet, Title Sheet and DTT exemption forms when needed.
- Email a copy to recorderclerk@edcgov.us if you want recordability and fee review before mailing.
- Mail to 360 Fair Lane, Placerville, CA 95667 with payment payable to El Dorado Recorder-Clerk.
Recorder-Clerk Forms
Official page for fee schedule, recording forms, PCOR, SB2 title sheet, official-record copy request and vital-record forms.
- Use the Fees section for the current Recorder fee schedule and fee-calculation guide.
- Use Recording Forms for PCOR, SB2 title sheet, title sheet, acknowledgments and other recording attachments.
- Use Record Request Forms if you need official records or maps by credit-card order.
- Do not treat forms as legal advice for choosing the right deed.
Recorder-Clerk Contact Page
Official page for Placerville address, South Lake Tahoe appointment-only location, phone, fax, hours and recording window.
- Confirm whether you need Placerville or South Lake Tahoe.
- Check recording hours before visiting with a document.
- Use Placerville for mail because South Lake Tahoe does not accept mail.
- Schedule appointments where the county requires them.
El Dorado County Assessor Property Information
Use this when the issue is APN, assessor maps, parcel information, assessment roll or property value—not a recorded deed copy.
- Use the Assessor route when you need parcel facts rather than a recorded instrument.
- Search current and historical parcel information where the county provides the tool.
- Use APN from the Assessor record to compare with post-2013 recorder-index details.
- Return to the Recorder only when you need a recorded document or image.
California Documentary Transfer Tax Law
State law authorizing county documentary transfer tax at $0.55 per $500 or fractional part for qualifying transfers.
- Read subdivision (a) for the county transfer-tax rate and $100 threshold.
- Compare the law with the county’s Documentary Transfer Tax Exemptions form.
- Do not guess exemptions; state them correctly on the document when required.
California SB2 Recording Fee Law
State law creating the $75 Building Homes and Jobs Act fee, with a $225 cap and listed exemptions.
- Read the $75 fee and $225 cap language.
- Read the exemptions for transfer-tax documents, owner-occupier residential transfers and government documents.
- Use El Dorado County’s SB2 Exemption Title Sheet when the county instructions require it.
Common El Dorado County Recorder Mistakes
Mistakes That Delay Searches or Recordings
- Using commas in a name search instead of the county’s last-name-space-first-name format.
- Expecting the online system to show full copies without using the purchase/copy process.
- Mailing a deed without the required PCOR.
- Forgetting SB2 exemption language or title sheet when claiming an exemption.
- Confusing the Recorder’s document number with the Assessor’s APN.
- Calling the Recorder for assessed value or property-tax payment questions.
- Asking Recorder staff to prepare or choose a deed form.
- Mailing documents to the South Lake Tahoe office, which does not accept mail.
Better Local Workflow
- Search by document number or book/page when available.
- For name search, use last name, space, first name, with no comma.
- For post-2013 records, compare the APN in Additional Information.
- Email the document for recordability and fee review before mailing.
- Attach PCOR to any deed or Affidavit of Death when required.
- Check DTT, SB2 and Survey Monument Fee before writing checks.
- Use Placerville for mail and most recording transactions.
- Verify the index after recording and save the document number.
What Should You Do Next?
| Your Situation | Best Next Step | Office / System |
|---|---|---|
| You need a recorded deed or lien image. | Search the Official Records Index by name, document number or book/page, then place a copy order if needed. | Recorder-Clerk Self-Service |
| You only know the parcel or APN. | Use the Assessor property tools first, then compare APN to post-2013 recorder-index details. | Assessor + Recorder Index |
| You are recording a deed. | Prepare the legal document, attach PCOR, calculate DTT/SB2/survey fee where applicable, and email for fee review if unsure. | Recorder-Clerk Recording Desk |
| You need a certified official-record copy. | Find the document reference, use the copy order process, and include certification fee where required. | Recorder-Clerk Copy Order |
| You need a tax bill or payment receipt. | Use the Treasurer-Tax Collector, not the Recorder-Clerk. | Treasurer-Tax Collector |
| You need a divorce decree or court case file. | Use the Superior Court record-search process. | El Dorado Superior Court |
| You need legal advice about title or deed wording. | Contact a California attorney or title professional. Recorder staff can review recordability, not legal effect. | Attorney / Title Company |
El Dorado County Recorder FAQs
Where is the El Dorado County Recorder located?
The main El Dorado County Recorder-Clerk office for recording and mail is at 360 Fair Lane, Placerville, CA 95667. The phone number is 530-621-5490 and the recording window is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, except legal holidays.
How do I search El Dorado County deeds online?
Use the El Dorado County Official Records Index or the Recorder-Clerk Self-Service system. You can search by name, document number, book/page, document type, map book/page or advanced search fields. For name searches, use last name, space, first name, with no comma.
Can I verify the property by APN in the Recorder index?
For records after 2013, the county says you may verify you have the right property by comparing the Assessor’s Parcel Number listed under the Additional Information section. Older records may not show a modern APN in the same way.
How do I order a copy of an El Dorado County recorded document?
Search the Official Records Index, add the document to the cart, proceed to checkout and enter customer information. To obtain copies electronically, fill out the county’s credit-card authorization form and email it to recorderclerk@edcgov.us. The county notes that a credit-card vendor processing fee applies.
What is the basic El Dorado County recording fee?
The county Recorder fee schedule lists $14 for the first page and title, $3 for each additional page, and $14 for each additional title. Other charges may apply, including documentary transfer tax, SB2 fee, PCOR missing-document fee, survey monument fee and copy/certification fees.
Does a deed need a PCOR in El Dorado County?
Yes, a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report must accompany any deed or Affidavit of Death when required. El Dorado County’s recording page says that otherwise an additional $20 fee applies.
What is the El Dorado County documentary transfer tax rate?
The Recorder fee schedule lists Documentary Transfer Tax at $0.55 per $500. California Revenue and Taxation Code section 11911 authorizes this county tax for qualifying transfers when the consideration or value exceeds $100, excluding qualifying liens or encumbrances remaining on the property.
What is the SB2 recording fee?
California Government Code section 27388.1 imposes a $75 fee on certain real-estate instruments, with a $225 transaction cap and several exemptions. El Dorado County’s fee schedule lists the SB2 fee and says exemptions must be stated on the face page of the document.
Can the El Dorado County Recorder prepare a deed for me?
No. The Recorder-Clerk states that it does not provide blank recording documents and is prohibited from giving legal advice or preparing legal instruments. Staff may review a document for recordability and calculate fees, but they cannot choose or draft your deed.
Is this website the El Dorado County Recorder?
No. This is an independent educational guide. It is not the El Dorado County Recorder-Clerk, Assessor, Treasurer-Tax Collector, Superior Court, title company or law firm. Verify current fees, forms and recording requirements with the official office before submitting documents.
Independent Educational Guide
County-Appraisal-District.org is an independent informational resource and is not affiliated with the El Dorado County Recorder-Clerk, El Dorado County Assessor, Treasurer-Tax Collector, County Surveyor, Superior Court of California, State of California, a title company or a law firm.
Recording acceptance, copy certification, documentary transfer tax, SB2 exemptions, PCOR requirements, survey monument fees, map recording, property ownership updates and legal title consequences are determined by official agencies, statutes and the facts of the document. This page is not legal, tax or title advice.
Property-owner records and recorded-document information 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.