Los Angeles County CA Recorder Office: Address, Real Estate Records, Copies, Recording & Fees
The office many people search as the LA County Recorder Office is officially the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. For real estate documents, the RR/CC records property documents, maintains Los Angeles County real estate records, accepts copy requests, and provides in-person record viewing by appointment.
The key Los Angeles County difference is that real estate records and indexes are not searchable online through the public internet. Records are maintained by grantor/grantee name and recording year, so you usually need a party name, recording year, document number, or copy request route rather than a simple address search.
Where Is the LA County Recorder Office?
The main Los Angeles County Recorder office is the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk headquarters at 12400 Imperial Highway, Norwalk, CA 90650. For recorder services, call (800) 201-8999. Use option 2 for property document recording and option 3 for real estate records after recording.
Use RR/CC Recorder For
- Real estate record copies.
- Property document recording.
- Grant deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, liens, notices and releases.
- Certified real estate record copies.
- UCC financing statement copy requests.
Use Assessor For
- Property address and Assessor Identification Number search.
- Owner and assessed-value information.
- Preliminary Change of Ownership Report questions.
- Property tax reassessment questions.
- Parcel-level property details.
Use Other Offices For
- Treasurer and Tax Collector for tax bills and payments.
- Superior Court for wills, probate, divorce and court files.
- Building and Safety/Public Works for building records.
- Consumer and Business Affairs for real estate fraud help.
- Attorney/title company for legal title searches.
How to Get Los Angeles County Real Estate Records
Los Angeles County real estate records can be requested online, by mail, by fax, or in person. Viewing records is handled by appointment at Norwalk headquarters, and the RR/CC says it cannot accept telephone requests for index searches.
Start With the Official Real Estate Records Page
Open the RR/CC Real Estate Records page first. It explains who can obtain copies, what records are available, why the online index is not public, and which request methods are available.
Gather a Name and Recording Year
LA County real estate records are maintained in alphabetical indexes by name and year recorded. Search planning should start with grantor name, grantee name, borrower name, lender name, trust name, business name, or recording year.
Do Not Expect an Online Deed Image Search
The RR/CC says it does not provide online access to real estate records or indexes through the internet. Use online request only to request a copy, not to browse a full public deed image database.
Choose a Request Method
Real estate record copies may be requested online, in person, by fax, or by mail. Online requests use the RR/CC’s linked LexisNexis copy request path, while mail requests go to the Real Estate Records Section in Norwalk.
Use an In-Person Appointment for Viewing or Hard Searches
If you need to view records, confirm index details, research older records, or avoid ordering the wrong copy, schedule a real estate records appointment at Norwalk headquarters before visiting.
Order the Complete Document
The RR/CC FAQ says you cannot buy only selected pages of a document; the complete document must be purchased. Use the correct document reference and request plain or certified copy based on your purpose.
Use Certified Copies for Official Purposes
Courts, lenders, escrow offices, title companies, government agencies and legal matters may require a certified copy. Do not rely on notes, screenshots or non-certified copies when an official copy is requested.
What Records Can the LA County Recorder Office Help With?
The RR/CC handles many recorder and county-clerk services. For the keyword “la county recorder office,” most users need real estate records, property document recording, copies, recording requirements, transfer-tax information, or help understanding where to send a request.
| Record or Service | What It Usually Means | Best Starting Clue | Common Mistake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grant Deed / Deed | Recorded document showing transfer of real property from grantor to grantee. | Grantor, grantee, recording year, document number, legal description or related closing papers. | Thinking the RR/CC website has a public address-based deed image search. |
| Deed of Trust | Loan-security document recorded against real property. | Borrower name, lender name, trustee, recording year or document reference. | Confusing a deed of trust with the deed that transferred ownership. |
| Reconveyance / Release of Lien | Document showing a lien, trust deed or encumbrance has been released or reconveyed. | Original loan/lien document number, lender, trustee, borrower or recording year. | Assuming payoff automatically creates a new deed rather than a release/reconveyance. |
| Notice of Default / Notice of Sale | Foreclosure-related recorded notices that may trigger homeowner notification. | Owner/borrower name, property address from assessor records, recording year, lender or trustee. | Ignoring official homeowner notifications or waiting too long to contact help. |
| UCC Financing Statement | County-recorded UCC document when real property is affected. | Debtor name, secured party, file number or document reference. | Searching court records when the UCC copy request belongs with RR/CC. |
| Restrictive Covenant Modification | Process to remove unlawful discriminatory or restrictive covenant language from historical public records. | Copy of the recorded document and the exact unlawful language to highlight or underline. | Trying to change valid legal terms instead of only the unlawful restrictive language. |
How to Record a Property Document in Los Angeles County
The County Recorder accepts documents authorized or required by California law to be recorded if the document contains the required information, is photographically reproducible, and the correct fees and taxes are paid. This is not the same as preparing a legal deed for you.
Core Recording Requirements
- The property must be located in Los Angeles County.
- The document must be authorized or required by law to be recorded.
- Signatures must be original unless a certified public-record copy is allowed.
- The document must include the requesting party and return address.
- Required acknowledgments must be properly completed.
- APN is required on notices of default, notices of trustee’s sale, deeds, trust deeds and mortgages.
- Documents changing ownership should include a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report.
Recording by Mail
For mailed property document recording, the RR/CC says an examiner will review the document, collect appropriate fees and taxes, and record the document if it qualifies.
Mail to:
Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
Document Analysis and Recording Section
P.O. Box 1250
Norwalk, CA 90651-1250
LA County Recorder Fees for Copies and Property Document Recording
Los Angeles County recorder fees depend on the document type, page count, statutory surcharges, transfer tax, SB2 status, fraud fees, AB 1466 fees, special notices and payment method. Use the calculator for rough planning only; the RR/CC determines final fees after examining the document.
Real Estate Record Copy Fees
- Certified copy first page: $6.
- Certified copy each additional page: $3.
- Plain copy first page: $5.
- Plain copy each additional page: $3.
- Mail search fee: $0.50 per name/per year, $1 minimum.
- Handling fee on credit card orders: $1.75.
Common Recording Fee Pieces
- Regular recording base fee: $15.
- SB2 Building Homes and Jobs Act fee may add $75 per qualifying transaction/parcel, capped as stated by law.
- Special Real Estate Fraud Prosecution Program fee may apply.
- AB 1466 Restrictive Covenant Modification Program fee may apply.
- Each additional page: $3.
- PCOR fee in lieu may apply if a qualifying ownership-change document lacks a PCOR.
LA County Recorder Copy & Basic Fee Estimator
This tool estimates a narrow set of common fees only. It does not calculate documentary transfer tax, city transfer tax, SB2 exemptions, recording title count, real estate fraud fee treatment, AB 1466 fee treatment, notice fees, transfer-tax exemptions, attorney/title fees, courier fees or third-party service charges.
Los Angeles County Recorder Office Address, Phone, Hours and Map
Norwalk is the main headquarters and the safest default for real estate records, property document recording, mail routing and appointment-based viewing. Some branch offices accept record documents and issue copies of real estate records from 1982 to present, but not every branch offers every recorder service.
Norwalk Headquarters
Address:
12400 Imperial Highway
Norwalk, CA 90650
Recorder/County Clerk phone: (800) 201-8999
Email for vital and real estate records requests: recorder@rrcc.lacounty.gov
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; closed weekends and observed holidays.
Mail note: Send all mail to Norwalk headquarters offices. Do not mail to district offices.
Open Norwalk Map ↗| Office | Address | Recorder-Related Notes | Hours Listed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norwalk Main Office | 12400 Imperial Hwy, Norwalk, CA 90650 | Real estate records after recording, document analysis and recording, vital records, marriage, FBN, notary and election services. | M–F, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. |
| Lancaster | 44509 16th St. West, Suite 101, Lancaster, CA 93534 | Records documents and issues copies of real estate records from 1982 to present, plus selected RR/CC services. | M–F, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. |
| LAX / Courthouse | 11701 S. La Cienega Blvd., 6th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90045 | Records documents and issues copies of real estate records from 1982 to present, plus selected RR/CC services. | M–F, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. |
| Van Nuys | 14340 W. Sylvan St., Van Nuys, CA 91401 | Records documents and issues copies of real estate records from 1982 to present, plus selected RR/CC services. | M–F, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. |
| Other branch offices | Beverly Hills, East Los Angeles, Florence/Firestone and other listed locations | May offer limited vital records, marriage, voter, FBN or selected county-clerk services. Verify recorder service availability before visiting. | Varies by branch |
Why a Los Angeles County Recorder Search or Copy Request May Fail
Most LA County recorder problems happen because the search starts with the wrong office, wrong record type or wrong index clue. Use this troubleshooting table before ordering copies.
| Problem | Likely Cause | Better Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| You searched online for a deed image and found nothing. | LA County RR/CC does not provide online public internet access to real estate records or indexes. | Use online copy request, mail/fax request, or in-person appointment instead. |
| You only know the street address. | RR/CC real estate records are indexed by grantor/grantee name and recording year, not public address search. | Use Assessor/tax parcel tools first to find owner or document clues. |
| You called and asked staff to search the index by phone. | The RR/CC says telephone requests for index searches cannot be accepted. | Use appointment-based viewing or provide exact details for a copy request. |
| You want only page 1 of a long document. | The FAQ says selected pages or segments are not allowed. | Order the complete document and choose plain or certified copy. |
| You need a will, divorce or probate record. | Those are usually court records, not recorder real estate records. | Use the Los Angeles Superior Court or appropriate court record process. |
| You want to remove a public record from the database. | The RR/CC FAQ says public records cannot be masked or removed unless ordered by a court. | Consult legal counsel if a court order or privacy remedy may apply. |
Official LA County Recorder Office Links
Use these official Los Angeles County RR/CC resources instead of third-party people-search, background-check or scraped property-record sites. Each link below includes what to do after opening it.
LA County RR/CC — Recorder Main Page
Official recorder gateway for vital records, real estate records, property document recording and UCC financing statement copy requests.
- Open the official RR/CC Recorder page.
- Choose Real Estate Records if you need a copy after recording.
- Choose Property Document Recording if you need to record a deed or other document.
- Use the official contact page if you need the right phone option.
Real Estate Records — General Information
Official page explaining record availability, copy options and why online public access is not provided.
- Read “Who Can Obtain Real Estate Records Copies?”
- Review the statement that real estate records since 1850 are available after filing.
- Read the online-access limitation before searching elsewhere.
- Choose online, in-person, fax or mail request based on your need.
View Real Estate Records by Appointment
Official guidance for in-person viewing at Norwalk headquarters, record floors and index-search limits.
- Read which record years are reviewed on each floor.
- Prepare grantor/grantee names and recording year before booking.
- Schedule an appointment before visiting.
- Do not call expecting staff to perform an index search by phone.
Online Real Estate Record Copy Request
Official RR/CC online copy request page that points users to the linked copy-request service.
- Read the online request page carefully.
- Use the linked LexisNexis request path only for copy ordering.
- Remember that online request is not the same as browsing a live online deed index.
- Expect processing time as listed by the RR/CC.
Property Document Recording Requirements
Official recording requirements for documents presented to the Los Angeles County Recorder.
- Confirm the property is located in Los Angeles County.
- Check signature, acknowledgment, return-address, APN and legibility requirements.
- Attach a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report when required.
- Use the Norwalk P.O. Box listed on the page for mailed recording documents.
Property Document Recording Fees
Official fee page for recording, copies, special recording fees and statutory add-ons.
- Expand the recording fee category that matches your document.
- Check whether SB2, real estate fraud, AB 1466, PCOR or special notice fees apply.
- Count every page and title before estimating fees.
- Confirm final fee treatment with the RR/CC or document preparer before mailing.
Branch Office Locations
Official RR/CC list of Norwalk headquarters and branch services, hours and mailing instructions.
- Check whether the branch offers the recorder service you need.
- Use Norwalk as the default for mail and full-service recorder questions.
- Do not mail documents to district offices.
- Verify holiday closures before visiting.
Homeowner Notification Program
Official program explaining mailed and email alerts for certain recorded documents affecting homes in Los Angeles County.
- Read how copies of certain ownership, loan, Notice of Default or Notice of Sale documents are mailed.
- Create a profile through the Assessor’s portal if you want e-Notification alerts.
- Review the document title on any mailed notice you receive.
- Contact LA County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs if you suspect real estate fraud.
Restrictive Covenant Modifications
Official process for removing unlawful discriminatory restrictive covenant language from historical recorded documents.
- Highlight or underline the unlawful restrictive language in the recorded document.
- Complete the Restrictive Covenant Modification form.
- Submit the form and recorded document by the allowed method.
- Wait for County Counsel review before recording/indexing is completed.
What Should You Do After Finding the LA County Recorder Office?
| Your Situation | Best Next Step | Correct Office / Resource |
|---|---|---|
| You need a certified deed copy. | Use the real estate record copy request process and provide the best document details available. | RR/CC Real Estate Records |
| You want to record a deed or lien release. | Review recording requirements, PCOR rules, fees and mailing/in-person options before submitting. | RR/CC Property Document Recording |
| You only have a property address. | Use Assessor or tax parcel tools first to find owner, AIN and document clues. | LA County Assessor / Property Tax Portal |
| You received a Notice of Default or Notice of Sale. | Read the homeowner notification documents and contact LA County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs for help. | DCBA Home Help / RR/CC |
| You need a will, divorce or probate file. | Do not use recorder real estate records. Search the Los Angeles Superior Court or probate/court process. | Los Angeles Superior Court |
| You need a legal title opinion. | Do not rely on one recorder copy. Hire a California real estate attorney or title company. | Attorney / title company |
LA County Recorder Office FAQs
What is the official name of the LA County Recorder Office?
The official office name is the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. Many people search for “LA County Recorder Office” when they need real estate records, property document recording, certified copies, deeds or other recorded public documents.
Where is the LA County Recorder Office located?
The main RR/CC headquarters is located at 12400 Imperial Highway, Norwalk, CA 90650. This is the safest default office for recorder questions, real estate records, property document recording, appointments and mail-routing instructions.
What phone number should I call for LA County recorder services?
Call the Recorder/County Clerk at (800) 201-8999. Use option 2 for property document recording and option 3 for real estate records after recording.
Can I search LA County real estate records online?
No public online real estate records or index search is provided through the RR/CC website. The RR/CC says property records maintained by the department are not accessible online and that real estate records/indexes are not made available via the internet.
How are Los Angeles County real estate records indexed?
Los Angeles County real estate records are maintained in alphabetical indexes by name and year the document was recorded. The RR/CC FAQ says property records are filed by grantor name, grantee name and recording year.
How far back do LA County real estate records go?
The RR/CC states that it records and maintains real estate records in Los Angeles County since 1850. The viewing page also explains where different record-year ranges are reviewed at Norwalk headquarters.
How much is a certified copy of a Los Angeles County real estate record?
The RR/CC real estate records fee page lists certified copies at $6 for the first page and $3 for each additional page. Plain copies are listed at $5 for the first page and $3 for each additional page.
Can I record a property document by mail in Los Angeles County?
Yes. The RR/CC recording requirements page says mailed recording documents are reviewed by an examiner, fees and taxes are collected, and accepted documents are recorded. Mail recording documents to the Document Analysis and Recording Section, P.O. Box 1250, Norwalk, CA 90651-1250.
Does the LA County Recorder prepare deeds or give legal advice?
No. The RR/CC records qualifying documents but does not act as your legal advisor or title company. Use a California real estate attorney, escrow officer or title professional if you need a deed prepared, title searched or legal language interpreted.
Can I use LA County recorder records for tenant screening or background checks?
No. This guide is for public-record and real-property research only. Do not use property-owner or recorded document information from this site for employment screening, tenant screening, credit eligibility, insurance underwriting or other regulated consumer-reporting purposes.
Independent Public Records Guide
This website is an independent informational resource and is not affiliated with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, Los Angeles County Assessor, Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector, Los Angeles County Superior Court, California Secretary of State, any title company or any law firm.
Real estate records, copy fees, recording fees, document acceptance, appointment rules, mail processing, transfer-tax treatment, homeowner notifications, restrictive covenant modification review and official certified copies are controlled by the responsible Los Angeles County offices and California law.
This page is not legal advice, title advice, tax advice or a substitute for a California real estate attorney or title professional. Property-owner and public-record 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.