Los Angeles County CA Recorder Search: Find Deeds, Property Records & Certified Copies
Need the deed for a home in Los Angeles, Long Beach, Pasadena, Glendale, Santa Monica, Torrance, Lancaster or another Los Angeles County community? The official recording authority is the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk (RR/CC).
There is one major difference from many other California counties: the Los Angeles County Recorder does not provide public online searching or viewing of its official real-estate records and indexes on the county website. You can research the records at the Norwalk headquarters by appointment, request copies through approved online ordering, or make a written mail request.
This guide explains what actually works, how to research using a grantor or grantee name, how to obtain certified copies, what fees apply, and why an Assessor’s Identification Number (AIN) is useful but not the same as a recorded deed.
Reviewed October 26, 2026 · Based on Los Angeles County RR/CC official guidance.
How Do You Search Los Angeles County Recorder Records?
Los Angeles County’s official real-estate records are organized by grantor name, grantee name and year of recording. To inspect the government’s index and document images, use the RR/CC’s appointment-based research service in Norwalk. For copies, the Clerk offers in-person, mail and online ordering options.
Research Official Records in Norwalk
Make an appointment to review real-estate records at the Recorder’s Norwalk headquarters. The county states that appointments can be scheduled up to two weeks in advance.
See appointment and search steps →Order a Deed Online
The county provides an online request service through a third-party ordering provider. This is different from a free government-run deed index.
See the official online order process →Find Property by Address
Use the Los Angeles County Assessor Portal when you know only a street address. It supports address and Assessor’s Identification Number searches.
Use the AIN and address guide →Why the Los Angeles County Recorder Does Not Offer Public Online Deed Images
The Los Angeles County RR/CC explains that California Government Code §6254.21 restricts online publication of certain public officials’ home addresses without permission. Because recorded documents may contain protected address information, the county does not publish its real-estate document images or indexes for general public browsing through its website.
This does not mean deeds are confidential or unavailable. The Clerk says real-estate records are public and can be researched or requested through the applicable government procedures.
What You Can Do
- Research recorded documents in person.
- Request copies through the county’s online ordering route.
- Submit a written mail request.
- Search property assessment information by address or AIN.
- Purchase certified or plain copies.
What You Cannot Do on the Official County Site
- Browse the entire official grantor-grantee index from home.
- Open every recorded deed as a free public PDF.
- Search the Recorder’s official records by street address.
- Request a name-index search by telephone.
- Purchase only selected pages from a recorded document.
How to Search Los Angeles County Deeds at the Recorder’s Office
Use the following process when you want to inspect the county’s own index and recorded documents without relying on a commercial online database.
Open the County’s Real Estate Records Viewing Page
Visit the official View Real Estate Records page.
Read the current appointment instructions. The county says appointments may be scheduled up to two weeks in advance.
Prepare the Grantor or Grantee Names
Bring the names of the people or entities appearing on the document. A grantor is generally the party transferring an interest; a grantee is the person or entity receiving it.
For a recent purchase, bring both the seller’s and buyer’s names. A former owner’s name may be more useful than the current occupant’s name.
Estimate the Year of Recording
The county indexes records by name and the year a document was recorded. Use a closing statement, title report, loan paperwork or other reliable source to narrow the year.
If you do not know the exact year, prepare a reasonable search range. The deed may have been recorded shortly after signing or closing.
Go to the Correct Research Floor
At Norwalk headquarters, the county divides research by recording period:
- 1851–1957: Historical records in the lower-level research area.
- 1958–present: Records available for review on the second floor.
Follow your appointment confirmation and on-site directions for access to the appropriate research area.
Search the Index and Match the Document
Use the grantor/grantee name and year to locate the recording. Compare the document type, names, date and recording reference before choosing the record.
Do not assume the first matching name belongs to your parcel; Los Angeles County has many unrelated individuals and companies with similar names.
Review the Actual Recorded Document
Check the instrument’s legal description, parties and recorded date. A deed of trust, grant deed, quitclaim deed or reconveyance can have different legal effects, even if connected to the same property.
Save the Recording Reference
Write down the document number, book/page if applicable, recording date and document type.
Keep the reference for a copy request, mortgage satisfaction investigation or later title research.
Order the Copy You Need
The Recorder sells plain and certified document copies. Ask whether the recipient needs certification, because a regular photocopy and a certified copy serve different purposes.
How to Find a Los Angeles County Deed Using a Property Address
The RR/CC does not index its official real-estate records by street address. If you know an address but not the recorded owner, the best starting point is the Los Angeles County Assessor Portal.
Open the LA County Assessor Portal
Visit the official Assessor Basic Search.
The portal provides a search box labeled Search by AIN or Address.
Enter the Property Address
Type the street address and choose the matching property when the portal returns results. Confirm the correct city and parcel before using the information.
If the address fails, try the known Assessor’s Identification Number or use the portal’s map and legal-search tools.
Record the Assessor’s Identification Number
Save the AIN, which identifies the parcel in the Assessor’s system. It may also appear as the parcel/account reference in other county property-tax services.
The AIN helps match a property across assessment and tax records, but the Recorder’s own name/year index is different.
Use Available Parcel Information to Continue Your Deed Research
Review the property’s available assessment and legal-description details. Gather the previous owner, current owner or recorded instrument reference from closing documents when possible.
Then use those names and dates when requesting Recorder documents or conducting research at Norwalk.
Los Angeles County Deed Search Methods Compared
| What You Know | Best Starting Point | Important Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Grantor or seller name | Recorder’s grantor index | Use the name and approximate recording year. |
| Grantee or buyer name | Recorder’s grantee index | Compare matching parties and legal descriptions. |
| Document number | RR/CC record request | Include the exact reference when asking for copies. |
| Old book and page | Norwalk historical records | Older documents may require an archival index search. |
| Street address | LA County Assessor Portal | Find the parcel/AIN before researching deeds. |
| Assessor’s Identification Number | Assessor Portal | Useful for parcel matching but not a substitute for Recorder indexing. |
| Approximate transfer year | Recorder name/year index | Prepare the parties’ names and a date range. |
| Need a certified deed only | Official RR/CC copy request | Use in-person, mail or approved online ordering. |
What Types of Property Records Does the LA County Recorder Maintain?
Grant Deeds
Common California conveyance instruments used to transfer interests in real estate. Examine the grantor, grantee, legal description and recording details.
Quitclaim Deeds
These transfer whatever interest the grantor has, if any, without the same implied warranties associated with a grant deed.
Deeds of Trust
Frequently used in California mortgage financing. A deed of trust is not the same document as the deed transferring ownership to a purchaser.
Reconveyances
A recorded reconveyance can document the release of a deed-of-trust security interest. Check the original loan reference to confirm the correct instrument.
Liens and Related Instruments
Some liens, judgments and notices may affect real estate. A complete title investigation can require reviewing multiple related filings.
Easements, Restrictions and Other Documents
Recorded easements and restrictions may affect property access, development or permitted uses. Their actual language is important.
How to Research Los Angeles County Deeds Recorded Before 1958
The RR/CC maintains property records dating to the county’s earliest recording years, approximately 1850–1851. The official research process distinguishes older documents from modern recordings by where the physical records can be viewed at headquarters.
1851–1957
Historical records are available for review in the lower-level research area of the Norwalk headquarters.
Begin with party names and the approximate year, then follow the relevant archival index reference to the recorded document.
1958–Present
Records are available for review on the second floor of Norwalk headquarters.
More recent recording references may also appear in closing documents, title reports or mortgage paperwork.
How to Request a Los Angeles County Deed Copy Online, by Mail or In Person
The Registrar-Recorder offers several methods for obtaining copies. Its official online ordering service is distinct from its restricted online index access: you can place an online copy request even though the county does not offer unrestricted online browsing of the underlying records.
Online Copy Request
Use the county’s Real Estate Records Online Request page, which links to its third-party ordering provider, LexisNexis.
Additional online processing and payment charges may apply.
Online request steps →Mail Copy Request
Mail a written request identifying the document title, recorded names and year or range of years to be searched.
Include the appropriate payment and address the request to the Real Estate Records section.
Mail request steps →In-Person Copy Request
Visit the authorized RR/CC office and supply your recording details. Ask for either a certified or plain copy.
Check branch service availability before traveling.
Office locations →Request a Deed Online
Open the county’s Real Estate Records Online Request page.
- Select the link to the approved online ordering provider.
- Provide the available recording details.
- Choose the requested document and copy service.
- Review the price and any third-party processing fees.
- Save your confirmation after completing the order.
The county says online copy requests are processed within 20 working days from receipt. This is a published processing window, not a guaranteed delivery date.
Request a Deed by Mail
Prepare a written request containing:
- Title/type of document.
- Names listed on the document.
- Year the document was recorded.
- Years to search if the exact year is unknown.
- Return contact and mailing information.
Mail to:
Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
Real Estate Records
P.O. Box 1130
Norwalk, CA 90651-1130
Use a check or money order payable to the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. Do not send cash. See the official Mail Request Instructions before sending payment.
Request a Copy in Person
Go to the RR/CC’s Real Estate Records section or a branch that provides the appropriate service.
Bring the document number, book/page, name and recording year if known. Tell staff whether you require a certified or plain copy.
Review the Completed Copy
Verify the complete document and certification, if requested. The county states that all pages of a document must be purchased together; individual pages are not sold separately.
Los Angeles County Recorder Fees for Deeds and Certified Copies
Los Angeles County separates recording fees from copy fees. Recording a new document can also involve statutory charges, including certain fraud prevention and Building Homes and Jobs Act fees, depending on the instrument and applicable exemptions.
| Service | Published Charge | Important Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Regular recording base fee | $15 | Base charge listed in the county recording schedule; other applicable fees may apply. |
| Grant deed additional page | $3/page | Applied after the initial page under the grant-deed schedule. |
| SB2 Building Homes and Jobs Act | $75 when applicable | Some recordings qualify for statutory exemptions; do not assume the fee applies to every deed. |
| Grant deed fraud notification fee | $7 | Listed for grant deeds under the county’s instrument-specific schedule. |
| Restrictive covenant modification program fee | $2 when applicable | Subject to statutory exceptions. |
| Missing required PCOR | $20 | Fee in lieu of a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report when the statutory requirement applies. |
| Plain copy: first page | $5 | Official RR/CC real estate record copy. |
| Certified copy: first page | $6 | Includes the first-page certification charge under the published copy schedule. |
| Each additional copy page | $3 | Applies to both plain and certified copies. |
| Mail index search | $0.50/name/year | Nonrefundable; $1 minimum. |
| Expedited UPS mail | $18.50 | Additional charge for the published expedited-delivery option. |
| Card handling charge | $1.75 | Applies to relevant credit/debit-card orders. |
Example: Four-Page Certified Deed
$6 first page + three additional pages at $3 each = $15.
This illustrates the basic certified-copy charge, excluding optional delivery or transaction fees.
Example: Four-Page Plain Deed
$5 first page + three additional pages at $3 each = $14.
Check whether the recipient requires a certified record before choosing a plain copy.
How to Record a Grant Deed or Quitclaim Deed in Los Angeles County
The RR/CC records documents authorized or required by California law. The Recorder reviews compliance with recording requirements but does not prepare deeds, establish title or decide whether a transfer is legally advisable.
Confirm the Property Is in Los Angeles County
The instrument must affect real property located within the county’s recording jurisdiction. Do not use an LA County mailing address alone to decide whether a particular property should be recorded here.
Prepare the Correct Instrument
Confirm the grantor, grantee, legal description, execution requirements and notarial acknowledgment where required.
For ownership transfers, consult a qualified California attorney or title professional when the form or legal consequences are uncertain.
Review Recorder Formatting and Return Information
The county requires the document to contain the name of the party requesting recording and a return name and address.
Original signatures are generally required unless a qualifying certified copy is legally acceptable.
Check PCOR, Transfer Tax and Applicable Exemptions
Determine whether a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report is required and whether documentary transfer tax, city transfer tax or a statutory fee exemption applies.
Do not assume that all family transfers, trust transfers or refinances receive identical treatment.
Submit the Document and Payment
Follow the official RR/CC recording instructions for mail or in-person submission. The county requires all applicable recording fees to be paid at the time of recording.
Couriers, messengers and certain third-party representatives must follow the county’s published drop-off procedures for specified property instruments.
Keep the Recorded Instrument Reference
Save the document number, recording date and returned original or conformed copy. If you need a certified copy, the county permits requests at the time of recording.
Official LA County Recording Requirements
Government rules for document acceptance, original signatures, payment methods and mailing.
- Review the list of general document requirements.
- Check the applicable statutory references.
- Open the property-document fee page.
- Verify how the document should be submitted.
- Contact the Recorder before sending an original document with uncertain fees.
County Transfer Tax vs. City Transfer Tax
Properties throughout Los Angeles County do not necessarily have the same documentary transfer tax. The property’s city and transaction can materially change the amount payable.
County Documentary Transfer Tax
California counties generally apply documentary transfer tax to taxable transfers at the rate allowed by state law, commonly expressed as $0.55 per $500 of taxable consideration, or $1.10 per $1,000.
Exemptions and the treatment of existing debt depend on the transaction.
Additional Municipal Transfer Taxes
Some cities impose additional real-property transfer taxes. The City of Los Angeles, for example, has its own transfer-tax rules, including graduated measures for certain high-value transfers.
Other LA County cities may have different rates or no comparable city charge.
Los Angeles County Recorder Office Address, Hours and Directions
Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
12400 Imperial Highway
Norwalk, CA 90650
Real Estate Records:
Room 2207 (copy-request service listed by the county).
Phone: (800) 201-8999
Email: recorder@rrcc.lacounty.gov
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM, excluding holidays.
Get Directions ↗Important Mailing Addresses
Real Estate Records copy requests:
P.O. Box 1130
Norwalk, CA 90651-1130
Document recording submissions:
Document Analysis and Recording Section
P.O. Box 1250
Norwalk, CA 90651-1250
Use the correct mailing section for your task. Do not send a request for an existing deed copy to the new-document recording unit by mistake.
County branch offices cannot accept documents by mail; use the appropriate Norwalk mailing address.
Appointment requirements may vary by service. Verify the research appointment process, parking and current branch services before visiting.
Can You Get a Deed at a Los Angeles County Branch Office?
Not all RR/CC branches provide the same real-estate services. Norwalk offers the main historical research service, while some branch locations handle newer record copies or recording.
Norwalk Headquarters
12400 Imperial Highway, Norwalk
The county lists real-estate records after recording, document analysis and recording, and other Recorder/County Clerk services here.
For full historical name/year research, follow the Norwalk appointment instructions.
Beverly Hills Branch
9355 Burton Way, 4th Floor
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
The official branch directory lists document recording and copies of real-estate records from 1982 to the present.
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4 PM.
Free Property Records for Residents Impacted by Fires
Los Angeles County RR/CC has a specific assistance program for residents directly impacted by fires who need copies of property records for recovery purposes.
Who Should Contact the Program?
Residents directly impacted by fires who need real-estate records for recovery-related needs may be eligible for no-cost copies under the county’s published assistance process.
Eligibility and required affidavits are determined by the RR/CC.
How to Request Assistance
Phone: (800) 201-8999, option 3.
Email: RRCCFireAssistance@rrcc.lacounty.gov.
The county provides an affidavit process. Ask whether the affidavit should be completed in person or returned by mail.
Why You Cannot Find a Los Angeles County Recorded Deed
You Only Have a Property Address
- Start at the official LA County Assessor Portal.
- Confirm the parcel and AIN.
- Review any available ownership-related information.
- Use a previous owner name from reliable documents.
- Search the Recorder’s name/year index or request a record using the known reference.
The Name or Year Does Not Match
- Search both grantor and grantee names.
- Check business, trust or estate ownership names.
- Broaden the recording-year range.
- Use a known document number from a title report.
- Check that the parcel is in Los Angeles County.
- Ask about the historical research collection for older deeds.
LA County Recorder vs. Assessor vs. Treasurer and Tax Collector
| Your Question | Correct Office | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Where is my recorded deed? | Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk | Use the Real Estate Records request or appointment process. |
| Who records a new grant deed? | Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk | Review property document recording requirements. |
| What is my property’s AIN? | County Assessor | Search by address in the Assessor Portal. |
| What is the assessed value? | County Assessor | Review the property assessment record. |
| Where do I pay a property-tax bill? | Treasurer and Tax Collector | Use the official tax-payment service. |
| Does a deed establish clear title? | Title professional or attorney | Request the appropriate title examination. |
| How do I correct a defective deed? | Qualified legal/title professional | Determine the required corrective instrument and recording process. |
What Should You Do After Finding an LA County Recorder Record?
If You Found the Correct Deed
Save the recording reference and inspect the full legal description. Order a certified copy if required by your lender, court or another recipient.
If You Found a Deed of Trust
Look for a recorded reconveyance or related release. Compare the instrument reference to avoid confusing it with a different loan.
If You Found Suspicious Recording Activity
Retain the details and obtain the actual document. Contact qualified legal or title professionals and appropriate authorities if you believe a fraudulent filing affects your property.
If You Need a Full Chain of Title
Research sequential transfers and related encumbrances. For important financial or legal decisions, obtain a professional title examination instead of relying on an isolated record.
Los Angeles County Recorder Search and Copy Request Resources
1. Official RR/CC Real Estate Records
Explains the county’s public records, available request channels and online access limits.
- Read the county’s General Information section.
- Choose an online, in-person or mail request.
- Review the available record types and restrictions.
- Use the relevant service page for the next step.
2. Viewing Records by Appointment
Norwalk research instructions for old and recent deed records.
- Read the appointment information.
- Prepare grantor/grantee names and recording years.
- Determine whether the record predates 1958.
- Follow the county’s current appointment process.
3. Online Real Estate Record Request
Official county route to the third-party copy-ordering provider.
- Select the county-approved online request service.
- Identify the deed or other real-estate instrument.
- Review copy, certification and vendor charges.
- Place the order and retain the confirmation.
4. Real Estate Records Mail Request
Official requirements for written search and copy requests.
- Provide the title/type of document.
- List recorded party names.
- Give the year or range of years.
- Include the appropriate payment.
- Mail to the Real Estate Records section in Norwalk.
5. County Assessor Property Search
Find the parcel by street address or Assessor’s Identification Number.
- Enter an address or AIN.
- Review matching property records.
- Confirm the correct parcel and available description.
- Use the information to support your Recorder research.
6. Recording and Copy Fees
Official statutory recording fees and plain/certified copy charges.
- Expand the relevant document category.
- Review the base and additional page charges.
- Check SB2, PCOR and other applicable charges.
- Confirm the final amount before paying.
7. County Branch Office Directory
Location-specific hours and services, including Norwalk and Beverly Hills.
- Find the branch nearest you.
- Expand or review its service list.
- Confirm that it handles real-estate documents.
- Check office hours and closures before visiting.
Los Angeles County Recorder Search FAQs
Can I search Los Angeles County Recorder deeds online for free?
The LA County Registrar-Recorder does not provide direct public online access to its official real-estate records or indexes. You can research them in person at Norwalk by appointment or request copies using the county’s approved ordering methods.
How do I find a Los Angeles County deed by address?
Start with the Los Angeles County Assessor Portal to locate the parcel and AIN. Then use available owner and recording information when requesting documents or researching the Recorder’s grantor-grantee name/year index.
Where is the Los Angeles County Recorder located?
The main office is at 12400 Imperial Highway, Norwalk, CA 90650. The Recorder/County Clerk telephone number is (800) 201-8999.
How far back do Los Angeles County deed records go?
The RR/CC maintains real-estate records dating to approximately 1850–1851. Records from 1851–1957 can be reviewed in the lower-level research area, while records from 1958 onward are available on the second floor of Norwalk headquarters.
How much does a certified LA County deed cost?
The published certified-copy charge is $6 for the first page and $3 for each additional page. Online processing, delivery or payment fees may apply separately.
Can I request a Los Angeles County deed by mail?
Yes. Send a written request containing the document title, names on the document and recording year or years to search to the Real Estate Records section, P.O. Box 1130, Norwalk, CA 90651-1130, with the appropriate payment.
Can I buy only one page of a recorded deed?
No. The Registrar-Recorder says the complete document must be purchased; individual pages or selected portions cannot be purchased separately.
Is the AIN the same as a deed recording number?
No. The Assessor’s Identification Number identifies a property parcel for assessment purposes. A deed recording reference identifies a recorded instrument in the Recorder’s system.
Can the Beverly Hills branch provide deed copies?
The official RR/CC branch directory lists copies of real-estate records from 1982 to the present at the Beverly Hills branch. For older historical research, follow the Norwalk headquarters appointment process.
Are free property records available for LA County fire victims?
Los Angeles County offers a no-cost property-record assistance process for qualifying residents directly impacted by fires. Contact (800) 201-8999, option 3, or RRCCFireAssistance@rrcc.lacounty.gov and follow the county’s affidavit instructions.
How long does an online or mail deed request take?
The county publishes a processing period of up to 20 working days from receipt for applicable online and mail copy requests. Delivery may take additional time.
Does the LA County Recorder establish whether a property’s title is clear?
No. The Recorder maintains recorded instruments but does not provide a legal determination of clear ownership or freedom from encumbrances. A title examination may be needed for legal or financial decisions.
Official Sources and Independent Editorial Notice
Information reviewed: October 26, 2026.
This guide is based on Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk real-estate records guidance, official viewing and copy-request instructions, recording-fee schedules, recording requirements, office locations and Los Angeles County Assessor search resources.
Official references: Real Estate Records · Viewing Records · Online Requests · Mail Requests · Recording Fees · Recording Requirements · Assessor Portal.
This is an independent informational article. It is not affiliated with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, County Assessor or another county government agency. It does not issue certified records, establish legal ownership or provide legal advice.
Fees, appointment procedures, government access policies and processing periods can change. Confirm current requirements with the responsible government office before paying, traveling or recording a document.
Public property records should not be used as a substitute for regulated consumer reports for employment, tenant, credit or insurance eligibility decisions.