Placer County Recorder: Search Deeds, Official Records, Copies & Recording Office
The Placer County Recorder function is handled by the Placer County Clerk-Recorder. This office records documents that give public notice of real-estate transactions in Placer County, including deeds, deeds of trust, reconveyances, liens, releases, maps and other recordable instruments authorized by California law.
This guide explains how to search Placer County deed records, what information you need for an official copy, why scanned images are not available online, where the Rocklin and Auburn offices are located, how recording fees work, and when to use the Assessor, Tax Collector, court or a title professional instead.
Where Is the Placer County Recorder’s Office?
The Placer County Clerk-Recorder main office and mailing address is 3715 Atherton Road, Rocklin, CA 95765. A satellite office is listed at 2954 Richardson Drive, Auburn, CA 95603. The Recorder phone number is 530-886-5600, and the Clerk phone number is 530-886-5610.
Use Clerk-Recorder For
Deeds, deeds of trust, reconveyances, releases, liens, maps, official-record copies, recording forms, document indexes, public marriage records, vital records and other county Clerk-Recorder services.
Best search clues: grantor, grantee, document type, document number, recording date or recording reference number.
Use Assessor For
Parcel value, assessment questions, Assessor parcel number, property-tax assessment records, maps for assessment purposes, homeowners’ exemption, value review, ownership-roll updates and property characteristics.
Helpful phone: 530-889-4300 for Placer County Assessor questions.
Use Court or Title Help For
Probate orders, divorce judgments, lawsuits, foreclosure cases, title disputes, deed drafting, trust transfers, legal advice, title insurance and full title searches.
Important: The Recorder records documents; it does not replace an attorney or title company.
How to Search Placer County Deeds and Official Records
Placer County’s Real Property Records page explains that recorded documents create a daily grantor/grantee index, cross-referenced by document type, document number and party names. Use the online index to find the recording reference number, then request the official copy if you need the document itself.
Collect Property and Party Clues First
Gather the owner name, prior owner name, trust or business name, property address, Assessor parcel number, estimated recording date, document type, document number, and any recording reference shown on a tax record, escrow paper or prior deed.
Open the Official Real Estate Records Index
Start with the official Placer County Recorder public index link. The index is the practical online route for locating the document number or recording reference number needed for a copy request.
Search Grantor and Grantee Names
For deeds, the grantor is commonly the seller or person transferring an interest, and the grantee is commonly the buyer or person receiving the interest. Search both roles when tracing ownership or reviewing a title change.
Use Name Variations
Try last name only, full legal name, middle initial, spouse name, trust name, LLC name, corporation name, lender name, trustee name, prior owner and common spelling variations. Recorded indexes depend on how the document was written and indexed.
Filter by Document Type or Date
Narrow broad results with document type and recording date. Common real-property document types may include grant deed, quitclaim deed, deed of trust, substitution of trustee, reconveyance, release, lien, easement, map or notice.
Save the Recording Reference Number
Placer County says copy requests should include the document type, named parties and recording reference number. Save the exact reference before ordering a plain or certified official record copy.
Visit the Office for Images or Deeper Research
The county says scanned images of the original documents are available for public research or copies in the office only. If you need the document image, plan for an in-office search or request copies through the Recorder.
Use Certified Copies for Formal Purposes
Lenders, title companies, courts, agencies and legal matters may require certified copies. A copied index result is usually not the same as a certified official record.
What Placer County Recorder Search Results Mean
The Recorder index helps you locate recorded instruments. It does not prove clear title, replace title insurance, or confirm every legal issue affecting the property. Use the table below to understand the fields before ordering copies or making a real-estate decision.
| Field / Term | What It Usually Means | How to Use It | Common Mistake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grantor | The person or entity transferring, granting, releasing or giving an interest. | Search sellers, prior owners, borrowers, trustees, lien claimants and releasing parties. | Searching only the current owner when the document was indexed under the prior owner. |
| Grantee | The person or entity receiving an interest, benefit, release or recorded right. | Use this to find buyer deeds, trust transfers, releases and other receiving-party records. | Assuming one grantee result proves current title without checking later documents. |
| Document Number | A Recorder reference used to identify a specific recorded document. | Save it for copy requests, title review, fraud-notification follow-up and professional research. | Confusing the Recorder document number with the Assessor parcel number. |
| Recording Reference Number | The reference number Placer County asks users to include when requesting official-record copies. | Use it when mailing or submitting a copy request to the Recorder. | Mailing a vague request with only an address and no recording reference. |
| Document Type | The classification, such as grant deed, quitclaim deed, deed of trust, reconveyance, lien or map. | Filter broad results and understand whether a document transfers ownership, secures debt or releases an interest. | Treating every recorded document as a deed of ownership. |
| APN | Assessor Parcel Number used by the Assessor for tax and assessment records. | Use it to connect Assessor property data with Recorder documents when shown. | Assuming an APN typo always means fraud; Placer County notes some letters may be triggered by incorrect APNs. |
How to Order Placer County Official Record Copies
Copies of recorded documents can be purchased at the Recorder’s Office from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except legal holidays. Mail requests should include a daytime phone number, mailing address, payment, and the type of document, parties named on the document and recording reference number.
For In-Person Copy Requests
- Visit the Rocklin main office or Auburn satellite office during copy-counter hours.
- Use the index or public terminals to locate the document reference.
- Request a non-certified or certified official record copy.
- Review the document before leaving, especially if used for legal or title follow-up.
For Mail Copy Requests
- Find the recording reference number using the online index first.
- Include the document type and party names.
- Include daytime phone number and return mailing address.
- Pay by check or money order payable to Placer County Recorder.
- Use a self-addressed stamped legal-size envelope to help speed delivery.
Placer County Official Record Copy Fee Estimator
Use this for planning only. Placer County lists non-certified official-record copies at $2 for the first page and $1 for each additional page, certified copies at $4 for the first page and $1 for each additional page, and fax/email delivery at $4.25.
Before You Record a Deed or Real Estate Document in Placer County
Placer County accepts recordable documents over the counter or by mail. Documents accepted during the 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. recording window are recorded the same day; documents accepted after the recording counter closes are recorded the following workday.
Document Standards to Check
- Original signatures unless a certified copy is legally acceptable.
- California all-purpose acknowledgment where required.
- Legible text, seals, exhibits and attachments.
- 8.5 × 11 inch page size for standard first-page fee.
- At least half-inch vertical side margins.
- Top 2.5 inches reserved on the first page for recording information.
- Clear document title directly below the Recorder space.
Fees and Tax Items to Review
- $14 first page and $3 each additional page for many standard documents.
- $14 for each additional title that must be indexed.
- $3 non-conforming fee for each page of an affected document.
- $75 Building Homes and Jobs Act fee when applicable.
- 55 cents per $500 or portion for Documentary Transfer Tax.
- $20 fee if a required PCOR is not recorded with the document.
Do Not Ask Recorder Staff To
- Draft a deed or choose legal language.
- Tell you whether a transfer is exempt from reassessment.
- Decide whether Documentary Transfer Tax is owed.
- Perform a title search or guarantee clear title.
- Fix ownership without a new legally sufficient recorded document.
Placer County Recording Fee Planning Calculator
This estimator uses common public fee items only. It does not replace the Recorder’s final fee calculation, title-company escrow review, tax review, e-recording vendor fees, rejection review or legal advice.
Placer County Clerk-Recorder Office Address, Hours and Map
Placer County lists a Rocklin main office and mailing address and an Auburn satellite office. Use the Recorder phone number for real-property recording and official-record questions before visiting, especially if your task involves maps, passports, certified copies or unusual documents.
Main Office / Mailing Address
Placer County Clerk-Recorder
3715 Atherton Road
Rocklin, CA 95765
Phone: 530-886-5600
Clerk phone: 530-886-5610
Email: clerk@placer.ca.gov
Published hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., excluding county holidays.
Open Rocklin Map ↗Auburn Satellite Office
Address:
2954 Richardson Drive
Auburn, CA 95603
Use the Auburn location for many Clerk-Recorder counter needs, but confirm service availability before visiting. The main office/mailing address remains Rocklin on the county contact section.
Open Auburn Map ↗Placer County Assessor
Address:
2980 Richardson Drive
Auburn, CA 95603
Phone: 530-889-4300
Use the Assessor for APN, assessed value, property characteristics, assessment maps, exemptions, value review and ownership-roll questions after a document is recorded.
Placer County Real Property Fraud Notification Program
Placer County’s Recorder implemented a real-estate notification program that mails a letter to the property owner when a document that may affect ownership, such as a deed, is recorded. The letter includes information about the program and the first page of the recorded document that triggered the letter.
Review the First Page Carefully
If you receive a Recorder notification letter, compare the document type, APN, property address, grantor, grantee and recording date with your actual transaction history.
Call the Recorder With the Document Number
Placer County says to contact the Recorder at 530-886-5600 if you have questions. Have the document number and recording date available so staff can assist more efficiently.
Use the Fraud Hotline for Suspicious Transfers
If you did not authorize the transfer, if your signature appears forged, if the document was changed after signing, or if the property description is wrong, contact the proper officials quickly. Placer County identifies the District Attorney’s Fraud Alert Hotline as 916-645-SCAM (7226).
Placer County Recorder vs Assessor vs Tax Collector
Many deed searches fail because the user begins with the wrong office. Use this table to choose the right starting point.
| Your Task | Best Office | Why | Search Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Find a recorded deed, deed of trust, lien, release or map | Placer County Clerk-Recorder | The Recorder keeps the official real-property record index and recorded documents. | Search grantor/grantee, document type, document number and recording date. |
| Order a certified copy of a deed | Placer County Clerk-Recorder | Official-record copies are ordered through the Recorder with document details and recording reference number. | Find the reference number in the online index before mailing a request. |
| Find parcel number, assessed value or property characteristics | Placer County Assessor | The Assessor maintains assessment records, maps and taxable property data. | Use APN, property address or owner clues. |
| Pay property taxes or check tax bill deadlines | Placer County Treasurer-Tax Collector | The Tax Collector handles bills and payments, not recording or title research. | Use the tax bill database and parcel/tax bill number. |
| Appeal assessed value or request value review | Assessor or Clerk of the Board, depending on stage | Value review and formal appeals are not Recorder functions. | Check annual assessment appeal and value-review deadlines. |
| Resolve ownership, trust, probate or title problems | Attorney, title company or court | The Recorder cannot draft documents, provide legal advice or decide title disputes. | Use professional review before recording corrective documents. |
Official Placer County Recorder Links
Use these official sources for live record searching, office locations, recording requirements, fees, copy requests, PCOR/forms and fraud-notification guidance. Each link below includes what to do after opening it.
Placer County Clerk-Recorder — Main Page
Official department page for Recorder responsibilities, Clerk services, public record access, office locations and contact information.
- Confirm the current Rocklin and Auburn office details.
- Choose Real Property Records for deeds and recorded property documents.
- Use Recording or Map Recording only when submitting a document.
- Use the county page before relying on a private deed-copy website.
Placer County Real Property Records
Official page for the recording process, online real-estate index, official-record copy fees, mail-copy requirements and fraud-notification details.
- Read the recording process section first.
- Use the online index link to find the recording reference number.
- Remember that scanned images are not available online.
- Use the copy section to calculate plain or certified copy cost.
- Review the fraud-notification section if you received a Recorder letter.
Placer County Recorder Public Index
Official search portal for locating Placer County real-property recording index information.
- Open the county index portal.
- Search by grantor, grantee, document number, document type or recording date where available.
- Try name variations if the first search fails.
- Save the recording reference number for the official copy request.
- Visit or contact the Recorder if you need document images or certified copies.
Placer County Basic Recording Requirements
Official page covering original signatures, acknowledgment, legibility, page size, margins, cover pages, titles, references and basic recording fees.
- Check original signature and acknowledgment requirements.
- Confirm legibility, page size and margin rules.
- Add a cover page if the first page lacks required recording space.
- Check whether a prior recording reference number is required.
- Confirm added fees for extra titles or non-conforming pages.
Placer County Fee Schedule
Official fee page for recording fees, SB 2 fee, indexing, transfer tax, PCOR missing fee, official-record copies, map copies and delivery fees.
- Count pages and additional document titles first.
- Check whether the $75 Building Homes and Jobs Act fee applies.
- Calculate Documentary Transfer Tax for taxable transfers.
- Add PCOR, copy, certification, map or delivery fees where applicable.
- Call the Recorder before mailing payment for unusual documents.
Placer County Recorder Forms
Official forms page for recorder-related cover sheets, PCOR and recording documents that may be needed before submitting a deed or transfer.
- Open the forms page before preparing a deed-transfer package.
- Download PCOR or cover-sheet documents only from the county or state-approved form source.
- Confirm whether the document needs a Documentary Transfer Tax statement.
- Contact the Recorder or a professional if you are unsure which legal document to use.
Placer County Real Property Fraud Notification
Official explanation of the Recorder’s mailed real-property fraud notification program and fraud hotline routing.
- Read which recordings may trigger a letter.
- Compare the first page of the recorded document with your property and signature history.
- Call 530-886-5600 and press 3 if you have questions about the letter.
- Use 916-645-SCAM (7226) if you believe fraud may be involved.
Placer County Assessor
Official Assessor page for property assessment, maps, exemptions, value review, ownership-roll questions and APN/property detail research.
- Use this page if you need APN, assessed value or property-characteristic information.
- Use Assessor resources before asking the Recorder for tax-roll details.
- Check important dates for value review, exemptions and property-tax assessment matters.
- Return to the Recorder only after you have the document reference you need.
Why a Placer County Deed Search or Recording Fails
Most problems happen because the user searches by address instead of party name, expects online images, lacks a recording reference number, skips PCOR/transfer-tax review, or asks the Recorder to do legal or title work.
| Problem | Likely Cause | Try This | Best Office |
|---|---|---|---|
| No deed found by address | Recorder indexes are strongest for names, document type, document number and recording references. | Use Assessor records to find owner/APN clues, then search grantor and grantee names. | Assessor, then Clerk-Recorder |
| Cannot view deed image online | Placer County says scanned images are not available online. | Use the online index to find the reference number, then request copies or visit the office. | Clerk-Recorder |
| Copy request rejected or delayed | Missing daytime phone, return address, payment, document type, party names or recording reference number. | Search the index first and resubmit with complete copy-request details. | Clerk-Recorder |
| Document recording fee is higher than expected | SB 2 fee, non-conforming pages, additional titles, extra references, PCOR fee or transfer tax may apply. | Use the fee schedule and call the Recorder before mailing payment. | Clerk-Recorder |
| Received fraud notification letter | A grant deed, quitclaim deed or similar ownership-affecting document may have been recorded. | Review the first page, call 530-886-5600 with document number/date, and use 916-645-SCAM if suspicious. | Clerk-Recorder + District Attorney |
| Need to add or remove someone from title | The Recorder cannot choose or draft the legal document for you. | Consult a California attorney or title company, then record the properly prepared document. | Attorney/title professional + Clerk-Recorder |
What Should You Do Next?
If You Are Searching for a Deed
Open the Placer County Recorder public index, search grantor and grantee names, try variations, then save the recording reference number. Remember that document images are not available online.
If You Need a Certified Copy
Find the recording reference number first, then request a certified copy through the Recorder with document type, party names, return address, daytime phone and payment.
If You Are Recording a Transfer
Check document format, recording space, title, acknowledgment, PCOR, transfer-tax statement, SB 2 fee, non-conforming fees and copy/return instructions before submitting.
If the Record Looks Wrong
Do not ask Recorder staff to fix ownership by phone. Speak with a California attorney or title company about corrective deeds, fraud response, probate, trusts or title disputes.
Placer County Recorder FAQs
What is the Placer County Recorder office called?
The official office is the Placer County Clerk-Recorder. The Recorder side records and maintains real-property documents such as deeds, deeds of trust, reconveyances, liens, maps and other official records.
Where is the Placer County Recorder located?
The main office and mailing address is 3715 Atherton Road, Rocklin, CA 95765. Placer County also lists a satellite office at 2954 Richardson Drive, Auburn, CA 95603.
What is the Placer County Recorder phone number?
The Recorder phone number is 530-886-5600. The Clerk phone number is 530-886-5610. For real-property fraud notification questions, Placer County says to call 530-886-5600 and press 3.
How do I search Placer County deed records online?
Use the official Placer County Recorder public index. Search by grantor, grantee, document type, document number, recording date or other available fields, then save the recording reference number for copy requests.
Are Placer County deed images available online?
No. Placer County’s Real Property Records page says scanned images are available for public research or copies in the office only and are not available online. Use the online index to locate the reference number.
How much are Placer County official record copies?
Placer County lists non-certified copies at $2 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. Certified copies are listed at $4 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. Fax or email delivery is listed at $4.25.
How much does it cost to record a document in Placer County?
The county fee schedule lists $14 for the first 8.5 by 11 inch page and $3 for each additional page for many documents. Additional fees may apply for SB 2, non-conforming pages, extra titles, indexing, transfer tax or PCOR issues.
What is the Placer County documentary transfer tax rate?
Placer County’s fee schedule lists Documentary Transfer Tax at 55 cents per each $500 or portion thereof. Confirm exemptions and taxable consideration before recording.
What happens if a PCOR is not recorded with the document?
Placer County’s fee schedule lists a $20 fee for documents recorded without a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report. Use the county forms and Assessor guidance before recording a transfer.
Is this website the official Placer County Recorder website?
No. County-Appraisal-District.org is an independent educational resource. Always verify live searches, recording requirements, fees, copy procedures, fraud-notification steps and office instructions with the Placer County Clerk-Recorder or the appropriate official agency.
Independent Educational Guide
County-Appraisal-District.org is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with the Placer County Clerk-Recorder, Placer County Assessor, Placer County Treasurer-Tax Collector, Placer County District Attorney, California Department of Real Estate, California Secretary of State, or any title company, law firm or government office.
Recorded documents, certified copies, recording acceptance, official-record indexes, transfer taxes, PCOR requirements, title rights, property ownership updates and legal effects are determined by official agencies, California law, courts and qualified professionals. This page is not legal, tax, title, financial or real-estate advice.
Public property 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.