Riverside County CA Recorder Office: Address, Official Records Search, Copies & Recording Guide
The Riverside County Recorder function is handled by the Riverside County Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder. Use this office for recorded deeds, liens, deeds of trust, reconveyances, homestead declarations, official-record copies, certified copies, map recordings, document recording and record-index searches.
This guide explains how to search Riverside County official records, where to go for recorder services, how to order deed copies, how recording by mail or drop box works, which fees and transfer-tax rules matter, and when the Assessor or Treasurer-Tax Collector is the better office.
Where Is the Riverside County Recorder Office?
The main Riverside County Recorder office for full recorder services is the Riverside Gateway office at 2724 Gateway Dr., Riverside, CA 92507. The County Clerk-Recorder phone line is 951-486-7000, and the office lists phone hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Recorder Services
Use the Recorder for deeds, liens, deeds of trust, reconveyances, homestead declarations, map recordings, document recording services, official-record searches, record copies and certified copies.
Key office: Riverside County Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder.
Assessor Services
Use the Assessor for taxable property, assessed value, ownership records, exemptions, parcel data, APN, maps and property-search questions. The Recorder records documents; the Assessor uses recorded documents and other data to maintain assessment records.
Tax Collector Services
Use the Treasurer-Tax Collector for property-tax bills, payment, delinquency and receipts. A recorded deed can affect ownership records, but the Recorder does not collect current property taxes.
Recorder vs Assessor vs Tax Collector in Riverside County
A deed search, a parcel search and a tax-bill search are not the same task. Use this local breakdown before you call or visit.
| Your Task | Correct Office | Why | Best Starting Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Search or copy a deed, lien or deed of trust | Recorder / Official Records | The Recorder maintains custody of permanent recorded documents and public access to land-record information. | Use party name, document number, recording date, document type or APN clues. |
| Record a deed or ownership document | Recorder | The Recorder accepts legally recordable documents with proper fees and taxes. | Prepare original signatures, acknowledgement, APN, Tax Rate Area, PCOR and transfer-tax forms when required. |
| Find APN, owner, assessed value or parcel details | Assessor | The Assessor identifies taxable property, owners, descriptions, assessed values, exemptions and assessment-roll records. | Search by APN, Property Identification Number or property address. |
| Pay property taxes or ask about delinquency | Treasurer-Tax Collector | The tax office handles bills, payments, delinquent taxes and receipts. | Use APN or tax bill details from the parcel record. |
| Change title, add/remove owner or transfer to a trust | Attorney/title professional + Recorder | County staff cannot prepare deeds or tell you which legal instrument to use. | Use professional help; recording creates public notice but does not guarantee legal effect. |
How to Search Riverside County Recorder Records Online
Riverside County’s self-service document search is the main online path for recorder-index searching and fee-based copy ordering. Use the cleanest name, document type and recording-date clues you have, then confirm document details before ordering.
Start with the online document search
Open Riverside County’s self-service Document Search. The portal supports name searching and date filtering. It displays current index coverage, including recorder documents beginning Jan. 1, 1974 and clerk documents beginning Jan. 1, 1893.
Enter individual names in the local format
The search help says individual names should be entered as Last First MI, such as “Smith James M.” For a broader search, use only a last name and first initial.
Search organization names as spelled
For businesses, banks, trusts and companies, enter the organization name as it is spelled. If nothing appears, try punctuation-free versions, abbreviated forms, prior business names and wildcard searching.
Use Assessor search when you only know the address
If your starting point is a property address, use the Riverside County property search first to get the APN or Property Identification Number. Then return to the recorder search with better identifiers.
Handle older records correctly
Riverside County says you may search records back to 1975 on computers at any office. For records from 1974 and earlier, search at the Gateway Riverside location. For documents recorded before 1976, mailed research is limited to two years after the estimated recording year.
Order regular or certified copies only after confirming the result
Regular copies are useful for reference. Certified copies are treated as official copies and add a certification fee. Confirm document type, parties, recording date and document number before ordering.
How to Get Riverside County Deed Copies
Riverside County offers regular and certified copies of recorded documents online, in person, by mail and through drop-box handling. Certification makes the copy an official certified copy of the recorded document.
Online Copy Order
Search the index, select the document, provide your name and shipping information, then pay online. The county says online processing time is 48 hours, but older records may require more research and take a few days.
In-Person Copy Pickup
Find your record, add it to the cart, choose “In Office” as the payment method, save the SST order number and schedule an appointment if possible. Same-day copy pickup is possible unless the request needs extensive research.
Mail Copy Request
Complete the official-record copy application. If you do not have a document number, attach the document title or type, party names, estimated recording date and helpful details such as parcel number.
How to Record a Deed or Other Document in Riverside County
Riverside County Recorder staff review documents for recordability, collect recording fees and taxes, and record accepted documents. Staff cannot prepare deeds, select forms or give legal advice.
Make sure the property is in Riverside County
The recording requirements state that the property must be located in Riverside County. If the APN or address belongs to another county, use that county’s recorder.
Prepare a legally recordable document
The document must be authorized or required by law to be recorded, comply with state and local law, include proper fees and taxes, and be legible enough to create a readable photographic record.
Use original signatures and proper acknowledgement
Riverside County’s requirements say signatures must be original unless the document is a certified copy from the proper public-record custodian. The document must be properly acknowledged unless exempt, and California uses an all-purpose acknowledgement.
Add return-mail and recording-request information
The document should name the person requesting recording and state the name and address where the recorded document should be returned. Fill in “Recording Requested By” and “Mail To” clearly.
Check APN, Tax Rate Area, PCOR and transfer tax
The Assessor’s Parcel Number and Tax Rate Area are required on conveyances by local ordinance. A Preliminary Change of Ownership Report is required for property transfers, and a $20 fee applies if it is not filed when required.
Calculate fees before mailing or visiting
Use the official recorder fee schedule and the official fee calculator. If you are unsure by mail, write “NTE” on the memo line of the check with a designated not-to-exceed amount.
Submit in person, by mail or by drop box
For USPS mail, send documents to Riverside County Recorder, P.O. Box 751, Riverside, CA 92502-0751. For overnight delivery, use Riverside County Recorder, 2724 Gateway Drive, Riverside, CA 92507. Drop boxes are listed at Riverside CAC, Riverside Gateway, Palm Desert and Blythe; Temecula drop-box availability was listed as temporarily unavailable on the reviewed page.
Wait for recording return and keep confirmations
The county says mail and drop-box recording requests are processed in the order received and to allow 6–8 weeks to receive the original recorded document back by mail.
Riverside County Recorder Fee and Transfer-Tax Estimator
This calculator uses common Riverside County recorder-fee items from the ACR 156 fee schedule and the county’s transfer-tax guidance. It is only an estimate. Use the official fee calculator before mailing, using a drop box or visiting an office.
Formula used here: $14 first page + $3 per additional page + $14 per additional title + $3 per non-standard-size page + $1 per small-print page + $1 per group of up to 10 names after the first 10 + estimated documentary transfer tax. This estimate excludes many possible state, local, parcel, lien, map, AB 1466, SB2, PCOR, exemption, returned-item, refund-processing or special-document charges.
| Fee / Rule | Published Amount or Rule | When It Matters | Practical Warning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic recording first page | $14.00 | Most recorded documents. | Additional pages, titles and special fees may apply. |
| Additional recording page | $3.00 | Each page after the first. | Use the official fee calculator for final totals. |
| Additional title | $14.00 | Multi-title documents. | Count titles carefully before mailing. |
| State Building Homes and Jobs Act fee | $75 per title/parcel, up to $225 | Many real estate instruments unless exempt. | Use the recorder cover sheet to claim an SB2 exemption if applicable. |
| Documentary transfer tax | $0.55 per $500 county rate; $1.10 per $500 for property in the City of Riverside | Taxable conveyances over $100, excluding liens or encumbrances already of record. | A DTT declaration and affidavit may be required, including for exemptions. |
| Missing PCOR fee | $20.00 | Property transfers not accompanied by completed and signed Preliminary Change of Ownership Report. | Attach the PCOR when required to avoid the extra fee and assessment follow-up. |
Riverside County Recorder Office Locations for Records and Recording
Riverside County lists several Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder locations. Services vary by branch, so use the locations page before visiting. Appointments are encouraged, and applications should be completed before arrival when applicable.
| Location | Address | Phone / Hours | Recorder-Related Services Listed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riverside Gateway | 2724 Gateway Dr., Riverside, CA 92507 | 951-486-7000 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. |
Document recording, map recordings, deed/lien copies, assessor map copies, vital records, notary services and registrations. |
| Riverside Downtown | 4080 Lemon St., 1st Floor, Riverside, CA 92501 | 951-955-6200 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. |
Document recording, deed/lien copies, assessor map copies, marriage licenses and notary services. |
| Palm Desert | 38-686 El Cerrito Rd., Palm Desert, CA 92211 | 951-955-6200 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. |
Document recording, deed/lien copies, clerk copies, drop box and related services. |
| Hemet | 880 N. State St., Suite B-6, Hemet, CA 92543-1496 | 951-955-6200 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. |
Document recording, deed/lien copies, assessor map copies, notary verification and vital records. |
| Temecula | 41002 County Center Dr. #230, Temecula, CA 92591-6027 | 951-955-6200 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. |
Document recording, deed/lien copies, clerk copies, FBN services, marriage services and vital records. |
| Blythe | 270 N. Broadway, Blythe, CA 92225 | 951-955-6200 Tuesday and Thursday, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. |
Document recording, deed/lien copies, drop box, clerk copies, FBN services and vital records. |
Riverside Gateway Recorder Office Address and Map
Use the Gateway office for full recorder-related planning, older record research, map filings and the most complete ACR service location.
Riverside Gateway Office
Office: Riverside County Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder
Address:
2724 Gateway Dr.
Riverside, CA 92507
County Clerk-Recorder phone: 951-486-7000
Assessor phone: 951-955-6200
Hours: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. for Riverside Gateway; phone hours Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Open Gateway Map ↗Common Riverside County Recorder Search and Recording Mistakes
Mistakes That Cause Delays
- Searching recorder records by address only without first finding the APN or owner clues.
- Entering names in first-name-first order when the portal expects last-name-first for exact individual searches.
- Mailing cash, temporary checks or altered money orders.
- Forgetting PCOR or Documentary Transfer Tax Affidavit when required.
- Assuming recording a document guarantees the legal transfer is valid.
- Paying private mailed notices for deed copies without checking the official office first.
Better Workflow
- Use the Assessor search first when you only have a property address.
- Save APN, Tax Rate Area, owner names and document references.
- Use the official fee calculator before mailing.
- Use an NTE check if the exact mail-in fee is uncertain.
- Keep copies of payment, mail tracking and recording confirmations.
- Contact ACR before paying a private property-record notice.
Official Riverside County Recorder Links
Use these official links for final verification before ordering copies, recording documents, calculating fees or visiting an office.
Riverside County Official Records Search
Official self-service document search for recorder and clerk documents, name searching and copy ordering.
- Open the search and read the index-date line at the top.
- Enter individual names as Last First MI, or use only last name and first initial for a broader search.
- Use organization names exactly as spelled, then try variations if needed.
- Filter by recording date and document type only after broad searches return too many results.
- Confirm document number, date, parties and type before ordering a copy.
Document Recording Services
Official guide for recording in person, by mail, drop box and document preparation limitations.
- Choose in-person, mail or drop-box recording.
- Open recording requirements before signing or mailing.
- Use the official fee schedule and fee calculator.
- Include the recorder cover sheet for SB2 exemption if applicable.
- Use USPS PO Box 751 or overnight 2724 Gateway Drive as instructed.
Recording Requirements
Official requirements for recordable documents, transfer tax, PCOR, APN, Tax Rate Area and rerecording issues.
- Confirm the property is in Riverside County.
- Check signature, acknowledgement and legibility rules.
- Confirm APN and Tax Rate Area for conveyances.
- Review documentary transfer tax and DTT Affidavit requirements.
- Attach PCOR where required to avoid the $20 missing-PCOR fee.
Official Record Copies
Official page for regular and certified copies of recorded documents online, in person, by mail or drop box.
- Search the index first and locate the document number if possible.
- Choose online, in-person or mail copy ordering.
- Use the current copy fees: first page, additional pages and certification.
- For older documents, include estimated recording date and party details.
- Use an NTE check when exact mail-copy cost is uncertain.
Recorder Fee Schedule and Fee Calculator
Official fee tools for estimating recording fees before submitting documents.
- Answer whether the document has more than one title.
- Enter total pages and whether all pages are 8½ x 11.
- Continue through every question because extra fees may apply.
- Compare the result with the current fee schedule.
- Call 951-486-7000 if the document is unusual or fee-sensitive.
Locations and Appointments
Official list of Riverside County ACR locations, addresses, hours, services and appointment link.
- Choose the location nearest to the property or your appointment need.
- Check whether document recording and deed/lien copies are listed at that location.
- Review hours because Palm Desert, Hemet, Temecula and Blythe differ from Riverside Gateway.
- Book an appointment when possible.
- Complete the relevant application before visiting.
Riverside County Property Search
Use the Assessor property search to find APN, PIN, property address and parcel clues before recorder searching.
- Search by APN, PIN or property address.
- Save the APN and owner names shown on the parcel record.
- Use those details in the official records search.
- Remember that Assessor records are not the same as recorded title documents.
What Should You Do Next?
| Your Situation | Best Next Step | Why This Helps |
|---|---|---|
| You need a copy of a Riverside County deed. | Search the official document index, then order a regular or certified copy online, by mail, drop box or in person. | Using the official office avoids unnecessary private-company charges. |
| You only know the property address. | Use the Assessor property search first, then bring APN and owner details into the recorder search. | Recorder searches work better with names, APN clues and recording-date ranges. |
| You are recording a deed or title-transfer document. | Review recording requirements, PCOR, DTT affidavit, APN/Tax Rate Area and fee calculator before submitting. | Missing requirements can delay recording or add fees. |
| You are mailing a document for recording. | Mail to PO Box 751 for USPS or 2724 Gateway Drive for overnight delivery, include no cash, and use an NTE check if the fee is uncertain. | The county processes requests in order received and estimates 6–8 weeks for original return by mail. |
| You received a letter asking for payment for deed copies. | Call the ACR office before paying, especially if the letter is from a private company. | Riverside County says official copies are available directly from the office and the county does not require third-party payment. |
Riverside County Recorder Office FAQs
Where is the main Riverside County Recorder office?
The main Riverside Gateway office is at 2724 Gateway Dr., Riverside, CA 92507. It lists document recording, map recordings, deed/lien copies, assessor map copies, vital records, notary services and other ACR services. The County Clerk-Recorder phone number is 951-486-7000.
What office handles Riverside County deed recording?
Deed recording is handled by the Riverside County Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder. The Recorder provides public notice of recorded private acts and maintains permanent records for documents filed and recorded in Riverside County.
How do I search Riverside County official records online?
Use the Riverside County self-service Document Search. For individuals, enter names as Last First MI, or use last name and first initial for a broader search. For organizations, enter the organization name as it is spelled, then try variations or wildcard searching if needed.
How far back does the Riverside County online recorder index go?
The online search page shows recorder documents indexed from Jan. 1, 1974 through the portal’s current update date. The office also says records back to 1975 may be searched on computers at any office, while records from 1974 and earlier may be searched at the Gateway Riverside location.
How much does a Riverside County official-record copy cost?
Riverside County’s copy instructions list official-record copies at $8 for the first page, $1 for each additional page and $2 for certification of the entire document. Online orders have a credit-card fee, and mail orders may use an NTE check if the exact amount is unknown.
Can I record a Riverside County deed by mail?
Yes. For standard USPS mail, send recording documents to Riverside County Recorder, P.O. Box 751, Riverside, CA 92502-0751. For overnight service such as UPS or FedEx, use Riverside County Recorder, 2724 Gateway Drive, Riverside, CA 92507. Do not send cash by mail.
What are the basic Riverside County recording fees?
The ACR 156 recorder fee schedule lists $14 for the first recording page, $3 per additional page and $14 per additional title. Other charges may apply, including state fees, additional-name indexing, small print, non-standard page size, PCOR, transfer-tax, lien, map, copy and certification fees.
What documentary transfer tax applies in Riverside County?
Riverside County’s recording requirements state that documentary transfer tax is due on taxable conveyances over $100 at $0.55 per $500 or fractional portion of value, excluding liens or encumbrances already of record. Property in the City of Riverside is taxable at $1.10 per $500 or fractional portion.
Is a PCOR required when recording a Riverside County deed?
A Preliminary Change of Ownership Report is required by state law for property transfers. Riverside County’s recording requirements say a $20 fee will be charged if the completed PCOR is not filed at the time of recording when required.
Can Riverside County staff prepare my deed or tell me which deed form to use?
No. The office explains that staff cannot prepare documents, choose forms or provide legal advice. If you are adding or removing a name, transferring property to or from a trust, recording an affidavit of death, correcting title, or handling estate issues, use a California attorney, title company or qualified document professional.
Independent Educational Guide
County-Appraisal-District.org is an independent informational website. It is not affiliated with the Riverside County Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder, Riverside County Treasurer-Tax Collector, County of Riverside, any court, title company, law firm or document-preparation service.
Recording acceptance, official-record availability, copy charges, certification, documentary transfer tax, PCOR rules, state fees, mail processing, return times, title consequences and legal outcomes are determined by official offices and applicable California law. Verify current requirements directly with the Riverside County Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder before recording or mailing any document.
Public property and ownership records should not be used for employment screening, tenant screening, credit eligibility, insurance underwriting or any other regulated consumer-reporting purpose. This website is not a Consumer Reporting Agency.