Riverside County CA Recorder Search: Deeds, Liens & Official Records
Need a copy of a deed for a property in Riverside, Corona, Moreno Valley, Temecula, Murrieta, Palm Desert or elsewhere in Riverside County? The Riverside County Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder maintains official recorded real-property documents, including deeds, deeds of trust, reconveyances and other recordable instruments.
You can search the official records index online, order copies through the county’s self-service portal, or view document images in a county office. This guide explains each search option, the exact copy fees, older-record access, recording requirements, office locations and a 2026 county warning about unnecessary paid deed-copy notices.
Where to Search Riverside County Recorded Deeds
The correct official portal is Official Records Search and Copies. It has separate search options for names, document numbers, document types, maps/book-page references and advanced searches. This is the system to use for real-property instruments—not the separate Clerk Records search for fictitious business names and registrations.
Find a Deed
Use a recorded party name, instrument number or document type. Record the instrument reference before ordering the underlying document.
Follow search steps →Order an Official Copy
The county allows online, mail, drop-box and in-person copy requests. Ordinary and certified copies have different total charges.
See copy workflow →Find a Property by Address
The Recorder index is best searched using names and instrument details. Use the county’s property/APN search when you only know the street address.
Assessor Property Search ↗How to Search Riverside County Deeds and Recorded Documents Online
The county’s self-service portal provides five different entry points. Choose the search that matches the details you already have instead of guessing an address search exists in the Recorder index.
Open Official Records Search and Copies
Visit Riverside County Official Records Search. Confirm the heading says Official Records Search and Copies – Web.
Select the Appropriate Search Type
Choose Name Search for recorded parties, Document Number Search for known instruments, Document Type Search for categories such as deeds or mortgages, or the map/book-page and advanced options where appropriate.
Enter a Name Correctly
For exact-match name searches, the county’s help text explains that names are entered last name first, without punctuation. Wildcard searches are broader and can return more unrelated results.
Refine by Date or Document Type
If you know an approximate recording period, narrow the dates. The search help also explains that different types of documents can be selected using document-type controls.
Check the Recorded Details
Compare document number, recording date, document title and the indexed parties. The grantor is generally the person transferring an interest; the grantee is the person receiving it. A name match alone does not identify the correct property.
Save the Instrument Reference
Keep the instrument number and recording date. If you plan to order a deed or certified copy, save the exact document from the results so the county can process the correct record.
Choose Online Ordering or Office Viewing
The search system allows regular or certified copies to be added to a shopping cart. Alternatively, visit a county office to view images on its public research computers before deciding which document to order.
Riverside County Recorder Search by Name, Document Number, APN or Address
| Information Available | Best System | What to Confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Seller or previous owner | Recorder Name Search | Grantor/grantee, document type and date |
| Instrument number | Recorder Document Number Search | Exact official document reference |
| Type of deed or lien | Recorder Document Type Search | Document classification and relevant parties |
| Map, book or page | Recorder Map Type and Book/Page Search | Correct map or recording reference |
| Multiple known fields | Recorder Advanced Search | Dates, parties and recording criteria |
| Street address only | Assessor Property Search | APN, parcel and owner information |
| Very old document | Gateway Riverside office | Historical records, book/page and approximate year |
How Far Back Do Riverside County Deed Records Go?
Riverside County says recorded-document research computers at its offices provide access to records from 1975 onward. For records from 1974 and earlier, the county directs researchers to the Gateway Riverside location.
1975 and Newer Records
Visit a public-service office and use the available official-record research computers. County staff can explain how to request a copy after you identify the document.
1974 and Earlier Records
Use the Gateway Riverside location at 2724 Gateway Drive. For mailed research requests without a document number, the county explains that searches for pre-1976 records are limited to a two-year window after the estimated recording year.
What Riverside County Recorded Documents Can Reveal
Grant Deeds and Other Conveyances
A grant deed can document a transfer of real-property interests. Examine the grantor, grantee, property description, exceptions and date rather than relying on the index alone.
Deeds of Trust and Reconveyances
Deeds of trust commonly secure loans. A related reconveyance may reflect release of a specific security interest. Search related records rather than assuming the initial loan is still outstanding.
Liens and Recorded Notices
Recorded liens or notices may affect property interests. A record search can identify instruments but cannot conclusively determine whether a claim is enforceable.
Easements, Restrictions and Maps
Maps, easements and restrictive instruments can affect boundaries, access or permitted land use. Some may have been recorded decades before the most recent deed.
How to Order a Riverside County Recorded Deed Copy
The Recorder offers online ordering, in-person pickup requests, mail and certain drop-box services. Be sure to use the Official Records copy category, not the separate Clerk Copies category.
Online Order
Search the document, add the correct record to your cart, provide shipping information and complete payment. The county reports average online processing of about 48 hours before mailing.
In-Person Order
Order through the search portal and select In Office at checkout. Save the order number beginning with SST, then book an appointment if convenient.
Mail Order
Use the county’s Official Records application form. Include the document number or identifying details, payment and mailing information. Mail processing is generally one to two weeks.
Search the Official Records Index
Open Official Records Search and locate the correct instrument.
Choose Regular or Certified Copy
Request certification only when required by your recipient. The county charges separately for certification.
Choose Delivery or Pickup
Complete an online mail order, or choose In Office and keep the SST order number. For a paper request, use the official form.
Pay and Keep Your Confirmation
Review the instrument carefully because the official order portal warns that copies cannot be refunded once produced.
Riverside County Recorder Copy and Certification Fees
| Service | Official Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| First page of recorded document | $8 | Official Records copy |
| Each additional page | $1 | For pages after the first |
| Certification of entire document | $2 | Additional per document |
| Online credit-card payment | 2.15% fee | County’s published online payment charge |
| In-person copy fulfillment | Confirm at checkout | County offers same-day copies for many standard requests |
| Recorder document filing | Varies by instrument | Use the county’s official fee calculator |
Riverside Recorded-Document Copy Fee Calculator
Estimate the published per-document copy charge. The calculation excludes mailing and payment-processing fees.
How to Request Riverside County Deed Copies by Mail
Mailing Address for Recorded Copies
Riverside County Clerk-Recorder
Attn: Certified Section
P.O. Box 751
Riverside, CA 92502-0751
Make a check payable to Riverside County Recorder. The county does not accept cash by mail, temporary checks or altered money orders.
If You Do Not Know the Exact Fee
Riverside County permits an NTE (not to exceed) check. Write NTE in the memo line with the maximum authorized amount, following the county’s instructions.
Include the document title/type, parties and estimated recording date if you do not have the document number.
How to Record a Deed in Riverside County
If you are submitting a new deed rather than searching for an existing one, follow the county’s recording rules. Staff can check statutory recording requirements but cannot draft your legal document.
Confirm Property Jurisdiction
The real property must be located in Riverside County for its Recorder to accept the relevant instrument.
Prepare a Recordable Document
Include recording-request and return-mail information, an accurate legal description and original signatures unless a recognized certified-copy exception applies. Documents requiring acknowledgment must have a proper acknowledgment.
Check APN and Tax Rate Area Requirements
Riverside County requires the Assessor’s Parcel Number and Tax Rate Area on conveyances under its stated local rules.
Complete Transfer Tax Documentation
A Documentary Transfer Tax Affidavit is generally required for covered transfers, whether transfer tax is paid or a qualifying exemption is claimed.
Include a PCOR When Required
The county states that a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report is required for property transfers. A $20 fee applies when a required completed PCOR is not filed at recording.
Calculate the Recording Charges
Use the county’s recording fee calculator, including any applicable SB2 fee or exemption cover sheet, documentary transfer tax and document-specific charges.
Record Through an Accepted Method
Visit a location offering document-recording services, schedule a recommended appointment, or use the published mail/drop-box procedure. Keep the recording reference afterward.
Documentary Transfer Tax: Riverside County vs. City of Riverside
The Recorder’s published recording requirements distinguish the general county documentary transfer-tax rate from the higher rate for property within the City of Riverside.
| Jurisdiction | County-Published Tax Rate | Important Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Riverside County, outside City of Riverside | $0.55 per $500 or fraction | Applies to taxable conveyances under the county’s stated rules |
| Property within City of Riverside | $1.10 per $500 or fraction | Different rate for property within the city limits |
| Qualifying exempt transfer | Depends on exemption | Valid exemption reason and required affidavit must be provided |
The county states that transfer tax is based on applicable taxable value excluding qualifying liens or encumbrances already of record. A purchase price alone may not resolve every tax calculation.
Official Transfer Tax Rules ↗Riverside County Recorder Office Locations, Phones and Hours
Riverside County has multiple public-service offices. The Gateway location is especially important for older land records and recorded-map filing. Verify the services offered at a branch before making a special trip.
Riverside Gateway
2724 Gateway Drive
Riverside, CA 92507
Phone: (951) 486-7000
Hours: 8 AM–5 PM
Recording, copies, older-record research and map recording services.
Directions ↗Riverside Downtown
4080 Lemon Street, 1st Floor
Riverside, CA 92501
Phone: (951) 955-6200
Hours: 8 AM–5 PM
Document recording, record copies and other county services.
Directions ↗Palm Desert
38-686 El Cerrito Road
Palm Desert, CA 92211
Phone: (951) 955-6200
Hours: 8 AM–4:30 PM
Recording services, copies and additional public services.
Directions ↗Hemet
880 N State Street, Suite B-6
Hemet, CA 92543
Phone: (951) 955-6200
Hours: 8 AM–4:30 PM
Recording services and official-record copies.
Directions ↗Temecula
41002 County Center Drive, Suite 230
Temecula, CA 92591
Phone: (951) 955-6200
Hours: 8 AM–4:30 PM
Recorder services and copies; confirm drop-box status separately.
Directions ↗Blythe
270 N Broadway
Blythe, CA 92225
Phone: (951) 955-6200
Hours: Tuesday and Thursday, 9 AM–3 PM
Limited-day location with recording and copy services.
Directions ↗Directions to the Main Riverside County Recorder Gateway Office
This map identifies the Gateway location, which the county directs users to for certain older records and map-recording services. Check current appointment guidance and holiday closures before visiting.
Riverside County Warns About Paid Property Deed Notices
On March 25, 2026, Riverside County published a notice advising owners to carefully review letters requesting payment for deed copies, property profiles or related documents.
What the County Advises
- Verify the sender before paying.
- Do not assume a mailed property-record offer comes from the county.
- Use the Recorder’s official copy-order service.
- Contact the county when a letter seems unclear.
Why This Matters After a Property Transfer
Recently recorded property information becomes part of the public record. Private businesses may use that information to send paid document offers.
A paid offer is not necessarily an official invoice and does not mean the owner must purchase a new copy of a deed.
What if Your Riverside County Recorder Search Finds Nothing?
No Match for the Owner Name
- Try the last name first for exact searches.
- Use Wildcard search when unsure of spelling.
- Search former owners and trusts where applicable.
- Broaden the recorded-date range.
- Review any business name appearing on the property record.
You Only Have the Address
- Look up the parcel in Assessor Property Search.
- Use the street number and street name.
- Write down the APN and owner.
- Return to the official Recorder name search.
- Verify the instrument, not only the owner name.
Document Image Not Accessible Online
Search the county’s index, then consider in-office document viewing. Riverside County allows public research of recorded images at service locations, subject to the relevant historical-record rules.
Older or Recently Recorded Document
For older instruments, contact Riverside Gateway. For recent instruments, verify recording details and allow for indexing or processing before concluding the document is absent.
Riverside County Recorder Search Portals and Government Resources
1. Official Records Search and Copies
Deeds, liens, mortgages, maps and document orders.
- Select Name Search, Document Number, Document Type, Map or Advanced Search.
- Enter the available recording information.
- Compare matching documents.
- Add the correct item to your cart if ordering copies.
2. Official Copy Request Instructions
Online, in-person and mail orders, processing times and fee details.
- Choose online, in-person or mail.
- Review ordinary versus certified-copy charges.
- Follow the SST order-number workflow for in-person pickup.
- Keep the payment or mail-request confirmation.
3. Riverside Recording Services
How to file a new deed, by mail, drop box or in person.
- Prepare the deed and confirm recording requirements.
- Open the fee calculator.
- Review SB2 exemption-cover-sheet requirements.
- Choose the accepted filing method.
4. Recording Requirements and Transfer Taxes
APN, Tax Rate Area, original signatures, PCOR and Documentary Transfer Tax Affidavit.
- Review the applicable legal-document requirements.
- Check the transfer-tax declaration and affidavit.
- Find the PCOR form where needed.
- Confirm that all required pages and payments are included.
5. Assessor Property Search
Identify property by address, APN or PIN before researching deeds.
- Choose Property Address, APN or PIN.
- Enter street number and street name for an address lookup.
- Open the matching parcel.
- Use the parcel and owner information to guide the deed search.
6. Official Office Locations
Gateway, Downtown Riverside, Palm Desert, Hemet, Temecula and Blythe.
- Select the location closest to the property owner or requester.
- Verify the exact service is offered there.
- Check office hours and appointment information.
- Use Gateway for older-record or map-recording tasks as directed.
What Should You Do After Finding a Riverside County Deed?
If You Found the Correct Deed
Save the document number and date. Order the underlying copy or certification only when needed for your intended use.
If Names or Property Details Differ
Compare the recorded instrument with the Assessor parcel. Do not assume an index or assessment discrepancy automatically invalidates a deed.
If a Lien or Deed of Trust Appears
Search associated releases or reconveyances. Ask a title professional if you need to establish whether a particular interest remains effective.
If You Need to Record a New Instrument
Prepare the document, complete tax declarations and PCOR as applicable, use the official fee calculator and follow the county’s accepted recording procedure.
Riverside County Recorder Search FAQs
1. Can I search Riverside County deeds online?
Yes. Riverside County provides an Official Records Search with name, document number, document type, map/book-page and advanced search options. The index helps identify documents for viewing or ordering.
2. How do I search a Riverside County deed by owner name?
Open Official Records Search, select Name Search and enter the recorded party’s name. The county’s exact-match help instructs users to enter last name first without punctuation. Wildcard search offers broader matches.
3. Can I find a Riverside County deed using a street address?
Start with the county’s Assessor Property Search to identify the parcel, APN and owner. Then use the Recorder’s name or instrument search to locate the recorded document.
4. How much is a Riverside County recorded deed copy?
The Recorder’s Official Records copy fee is $8 for the first page plus $1 for each additional page. Certification costs an additional $2 per document. Online card fees or delivery costs may also apply.
5. Can I request certified Riverside County deed copies online?
Yes. Search the Official Records portal, select the correct document and add a certified copy to your shopping cart. Complete shipping information and payment through the county’s checkout process.
6. Where is the main Riverside County Recorder office?
The Riverside Gateway location is at 2724 Gateway Drive, Riverside, CA 92507. Its phone number is (951) 486-7000. The county also provides Recorder services at several other locations.
7. How far back can I search Riverside County recorded documents?
The county states that public research computers at its offices allow searches from 1975 onward. For records from 1974 and earlier, use the Gateway Riverside office.
8. Can I order Riverside County recorded documents by mail?
Yes. Send the county’s Official Records copy application and payment to Riverside County Clerk-Recorder, Attn: Certified Section, P.O. Box 751, Riverside, CA 92502-0751. Mail processing generally averages one to two weeks.
9. Is Riverside County’s Clerk Records search the same as the Recorder search?
No. The Official Records search is for deeds, liens and other recorded real-property documents. The separate Clerk Records search covers categories such as fictitious business names, notaries and registrations, with different copy fees.
10. Do I need to pay a private company for a copy of my Riverside County deed?
No. Riverside County stated in a March 25, 2026 notice that official copies are available directly from the Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder. Verify any unsolicited paid document notice before sending money.
Sources and Independent Publication Notice
Information reviewed: October 23, 2026.
This guide is based on the Riverside County Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder’s official recorded-document search, copy-order instructions, recording requirements, branch locations and March 25, 2026 public warning.
Primary sources: Official Records Search · Copy Orders and Fees · Recording Requirements · Office Locations · 2026 Property Records Warning.
This independent educational website is not affiliated with Riverside County Government, the Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder or the State of California. It does not issue certified government records or provide a title examination or legal advice. Confirm fees, branch services and current requirements with the responsible official office.
This website is not a consumer reporting agency. Property records should not be used as a substitute for legally compliant employment, tenant, credit or insurance screening.