Riverside County CA Recorder: Deeds, Official Records, Copies & Recording Guide
The Riverside County Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder records deeds, deeds of trust, liens, reconveyances, homestead declarations, maps and other official records for real property located in Riverside County, California. The online self-service system can be used to search indexed recorder documents and order regular or certified copies.
This guide explains how to search Riverside County recorder records by name, document number, document type, map/book/page and advanced search, how to order deed copies, when to use the Assessor property search first, how to prepare a document for recording, and which Riverside, Palm Desert, Hemet, Temecula or Blythe office fits your task.
What Does the Riverside County Recorder Handle?
Use the Riverside County Recorder for recorded deeds, deeds of trust, liens, reconveyances, releases, homestead declarations, maps, official record copies and document recording. Use the Assessor side of ACR when your starting point is a street address, APN, PIN, assessed value, property characteristics, exemptions or property-tax assessment data.
County Clerk-Recorder
Best for recorded documents, official record copies, document recording, homestead declarations, DTT affidavit questions, PCOR routing and public inspection of recorder records.
Phone: 951-486-7000 or 800-696-9144
Assessor
Best for address-based property search, APN/PIN lookup, Tax Rate Area, ownership and value records for assessment purposes, exemptions and assessment roll questions.
Phone: 951-955-6200 or 800-746-1544
Treasurer-Tax Collector
Best for property-tax bills, tax payments, delinquent taxes, supplemental bills and tax-payment receipts. The Recorder does not collect ordinary property-tax bill payments.
Use the right office before paying fees or mailing documents.
How to Search Riverside County Recorder Deeds and Official Records
Riverside County’s self-service system offers Official Records Search and Copies. The recorder-document search supports name search, document number search, document type search, map type and book/page search, and advanced search. Pick the search path based on what you already know.
Use Recorder Search Only When You Have Document Clues
Start with the Recorder self-service search if you have a person name, business name, trust name, document number, document type, recording date range, map reference or legal-description clue.
If You Only Have an Address, Use Assessor Search First
The Assessor property-search tool supports APN, PIN and property address searches. For best address results, Riverside’s assessor search says to enter the street number and street name, such as 123 Main. Use that to find APN/PIN or assessment context before searching recorded documents.
Enter Individual Names Last Name First
The recorder-search help says individual names should be entered as last name, first name and middle initial, such as Smith James M. For a broader search, use a last name and first initial. Organization names should be entered as they are spelled.
Understand Exact Match vs Wildcard Search
Exact Match searches the name in the exact order you entered it. Wildcard searching behaves more like a search engine and can return broader matches. Advanced search operators can help with missing spelling, uncertain letters or starts-with searches.
Save the Document Number Before Ordering
After finding a likely deed, deed of trust, lien, reconveyance or map, save the document number, recording date, document title and parties. You will need those details to order a copy, track an order or verify a mailed notice.
Check the Document Itself Before Relying on the Index
A search result can identify a document, but the actual recorded document controls its legal language. Order the copy or review the official record before making a title, estate, refinance, lien or fraud decision.
Riverside County Recorder Search Fields Explained
Recorder results are document-index clues. They help you identify what was recorded, when it was recorded and which copy you may need.
| Search Field / Result Clue | What It Means | When to Use It | Riverside-Specific Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name Search | Searches indexed parties on recorder and clerk documents. | Use for owners, borrowers, lenders, trustees, trusts, companies, lien claimants and prior parties. | Enter individual names as Last First MI; use broader last-name/first-initial searches if needed. |
| Document Number | Exact recording identifier assigned to a recorded document. | Use when a deed, escrow paper, notice, title report or copy letter gives you the exact number. | Best way to avoid ordering the wrong copy when the names are common. |
| Document Type | Category such as deed, deed of trust, reconveyance, lien, notice, map or homestead declaration. | Use when you know the transaction type but not the exact number. | Pair document type with a date range or party name to reduce results. |
| Map Type and Book/Page | Search path for recorded maps and map book/page references. | Use when a legal description or assessor map refers to a recorded tract, parcel or map book/page. | Maps have separate recording requirements and map filings are handled at Gateway. |
| Legal Remarks / Legal Description | Index clues connected to property legal-description data. | Use when name search returns too many similar parties. | Advanced search supports operators, fuzzy search and proximity tools. |
| APN / PIN | Assessor parcel or property identifier, not always the best recorder-index starting point. | Use the Assessor property search first when you only know address or parcel information. | Riverside’s assessor search accepts APN, PIN and address; enter only the first 9 digits for Assessment Number/PIN. |
How to Order Riverside County Deed and Official Record Copies
Riverside ACR says recorded-document copies may be purchased online, by mail, by drop box or at a public service location. Regular and certified copies are available. Certified copies make the copy “as good as an original” for many official uses.
Online Copy Order
Find and select the document in the self-service system, provide name and shipping information, and pay online. The county lists average online processing time as 48 hours and says the record is mailed after completion.
Card note: online payment includes a 2.15% credit-card fee.
In-Person Copy Order
Search the index, add the record to the cart, choose “In Office” as the payment method and keep the SST order number. Book an appointment, bring payment, and the copy is usually available the same day unless the request needs extensive research.
Appointment note: appointments are recommended.
Mail Copy Order
Complete the official records application form. If you do not know the document number, attach a letter with document title/type, party names, estimated recording date and helpful information such as parcel number.
Mail timing: approximately 1–2 weeks after receipt.
| Copy Item | County-Listed Fee | Practical Note |
|---|---|---|
| First page of official record copy | $8.00 | Use this for the first page of each requested recorded document. |
| Each additional page | $1.00 | Applies to each additional page of the same document. |
| Certification of entire document | $2.00 | Use when a lender, court, agency or escrow process requires a certified copy. |
| Online credit-card payment | 2.15% fee | Listed by ACR for online official-record copy payments. |
| Mail payment | Exact fee or NTE check | Use “NTE” on the memo line with a designated amount if you are unsure of the exact copy fee. |
How to Record a Deed or Real Estate Document in Riverside County
Riverside County Recorder accepts documents authorized or required by California law to be recorded after proper fees and taxes are paid, required information is included, and the document is photographically reproducible. The Recorder cannot prepare your deed or give legal advice.
Prepare the Original Recordable Document
The property must be located in Riverside County, the document must be authorized or required by law to be recorded, signatures generally must be original unless the document is a certified public record copy, and the document must be legible enough to create a readable photographic record.
Check Notary Acknowledgment Requirements
Documents usually must be properly acknowledged unless exempt. Riverside’s recording-requirements page notes that California requires an all-purpose acknowledgment. Foreign-language documents have special translation and certification requirements before recording.
Include APN and TRA on Conveyances
Riverside County states that the Assessor’s Parcel Number and Tax Rate Area are required on conveyances by local ordinance. If you do not know the APN, use the Assessor property search. If you do not know the TRA/TAG, the ACR FAQ points users to the assessor property tool.
Attach PCOR for Property Transfers
A Preliminary Change of Ownership Report is required by state law for property transfers. Riverside ACR says a $20 fee is charged if the completed PCOR is not filed at the time of recording.
Calculate Documentary Transfer Tax
Documentary Transfer Tax is due on taxable conveyances over $100. Riverside County lists the rate as $0.55 per $500 or fractional portion of real property value, excluding liens or encumbrances already of record. Property located within the City of Riverside is listed at $1.10 per $500 or fractional portion.
Submit DTT Affidavit or Exemption Reason
Riverside requires a Documentary Transfer Tax Affidavit when DTT is paid or when an exemption is claimed. If no DTT is due, the recorder page says to enter “0” on the tax line and provide a valid exemption reason.
Use the Fee Calculator and Payment Rules
Use the county recording fee calculator before mailing or visiting. If mailing and you are unsure of the exact fee, include a Not To Exceed check with “NTE” and a designated amount on the memo line. Checks and money orders should be payable to Riverside County Recorder.
Mail, Drop Off or Visit an Office
Standard mail goes to Riverside County Recorder, P.O. Box 751, Riverside, CA 92502-0751. Overnight service goes to Riverside County Recorder, 2724 Gateway Drive, Riverside, CA 92507. In-person visits are available at public service locations, with appointments encouraged.
Riverside County Recorder Copy and Transfer Tax Estimator
This tool is for planning only. It does not include every recording fee, SB2/Building Homes and Jobs Act fee, nonconforming page fee, additional title fee, map fee, special handling fee, lien notice fee or document-specific requirement.
Copy estimate uses ACR’s listed $8 first page, $1 additional page and $2 certification fee. Basic recording estimate uses $14 first page and $3 additional-page assumptions shown in county fee materials; always use the official county fee calculator for final recording charges.
Riverside County Recorder Office Locations
Riverside ACR lists six public service locations. For recorder-heavy tasks, Riverside Gateway is the safest first choice because it is the main office, accepts recording services, accepts map recordings, and is the required location for older pre-1975 record research.
Riverside Gateway — Main Office
Address:
2724 Gateway Dr.
Riverside, CA 92507
Phone: 951-486-7000
Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Use for: document recording, map recordings, official record copies, older records, clerk-recorder services and main-office questions.
Open Gateway Map ↗Riverside Downtown
Address:
4080 Lemon St., 1st Floor
Riverside, CA 92501
Phone: 951-955-6200
Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Use for: document recording services, official record copies, assessor services and downtown Riverside access.
Palm Desert
Address:
38-686 El Cerrito Rd.
Palm Desert, CA 92211
Phone: 951-955-6200
Hours: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Mail warning: Palm Desert does not receive mail at its physical address. Use P.O. Box 751, Riverside, CA 92502 for correspondence.
Hemet, Temecula and Blythe
Hemet: 880 N. State St., Suite B-6, Hemet, CA 92543-1496; 8:00 am – 4:30 pm.
Temecula: 41002 County Center Dr. #230, Temecula, CA 92591-6027; 8:00 am – 4:30 pm.
Blythe: 270 N. Broadway, Blythe, CA 92225; Tuesday and Thursday, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm.
Riverside County Deed Fraud and Property Record Notice Warnings
Riverside County has two separate warning issues property owners should understand: county courtesy notices after certain recordings, and private-company letters requesting payment for property records or deed copies.
Courtesy Notice
Riverside ACR says it began issuing Courtesy Notices when a deed, deed of trust or similar document is recorded. If you recognize the transaction, no further action may be needed.
Unexpected Recording
If you receive a courtesy notice and you are unaware of the recording, the county encourages contacting the Riverside County District Attorney’s Real Estate Fraud Unit.
Fraud hotline: 877-723-7779
Private Payment Letters
Riverside County warned that some letters referencing property records or deed copies are from private companies, not the county. Official copies are available directly from ACR.
Why a Riverside County Recorder Search May Not Find the Deed
Search Fixes to Try
- Enter individual names as Last First MI, not first-name first.
- Try a broader last-name and first-initial search.
- Search organization names exactly as they are spelled.
- Use wildcard or advanced operators when spelling is uncertain.
- Search document number if a title report or notice gives one.
- Use Assessor property search first if you only have address, APN or PIN.
- Use Gateway Riverside for records from 1974 and earlier.
Common Mistakes
- Using the recorder index as a complete title report.
- Trying to pay property taxes through Recorder pages.
- Mailing cash for copies or recordings.
- Recording a transfer deed without PCOR when required.
- Claiming DTT exemption without a valid reason and affidavit.
- Sending Palm Desert correspondence to the physical office instead of the Riverside P.O. Box.
- Paying private deed-copy notices without verifying with ACR.
Official Riverside County Recorder Links
Use these official resources for live searches, copy orders, recording requirements, fee estimates, forms, office locations, real estate fraud information and assessor-property lookup.
Riverside ACR Official Website
Main Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder website for assessment, recorder, clerk, copy, recording and contact services.
- After opening this link, use the site search or Recording Services menu.
- Choose Recorder services for deeds, liens, copies, recording requirements or fee calculator.
- Choose Assessor services for APN, PIN, property address, assessed value or exemptions.
- Use Contact Us if a mailed notice, record search or fee question is unclear.
Official Records Search and Copies
Official self-service search system for recorder document searches and copy orders.
- After opening this link, select Name Search, Document Number Search, Document Type Search, Map Type and Book/Page Search or Advanced Search.
- Use Last First MI order for individual names.
- Review document type, recording date and parties before adding a copy to your cart.
- Do not order until you are confident the document is correct; county copy pages warn that no refunds are issued once copies are made.
Obtaining Record Copies
Official ACR page for regular/certified official record copies, online orders, mail orders, drop box and in-person options.
- After opening this link, review the $8 first-page, $1 additional-page and $2 certification fees.
- For online copies, find the document, provide shipping information and pay.
- For in-person copies, select “In Office,” keep the SST number and schedule an appointment.
- For mail copies, include the official record application, payment and enough document details for staff to identify the record.
Document Recording Services
Official page for recording in person, by mail, by drop box and through document-recording services.
- After opening this link, review in-person, mail and drop-box instructions.
- Prepare your document before presenting it because Recorder employees cannot prepare it for you.
- Use the fee calculator and include an SB2 cover sheet if applicable.
- Use P.O. Box 751 for USPS mail or 2724 Gateway Drive for overnight courier service.
Recording Requirements
Official ACR page for legal recording requirements, DTT declaration, DTT affidavit, PCOR and re-recording rules.
- After opening this link, confirm the property is in Riverside County.
- Check document legibility, original signatures, acknowledgment, return address, APN and TRA requirements.
- Calculate DTT and complete a DTT Affidavit if tax is paid or exemption is claimed.
- Attach PCOR for property transfers or expect the additional $20 fee when required.
Recording Fee Calculator
Official ACR estimate tool for recording fees before mailing or submitting a document.
- After opening this link, answer whether the document has more than one title.
- Enter page count and whether all pages are 8.5 × 11.
- Continue through DTT, SB2, PCOR and special-fee prompts.
- Use the final estimate before preparing an NTE check or visiting an office.
Recorder and Assessor Forms
Official forms page for ACR515, ACR521, ACR195, BOE502A, recorder cover sheet, grant deed samples, quitclaim deed samples and related forms.
- After opening this link, scroll to Recorder Forms.
- Download Application for Copy of Official Records if ordering by mail.
- Download Documentary Transfer Tax Affidavit ACR521 and DTT Information Sheet ACR195 for transfer-tax work.
- Download Preliminary Change of Ownership Report BOE502A for property transfers.
Assessor Property Search
Official assessment roll search for APN, PIN and property address lookup before recorder-document research.
- After opening this link, select property search or search by APN, PIN or property address.
- For address searches, enter only street number and street name for best results.
- For Assessment Number/PIN, enter only the first 9 digits and omit the dash and final digit.
- Use APN/PIN and assessment context to refine recorder searches.
Office Locations
Official ACR page listing Riverside Gateway, Riverside Downtown, Palm Desert, Hemet, Temecula and Blythe addresses, hours and services.
- After opening this link, choose the location closest to your property or service need.
- Check whether that location offers Document Recording Services and Obtain Record Copies.
- Book an appointment if visiting in person.
- Use Gateway for pre-1975 record research or map filings.
Real Estate Fraud
Official ACR resource for courtesy notices, foreclosure advisory letters and DA Real Estate Fraud Unit direction.
- After opening this link, read the Courtesy Notice explanation.
- If you recognize the transaction, keep the notice with your property records.
- If you do not recognize the transaction, collect the document number and contact the DA Real Estate Fraud Unit.
- Do not ignore unexpected deed, deed of trust, notice of default or lien activity.
What Should You Do Next?
| Your Situation | Best Office / Tool | Next Action |
|---|---|---|
| You need a copy of a deed, lien, deed of trust or reconveyance. | Official Records Search and Copies | Search by name, document number, document type or advanced fields, then order a regular or certified copy. |
| You only have a street address. | Assessor Property Search | Find APN/PIN and ownership/assessment context first, then use recorder search for recorded documents. |
| You need to record a deed or transfer document. | Recording Requirements + Fee Calculator | Prepare the deed, acknowledgment, APN, TRA, PCOR, DTT affidavit and fees before mailing or visiting. |
| You need older records from 1974 or earlier. | Riverside Gateway Office | Plan Gateway in-office research because ACR says pre-1975 records are searched there. |
| You received a suspicious deed-copy payment letter. | ACR Contact / Official Copy Page | Verify with Riverside ACR before paying, because the county says some notices are private-company solicitations. |
| You received a courtesy notice for an unknown deed or deed of trust. | Real Estate Fraud Resource + DA Hotline | Order/view the document, save the document number and contact official/legal help quickly. |
Riverside County Recorder FAQs
How do I search Riverside County deeds online?
Use Riverside County ACR’s Official Records Search and Copies self-service system. Choose Name Search, Document Number Search, Document Type Search, Map Type and Book/Page Search or Advanced Search depending on what information you have.
How should I enter a name in the Riverside County recorder search?
The official search help says individual names should be entered as last name, first name and middle initial, such as Smith James M. For a broader search, use a last name and first initial. Organization names should be entered as they are spelled.
Can I search Riverside County recorder records by address?
Recorder research is usually better by name, document number, document type, recording date or map/book/page. If you only have an address, start with the Assessor property search, which supports APN, PIN and property address searches, then return to recorder records once you have better document clues.
How far back do Riverside County recorder records go online?
The official document-search page shows recorder documents indexed from January 1, 1974 through recent current-year records. The copy page also says records back to 1975 may be searched on computers at any office, while records from 1974 and earlier are searched at the Riverside Gateway location.
How much does a Riverside County official record copy cost?
Riverside ACR lists $8 for the first page, $1 for each additional page and $2 for certification of the entire document. Online payment also includes a 2.15% credit-card fee. Always verify the current fee before ordering.
How do I order a certified copy of a Riverside County deed?
Find the document in the official search system, add it to the cart and choose the certified-copy option if available. Copies may also be requested by mail using the official records application form or obtained in person at an ACR public service location.
What is a PCOR in Riverside County recording?
PCOR means Preliminary Change of Ownership Report. Riverside ACR says a PCOR is required by state law for property transfers and that a $20 fee is charged if the completed form is not filed at the time of recording.
What is the Riverside County Documentary Transfer Tax rate?
Riverside County lists Documentary Transfer Tax at $0.55 per $500 or fractional portion of real property value for taxable conveyances over $100, excluding liens or encumbrances already of record. Property located within the City of Riverside is listed at $1.10 per $500 or fractional portion.
Where is the Riverside County Recorder main office?
The Riverside Gateway main office is at 2724 Gateway Dr., Riverside, CA 92507. Riverside ACR lists the phone number as 951-486-7000 and hours as 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. This is the safest first office for complex recorder work, older records and map filings.
Is this website the official Riverside County Recorder?
No. County-Appraisal-District.org is an independent educational resource. The official Riverside County Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder website is rivcoacr.org, and the official self-service search is operated by Riverside County ACR.
Independent Educational Guide
County-Appraisal-District.org is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with Riverside County, the Riverside County Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder, the Riverside County District Attorney, the California Attorney General, any title company, escrow company or law firm.
Recorder index results, deed copies, recording acceptance, transfer taxes, PCOR requirements, SB2 fees, title status, legal ownership, lien priority, fraud investigations and property-tax matters are controlled by official agencies and applicable California law. This article is not legal advice, tax advice, title advice or a substitute for a title report.
Public property and owner records 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.