Sacramento County Recorder Search: Deeds, Public Records, Fees & Office Guide
Need to find a recorded grant deed, deed of trust, reconveyance, assignment or property lien in Sacramento County? The Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder maintains an online index of recorded documents dating back to 1849.
The index helps identify official recording information, but it does not display the document itself. Copies must be ordered through the Clerk/Recorder or viewed at an office location.
This guide explains the official search, deed-copy requests, the two Sacramento office locations, same-day recording cutoff, 2026 recording fees, California SB 2 charges, PCOR requirements and documentary transfer tax.
Official county resources • 2026 fee schedule • California deed recording requirements
Where Can You Search Sacramento County Property Deeds?
Use the Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder’s Online Index of Recorded Documents to find deeds, deeds of trust, reconveyances, assignments and liens. Use the County Assessor for assessment information and parcel identification, and the Tax Collector for property-tax payments.
Clerk/Recorder
Use for recording references and copies of filed instruments.
- Grant and quitclaim deeds
- Deeds of trust
- Reconveyances
- Assignments
- Property liens
County Assessor
Use for property identification and assessment questions.
- Assessor’s Parcel Number
- Assessed value
- Property characteristics
- Change in ownership reporting
- Assessment exemptions
Tax Collector or Court
Use the correct agency for matters outside land recording.
- Property-tax bills and payments
- Delinquent property taxes
- Divorce decrees
- Probate court files
- Court orders
Sacramento County Recorder Offices: Addresses, Hours and Contact
Sacramento County lists two Clerk/Recorder locations. The main office provides a same-day recording submission window; the South satellite office accepts recordings but processes them through the main office.
Main Clerk/Recorder Office
Address:
3636 American River Drive, Suite 110
Sacramento, CA 95864
General phone: (916) 874-6334
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Same-day recording submissions: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–3:00 PM, excluding holidays, provided requirements are satisfied.
Documents deposited after 3:00 PM are recorded the next business day under the county’s stated procedure.
Main Office Directions ↗South Satellite Office
Address: 8239 E. Stockton Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95828
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Phone: (916) 874-6334
Important: Same-day recording is not available at this location. The county says documents accepted there are recorded in approximately two business days at the main office. Recording fees at the South office must be paid by cash or check.
Open South Office Google Maps ↗How to Search Sacramento County Recorded Documents Online
The Clerk/Recorder’s public index covers recordings from 1849 onward. The search is designed to identify official record references; it does not provide public access to the actual document image.
Open the Official Recorded-Document Index
Visit the county’s Online Index of Recorded Documents and follow its Perform a Search link.
Open Recorder Search ↗Collect Owner and Recording Clues
Start with the grantor or grantee name, business or trust name, approximate year of recording, and any book/page or recording number from a prior document.
Search by Party Name and Year
Use the index search controls to locate recordings associated with a party’s name and recording period. If a full-name search fails, try reasonable spelling variations or a prior owner’s name.
Identify the Correct Document Type
Distinguish grant deeds from deeds of trust, reconveyances, assignments and liens. A deed of trust is a security instrument, not the same as a deed transferring property ownership.
Save the Recording Reference
Record the names, recording date, document type and available book/page or document-identification information. Sacramento County’s copy ordering instructions use the online index to obtain the references needed for a request.
Order or View the Actual Document
The online index will not show the recorded document itself. To review the instrument, order a copy or visit an office that provides document viewing. Contact (916) 874-6334 for the official copy process.
Which Sacramento County Document Do You Need?
| Recorded Document | Typical Purpose | Research Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Grant Deed | Conveys an interest in California real property. | Compare grantor, grantee and property description. |
| Quitclaim Deed | Transfers whatever interest the grantor may have. | Does not by itself establish that the grantor held clear title. |
| Deed of Trust | Secures an obligation involving real estate. | Search later reconveyance and assignment records. |
| Full Reconveyance | Generally documents release of a deed-of-trust security interest. | Match the reference to the original deed of trust. |
| Assignment of Deed of Trust | Transfers an interest in the secured instrument. | Does not establish that a loan has been repaid. |
| Mechanic’s Lien | Records a qualifying claim associated with property improvements. | Check related release and legal records. |
| Abstract of Judgment | May create a judgment lien under California law. | Check identity carefully when names are common. |
How to Get a Sacramento County Deed Copy or Certified Copy
Sacramento County’s recorded-document copies service offers requests by mail, fax, telephone and in person. For mailed or faxed requests, use the county’s order form and identify the document in the index first.
Prepare Your Request
- Party names shown in the index
- Document type
- Year or date of recording
- Book and page or other document reference
- Number of pages, if known
- Whether certification is required
Copy Costs
Uncertified copy: $8 first page plus $1 each additional page.
Certified copy: $9 first page plus $1 each additional page.
In-person self-service uncertified copy: $1 per page, where available.
Phone: (916) 874-6334
How to Record a Grant Deed or Quitclaim Deed in Sacramento County
Sacramento County publishes a specific checklist for documents transferring real-property ownership. A deed needs more than an owner’s signature: parcel identification, acknowledgment, tax statements and change-of-ownership reporting can all affect recording.
Confirm the Land Is in Sacramento County
Check the legal description and Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN). The Recorder handles instruments affecting real property located within Sacramento County.
Prepare the Correct Legal Deed
Include the grantor and grantee names, property description, APN, appropriate execution and notarial acknowledgment. The county identifies grant deeds and quitclaim deeds as common transfer instruments.
The Recorder cannot select a deed form or give advice about legal ownership consequences.
Add Return and Tax Statement Addresses
Include the “When recorded mail to” address and the mailing address for future tax statements. Sacramento County also asks whether the property is inside an incorporated city or unincorporated area.
Complete the Preliminary Change of Ownership Report
A Preliminary Change of Ownership Report (PCOR), Form BOE-502-A, must accompany applicable ownership-transfer documents. Sacramento County lists a $20 additional charge if the required PCOR is missing.
Check Documentary Transfer Tax and SB 2
The county documentary transfer tax generally uses $0.55 per $500 or fraction when qualifying taxable consideration exceeds $100. Additional City of Sacramento transfer tax can apply when property is within the city. A separate $75 SB 2 fee may also apply to certain recording instruments unless a statutory exemption is properly claimed.
Submit the Document and Correct Payment
Submit in person at 3636 American River Drive, Suite 110, or mail the document with a check or money order payable to Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder. The county provides same-day recording for qualifying in-person or electronic documents received before 3:00 PM.
Document Formatting and Rejection Prevention
Prepare Before Submitting
- Use legible document pages.
- Show the document title immediately below the reserved recording area on the first page.
- Maintain required page margins.
- Check party names and property description.
- Complete notarial acknowledgment where required.
- Include the PCOR when required.
- Declare documentary transfer tax or the appropriate exemption.
Special Formatting Costs
The 2026 fee schedule lists a $3 surcharge per page when a document contains a nonstandard page. The maximum recordable page size is 8½ × 14 inches.
The county’s recording rules explain that a compliant lead sheet may be necessary if the document does not provide required recording space or title placement; normal recording fees apply to the added page.
Multiple document titles and additional cross-references can also increase recording fees.
Sacramento County Recorder Fees and Documentary Transfer Tax
The following charges come from Sacramento County’s Recorder fee schedule effective January 1, 2026. Some fees depend on statutory exemptions, document classification and local tax rules.
| Item | Published Charge | When It Applies |
|---|---|---|
| Standard first page/title | $20 | Basic 8½ × 11 recording. |
| Additional standard page | $3 | Each subsequent page of a standard-size document. |
| Additional document title | $20 | Each additional recordable title, subject to other applicable fees. |
| SB 2 fee | $75 when applicable | Some real-property recordings; exemptions and statutory caps apply. |
| Document exempt from fraud prosecution fee | $14 first page/title | Special fee classification; not the normal $20 document rate. |
| Nonstandard page surcharge | $3 per page | When any page in the document is not standard 8½ × 11. |
| Involuntary lien notice | $13 | Per applicable judgment debtor or owner. |
| County documentary transfer tax | $0.55 per $500 or fraction | Generally on qualifying taxable consideration exceeding $100. |
| Required PCOR not submitted | $20 | Applicable transfer without required ownership report. |
| Ordered uncertified copy | $8 first page + $1 additional | Staff-processed official-record copy orders. |
| Ordered certified copy | $9 first page + $1 additional | Certified copy of a recorded document. |
| Self-service uncertified copy | $1 per page | Self-service in-person copying where available. |
Sacramento County Deed Recording Fee Estimator
This calculator estimates a single standard-size recorded instrument with one title, optional SB 2 charge, PCOR charge and county documentary transfer tax. It does not determine exemptions or include the City of Sacramento’s separate transfer tax.
Assumptions: $20 first page/title, $3 each additional standard page, optional $75 SB 2, optional $20 PCOR charge, $3 per page when a nonstandard page triggers the surcharge, and county documentary transfer tax of $0.55 for each $500 or fraction of qualifying taxable consideration above $100. The calculator excludes city transfer taxes, unusual instrument fees, additional titles, indexing charges and payment processing fees.
County Documentary Transfer Tax vs City of Sacramento Transfer Tax
Sacramento County’s documentary transfer tax is generally calculated at $0.55 for every $500 or fraction of qualifying taxable consideration. The county’s fee schedule says this tax generally applies when taxable consideration exceeds $100.
Illustrative County Tax
Taxable consideration: $500,000
Units: 1,000 increments of $500
County documentary transfer tax: $550
Assumes an ordinary taxable conveyance without an applicable exemption.
When the Property Is Inside Sacramento City
The city collects a separate real property transfer tax under its municipal code. This can be in addition to the county amount.
Use the property’s actual jurisdiction, not just its Sacramento mailing address, to determine whether the city tax may apply.
Read County Transfer Tax FAQ ↗Recording Deadlines, Payment Rules and Return of Documents
| Situation | County Procedure | Practical Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Main office before 3 PM | Qualifying documents received in person or electronically before 3 PM are recorded the same day. | Allow time for review and payment. |
| Main office after 3 PM | Documents are recorded the next business day. | Use cash or check for recording payment. |
| South satellite office | Accepted recordings are processed through the main office in about two business days. | Cash or check is required. |
| Mailing a deed | Mail to Sacramento County Recorder, 3636 American River Drive, Suite 110, Sacramento, CA 95864. | Include a check or money order payable to Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder. |
| Document return | The county says recorded documents are mailed back within 10 working days after recording. | Keep copies and provide a clear return mailing address. |
Sacramento County Recorder Search and Office Resources
These official links are organized by what a visitor needs to do next. Start with the online index for document research, the recording rules for new submissions, and the fee schedule for payment.
1. Online Index of Recorded Documents
Search recorded deeds, deeds of trust, reconveyances, assignments and liens.
- Open the county index page.
- Select Perform a Search.
- Search by available party and recording information.
- Save the document references for a copy request.
2. Recorded Document Copies
Order certified and uncertified deed copies.
- Find the document in the online index.
- Collect book/page or other available references.
- Choose an order form, telephone request or office visit.
- Confirm certification and copy fees.
3. Transferring Ownership of Real Property
County requirements for grant deeds, quitclaim deeds and PCOR.
- Review grantor, grantee and parcel-identification requirements.
- Check signature and notary acknowledgment.
- Complete the Preliminary Change of Ownership Report.
- Review transfer tax and record in person or by mail.
4. Official Recorder Fee Schedule
January 2026 recording charges and fee categories.
- Identify the document type and number of titles.
- Count pages and check page size.
- Review SB 2 and other statutory fees.
- Confirm documentary transfer tax and any city tax.
5. Office Locations, Hours and Holidays
Main office and South satellite service details.
- Choose the main or South office.
- Check its hours and holiday closure information.
- Confirm same-day or delayed recording availability.
- Check the payment restriction before visiting.
6. Rules for Recorded Documents
Page margins, title placement, legibility and formatting.
- Review the first-page recording area and document title.
- Check required page margins and legibility.
- Use the sample lead page if necessary.
- Check fees for nonstandard document pages.
7. Acceptable Payment Methods
Cash, check, cards, processing fees and recording exceptions.
- Check payment options for the service and location.
- Review the South office cash/check restriction.
- Review main-office after-3-PM recording payment requirements.
- Confirm any applicable card processing charge.
Choose the Right Sacramento County Property Records Service
| Your Goal | Recommended Step | Service |
|---|---|---|
| Find a recorded deed | Search owner or prior owner and recording period. | Online Recorded-Document Index |
| Get a certified deed | Find the reference, then order a certified copy. | Recorded Document Copies |
| Record a property transfer | Prepare deed, PCOR, tax declaration and payment. | Clerk/Recorder Main Office |
| Need same-day recording | Submit complete recording before 3 PM at the main office. | Main Office, American River Drive |
| Only know street address | Identify the APN and owner first. | County Assessor → Recorder |
| Need a mortgage payoff record | Search for a reconveyance or related recorded release. | Recorder Index / Title Professional |
| Need a divorce decree or probate file | Use court records, not the Recorder index. | Sacramento Superior Court |
Sacramento County Recorder Search FAQs
Can I search Sacramento County deeds online?
Yes. Sacramento County provides an online index of recorded documents dating back to 1849. Search results identify recordings, but the actual document images are not available through the public index.
How far back do Sacramento County recorded documents go?
The county’s online index covers recordings since 1849. Deeds and other historical instruments can be researched using the index and the Clerk/Recorder’s document-copy services.
Where is the Sacramento County Recorder’s main office?
The main Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder office is at 3636 American River Drive, Suite 110, Sacramento, CA 95864.
What is the Sacramento County Recorder phone number?
The Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder general information and recorded-document copies phone number is (916) 874-6334.
Does Sacramento County offer same-day deed recording?
Yes. Documents received at the main office in person or electronically before 3:00 PM on a business day are recorded the same day when they meet all requirements. Documents received after 3:00 PM are recorded the next business day under the county’s stated procedure.
Can I record a deed at Sacramento County’s South office?
Yes, the South satellite office at 8239 E. Stockton Boulevard accepts documents for recording. Same-day recording is not available there; accepted documents are processed at the main office in approximately two business days. Recording payments must be made by cash or check.
How much does it cost to record a deed in Sacramento County?
The county’s 2026 standard recording fee is $20 for the first page/title and $3 for each additional standard page. Extra title, SB 2, formatting, tax or other statutory charges may apply.
Is a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report required?
For applicable real-property ownership transfers, Sacramento County requires a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report, Form BOE-502-A. The county lists an additional $20 recording charge when the required report is not provided.
How much is Sacramento County documentary transfer tax?
The county documentary transfer tax generally uses $0.55 per $500 or fraction of qualifying taxable consideration when the taxable amount exceeds $100. A separate City of Sacramento real property transfer tax may also apply to property within the incorporated city.
How much does a certified Sacramento County deed copy cost?
The county lists certified recorded-document copies at $9 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. Uncertified staff-ordered copies cost $8 for the first page and $1 for each additional page.
Official Sources and Important Notices
This independent guide uses Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder pages for recorded-document indexing, deed ownership transfers, current fee schedules, copies, acceptable payments and office hours. The county’s official resources should control if fees or procedures change.
Nothing here is legal, tax or title advice. A recorder index does not determine clear title, the validity of a deed, mortgage priority or eligibility for tax exemptions. For title-sensitive transactions, obtain help from a qualified California attorney or title professional.
This resource is not a consumer reporting agency, and public-property records should not be used to make regulated employment, housing, credit or insurance eligibility decisions.