San Bernardino County CA Recorder: Deeds, Official Records, Copies & Recording Guide
The San Bernardino County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk records deeds, deeds of trust, liens, releases, maps and other official public records for real property in San Bernardino County, California. The county’s official public records index is useful for finding document numbers, recording dates, document titles, grantors and grantees.
This guide explains how to search the Recorder-County Clerk index, why you usually cannot search deeds by property address, how to order certified or non-certified copies, how to prepare a deed for recording, which San Bernardino or Hesperia office to use, and what to do after opening each official county link.
What Does the San Bernardino County Recorder Do?
The San Bernardino County Recorder-County Clerk records and indexes official public documents, including many real estate documents. For deeds and recorded land records, start with the Official Public Records – Recorder’s Index. For assessed value, APN details, exemptions or tax-roll property information, use the Assessor side of ARC instead.
Recorder-County Clerk
Use this office for recorded deeds, deeds of trust, liens, releases, maps, official record copies, recording appointments and document recording questions.
Main phone: 909-387-8306
Assessor
Use the Assessor for assessed value, parcel information, APN/property map research, exemptions, assessment roll data and property-tax value questions.
Assessor services: 909-387-8307
Not Court or Tax Collector
The Recorder page says it does not provide passports, divorce filings, court records or traffic tickets. Tax payments are handled through the Auditor-Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector.
Use the right office before paying a fee.
How to Search San Bernardino County Recorder Deeds and Official Records
San Bernardino’s recorder search is not the same as an address-based property search. Official records are indexed by document information and names, especially grantor and grantee names. For a deed history or chain of title, start with the current owner’s name and match documents by legal description.
Start With the Right Search Type
Open the Recorder-County Clerk Self-Service portal when you have a party name, document number, recording date range or document title. Do not start there if all you have is a street address.
If You Only Have an Address, Use Assessor Property Information First
The county says the Recorder-County Clerk does not have names of property ownership by address. Use the Assessor Property Information page or Assessor Parcel Access map to identify the parcel/APN and ownership context, then return to the recorder index for recorded documents.
Accept the Portal Disclaimer
The official portal disclaimer says the index is a guide and that data can change without notice. It also advises searching all possible spelling variations of names and other criteria to maximize results.
Search Grantor and Grantee Names Separately
For chain-of-title research, the county explains that a buyer is usually the grantee and a seller is usually the grantor. Look for the current owner as grantee, match the legal description, then use the prior grantor’s name as the next grantee to work backward.
Write Down the Document Number
The county advises noting each transaction and recording the book/page and/or document number. You will need those details to order a copy or continue research at a public kiosk.
Understand the Image Limitation
The official index does not allow online viewing of actual document images. The county says document contents may be viewed by visiting the Hall of Records Recorder-Clerk office in San Bernardino or the High Desert Government Center in Hesperia.
What You May See in a San Bernardino Recorder Index Result
A recorder index result is not a full title report. Use it to identify recorded documents and decide which copy or in-office research step is needed next.
| Field or Clue | What It Means | Why It Matters | Next Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Document Number | Unique recorded-document identifier assigned by the Recorder. | Needed for copy requests and exact follow-up. | Save it before leaving the portal. |
| Document Date / Recording Date | Date tied to the document or the recording event. | Helps separate old liens, releases, refinances and transfers. | Compare with sale, refinance or transfer timeline. |
| Document Title | Example categories can include deed, deed of trust, reconveyance, lien, release, notice or map. | Shows what type of transaction may have occurred. | Order/view the document for actual terms. |
| Grantor | Often the seller, borrower, lien claimant or releasing party depending on document type. | Important for chain-of-title research. | Search spelling variations and related entities. |
| Grantee | Often the buyer, lender, beneficiary or receiving party depending on document type. | Helps trace ownership transfers backward. | Match with legal description before assuming it is your parcel. |
| Legal Description | Property description such as tract, lot, subdivision, section, township or range. | More precise than a street address for chain-of-title work. | Use it to confirm you have the correct document. |
How to Order San Bernardino County Deed and Official Record Copies
San Bernardino County allows official public record copy requests online, by mail and in person. Non-certified copies requested online are emailed to the provided email address, while certified copy requests are shipped to the shipping address listed on the request.
Online Copy Request
Use the official online system after identifying the document in the recorder index. The county’s processing page lists online official public record copies at approximately 2 business days.
Payment note: online credit-card payments include a 3.5% surcharge.
Mail Copy Request
Complete the county copy request form and mail it with payment to San Bernardino County, 222 W. Hospitality Lane, 1st Floor, San Bernardino, CA 92415-0022.
Timing note: county pages describe mail copy processing as a few business days to one or two weeks depending on request handling and receipt.
In-Person Viewing
Actual document images are not displayed online. Visit the San Bernardino Hall of Records or Hesperia High Desert Government Center to view document contents through public access options.
Appointment note: appointments are strongly encouraged and prioritized.
| Copy Item | County-Listed Fee | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| First page | $4.00 | For official public record copy requests. |
| Each subsequent page after first | $1.50 | Count pages before estimating total. |
| Certificate under seal | $1.50 per page | Used when a certified copy is required. |
| USPS Standard Mail fee effective 07/01/2026 | $3.50 | Mail fees can change; verify current schedule before mailing. |
| USPS Priority Mail fee effective 07/01/2026 | $29.00 | Use express/prepaid envelope options when speed matters. |
How to Record a Deed or Real Estate Document in San Bernardino County
The Recorder-County Clerk accepts documents authorized or required by California law to be recorded when proper fees and taxes are paid and the document contains required information and is photographically reproducible. The office cannot choose, draft or correct legal documents for you.
Prepare the Original Document
Make sure the document is recordable in San Bernardino County and that the first page has the required top space for the requestor/return address and recorder use. If it does not comply, a conforming cover sheet may be needed and counted as an additional page.
Attach the Preliminary Change of Ownership Report When Required
State law requires a completed Preliminary Change of Ownership Report to be filed concurrently with recording a document that results in a change in ownership of real property. If the form is not filed when required, the recorder charges an additional $20 fee.
Include the Documentary Transfer Tax Declaration
Documentary Transfer Tax is collected at recording for taxable conveyances. San Bernardino County explains that all conveyances need a DTT declaration and that a dollar amount alone is not an acceptable declaration.
Estimate Fees Before Submitting
The county provides a fee calculator for document recording. It asks questions about page standards, DA fraud fee, survey monument fee, DTT, Building Homes and Jobs Act fee, Restrictive Covenant Modification fee, PCOR and involuntary lien notice fees.
Use the Correct Payment Method
Checks should be payable to San Bernardino County Recorder. The county accepts Not To Exceed checks, but the NTE amount must be written on the memo line. Temporary checks are not accepted; checks must have the name and address preprinted.
Mail or Book an Appointment
Mail original completed documents and fees to San Bernardino County Recorder, 222 W. Hospitality Lane, 1st Floor, San Bernardino, CA 92415-0022. For in-person recording, appointments are strongly encouraged and prioritized.
San Bernardino Recorder Copy and Basic Recording Fee Estimator
This tool is only an educational estimate. It does not include every California or county recording fee, transfer tax, SB2/Building Homes and Jobs Act fee, restrictive covenant fee, survey monument fee, PCOR penalty, lien notice fee or special document charge.
Copy estimate uses $4 first page, $1.50 each additional page, and optional $1.50 per page certificate estimate. Basic recording estimate uses $14 or $24 first page and $3 each additional page. Use the official county fee calculator before recording any document.
San Bernardino County Recorder Office Locations
Public official records and recorder-clerk services are available at the main Hall of Records in San Bernardino and at the High Desert Government Center in Hesperia. Map copies may only be purchased at the San Bernardino Hall of Records location.
Hall of Records: Recorder-Clerk
Address:
222 W. Hospitality Lane, 1st Floor
San Bernardino, CA 92415
Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Phone: 909-387-8306
Toll free: 855-732-2575
Use for: document recording, official record searches/copies, map copies, vital records, marriage services and FBN services.
Open Hall of Records Page ↗High Desert Government Center: Recorder-Clerk
Address:
15900 Smoke Tree Street, 1st Floor
Hesperia, CA 92345
Hours: 8:00 am – 11:00 am and 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Phone: 909-387-8306
Use for: document recording, official records, vital records, marriage services and FBN services for High Desert users.
Open Hesperia Office Page ↗Why a San Bernardino Recorder Search May Not Find the Deed
Search Fixes to Try
- Search all spelling variations of grantor and grantee names.
- Try maiden names, trust names, business names and prior owner names.
- Remove punctuation and middle initials if the first search fails.
- Search by document number if you found it on a tax, title or escrow document.
- Use the assessor property page first if you only have an address or APN.
Common Mistakes
- Expecting online deed images to display in the public index.
- Assuming a recorder index result proves current legal ownership.
- Searching the recorder by street address instead of names/document data.
- Missing required PCOR or DTT language when recording a transfer document.
- Using an unofficial impersonation website instead of arc.sbcounty.gov.
Deed Fraud, Lien Letters and Website Impersonation Warnings
Recorded documents can affect ownership, liens and lending. San Bernardino County has published multiple public warnings related to real estate fraud, deceiving lien letters and unauthorized impersonation websites.
Use the Official ARC Domain
San Bernardino County ARC warned the public in 2026 about an unauthorized website impersonating the department. The official ARC website is arc.sbcounty.gov.
Watch for Lien Payment Letters
If you receive a suspicious lien-payment letter, verify the recorded document through the official recorder records page or by visiting the San Bernardino or Hesperia recorder offices before paying.
Report Real Estate Fraud
The San Bernardino County District Attorney maintains a real estate fraud unit. If a forged or fraudulent deed appears to affect your property, collect the document number and contact appropriate official/legal help quickly.
Official San Bernardino County Recorder Links
These are the official county resources to use for deed searches, record copies, document recording, fee estimates, property lookup, processing times and public records requests.
Official Public Records – Recorder’s Index
Best starting point for San Bernardino County recorded deeds, liens, releases and other official public record index searches.
- After opening this link, read the county’s index limitation before searching.
- Use the online order/search link if you need to identify or order a recorded document.
- Do not expect document images to display online; plan an office visit if you need to view contents.
- Save the document number, date, title and grantor/grantee names for copy requests.
Recorder-County Clerk Self-Service Portal
Official portal for public access to the Recorder-County Clerk index and online copy ordering.
- After opening this link, read the disclaimer and accept only if you agree.
- Search possible spelling variations of names as the county advises.
- Try grantor and grantee searches separately for chain-of-title research.
- Use document number searches when you already have an exact recording number.
Assessor Property Information
Use this when your starting point is an address, APN, assessed value, property map or assessment data instead of a recorded-document name search.
- After opening this link, use the Assessor’s Parcel Access application or property information resources.
- Find the APN, assessed-value context or property map first.
- Then return to recorder records if you need recorded deed or lien documents.
- Remember that assessor data does not determine legal ownership.
Document Recording
Official county instructions for preparing, mailing or bringing a deed or other recordable document to the Recorder.
- After opening this link, confirm your document is recordable and photographically reproducible.
- Review notary acknowledgment, PCOR and DTT requirements.
- Use the fee calculator before writing a check or money order.
- Book an appointment if you plan to record in person.
Fee Calculator
Official tool to estimate recording costs and identify additional fee questions before document submission.
- After opening this link, choose County Recorder document recording.
- Enter page count and answer fee questions honestly.
- Check whether PCOR, DTT, SB2, restrictive covenant, monument or lien notice fees apply.
- Use the final estimate before preparing an NTE check.
Recorder-Clerk Processing Times
Official page for approximate processing times for official public record copies, land-record recording, map recording and other services.
- After opening this link, scroll to “Records Pertaining to Land” or “Official Public Record Copies.”
- Compare online, mail and in-person timing.
- Remember that processing time begins when the office receives your request.
- Use this page before promising a deed copy or recorded-document timeline to someone else.
Public Records Act Request
Use this only for public information that ARC does not already provide through normal recorder, assessor or clerk services.
- After opening this link, first confirm the record is not already available through the normal official records service.
- Describe the identifiable record you need, not just a broad topic.
- Use the online Public Records Request portal if the request fits PRA scope.
- Expect the county to determine whether it controls responsive records and whether exemptions apply.
San Bernardino County District Attorney — Real Estate Fraud
Official resource for fraud issues involving real estate documents and recorded-property activity.
- After opening this link, review the types of real estate transactions that may generate recorded documents.
- Collect the document number, recording date and copy of the suspicious document.
- Do not ignore a deed, deed of trust, lien or notice of default that you did not authorize.
- Contact the proper official or legal professional quickly if fraud is suspected.
What Should You Do Next?
| Your Situation | Use This Office / Tool | Best Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| You need a copy of a deed, deed of trust, lien or release. | Recorder Official Public Records Index | Find the document number, then order a certified or non-certified copy online, by mail or in person. |
| You only know the property address. | Assessor Property Information | Find the parcel/APN or ownership context first, then search recorder records by names or document details. |
| You need to record a transfer deed. | Document Recording + Fee Calculator | Prepare the original deed, notary acknowledgment, PCOR, DTT declaration and payment before mailing or booking an appointment. |
| You are researching older ownership before 1958. | Main Hall of Records Recorder Office | Plan an in-office microfilm research appointment and bring the current owner name and legal description. |
| You believe a forged deed or suspicious lien was recorded. | Recorder records + District Attorney real estate fraud resource | Order/view the document, save the recording information and seek official/legal help immediately. |
San Bernardino County Recorder FAQs
Can I search San Bernardino County deeds by address?
No. The San Bernardino County Recorder-County Clerk states that it does not have names of property ownership by address. If you only have a street address, use the Assessor Property Information page first to find parcel and ownership context, then search recorded documents by grantor, grantee, document number, date or title.
Can I view San Bernardino County deed images online?
The county’s Official Public Records page says the online document search is an index only and does not allow users to view actual document images online. To view document contents, visit the Hall of Records Recorder-Clerk office in San Bernardino or the High Desert Government Center in Hesperia.
What years are covered by the San Bernardino County Recorder index?
The county’s official records page describes document search from 1925 to the present. For chain-of-title research, the county’s property-research guidance also explains that the grantor/grantee index is available from 1958 to present and that pre-1958 records are available on microfilm at the main Recorder office only.
How do I order a certified copy of a San Bernardino County deed?
Find the document in the official recorder index, then use the county’s online ordering option or mail the copy request form with payment. The county says certified copy requests are shipped to the shipping address provided on the request.
How much does a San Bernardino County official record copy cost?
The county’s official records page lists $4 for the first page, $1.50 for each subsequent page after the first, and $1.50 per page for a certificate under seal. Mail fees effective July 1, 2026 are listed as $3.50 for USPS Standard Mail and $29.00 for USPS Priority Mail.
Where is the San Bernardino County Recorder office?
The main Hall of Records Recorder-Clerk office is at 222 W. Hospitality Lane, 1st Floor, San Bernardino, CA 92415. The High Desert Government Center Recorder-Clerk office is at 15900 Smoke Tree Street, 1st Floor, Hesperia, CA 92345.
What phone number should I call for San Bernardino County Recorder services?
For Recorder-Clerk services, call 909-387-8306. The county also lists a toll-free number of 855-732-2575 for recorder-clerk services.
What is a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report?
A Preliminary Change of Ownership Report, often called a PCOR, is filed with the recording of many documents that change ownership of real property. San Bernardino County says state law requires it to be filed concurrently with such recordation, and if it is not filed when required, the recorder charges an additional $20 fee.
What payment methods does the Recorder accept?
County pages describe cash, check or money order, and debit/credit options for in-person payments, with card processing fees. For recording checks, the county says checks should be payable to San Bernardino County Recorder and may use a Not To Exceed memo amount. American Express, Cash App Cards, prepaid cards, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Pay are listed as not accepted for certain recorder transactions.
Is this website the official San Bernardino County Recorder?
No. County-Appraisal-District.org is an independent educational resource. The official San Bernardino County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk website is arc.sbcounty.gov. Use official county pages for filing, recording, copy orders, appointments and final fee verification.
Independent Educational Guide
County-Appraisal-District.org is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with the San Bernardino County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk, San Bernardino County, the San Bernardino County District Attorney, the California Secretary of State, or any title company.
Recorder index results, assessor property data, document copies, recording fees, processing times, legal ownership issues, lien status and fraud investigations are controlled by the responsible official offices. This article is not legal advice, title advice, escrow 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.