San Francisco County CA Recorder: Search Deeds, Request Copies & Record Property Documents
The office many people search for as the San Francisco County Recorder is officially the San Francisco Office of the Assessor-Recorder. It records and preserves public documents such as deeds of trust, liens, reconveyances, maps, public marriage certificates and other recordable instruments.
This guide explains how to search San Francisco recorded documents, how CRiis and the Recorder search work, how to order deed copies, what PCOR and Transfer Tax Affidavit forms mean, how transfer-tax tiers affect recording, and when to contact the Treasurer-Tax Collector instead.
San Francisco “County Recorder” Means the Office of the Assessor-Recorder
San Francisco is both a city and county, so property recording is handled by the City and County of San Francisco Office of the Assessor-Recorder. This same office has two connected roles: the Recorder side records public documents, while the Assessor side identifies taxable property, establishes assessed values and applies qualifying exemptions.
Use the Recorder Side For
- Recorded deeds and deed copies.
- Deeds of trust, reconveyances and liens.
- Maps, public marriage certificates and other recorded public documents.
- Transfer tax collection during ownership-transfer recording.
- Recorded document search and copy requests.
Use the Assessor Side For
- Assessed value and assessment-roll questions.
- Change-in-ownership review.
- Homeowner’s exemption and other property-tax benefits.
- Mailing address changes for assessment records.
- Informal review or assessment appeal guidance.
Use Treasurer-Tax Collector For
- Property-tax bills and installment payments.
- Payment receipts, penalties and refunds.
- Secured and unsecured property-tax collection.
- Special assessments on tax bills.
- Online property-tax payment portal questions.
How to Search San Francisco County Recorder Records Online
San Francisco’s public guidance says recorded documents may be searched online or in office. The CRiis search tool can help locate documents recorded in San Francisco since 1990 by name, document number, or Block and Lot numbers, but it may show only partial document information. To view the actual document or get a copy, you may need to visit the office or request the copy by mail.
| Search Route | Best For | San Francisco-Specific Detail | Practical Search Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRiis / Recorder online search | Finding recorded document references from 1990 onward. | Search by name, document number, or Block and Lot number. | Use this first when you need a deed, deed of trust, lien, reconveyance or recorded map reference. |
| In-office public terminals | Records that need hands-on search, older materials, microfilm or microfiche help. | The Assessor-Recorder fact sheet says in-office computer terminals and microfiche/microfilm machines are available during office hours. | Bring owner name, document number, recording date, Block/Lot or property address. |
| Block and Lot search | San Francisco parcel-based research. | San Francisco commonly uses Block and Lot numbers rather than a typical suburban APN format. | Use Block/Lot from the tax bill, property information tools or prior recorded documents. |
| Property assessment tools | Assessed value, property tax base year, exemptions, mailing address and assessment questions. | The Assessor-Recorder is also the assessment office, but recorded documents and assessment records are different workflows. | Use assessment tools when the question is value or exemption, not recorded document image. |
| Treasurer-Tax Collector tools | Property-tax bill and payment questions. | The Treasurer-Tax Collector mails bills, collects payments, applies penalties and issues refunds. | Use this only after the issue is tax-payment related, not deed-recording related. |
Confirm the Property Is in San Francisco
San Francisco is a consolidated city-county. Confirm that the property is within the City and County of San Francisco before using San Francisco Recorder search tools. Nearby addresses may be in San Mateo County, Alameda County or Marin County instead.
Search by Name, Document Number, or Block and Lot
Use the owner, former owner, trust, LLC, lender, trustee, grantor or grantee name. For San Francisco property, Block and Lot numbers can be especially useful because many city property workflows rely on Block/Lot identifiers.
Do Not Rely Only on the Sale Date
A deed may be signed or closed on one day and recorded later. If no result appears, widen the date range by several days or weeks after the sale, refinance, reconveyance, lien release, court order or transfer event.
Understand What the Document Type Means
A grant deed or quitclaim deed may transfer ownership. A deed of trust usually secures a loan. A reconveyance often appears after a deed of trust or mortgage is paid in full. A lien is an encumbrance, and the office cannot change lien documents filed by another person or agency.
Save the Exact Reference Before Ordering Copies
Save the recording date, document number, reel number, image number, party names and Block/Lot if available. The official mail request form asks for recording date, document number, reel number and image number.
How to Get a Copy of a San Francisco Recorded Deed
San Francisco provides a recorded document request form by mail. The form says to include all available document details and payment payable to the “San Francisco Assessor-Recorder.” It also says not to send cash and to allow up to five business days from the date the order is received for processing.
Request Copies by Mail
Mail the completed recorded document request form and payment to the San Francisco Assessor-Recorder at City Hall, Room 190. The form accepts recording date, document number, reel number, image number and certification choice.
- Official record copy first page: $9.70.
- Each additional page of same document: $0.39.
- Certified copy surcharge: $1 per document copy.
- Map copy first page: $5; additional map pages: $3 each.
Visit City Hall Room 190
In-person research may help when you need actual document review, older records, microfilm or microfiche, or when online CRiis results do not provide enough detail. Bring photo ID if your request involves restricted or sensitive documents.
- Address: 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 190.
- Main phone: 628-652-8100.
- Email: assessor@sfgov.org.
- Office hours listed in public materials: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
San Francisco Recorded Document Copy Cost Estimator
This estimates common copy costs from the 2025 mail request form and Recorder fee schedule. It does not replace the Assessor-Recorder’s final calculation, special handling, certification review, postage or unusual record requests.
How to Record a Deed or Property Document in San Francisco
Property-transfer recording in San Francisco is more detailed than simply bringing a signed deed to City Hall. Deeds transferring ownership must include the proper transfer documents, and transfer tax may be due unless a valid exemption applies.
Prepare the Correct California Deed or Instrument
Common recorded property documents include grant deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, reconveyances, substitutions of trustee, liens, releases, affidavits and maps. The Assessor-Recorder can record eligible documents, but staff cannot draft your deed or choose the right legal form for you.
Add PCOR and Transfer Tax Affidavit When Ownership Transfers
San Francisco’s property-transfer fact sheet states that all deeds transferring ownership must be accompanied by a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report and a Transfer Tax Affidavit. The affidavit is required whether transfer tax is due or an exemption is claimed.
Check Whether Transfer Tax Applies
San Francisco transfer tax is based on the consideration or value of the transfer and uses tiered rates. Common exemptions may involve certain transfers between spouses or domestic partners, gifts, inheritances, or transfers that only change title form without changing proportional ownership, but exemption facts must be documented.
Check Document Recording Fees
The Recorder Division fee schedule includes base recording fees, additional page fees, SB2 Building Homes and Jobs Act fees where applicable, copy fees, certification fees, map-copy fees and transfer-tax tiers. Fees marked as SB2-applicable can add up to $225 per transaction unless an exemption is claimed.
Submit the Document to the Assessor-Recorder
Submit the document with required fees, transfer-tax payment or exemption documentation, PCOR, Transfer Tax Affidavit and any required recording information. If mailing, do not send cash and include enough information for return or follow-up.
Verify Recording and Assessment Follow-Up
After recording, save the document number and recording date. A change in ownership may trigger assessment review, supplemental assessment, mailing-address updates and future property-tax billing through the Treasurer-Tax Collector.
San Francisco Recorder Fees and Transfer Tax: What to Check First
San Francisco has local transfer-tax tiers that make deed recording more complex than many counties. Always confirm the final recording fee, SB2 exemption status, PCOR requirement and transfer-tax affidavit before filing a transfer document.
| Fee / Tax Area | Official Planning Rule | When It Matters | Before You Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base first-page recording fee | $14 per document title where all pages measure 8.5 by 11 inches. | Many ordinary recorded documents. | Confirm whether your document title is subject to extra fees or SB2. |
| Real-estate fraud fee titles | $17 first-page fee for listed document titles such as deed of trust, assignment of deed of trust, reconveyance and notices, unless recorded with a transfer subject to transfer tax. | Loan, foreclosure, reconveyance and trustee-related document titles. | Ask the Recorder which title category applies. |
| SB2 Building Homes and Jobs Act fee | $75 per parcel, per document title, up to $225 per transaction unless exempt. | Many real-estate instruments, papers or notices. | Claim an exemption only when the transaction qualifies. |
| Additional pages | $3 per additional 8.5 by 11 page. | Long deeds, affidavits, attachments and exhibits. | Count every page that will be recorded. |
| Transfer Tax Affidavit | Required for documents submitted for recording where transfer tax is due or an exemption is claimed. | Deeds and instruments transferring ownership. | Do not submit an ownership-transfer deed without the affidavit. |
| San Francisco transfer tax | Tiered rate based on the entire consideration or value. | Sales and many taxable real-property transfers. | Use the current Recorder fee schedule and confirm exemptions. |
| Official record copy | $9.70 first page; $0.39 each additional page of the same document. | Copying recorded deeds, liens, reconveyances and other records. | Have document number, reel/image or recording date ready. |
| Certified copy surcharge | $1 per document copy. | When a lender, court, agency, title company or legal process requires certification. | Ask the requesting party whether certification is required. |
Simple San Francisco Transfer Tax Estimator
This estimates standard San Francisco transfer tax tiers from the Recorder Division fee schedule. It does not determine exemptions, special affordable-housing limits, reassessment consequences, documentary-transfer legality or final Recorder acceptance.
Local Details That Make San Francisco Recorder Searches Different
San Francisco property records often feel different from suburban county recorder searches. Block/Lot identifiers, high transfer-tax tiers, older city records, public marriage certificate recording, and City Hall-based services make the workflow more local.
Block and Lot Matter
San Francisco property searches often use Block and Lot numbers. A street address can help, but Block/Lot is usually more precise when matching property tax, assessment and recorded-document records.
Transfer Tax Can Be Large
San Francisco’s upper transfer-tax tiers are much higher than basic county recording fees. A deed transfer may have a small recording fee but a large transfer-tax issue.
Assessor and Recorder Are One Office
The same office records documents and handles assessment functions, but a recorded document and an assessed-value update are still different processes with different timing.
San Francisco Assessor-Recorder Address, Phone, Hours and Map
The Assessor-Recorder’s public-facing office is at San Francisco City Hall, Room 190. Use this location for many in-person Recorder and Assessor services, including document research, public terminals, copy questions and property-assessment help.
Office of the Assessor-Recorder
Address:
San Francisco City Hall
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 190
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: 628-652-8100
Fax on copy form: 415-554-7151
Email: assessor@sfgov.org
Public hours shown in official materials: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., except legal holidays.
Assessor-Recorder: Joaquín Torres
Open Office Map ↗Assessment Questions
Use the Assessor side for assessed value, base-year value, exemptions, ownership changes, mailing address changes and informal assessment review.
Property Tax Payments
Use the Treasurer-Tax Collector for property-tax billing, payment status, penalties, refunds and secured or unsecured tax collection.
Recorded Document Copies
Use the Recorder copy form when you have the recording date, document number, reel number or image number and need a mailed official copy.
Official San Francisco County Recorder Links
Use these official resources to complete the actual search, copy, recording, assessment or property-tax payment task. Each link includes what to do after opening it.
Office of the Assessor-Recorder — Main SF.gov Page
Official department page for the City and County of San Francisco Assessor-Recorder.
- Confirm you are on SF.gov, the official San Francisco government website.
- Use the department menu for records, forms, property assessment and contact information.
- Check for service updates before visiting City Hall.
- Call 628-652-8100 if the document type, fee or copy process is unclear.
About the Assessor-Recorder
Official explanation of what the Assessor side and Recorder side do.
- Read the “What the Recorder Does” section to confirm recorded-document duties.
- Read the “What the Assessor Does” section if your question is assessment-related.
- Use this page to avoid contacting the wrong San Francisco office.
- Use Treasurer-Tax Collector resources for actual tax payments.
San Francisco Recorded Document Search
Official Recorder search entry point for public recorded document lookup.
- Search by name, document number, or Block and Lot when available.
- Use a wider recording-date range if the exact closing date does not work.
- Save the document number, reel number or image number for copy orders.
- Visit or mail the Assessor-Recorder if the online result does not show the actual document you need.
Recorded Document Request Form by Mail
Official 2025 mail form for requesting copies of recorded San Francisco documents.
- Enter recording date, document number, reel number or image number if known.
- Mark whether each requested copy should be certified.
- Use a pre-printed name/address California bank check, money order or cashier’s check payable to San Francisco Assessor-Recorder.
- Do not send cash; mail the form and payment to City Hall Room 190.
Recorder Division Fee Schedule
Official fee schedule for recording fees, copy fees, map copy fees, certification, SB2 fees and San Francisco transfer-tax tiers.
- Check the base recording fee and additional page fee for your document.
- Review whether the SB2 Building Homes and Jobs Act fee applies.
- Use the transfer-tax table for the full consideration or value tier.
- Confirm the final total with the Assessor-Recorder before mailing or recording.
Property Transfer Fact Sheet
Official Assessor-Recorder fact sheet explaining deeds, deed of trust, reconveyance, liens, CRiis search and transfer documents.
- Review the difference between grant deeds, quitclaim deeds and deeds of trust.
- Read the PCOR and Transfer Tax Affidavit warning before recording an ownership transfer.
- Use the CRiis search instructions for documents from 1990 onward.
- Read the disclaimer before relying on the fact sheet for legal or tax advice.
Assessor-Recorder Fact Sheets
Official resource hub for property transfers, exemptions, Prop 19, tax benefits and assessment-related guidance.
- Open the fact sheet matching your issue: property transfer, exemption, Prop 19 or assessment review.
- Download the PDF in the language you need when available.
- Check whether the fact sheet points to forms or online services.
- Use professional advice for legal title, trust, estate or tax-planning decisions.
San Francisco Treasurer-Tax Collector
Official department for property-tax bills, payments, penalties, refunds and tax collection.
- Use this office when your issue is tax bill, payment, penalty or refund related.
- Do not use the Treasurer-Tax Collector to order deed copies.
- Do not use the Recorder search to pay property taxes.
- Use your Block/Lot or tax bill information when contacting the tax office.
Avoid These San Francisco Deed Record Mistakes
Mistakes That Waste Time or Money
- Searching for a separate “San Francisco County Recorder” and missing the Assessor-Recorder office name.
- Using only a street address when Block and Lot would be more precise.
- Assuming CRiis always shows the full document image.
- Submitting a transfer deed without PCOR and Transfer Tax Affidavit.
- Ignoring San Francisco’s higher transfer-tax tiers.
- Confusing recorded-document copies with property-tax bills.
- Expecting the Assessor-Recorder to change a lien filed by another agency or person.
- Recording a deed without legal review for complex transfers.
Better Local Workflow
- Start with name, document number, or Block/Lot.
- Use CRiis or Recorder search to find the document reference.
- Use the mail copy form when you need official copies.
- Use PCOR and Transfer Tax Affidavit for ownership-transfer deeds.
- Calculate transfer tax before recording, not after.
- Use the Treasurer-Tax Collector only for tax bills and payments.
- Use attorney or title-company help for legal title questions.
What Should You Do Next?
| Your Situation | Best Next Step | Correct Office / Tool |
|---|---|---|
| You need to find a recorded deed, deed of trust, lien, reconveyance or map. | Use Recorder search / CRiis by name, document number, or Block and Lot. | San Francisco Assessor-Recorder |
| You found the record reference but need an official copy. | Use the recorded document request form by mail or visit City Hall Room 190. | Recorder copy request |
| You are recording a deed that changes ownership. | Prepare the deed, PCOR and Transfer Tax Affidavit; calculate transfer tax or document exemption. | Assessor-Recorder + legal/title help if needed |
| You need assessed value, exemption or mailing-address help. | Use the Assessor side of the Assessor-Recorder office. | Assessor-Recorder assessment services |
| You need to pay property taxes or check a tax bill. | Use the Treasurer-Tax Collector, not the Recorder search. | San Francisco Treasurer-Tax Collector |
| You are worried about title problems, fraud, probate or liens. | Search the record, save the document reference, then consult a title company or attorney. | Recorder + legal/title professional |
San Francisco County Recorder FAQs
What is the official San Francisco County Recorder office called?
The official office is the City and County of San Francisco Office of the Assessor-Recorder. It handles recorded public documents and also performs property assessment functions for San Francisco.
Where is the San Francisco Assessor-Recorder located?
The office is located at San Francisco City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 190, San Francisco, CA 94102. The main phone number is 628-652-8100.
Can I search San Francisco deed records online?
Yes. San Francisco’s property-transfer fact sheet says CRiis can help locate documents recorded in San Francisco since 1990. You can search by name, document number, or Block and Lot numbers.
Does CRiis show the full recorded document?
The Assessor-Recorder fact sheet says CRiis only shows partial document information. To see the actual document or obtain a copy, you may need to visit the office or request a copy by mail.
How much does a San Francisco recorded document copy cost?
The 2025 recorded document request form lists official record copies at $9.70 for the first page and $0.39 for each additional page of the same document. Certification is listed as $1 per document copy.
What documents are required when a San Francisco deed transfers ownership?
The Assessor-Recorder property-transfer fact sheet says all deeds transferring ownership must be accompanied by a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report and a Transfer Tax Affidavit.
Who collects San Francisco transfer tax?
The Office of the Assessor-Recorder collects real property transfer tax when ownership-transfer documents are recorded. Transfer tax is separate from ordinary property-tax bill payments handled by the Treasurer-Tax Collector.
Who handles San Francisco property-tax bills?
The Treasurer-Tax Collector handles property-tax bills, payments, penalties and refunds. The Assessor-Recorder determines assessed values and records documents, but tax payment questions belong with the Treasurer-Tax Collector.
Can the Assessor-Recorder remove a lien from my San Francisco property record?
The property-transfer fact sheet says if you received a copy of a lien or Notice of Tax Lien, you should contact the person or agency that filed the lien. The office cannot make changes to a lien document filed by another party.
Is this website the San Francisco Assessor-Recorder?
No. County-Appraisal-District.org is an independent educational resource. It is not the San Francisco Office of the Assessor-Recorder, SF.gov, Treasurer-Tax Collector, City Hall, a title company, a law firm or a consumer reporting agency.
Independent Educational Guide
County-Appraisal-District.org is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with the City and County of San Francisco, San Francisco Office of the Assessor-Recorder, SF.gov, San Francisco Treasurer-Tax Collector, CRiis, any title company, law firm, escrow company, lender or California court.
Recording acceptance, document sufficiency, transfer-tax calculation, exemption eligibility, title effect, lien status, property assessment, tax billing and copy certification are determined by official offices, California law, San Francisco law, courts and qualified professionals. This page is not legal, title, tax or financial advice.
Property-owner and deed 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.