Siskiyou County Recorder: Search Deeds, Land Records, Fees and Office Information
The Siskiyou County Recorder’s Office in Yreka, California, records deeds, deeds of trust, reconveyances, liens, maps and other instruments authorized for recording under state law.
The county operates a dedicated online public-record index called RecorderWorks. Unlike a basic name-only search, this portal offers searches by party name, recorded document number, book and page, recording date, document type, map and Assessor Parcel Number (APN).
This guide explains the official search system, the Recorder’s 2026 fee schedule, California documentary transfer tax, filing requirements, public copies and the correct courthouse office.
Reviewed October 18, 2026 using Siskiyou County Assessor-Recorder information and the official 2026 fee schedule.
Recorder, Assessor or County Clerk: Which Office Do You Need?
Siskiyou County combines the Assessor and Recorder under one department, but the County Clerk-Registrar of Voters is a separate office. That distinction matters when searching deeds or asking about a marriage license, recorded instrument or property value.
Recorder Division
- Recorded deeds and deeds of trust
- Reconveyances and liens
- Recorded maps and notices
- Official-record index searches
- Recorded document copies
- Birth, death and marriage records maintained by the Recorder
Assessor Division
- Assessor Parcel Numbers (APNs)
- Property assessment values
- Property maps and parcel lookup
- Assessment change questions
- Preliminary Change of Ownership Reports
County Clerk
- Marriage licenses
- Civil ceremonies
- Fictitious business name filings
- Notary public registrations
- Other county-clerk functions
Separate Clerk telephone: 530-842-8084.
How to Search Siskiyou County Deeds and Official Records Online
Siskiyou County uses RecorderWorks for its public land-record index. The live interface offers several search modes. Its index notice references records from 1928 to the current posted update date; the portal’s displayed update date may lag behind the day you visit.
Collect an owner, APN or recording reference
Start with the present owner, a previous owner’s name, business name, Assessor Parcel Number, old deed reference or approximate recording year.
If you only know the property address, use the Assessor’s parcel lookup first.
Open the county’s official online service
Visit the Siskiyou County Online Services page and select RecorderWorks, or open the RecorderWorks public portal directly.
Review the disclaimer before relying on any results.
Search by person or business name
For individuals, the portal instructs users to enter LAST NAME, followed by FIRST NAME, such as SMITH ALLISON.
A partial first name may improve search speed. The portal also supports business-name searches and partial matching.
Try another search method if needed
RecorderWorks provides document-number, book-and-page, recording-date, document-type, map and APN search options.
For a document number, the portal identifies the format YYYY-DDDDDDD, such as 2019-0000001.
Open the correct document-number result
Click the document number to inspect available details. The portal explains that clicking a party’s name from the document details can display other indexed records associated with that person.
Compare document type, recording date, names and property description before assuming the record belongs to your parcel.
Order a document copy when needed
RecorderWorks provides an Add to Shopping Cart option for purchasing records. The county’s Online Services page notes that online orders placed through RecorderWorks must be picked up during normal business hours.
If pickup is impractical, call the Recorder at 530-842-8065 about other copy-request arrangements before placing an order.
Which RecorderWorks Search Option Should You Choose?
| Search Type | When to Use It | Practical Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Name | You know an owner, previous owner, grantor, grantee or business. | Search LAST NAME FIRST NAME; try partial first names when appropriate. |
| Document Number | You have a specific recorded instrument reference. | Use the displayed YYYY-DDDDDDD numbering format. |
| Book and Page | You are following an older deed or mortgage reference. | Check that the book/page belongs to the correct document category. |
| Recording Date | You know approximately when a transaction was recorded. | Use a reasonable date range rather than a single day when uncertain. |
| Document Type | You need a deed, deed of trust, reconveyance, lien or similar instrument. | Search later releases or reconveyances when reviewing a security instrument. |
| Map | You are seeking a recorded map or subdivision-related instrument. | Use the dedicated map search rather than assuming a deed search includes every map. |
| APN | You have the assessor’s parcel identifier. | Use APN as one clue, then verify all recorded party and legal-description information. |
Siskiyou County Recorder Office Location, Phone, Hours and Map
Siskiyou County Assessor-Recorder
Assessor-Recorder: Craig S. Kay
Building: Siskiyou County Courthouse
Address:
311 Fourth Street, Room 108
Yreka, CA 96097-2984
Recorder telephone:
530-842-8065
Assessor telephone:
530-842-8036
Fax: 530-842-8059
Email:
assessor@co.siskiyou.ca.us
General office hours:
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–noon and 1:00 PM–5:00 PM.
Document recording hours:
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–noon and 1:00 PM–4:00 PM.
How to Record a Deed in Siskiyou County, California
Siskiyou County records documents authorized by law but cannot prepare documents, recommend deed forms, perform notarizations or provide legal advice. Deed preparation and recordability are different tasks.
Prepare the legally appropriate deed
Identify the grantor, grantee, complete property description and recording references. Use a qualified California attorney or title professional for deeds involving estates, trusts, divorce, joint ownership, correction deeds or disputed interests.
Do not assume that changing a name on a deed is the same as updating an assessor’s ownership record.
Complete signatures and acknowledgment
Ensure the instrument contains the signatures and notarial acknowledgment required for the document. Review the county’s Document Recording Requirements PDF before signing or submitting.
The Recorder does not provide notary services, so any required notarization must be arranged separately.
Include the appropriate ownership-change paperwork
For a qualifying property transfer, complete the Preliminary Change of Ownership Report (PCOR) and submit it with the recording when required.
The California PCOR explains that a $20 additional recording fee may apply when a required PCOR is not submitted concurrently.
Determine transfer tax and fee exemptions
Check whether documentary transfer tax is due. Siskiyou County’s published rate is $0.55 for every $500 or fraction thereof of applicable taxable consideration.
Also determine whether SB-2 and real-estate-fraud fees apply. A transfer involving a residence, existing secured debt, trust or family member can have special considerations.
Calculate the recording charge
The 2026 Recorder fee schedule lists $14 for the first standard-size page and $3 for each additional page.
Nonstandard-size pages, special handling, additional titles, extra references and applicable state surcharges may raise the final cost.
Submit through an accepted method
Contact the Recorder to confirm document submission and payment arrangements. For in-person recording, visit Room 108 during the published recording window and allow time for examination.
For mailed documents, confirm the required payment, address and return-envelope arrangements before sending irreplaceable originals.
Types of Siskiyou County Land Records You Can Research
Deeds
Documents conveying or describing real-property interests. Search the grantor and grantee, and compare the full legal description.
Deeds of Trust
California real-estate security instruments. Search later assignments, substitutions and reconveyances to understand recorded activity.
Reconveyances
Recorded reconveyances may release a deed-of-trust security interest. Confirm that the referenced document is the one affecting the property.
Maps and Surveys
Recorded maps can help identify subdivision and land-layout information. They do not replace a current boundary survey.
Mining Claims
Siskiyou County specifically identifies mining-claim filing activity as a source of seasonal Recorder office demand.
Liens and Notices
Recorded liens and notices may affect real-property transactions. Legal effect, priority and current enforceability require independent review.
Siskiyou County Recorder Fees, Copy Costs and Documentary Transfer Tax
These charges come from the county’s official 2026 Recorder Fee Schedule. The first-page amount is not the final price for every real-estate instrument; conditional document titles and statutory fees can materially change it.
| Fee Item | 2026 Amount | When It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| First standard-size recording page | $14 | Base category for a first page limited to 8½ × 11 inches. |
| Each additional page | $3 | Additional pages in a document. |
| Each additional title in a combined document | $14 | Example: deed of trust combined with assignment of rents. |
| Nonstandard-sized pages | $3 per document page | Additional charge when one or more pages do not meet the standard 8½ × 11 inch size. |
| Special-handling documents | $3 per document page | Applies when the document requires special handling. |
| Additional indexed reference number | $1 each | Indexing more than one reference number. |
| More than ten indexed names | $1 per additional group of ten | Additional indexing charge. |
| SB-2 Building Homes & Jobs Act fee | $75 per qualifying title | Subject to statutory exemptions and a $225 maximum per transaction. |
| Real Estate Fraud Prosecution Trust Fund fee | $6 per qualifying title | Applies only to documents covered by the relevant fee law. |
| Documentary transfer tax | $0.55 per $500 or fraction | Calculated on taxable consideration where due. |
| Recorded document copies | $1 per page | Recorder-provided copies. |
| Certified copy | $1 additional per document | Certification charge in addition to ordinary page-copy charges. |
| Map recording | $9 first page; $2 additional page | Specific fee category for recorded maps. |
| PCOR omission | Possible $20 charge | Where a required PCOR is not submitted with a change-of-ownership document. |
Siskiyou County Basic Recording Fee Calculator
Estimate the ordinary page charge plus selected conditional fees. Choose SB-2 and real-estate-fraud surcharges only after determining that they apply to your instrument.
Recording $17.00 • Selected surcharges $0.00 • Transfer tax $0.00 • Copies $0.00
The model assumes the $14 first-page category, $3 additional pages, one document title and no special formatting or handling charges. It excludes extra titles, maps, nonstandard sizing, extra references, city taxes, PCOR omission charges and complex exemption scenarios. Verify the document’s actual fee classification with the Recorder.
Siskiyou County Guard Dog Recording Alerts
The Siskiyou County Assessor-Recorder offers a free Guard Dog property monitoring service through ParcelQuest. Registered users can receive email alerts when potentially suspicious recorded activity is associated with a monitored property or name.
What Guard Dog Can Do
- Monitor registered properties or names.
- Send alerts about potentially relevant recorded documents.
- Help owners notice unexpected recording activity.
- Provide a reason to review newly recorded instruments promptly.
What It Cannot Do
- Prevent someone from submitting a document.
- Determine whether a deed is fraudulent.
- Reverse or remove a recorded instrument.
- Replace a title examination or legal advice.
Siskiyou County Recorder Search, Forms, Fees and Copy Links
The following resources are from Siskiyou County’s official website or its designated online records system. Use them before relying on a third-party document-search service.
Recorder Division — Official County Page
Recorder responsibilities, location, hours, forms and document guidance.
- Confirm the office’s recording hours and contact information.
- Open the supporting documents for recording requirements.
- Review the 2026 recording fee schedule.
- Call before submitting a difficult or unusual instrument.
RecorderWorks — Official Records Index
Name, instrument number, book/page, date, type, map and APN searches.
- Choose the search mode matching what you know.
- Enter a name, document reference or APN.
- Click a document number to inspect the index entry.
- Use the shopping-cart route only after confirming the desired record.
Siskiyou County Online Services
Official explanation of RecorderWorks access, ordering and index limitations.
- Read the county’s public-record disclaimer.
- Use the RecorderWorks access link.
- Check the pickup requirement for online orders.
- Contact the Recorder for delivery alternatives.
2026 Recorder Fee Schedule
Official PDF detailing page costs, surcharges, map fees, copies and transfer tax.
- Identify the appropriate instrument category.
- Count pages and extra indexed titles or references.
- Determine whether SB-2 or real-estate-fraud fees apply.
- Verify any taxable transfer amount with the Recorder or a tax professional.
Document Recording Requirements and Forms
County-published requirements, SB-2 exemption information and AB-1466 materials.
- Scroll to the supporting documents area.
- Open Document Recording Requirements.
- Review the SB-2 exemption cover sheet if applicable.
- Check AB-1466 restrictive covenant modification instructions when relevant.
Preliminary Change of Ownership Report
California Form BOE-502-A for applicable property ownership changes.
- Check whether your transaction requires a PCOR.
- Complete the parties, parcel details and ownership-change questions.
- Sign and submit the required report with the deed.
- Contact the Assessor for reassessment or form-completion questions.
What Should You Do Next?
| Your Need | Best Next Step | Correct Resource |
|---|---|---|
| Find a deed by owner name | Use RecorderWorks Name search; enter last name and a partial first name. | RecorderWorks |
| Find a deed by parcel number | Use the APN search, then compare the document description and parties. | RecorderWorks + Assessor |
| Search a document from the 1930s | Start with the online index; call for unavailable images or older book records. | Recorder |
| Order a certified copy | Identify the instrument and verify $1/page plus $1 certification per document. | Recorder |
| Record a new deed | Prepare the deed, meet acknowledgment requirements, handle PCOR and taxes, then submit. | Recorder / Assessor |
| Check a deed-of-trust release | Locate the original document and search for a matching reconveyance. | RecorderWorks |
| Find property assessment information | Use the Assessor’s property and parcel resources. | Assessor Division |
| Investigate unexpected recorded activity | Review the instrument, use Guard Dog monitoring and seek legal guidance promptly. | Recorder + Attorney |
Siskiyou County Recorder FAQs
Who is the Siskiyou County Recorder?
The Siskiyou County Assessor-Recorder is Craig S. Kay, as listed by the county’s official department.
Where is the Siskiyou County Recorder’s Office?
The Recorder’s Office is located at 311 Fourth Street, Room 108, in the Siskiyou County Courthouse, Yreka, California 96097.
What is the Siskiyou County Recorder phone number?
The Recorder’s telephone number is 530-842-8065. The Assessor’s separate number is 530-842-8036.
What are the Siskiyou County Recorder’s recording hours?
Document-recording hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to noon and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. General office hours extend to 5:00 PM, with a midday closure.
Can I search Siskiyou County deeds online?
Yes. The county’s RecorderWorks index allows searching by name, document number, book and page, recording date, document type, map and Assessor Parcel Number.
How far back do Siskiyou County online deed indexes go?
The RecorderWorks portal describes indexed documents from 1928 onward. Its visible data-update date can lag behind the current date, and online index coverage does not guarantee every historical document image is available.
How much does it cost to record a deed in Siskiyou County?
The county’s 2026 recording fee schedule lists a $14 first-page category and $3 for each additional page. Applicable SB-2, real-estate-fraud, additional-title, transfer-tax and other charges can increase the actual amount.
How much does a certified recorded document copy cost?
The 2026 schedule lists $1 per copied page and an additional $1 certification fee per document.
What is the Siskiyou County documentary transfer tax rate?
The county’s 2026 fee schedule lists documentary transfer tax at $0.55 for each $500, or fraction thereof, of applicable taxable consideration.
Does Siskiyou County offer free property fraud alerts?
Yes. The Assessor-Recorder offers a free service called Guard Dog through ParcelQuest to alert registered users to potentially suspicious recordings affecting a monitored property or name.
Independent Recorder Information Guide
This is an independently published educational guide. It is not operated by or affiliated with Siskiyou County, the Assessor-Recorder, RecorderWorks, ParcelQuest or any California government agency.
Recorder fees, law, document eligibility, processing methods, record availability and office hours can change. Verify current requirements and final charges directly with the appropriate official agency.
This article is not legal advice, tax advice, a professional title examination, a property survey or a guarantee of ownership. Recorded property information must not be used as a regulated consumer report for employment, tenancy, insurance or credit eligibility determinations.
Source basis: Siskiyou County Recorder Division, Online Services, RecorderWorks public index, official 2026 Recorder Fee Schedule and the county’s published PCOR form. WordPress/Yoast should supply the article’s H1 and site-level schema entities.