Sutter County Recorder: Deeds, Official Records Search, Copies, Fees & Office Guide
The Sutter County Recorder, formally the Sutter County Clerk-Recorder, records and preserves official documents affecting title to real property located in Sutter County, California. This includes many deeds, deeds of trust, liens, reconveyances, recorded maps and other official records.
Use this guide to search the official grantor/grantee index, understand what the online index does and does not prove, order copies, prepare a document for recording, estimate common recording fees, and avoid confusing the Recorder with the Assessor or Treasurer-Tax Collector.
What Does the Sutter County Recorder Do?
The Sutter County Recorder records documents that affect real property title in Sutter County and makes the recorded index and scanned images available for public research and copy orders. The online official-records search is mainly a grantor/grantee name index, meaning you usually search by a party’s name, document number, document type, or recording information rather than treating it like a parcel-value database.
Use the Recorder For
- Recorded deeds and deed references.
- Deeds of trust, reconveyances and liens.
- Official records copies and certifications.
- Fictitious business name index search.
- Recording questions and basic recording requirements.
Use the Assessor For
- Assessor Parcel Number information.
- Assessment roll search by APN or street address.
- Property value and assessment questions.
- Homeowner exemption and assessment issues.
- Current and prior tax-year assessment information.
Use the Tax Collector For
- Property-tax bills and payments.
- Tax roll search by APN, assessment number or address.
- Receipts, delinquency and collection questions.
- Tax-defaulted property and payment deadlines.
- Questions after the tax bill is issued.
How to Search Sutter County Recorder Deeds and Official Records
Sutter County’s official records index covers recorded documents from December 1, 1993 to present. The county also notes that records after March 13, 2023 should be viewed through the newer Self-Service website, so it is safer to start from the official Clerk-Recorder page instead of an old bookmarked search page.
Open the Official Records Index
Use the Sutter County Clerk-Recorder’s official records index link. Accept the county’s disclaimer only if you understand that the search index is a guide to records, not a guarantee of legal ownership or title status.
Search by Grantor or Grantee Name
Most deed and lien research starts with the name of a party on the document. Try last name first for individuals, try the full business name for entities, and search spelling variations because the county’s own disclaimer advises users to try possible spelling variations.
Use Document Details When You Have Them
If you have a document number, recording date, document title, or party names from a title report, escrow file, old deed or assessor record, use those details to narrow the search. This avoids opening similarly named results.
Open the Matching Result Carefully
Review the document type, recording date, document number and grantor/grantee names before assuming the record belongs to your property. Common names, family trusts and business entities can produce multiple results.
Add Copies to the Cart if You Need an Order
Sutter County says users can search and order official records online. Once the correct document is located, add it to the online cart, check out, and print the Clerk-Recorder Document Order Form generated by the system.
Mail the Printed Order Form and Payment
The county’s online process produces a form that can be mailed to the Clerk-Recorder for processing. Keep a copy of the document number, order form and payment details for your records.
Sutter County Deeds and Records You May See in the Index
A Sutter County Recorder search can show many document types. Use the table below to understand what each record usually means and which office can help with the next step.
| Record Type | What It Usually Means | Useful Search Clue | What to Do Next |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grant Deed / Deed | Often shows a transfer of real property interest from one party to another. | Grantor, grantee, recording date, document number, legal description. | Order a copy if you need proof of the recorded instrument; contact a title company or attorney for legal title interpretation. |
| Deed of Trust | Usually connected to a loan secured by real property. | Borrower/trustor, lender/beneficiary, trustee, recording date. | Look for a later reconveyance or substitution if researching whether the loan was released. |
| Reconveyance | Often records release of a deed of trust after a secured loan is paid or resolved. | Original deed of trust reference number, borrower name, lender name. | Compare the reconveyance reference to the earlier deed of trust; ask title support if a release appears missing. |
| Mechanic’s Lien | May show a contractor, labor or materials-related claim against property. | Claimant name, property owner name, recording date, release document. | Search for a release. The Recorder cannot remove liens; contact the party that recorded it or legal counsel. |
| Tax Lien | May show a recorded government lien connected to taxes or public debt. | Debtor name, agency name, release/satisfaction document number. | Contact the agency that recorded the lien, not the Recorder, to resolve or release it. |
| Fictitious Business Name | County filing used for certain business-name statements. | Business name, owner name, filing date. | Use the Clerk-Recorder’s FBN search and filing instructions if researching or filing a business name. |
| Recorded Map | May include subdivision, parcel, survey or other recorded map records. | Map name, tract, parcel map number, book/page, recording information. | Use the county’s map search or Recorder records; for zoning or land-use questions, contact Development Services. |
How to Order Sutter County Recorded Document Copies
Sutter County says recorded document copies can be purchased in person, by mail or online. Most users should search the online index first so the order includes enough identifiers for staff to locate the correct document.
Order In Person
Visit the Clerk-Recorder’s Office at 433 Second Street in Yuba City during regular business hours. The county says most in-person copy requests can be processed when submitted.
Payment: cash, check, money order, and major card options may be available, with card convenience fee where applicable.
Order by Mail
Include at least one identifier such as party names, document date, document number or document title. Add your daytime phone number, number of copies, payment payable to Sutter County Clerk-Recorder, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Mail to:
Sutter County Clerk-Recorder
433 Second Street
Yuba City, CA 95991
Start Online
Search the Clerk-Recorder official records system, select the document, add it to the cart, and print the generated Clerk-Recorder Document Order Form. Mail the generated order form with payment for processing.
Best for: users who already know the document number, date or party names.
How to Prepare a Document for Recording in Sutter County
The Recorder can explain recording requirements, but the office cannot prepare your legal document or give legal advice. Before mailing or presenting a deed, lien release, reconveyance or other instrument, review these local recording checkpoints.
Basic Items to Check
- Original signature is present unless a certified copy is allowed by law.
- California all-purpose acknowledgment is current where notarization is required.
- Document is legible enough for a readable photographic copy.
- Page size is 8 ½ by 11 inches where possible.
- Required first-page recorder space and margins are reserved.
- Document title appears on the first page below the recorder space.
- Prior recording reference number is included when modifying, releasing or canceling a prior recorded document.
Common Problems That Delay Recording
- Missing notary acknowledgment on a document that requires notarization.
- Illegible notary seal, exhibit or attachment.
- First page lacks required recorder space and no cover page is attached.
- Wrong or incomplete document title.
- No reference number on a release, reconveyance, modification or cancellation.
- Incorrect fee calculation or missing transfer-tax declaration where required.
- Expecting Recorder staff to draft or fix legal language.
Sutter County Recorder Fees: 2026 Recording and Copy Examples
The county’s fee schedule is effective January 1, 2026. Fees can depend on document type, number of pages, number of titles, SB2/Building Homes and Jobs Act applicability, transfer tax, non-standard pages and other factors. Use this as an educational estimate, then verify the exact amount with the Clerk-Recorder before recording.
| Fee Item | County-Listed 2026 Amount | When It May Apply | Practical Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic recording first page | $15.00 | First 8 ½ x 11 page of a basic recording. | Other mandatory or document-specific fees may still apply. |
| Each additional page | $3.00 | Additional 8 ½ x 11 pages in the same recording. | Non-standard pages can add penalty fees. |
| Building Homes & Jobs Act / SB2 fee | $75.00 | Many real-estate instruments unless a statutory exemption applies. | Fee cap and exemptions can be document-specific; confirm before mailing. |
| Restrictive Covenant Program fee | $2.00 | Applies to documents paying the SB2 fee. | The county notes this fee is not capped at a certain amount. |
| Documentary Transfer Tax | $0.55 per $500 or portion | Transfers of real property when applicable. | Due at recording; exemptions or declarations may affect filing. |
| Self-service copy | $3.00 per page | Uncertified self-service copies. | Use certified copies when a receiving office requires certification. |
| Full-service copy | $4.00 per page | Staff-assisted recorded document copies. | Best when you need help locating or producing copies. |
| Certification | $8.25 per document | When a recorded document copy needs certification. | Ask the receiving agency whether certification is required. |
Sutter County Recording Fee Estimator
This tool estimates only a few common county-listed items. It does not include every possible fee, exemption, penalty, map fee, UCC fee, lien notification fee or legal review issue.
Formula used: $15 first page + $3 each additional page + $15 each additional title + optional $75 SB2 + optional $2 restrictive-covenant program fee when SB2 is selected + documentary transfer tax estimate + optional full-service copy estimate at $4 per page.
Sutter County Recorder vs Assessor vs Treasurer-Tax Collector
These offices appear together in property research, but they do different jobs. Using the wrong office can delay deed, value, tax bill or lien questions.
Clerk-Recorder
Address:
433 Second Street
Yuba City, CA 95991
Phone: 530-822-7134
Use for: deeds, recorded documents, official records index, copies, certification, fictitious business names, marriage and vital-record services.
County Assessor
Address:
1190 Civic Center Blvd.
Yuba City, CA 95993
Phone: 530-822-7160
Use for: APN search, property assessment roll, assessed value, exemptions, ownership display on assessment records and current/prior assessment information.
Treasurer-Tax Collector
Location:
1160 Civic Center Blvd.
Yuba City, CA 95993
Use for: property-tax bills, tax roll search, tax payments, delinquency questions and collection matters after the tax statement is issued.
Tip: A recorded deed update may not immediately solve a tax-bill issue.
Sutter County Clerk-Recorder Office Address, Hours & Map
For recording deeds or ordering official-record copies in person, use the Sutter County Clerk-Recorder office in Yuba City. Confirm hours before visiting, especially on Wednesdays, first Wednesdays, county holidays, or when you need same-day document recording.
Sutter County Clerk-Recorder
Address:
433 Second Street
Yuba City, CA 95991
Phone: 530-822-7134
Fax: 530-822-7214
Public hours listed by county: Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, excluding holidays.
Document recording services: 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The county also publishes Wednesday early-closure notes, so call before making a late-day visit.
Open Recorder Map ↗Official Sutter County Recorder Links
Use these official links for live searches, current fees and final filing instructions. Each link includes what to do after opening it so the article is not just a directory.
Sutter County Clerk-Recorder Main Page
Official department page for recorder services, official records search, copies, marriage, fictitious business names, fee schedule and contact details.
- Scroll to the Services section.
- Choose Real Property Records, How to Order Copies, Current Fee Schedule or Official Records Index.
- Use the contact section to verify hours before visiting.
- Use this page as the safest starting point instead of old bookmarked search URLs.
Sutter County Real Property Records
Official page explaining what the Recorder records, the grantor/grantee index, scanned images and the index range from December 1, 1993 to present.
- Read the explanation of documents affecting title in Sutter County.
- Use the Official Records Index link for online research.
- Confirm the office location, phone and recording service hours.
- Use the FAQ link when you have questions about transfer tax, liens or recording limits.
Sutter County Official Records Index / Self-Service
Official online search for recorded documents and fictitious business names, subject to the county’s online records disclaimer.
- Read the disclaimer before clicking I Accept.
- Search all possible spelling variations of names.
- Use document number, title or date when available.
- Add the correct record to the cart only after checking the party names and recording details.
How to Order Copies
Official instructions for ordering recorded documents in person, by mail or through the online search/order process.
- Go to the Ordering Real Property Records section.
- Gather party names, document date, document number or document title.
- Add your daytime phone number and number of copies.
- Mail payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Clerk-Recorder if ordering by mail.
Basic Recording Requirements
Official Sutter County checklist for original signatures, acknowledgments, legibility, margins, first-page recorder space, titles and reference numbers.
- Check whether your document needs original signatures or a certified copy.
- Verify the notary acknowledgment and legibility.
- Confirm first-page recorder space, margins and title placement.
- Check for prior recording reference numbers when releasing, modifying or canceling another document.
Current Clerk-Recorder Fee Schedule
Official 2026 fee schedule for recording, copy, certification, SB2, restrictive covenant and related Clerk-Recorder fees.
- Find the County Recorder section first.
- Check the basic page fee and additional page fee.
- Review whether SB2 or restrictive covenant program fees apply.
- Call 530-822-7134 if your document has multiple titles, non-standard pages, UCC items or transfer-tax questions.
Sutter County Assessor Property Search
Use this when you need APN, assessed value or assessment roll information rather than a recorded document image.
- Search by APN if you have it, or use the street-address fields.
- Use at least three characters in the Street Name field.
- Review assessment information for property-tax purposes.
- Return to the Recorder search if you need the actual recorded deed or lien document.
Common Sutter County Recorder Mistakes
Mistakes That Slow Down Deed and Record Searches
- Searching only the property address when the official-records index is mainly a name/document index.
- Assuming the online index is the same as a title report.
- Using an old records-query bookmark instead of the current Clerk-Recorder page.
- Assuming the Recorder can remove a lien after you find it online.
- Using the Recorder for assessed-value or tax-bill questions that belong to the Assessor or Tax Collector.
- Mailing a recording without enough fees, return information or required first-page space.
Better Local Workflow
- Start with the Clerk-Recorder page for deed and official-record issues.
- Search all name variations, trust names and entity names.
- Write down the document number and recording date.
- Use the Assessor search for APN and assessment details.
- Use the Tax Collector for bills and payments.
- Call the Recorder before mailing complex, multi-title or transfer-tax documents.
What Should You Do Next?
Choose the next action based on the problem you are actually trying to solve.
| Your Situation | Best Next Step | Correct Office / Resource |
|---|---|---|
| You need a copy of a deed, lien or reconveyance. | Search by party name or document number, then order a plain or certified copy. | Sutter County Clerk-Recorder Official Records Search |
| You want to record a new deed or lien release. | Review recording requirements, confirm fees, and present the document over the counter or by mail. | Sutter County Clerk-Recorder |
| The property owner name or assessed value appears wrong. | Check the assessment roll and contact the Assessor with the APN and recorded document number. | Sutter County Assessor |
| Your tax bill is wrong after a transfer. | Compare the recorded document, assessment roll and tax roll before requesting bill help. | Assessor + Treasurer-Tax Collector |
| You found a lien and want it removed. | Search for a recorded release, then contact the party or agency that recorded the lien if no release appears. | Recorded lien claimant, agency, attorney or title company |
| You need legal wording for a deed or trust transfer. | Do not ask Recorder staff to draft it. Use a qualified attorney, title company or legal-document professional. | Legal counsel / title professional |
Sutter County Recorder FAQs
Where is the Sutter County Recorder located?
The Sutter County Clerk-Recorder is located at 433 Second Street, Yuba City, CA 95991. The main phone number is 530-822-7134.
How do I search Sutter County deeds online?
Open the Sutter County Clerk-Recorder Official Records Index / Self-Service page, accept the disclaimer, and search by grantor or grantee name, document number, document title or recording details. Try spelling variations and business or trust names if the first search fails.
What dates are covered by the Sutter County Official Records Index?
Sutter County’s real-property records page lists the Official Records Index from December 1, 1993 to present. The county’s older records-query page also tells users to view recorded documents after March 13, 2023 through the newer Self-Service website.
Can I search Sutter County official records by APN?
For deed and recorded-document research, the safer approach is to search by party name, document number, title or recording details. For APN and assessment-roll information, use the Sutter County Assessor property search rather than treating the Recorder index as an assessment database.
How do I order a copy of a Sutter County recorded document?
You may order recorded document copies in person, by mail or online. For mail orders, include an identifier such as party names, document date, document number or document title, plus a daytime phone number, number of copies, payment payable to Sutter County Clerk-Recorder and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Does the Recorder prepare deeds or give legal advice?
No. The Recorder can provide recording requirements, but the office is prohibited from giving legal advice or preparing your document. Use a qualified attorney, title company or legal-document professional when legal wording matters.
What is Sutter County documentary transfer tax?
Sutter County’s real-property FAQ states that documentary transfer tax is $0.55 per each $500 of the sale price or value of real property being transferred, and it is due at the time of recording on transfers of real property when applicable.
How do I find whether a lien is recorded against my property?
Search the Recorder’s records under your name and possible name variations to see whether a lien or release has been recorded. The Recorder cannot remove a lien; to resolve it, contact the party or agency that placed the lien or seek legal guidance.
Which office should I contact for assessed value or property tax bills?
Contact the Sutter County Assessor for assessed value, APN and assessment-roll questions. Contact the Treasurer-Tax Collector for tax bills, payments and tax-roll payment questions. Contact the Recorder for deeds and recorded documents.
Is County-Appraisal-District.org the official Sutter County Recorder website?
No. County-Appraisal-District.org is an independent educational resource. It is not the Sutter County Clerk-Recorder, Sutter County Assessor, Treasurer-Tax Collector, California Secretary of State or a title company. Always verify current records, fees and filing rules with the official county office.
Independent Educational Guide
County-Appraisal-District.org is an independent informational website. It is not affiliated with Sutter County, the Sutter County Clerk-Recorder, the Sutter County Assessor, the Sutter County Treasurer-Tax Collector, the California Secretary of State, a title company or a law firm.
Recording acceptance, copy certification, fee calculation, transfer-tax treatment, lien release, ownership interpretation and legal title status are determined by official offices, statutes, courts and qualified professionals. This article is not legal, tax, title or financial advice.
Public property and recorded-document information 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.