San Bernardino County, California • Recorder deeds and official records • Reviewed September 18, 2026
San Bernardino County CA Recorder: Deeds, Official Records, Copies, Recording Requirements & Office Guide
The San Bernardino County Recorder-County Clerk maintains official recorded documents for real property in San Bernardino County.
Use this office for deeds, deed of trust records, liens, releases, maps, recorded document copies, certified copies and document recording.
Use the Assessor for assessed value and property information. Use the Tax Collector for tax bills and payments.
Fast answer
San Bernardino County Recorder Quick Facts
Part of the San Bernardino County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk office.
San Bernardino County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk.
Use for Recorder-Clerk services, document recording and copy questions.
Recorder-Clerk toll-free number listed by the county.
1st Floor, San Bernardino, CA 92415.
1st Floor, Hesperia, CA 92345.
The online Official Records index is an index only, not full document images.
Document contents may be viewed at San Bernardino or Hesperia office locations.
The Recorder index is organized around recorded documents, parties, document numbers, document dates and document titles. For property ownership by address or APN, start with Assessor property information first.
Office details
San Bernardino County Recorder Offices, Hours and Contact Details
Hall of Records: Recorder-Clerk
Best for: recorded document copies, in-person index research, document recording, vital records, marriage services and FBN services.
Address: 222 W. Hospitality Lane, 1st Floor, San Bernardino, CA 92415
Phone: 909-387-8306
Toll free: 855-732-2575
Hours: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Open Hall of Records LocationHigh Desert Government Center: Recorder-Clerk
Best for: High Desert residents who need Recorder-Clerk services without driving to San Bernardino.
Address: 15900 Smoke Tree Street, 1st Floor, Hesperia, CA 92345
Phone: 909-387-8306
Hours: 8:00 AM–11:00 AM and 12:00 PM–5:00 PM
Note: The county lists a midday closure window at this location.
Open Hesperia Recorder-Clerk LocationSan Bernardino County says appointments are strongly encouraged and prioritized for in-person public official records index research.
Map and arrival help
Google Map to the Main San Bernardino County Recorder Office
The main Recorder-Clerk counter is at the Hall of Records, 222 W. Hospitality Lane, 1st Floor, San Bernardino, CA 92415.
Bring the document number, book/page, party name, recording date, parcel number, copy request details or the document you want recorded.
Search workflow
How to Search San Bernardino County Recorded Deeds and Official Records
The Recorder-County Clerk public access system is useful for identifying recorded documents.
The county warns that the index is similar to a library card catalog. It points to documents, but it should not be treated as the underlying document itself.
Read the disclaimer and accept the conditions to enter the public access search system.
Open Self-Service PortalUse grantor, grantee, document number, document title or document date when available.
The county advises searching possible name spelling variations and alternate search criteria.
Non-certified online copies are emailed. Certified copies are shipped to the address on the request.
After opening: read the county’s explanation, open the public search link, search all possible party-name spellings, note the document number and decide whether you need a regular or certified copy.
The Recorder-County Clerk says it does not have property ownership names by address. If you only have an address or APN, use Assessor property information first, then return to the Recorder index with party names or document references.
Deed history and chain research
Property Research, Grantor/Grantee Index and Older Records
San Bernardino County’s property research guidance explains that chain research is usually done through grantor and grantee names.
A researcher typically starts with the current owner as grantee, matches the legal description, then follows the prior grantor backward through the index.
The county describes grantor/grantee index research from 1958 to present.
Pre-1958 records are available on microfilm at the main Recorder office only.
The index identifies documents of interest but does not provide full online images.
Record each reference: write down book/page, document number, document date, grantor, grantee and legal description.
Match legal descriptions: do not assume two people with the same name refer to the correct property.
Use a title professional when legal reliance matters: Recorder research is not the same as a title insurance search or legal opinion.
Building-age research needs other sources: the county says deeds often do not mention structures; permit or archive research may be needed.
After opening: read the chain-research instructions, identify the current owner, match the legal description, then work backward through grantor/grantee references.
Copies and certified copies
How to Get a Deed Copy or Certified Official Record
Use a regular copy for research. Use a certified copy when a court, agency, lender, title process or other official request requires certification.
Search the Recorder index and save the document number, document date, title and party names.
Pick non-certified if you only need information. Pick certified if official certification is required.
Online orders can be placed through the county system. Mail requests use the copy request form.
Mail copy requests are generally returned within one to two weeks after receipt according to the county’s instructions.
Official page lists this fee for public official record copies.
Fee applies after the first page for public official record copies.
Certification costs are separate from regular copy needs.
After opening: accept the disclaimer, search the index, choose the document, select non-certified or certified copy, verify the delivery information and review the payment surcharge before submitting.
After opening: complete the requester information, identify the official record, include payment by check or money order, and mail it to the Recorder-County Clerk address shown on the form.
Recording requirements
Recording a Deed or Real-Estate Document in San Bernardino County
The Recorder-County Clerk accepts documents authorized or required by California law if the document contains the required information and can be photographically reproduced.
The office records documents. It does not prepare deeds, correct legal defects, give legal advice or decide whether a document accomplishes your legal goal.
Use conforming paper: the county fee calculator references 8.5 by 11 inch, single-thickness pages for conforming-page treatment.
Add a completed cover sheet: the county says a cover sheet is required and must include return name/address and the document title.
Include the document title: the title helps the Recorder index and charge the correct fees.
Show required tax information: documents subject to documentary transfer tax must show the tax amount and incorporated or unincorporated location.
Include PCOR when required: a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report is required with many transfer documents; missing it can add a fee.
Use a correct legal description: incomplete legal descriptions can trigger survey monument questions and recording issues.
Use correct payment: checks are payable to San Bernardino County Recorder, and the county allows a Not-To-Exceed check process.
Expect extra fees where applicable: Building Homes and Jobs Act, Restrictive Covenant Modification, fraud, monument and other statutory fees may apply.
After opening: review the required cover sheet, title, return address, tax declaration, PCOR, legal description, payment and page-format details before submitting a deed.
After opening: answer each prompt carefully. The calculator is an estimate, and additional fees may apply if the document has multiple titles or statutory surcharges.
Fees and cost warnings
Recorder Fees, Map Fees and Payment Details
Listed on the county’s public official records page.
Each subsequent page after the first.
Use only when certification is required.
Standard mail and USPS Priority Mail amounts listed by the county.
Posted by the county for map recording.
Posted by the county for each additional map page.
Posted on the county map recording page.
County fee calculator notes a debit or credit card surcharge.
Use the official fee calculator before recording. Documentary transfer tax, SB2 / Building Homes and Jobs Act fees, PCOR fee, monument fees and other statutory charges can change the final total.
Maps and surveys
Map Recording in San Bernardino County
San Bernardino County states that map recordings are by appointment only at the Hall of Records main office.
For map recording questions, the county lists MapDesk@arc.sbcounty.gov.
After opening: use the tentative map number application link if needed, review map recording fees, then email the Map Desk before bringing a map for recording.
Avoid the wrong office
Recorder vs Assessor vs Tax Collector vs Courts
Recorder-County Clerk
Use for: deeds, official records, document recording, recorded copies, certified copies, maps and Recorder index research.
Phone: 909-387-8306
Open Recorder IndexAssessor Property Information
Use for: assessed value, APN, property characteristics, assessment roll and property information.
Phone: 909-387-8307
Open Assessor Property InformationAuditor-Controller / Treasurer / Tax Collector
Use for: property tax bills, tax payments, tax refunds, tax sales and payment history.
Tax Collector phone: 909-387-8308
Open Property Tax ServicesSuperior Court
Use for: divorce filings, court cases, traffic tickets and court records.
The Recorder’s official records page states it does not provide divorce filings, court records or traffic tickets.
Open San Bernardino Superior CourtCommon mistakes
San Bernardino County Recorder Mistakes That Delay Users
Searching by address in the Recorder index: use Assessor property information first if all you have is an address or APN.
Expecting online images: the county says the online index does not allow customers to view actual document images.
Skipping spelling variations: search alternate name spellings to avoid missing grantor/grantee entries.
Ordering certification unnecessarily: ask the requesting party whether a certified copy is actually required.
Leaving out the cover sheet: a completed document cover sheet is required for recording.
Ignoring transfer tax language: deeds subject to documentary transfer tax need the required statement on the face of the document.
Missing PCOR: if a PCOR is required and not submitted, an additional recording fee can apply.
Using Recorder records as legal title advice: contact a title company or attorney when legal ownership certainty is needed.
Decision path
What Should You Do Next?
I need a deed copy: search the Recorder index, save the document number, then order a regular or certified copy.
I need ownership by address: start with Assessor property information, then use names or document references in the Recorder index.
I need to record a deed: review recording requirements, cover sheet, PCOR, transfer tax, notary and fee calculator before submitting.
I need a map recorded: use the map recording page and contact MapDesk before visiting.
I need tax bill details: use the Auditor-Controller / Treasurer / Tax Collector, not the Recorder.
I need court records: use the Superior Court, not the Recorder-Clerk public official records index.
Important notice
Independent Information, Legal Caution and FCRA Notice
This page is independent informational content. It is not the official website of San Bernardino County, the Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk, the Recorder-County Clerk, the Assessor, the Tax Collector or any government agency.
Recorder records can affect legal rights. This page is not legal advice, a title opinion, a deed-preparation service or an official determination of ownership.
Do not use property records for employment screening, tenant screening, credit eligibility, insurance underwriting or any other FCRA-regulated purpose.
Verify current fees, forms, office hours, appointment rules, recording requirements and copy procedures directly with San Bernardino County before recording or ordering official copies.
FAQs
San Bernardino County Recorder FAQs
Where is the San Bernardino County Recorder’s main office?
The main Hall of Records Recorder-Clerk office is at 222 W. Hospitality Lane, 1st Floor, San Bernardino, CA 92415.
What is the San Bernardino County Recorder phone number?
The Recorder-Clerk phone number listed by the county is 909-387-8306. The toll-free Recorder-Clerk number is 855-732-2575.
Is there a High Desert Recorder office?
Yes. The High Desert Government Center Recorder-Clerk location is at 15900 Smoke Tree Street, 1st Floor, Hesperia, CA 92345.
Can I search San Bernardino County deeds online?
Yes. The Recorder-County Clerk provides a self-service Official Records index. The online system is an index and does not provide full document images.
Can I search the Recorder index by property address?
The Recorder-County Clerk says it does not have property ownership names by address. Start with Assessor property information if you only have an address or APN.
How far back does the Recorder index go?
The county’s Official Public Records index page lists document search from 1925 to the present. The county’s property research page also explains that grantor/grantee index research is available from 1958 to present, while pre-1958 records are on microfilm at the main office.
How much is a public official record copy?
The county lists $4 for the first page, $1.50 for each subsequent page, and $1.50 per page for a certificate under seal.
Can the Recorder prepare a deed for me?
No. The Recorder records documents that meet requirements but does not prepare deeds, provide legal advice, notarize for you or determine whether your deed solves a legal issue.
What office handles assessed value?
The San Bernardino County Assessor handles assessed value, APN, property characteristics and assessment roll information.
What office handles property tax payments?
The Auditor-Controller / Treasurer / Tax Collector handles property tax bills, payments, refunds and payment history.
Official sources