Los Angeles County, California • Recorder office guide • 2026
Los Angeles County CA Recorder Office: Address, Property Records, Deeds, Copies and Recording Help
The Los Angeles County Recorder Office is part of the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk.
It records property documents, maintains real estate records, and issues copies of recorded real estate documents for Los Angeles County.
The main office is in Norwalk. Some branch offices also record documents and issue real estate record copies, but mail should go to the Norwalk mailing addresses.
Quick answer
LA County Recorder Office Quick Facts
Recorder, County Clerk and election services are under the LA County RR/CC.
The Norwalk headquarters handles real estate records, recording and mailed requests.
Use option 2 for property document recording and option 3 for real estate records.
LA County real estate records are available after filing with the recording section.
The office says real estate records and indexes are not searchable online.
Do not expect an address-only search to work like an assessor parcel search.
If you need a copy, collect the grantor name, grantee name, document type and approximate recording year before ordering.
Main address
Los Angeles County Recorder Office Address, Phone and Email
Norwalk Main Office
Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
12400 Imperial Highway
Norwalk, CA 90650
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Recorder/County Clerk: (800) 201-8999
Real estate records email: recorder@rrcc.lacounty.gov
Which phone option should you use?
Option 2: property document recording.
Option 3: real estate records after recording.
Option 1: birth, death and marriage records.
Use the correct option to avoid being transferred between sections.
LA County instructs users to send mail to the Norwalk headquarters mailing addresses, not to district branch offices.
Google Map
Map to the LA County Recorder Main Office in Norwalk
Address: 12400 Imperial Highway, Norwalk, CA 90650
The headquarters is on Imperial Highway near Volunteer Avenue.
Use this location for the main RR/CC office, real estate records, document analysis and recording services.
What the recorder does
Recorder Office Services: What You Can and Cannot Do
Use the Recorder for
- Recording deeds and property documents
- Requesting copies of recorded real estate records
- Certified copies of recorded documents
- Real estate records filed since 1850
- UCC financial statements
- Restrictive covenant modification filings
- Homeowner notification questions
Do not use the Recorder for
- Property tax bills
- Assessed value disputes
- Parcel maps from the Assessor
- Legal advice or document drafting
- Ownership disputes between private parties
- Title insurance questions
- Changing a deed without a recordable document
The RR/CC records documents that meet legal recording requirements. It does not prepare deeds or decide whether a deed is legally correct for your situation.
Recording workflow
How to Record a Deed or Property Document in LA County
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Confirm the property is in Los Angeles County.
The Recorder can record property documents for LA County property.
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Use a document authorized by California law.
Common examples include grant deed, quitclaim deed, deed of trust, lien release and other recordable instruments.
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Check signatures and notary acknowledgment.
Original signatures are generally required unless the document is a certified copy from the proper custodian.
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Add return mailing information.
The document should include the requesting party and the name and address where the recorded document should be returned.
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Check fees and transfer-tax issues.
Recording fees, SB2 fees, fraud fees, restrictive covenant fees and documentary transfer tax may apply depending on the document.
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Submit in person, by approved drop-off or by mail.
Mail recording documents to the Document Analysis and Recording Section in Norwalk.
After opening: review the document formatting, signature, property-location, title and return-address requirements before presenting the document for recording.
Copies and search
How to Request LA County Real Estate Records
LA County real estate records are available after they have been filed with the Property Document Recording section.
The office says records are not available through a public online search database because of privacy restrictions around home addresses.
You may request copies online, by mail or in person. Online orders are processed through LexisNexis.
Use names and an approximate recording year instead of relying on address-only search.
Certified copies cost more and are often needed for official or legal uses.
The official online request page says orders are processed within 20 working days after receipt.
After opening: choose the online request option, gather the grantor/grantee name and recording year, then complete the LexisNexis order page.
Fees
LA County Recorder Fees You Should Check Before Visiting
$6 first page and $3 each additional page.
$5 first page and $3 each additional page.
$0.50 per name per year, with a $1 minimum.
$15 base fee, plus other required fees when applicable.
$75 may apply, with statutory exemptions and a maximum based on documents and titles.
$3 for each additional page when applicable.
Recording fees depend on document type, title count, page count, transfer tax, exemptions and special statutory fees. Always check the official fee page before mailing payment.
After opening: expand the document type that matches your deed, lien, UCC or notice, then verify base fee, page fee and special fees.
Mailing addresses
Where to Mail LA County Recorder Documents and Record Requests
Document Analysis and Recording
Use for: mailed property documents for recording.
Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
Document Analysis and Recording Section
P.O. Box 1250
Norwalk, CA 90651-1250
Real Estate Records
Use for: mailed requests for real estate record copies.
Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
Real Estate Records
P.O. Box 1130
Norwalk, CA 90651-1130
Branch offices should not be used as mailing destinations for mailed recording documents or mailed record requests.
Branch offices
LA County Recorder Branch Offices That Matter for Records
Branch services vary. Always confirm current service availability before visiting.
Norwalk Main Office
12400 Imperial Hwy, Norwalk, CA 90650
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Services: document analysis, recording, real estate records after recording, vital records, FBN, notary and election services.
Lancaster
44509 16th St. West, Suite 101, Lancaster, CA 93534
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Services: record documents and issue copies of real estate records from 1982 to present.
LAX / Courthouse
11701 S. La Cienega Blvd., 6th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90045
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Services: record documents and issue copies of real estate records from 1982 to present.
Van Nuys
14340 W. Sylvan St., Van Nuys, CA 91401
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Services: record documents and issue copies of real estate records from 1982 to present.
After opening: check the specific branch, hours and listed services before visiting. Some branches focus on vital records or marriage services rather than document recording.
Common problems
What to Do If You Have a Deed, Lien, Fraud or Title Problem
I need to remove a lien
You usually need a proper release of lien. A copy of the recorded lien may help identify who placed it.
I suspect real estate fraud
The RR/CC FAQ points consumers to the LA County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs.
I found discriminatory covenant language
LA County has a Restrictive Covenant Modification process. Submissions are reviewed by County Counsel.
I need legal advice
The Recorder does not prepare legal documents or decide private ownership disputes. Contact an attorney or title professional.
After opening: review the free recording process and determine whether the recorded document contains unlawful discriminatory restriction language.
Avoid delays
Common LA County Recorder Mistakes
Searching by address only: LA County records are filed by grantor, grantee and year.
Expecting online public index access: LA County says real estate records and indexes are not available online.
Mailing to a branch: official guidance says mail should go to Norwalk headquarters mailing addresses.
Skipping transfer-tax review: some deeds may require documentary transfer tax review.
Using the Recorder for assessed value: value and property-tax questions belong to the Assessor or Tax Collector.
Assuming recording proves legal ownership dispute resolution: recording preserves a document, but it does not replace legal review.
Important notice
Independent Information, Legal Caution and Public-Records Notice
This page is independent informational content. It is not the official website of Los Angeles County or the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk.
It is not legal advice, title advice, tax advice or an official record determination.
Recording rules, fees, hours and branch services can change. Verify directly with the official RR/CC website before mailing documents or visiting.
Public record information should not be used for employment screening, tenant screening, credit, insurance or any FCRA-regulated purpose.
FAQs
Los Angeles County Recorder Office FAQs
What is the address of the LA County Recorder Office?
The main Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk office is at 12400 Imperial Highway, Norwalk, CA 90650.
What phone number should I call for recording questions?
Call (800) 201-8999. Use option 2 for property document recording and option 3 for real estate records after recording.
Can I search LA County real estate records online?
The RR/CC states that real estate records and indexes are not available for public online search because of privacy restrictions.
How are LA County property records searched?
The office says property records are filed by grantor name, grantee name and year of recording.
Can I order a deed copy online?
Yes. You can request real estate record copies online through the official RR/CC request page, which sends users to LexisNexis.
How long does an online record request take?
The RR/CC online request page says orders are processed within 20 working days from the date the request is received.
How much is a certified copy?
The official fee page lists certified copies at $6 for the first page and $3 for each additional page.
Where do I mail real estate record requests?
Mail real estate records requests to Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk Real Estate Records, P.O. Box 1130, Norwalk, CA 90651-1130.
Where do I mail property documents for recording?
Mail recording documents to Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk Document Analysis and Recording Section, P.O. Box 1250, Norwalk, CA 90651-1250.
Does the Recorder prepare deeds?
No. The Recorder records documents that meet recording requirements, but it does not prepare legal documents or give legal advice.
Official resources