El Dorado County Recorder: Deeds & Records

El Dorado County’s Official Records Index supports several search methods. The county specifically documents name, document number and book-and-page searches.

Its public search system also lists document-type, map-book/page and advanced search options.

1. Open the official search system.

   Use the county Recorder-Clerk Self-Service website.

   Open El Dorado Official Records Search
   After opening this link: Choose the public Official Records search option. Select a search method matching the information you have.
2. Search by grantor or grantee name.

   The county instructs users to enter the last name, then a space, then the first name.

   Example: SMITH JOHN, without a comma.

3. Try the document number or book and page.

   These options can be more precise when a prior deed, title report or lender statement contains the original recording reference.

4. Compare the document details.

   Review the recording date, indexed parties, document type and reference number.

5. Use the APN for newer records.

   For records after 2013, the county recommends comparing the Assessor’s Parcel Number shown under Additional Information.

6. Save the recording reference.

   Keep the document number, book/page or other identifying details before placing a copy order.

The public self-service system lets you search the index, but the county states that document copies must be purchased.

You can identify the deed online and place an order for pickup or request electronic delivery through the county’s procedure.

1. Find the document in the index.

   Open the matching official record.

2. Add the document to the cart.

   Select the shopping-cart icon or the Purchase option on the detailed index page.

3. Proceed to checkout.

   Enter the requested customer information and place the order.

4. Arrange payment and delivery.

   The county says online orders remain in its system for 30 days.

   You may purchase and pick up at Placerville, or use the county’s electronic-copy process.

Electronic copies

El Dorado County offers a Credit Card Authorization Form for electronic document-copy requests.

The completed form may be emailed to recorderclerk@edcgov.us.

The county lists a $2.50 credit-card processing fee for its vendor.

The Recorder accepts instruments that meet California’s recording requirements.

The Recorder-Clerk does not prepare deeds or advise which deed type should be used for a particular transaction.

Required ownership-change report

El Dorado County says a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report (PCOR) must accompany deeds or affidavits of death.

When the required PCOR is missing, the county states that an additional $20 fee applies.

Can the county review your document first?

Yes. The Recorder-Clerk says applicants may email a copy of a document for a review of recording requirements and a fee calculation.

The office states that it generally responds within two business days.

A recording-requirements review is not a legal review of whether the deed accomplishes the intended transfer.

The final recording fee depends on the document type, page count, statutory surcharges and whether the transfer qualifies for an exemption.

Do not calculate the total using the basic page fee alone.

New Survey Monument Fee effective July 1, 2026

The Recorder-Clerk homepage announces a $10 Survey Monument Fee on qualifying deeds beginning July 1, 2026.

Confirm whether your deed qualifies for an exemption before including or excluding this charge.

California SB 2 recording surcharge

California’s Building Homes and Jobs Act can impose an additional charge on certain real-estate instruments.

Some transfers and documents qualify for exemptions. Use the county’s SB 2 Exemption Title Sheet when applicable.

Documentary transfer tax

Documentary transfer tax may apply to real-estate conveyances. Some transactions qualify for statutory exemptions.

The Recorder provides a separate documentary transfer-tax exemptions document to help determine what declaration is required.

The main Recorder-Clerk office is located at 360 Fair Lane, Placerville, CA 95667.

Plan to arrive before the 4 PM recording cutoff if you are submitting documents rather than asking general questions.

The Recorder and Assessor maintain different kinds of public records.

For deed history, start with the Recorder. For parcel maps, assessed value and assessment information, start with the Assessor.

Deeds of trust and reconveyances

California commonly uses deeds of trust for real-estate financing. A reconveyance may be recorded after the secured obligation is satisfied.

Check the recording reference and parties before assuming a particular deed of trust has been released.

Liens and easements

Recorded liens, easements and other instruments can affect a property’s use, transfer or financing.

The presence or absence of a search result alone does not establish the complete legal status of a property.

Parcel and subdivision maps

The Recorder’s official records search includes map book-and-page options.

Compare recorded maps with the parcel information maintained by the Assessor when researching boundaries or easements.

Restrictive Covenant Modification

California provides a procedure for addressing certain unlawful discriminatory restrictive covenants in recorded instruments.

El Dorado County makes a Restrictive Covenant Modification form and information about its modification plan available through the Recorder.