Monterey County CA Recorder: Deeds & Records

Monterey County combines the Assessor, County Clerk and Recorder functions under one elected county official.

However, the departments handle different services. The Recorder handles filed documents; the Assessor handles property values and ownership-assessment records.

Monterey County provides an online official-records index. This is the practical starting point when you need a recorded deed, mortgage or lien reference.

The county separates current records from historical records. The current index covers 1978 to the present, while historical indexes cover 1850–1977.

Search a deed in five steps

1. Open the current official-records portal.

   Start with the county’s public search disclaimer.

   Read the conditions and continue to the search interface.

2. Search using the parties’ names.

   Begin with a grantor, grantee or other known party.

   The county specifically recommends trying alternate spellings and additional search criteria.

3. Review the index results.

   Compare the recording date, document type, names and available recording reference.

4. Confirm the correct document.

   The online index is a finding aid. A matching name alone does not prove that the document belongs to your property.

5. Save the recording reference.

   Keep the document number or reel-and-page reference, year, party name and document type.

   These details are useful when requesting copies.

The office closes from noon to 1 PM for lunch. Holidays and separately announced closures can also affect service.

The county also schedules a 4–5 PM closure on the third Tuesday of March, May, August and November.

After opening: confirm the current public hours, recording cutoff, posted closure notices and phone number before visiting.

A deed is not ready for recording simply because it has been signed.

Monterey County requires documents to meet California recording laws, formatting standards and applicable fee requirements.

Before submitting your deed

Document layout rules

The first page must reserve a 2½-inch by 4½-inch space in the upper-right corner for recording information.

Standard paper is 8½ × 11 inches. Larger pages, up to 8½ × 14 inches, may result in different fees.

The Recorder’s official requirements explain that nonconforming formatting may require an additional cover page or fee.

After opening: review the recording-request block, signatures, acknowledgment, reserved space, page size and PCOR requirements before printing or mailing your deed.

Monterey County updated its Recorder fee schedule on March 3, 2026.

The county increased the Real Estate Fraud Prosecution Fund component by $1, from $9 to $10.

The county also publishes different recording-charge categories depending on documentary transfer tax, document exemptions and page size.

What is California SB 2?

California’s Building Homes and Jobs Act generally imposes a $75 fee on certain real-estate documents, subject to statutory exceptions and a transaction cap.

Documents connected with transfers subject to documentary transfer tax, and certain owner-occupied residential transfers, may qualify for exemptions.

The qualifying exemption declaration must appear on the document when required. Do not assume the Recorder will automatically remove the fee.

Transfer-tax example

This is a tax calculation example, not the complete recording bill. Applicable exemptions and additional local charges must be checked separately.

After opening: scroll to Recorder Fee Schedule. Check the category for documents paying or not paying documentary transfer tax, then review miscellaneous fees and exemptions.

California generally requires the buyer to submit a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report when recording a document that changes ownership.

The form helps the Assessor determine whether the transaction requires reassessment.

If the required PCOR is not submitted at recording, Monterey County charges an additional $20.

After opening: find Change in Ownership, then select Preliminary Change in Ownership Report (502-A). Complete buyer, property and transfer information, sign as required and submit with the recording.

Monterey County lets the public inspect recorded real-property documents in the Recorder’s public-access area.

Copies can also be requested by mail. The county publishes a specific information checklist for copy orders.

Information to include in your request

Recorded-document copies cost $2 per page, with an additional $2 per document for certification.

Ask the Recorder to confirm your document’s page count if you are unsure how much to send.

After opening: read Official Record Copy Requests. Gather the four required identification details and select in-person or mail service.

Regular copy or certified copy?

A regular copy is usually sufficient for personal reference or research.

A certified copy is a copy authenticated by the Recorder. Ask the receiving bank, court or agency whether certification is required before ordering.

If you cannot visit Salinas, Monterey County accepts qualifying recording documents by mail.

Mail the original recordable document with the correct fees to the Recorder’s post office box.

1. Review recording requirements.

   Confirm document formatting, notarization, PCOR and tax declarations.

2. Determine the total amount due.

   Include recording fees and applicable taxes or additional charges.

3. Prepare payment.

   Make the check, cashier’s check or money order payable to Monterey County Recorder.

4. Mail the recording package.

   Keep copies and consider a trackable mailing method.

5. Allow time for return delivery.

   The county advises allowing about 2–3 weeks to receive the original recorded document back by mail.

After opening: verify the payee, mailing address, fee instructions and return-mail expectation before sending an original.

Monterey County participates in California’s regulated Electronic Recording Delivery System framework.

Qualified recording submitters can use approved electronic-recording agents under the applicable California Department of Justice rules.

This is not the same as uploading a deed through the public records-search website.

After opening: review the Electronic Recording Delivery System information and follow the county’s link to its approved recording agents.

Monterey County’s Assessor and Recorder are connected administratively, but their functions are different.

Local government representative

Xochitl Marina Camacho is listed by the county as the elected Monterey County Assessor–County Clerk–Recorder.

For recording issues, contact the Recorder service team directly. For countywide policy questions, use the Monterey County Board of Supervisors.

After opening: identify the Assessor–Clerk–Recorder or your district supervisor. Elected representatives do not perform individual deed preparation or certify title.

Use the following county resources to confirm recording rules, fees and available services before submitting documents.