Placer County Recorder: Deeds, Property Records, Online Search, Fees & Office Locations
The Placer County Recorder records deeds, deeds of trust, reconveyances, liens and other documents affecting real property in Placer County, California.
You can search the county’s recorded-document index online. However, Placer County does not provide scanned deed images for public viewing on its website.
The Clerk-Recorder has a main office in Rocklin and a satellite office in Auburn. Both provide recording and real-property record services.
Placer County Recorder at a Glance
Records real-property documents and maintains public indexes.
Also serves as Registrar of Voters.
3715 Atherton Road, Rocklin, CA 95765.
2954 Richardson Drive, Auburn, CA 95603.
Recorder service and recorded-document questions.
Monday–Friday, excluding county holidays.
Placer County’s online records system provides an index, not downloadable scanned deed images. To view an actual recorded document, visit an office or request a copy.
Placer County Recorder Address, Hours, Phone Number & Google Maps
Placer County operates two locations for real-property recording and record access.
The county identifies Rocklin as its main office and mailing address. Auburn serves as a satellite office.
Rocklin Main Recorder Office
Address: 3715 Atherton Road, Rocklin, CA 95765
Recording phone: 530-886-5600
Clerk phone: 530-886-5610
Office hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Services: Deed recording, Official Records, copies, map recording, marriage licenses, vital records and related Clerk services.
Mailing address: Use this Rocklin address for mailed official-record copy requests and recording packages.
Auburn Satellite Recorder Office
Address: 2954 Richardson Drive, Auburn, CA 95603
Location: Larry Oddo Finance Administration Building, DeWitt Center
Recording phone: 530-886-5600
Office hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Services: Deed recording, Official Records, copies, CEQA filings and selected Clerk services.
Important: For mailed documents, use the Rocklin mailing address unless the Recorder instructs otherwise.
Google Map — Rocklin Main Office
Google Map — Auburn Satellite Office
Open official Placer County Clerk-Recorder office information
How to Search Placer County Recorder Deeds Online
The Placer County Recorder maintains a grantor/grantee index of recorded real-property documents.
The index is searchable online and includes references to deeds, deeds of trust, reconveyances, liens and other recorded instruments.
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Open the official Real Property Records page.
Use the county’s public records page rather than an unrelated third-party property-record website.
Open Placer County Real Property RecordsAfter opening: Find Online Real Estate Records and select Search Official Real Estate Records to enter the public index. -
Search using a person or business name.
The grantor/grantee index is primarily name-based.
Start with the current owner, previous owner, lender or another recorded party.
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Review the matching instruments.
Compare document type, recording date, parties and recording reference.
Use that information to distinguish deeds from mortgages, releases and liens.
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Record the document reference.
Note the instrument number and the parties shown.
You will need this information for a specific copy request.
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Visit or order the actual document.
The public index does not provide downloadable scanned instrument images.
Use the Rocklin or Auburn Recorder location to inspect records or obtain copies.
Start with the Placer County Assessor’s property information to identify the parcel and owner. Then search the Recorder’s name index using that information.
What If the Deed Is in a Trust or LLC?
A property may be held by a trust, trustee, LLC or another legal entity.
Search the business or trustee name shown in available property records.
Also check the previous owner’s name if a recent transfer does not appear under the current party.
Does an Online Search Prove Clear Title?
No. A public index is not a title insurance report.
A complete title investigation may require reviewing mortgages, assignments, judgments, liens, easements, court matters and older instruments.
For a property purchase or unresolved title concern, contact a licensed title company or qualified real estate attorney.
How to Record a Deed in Placer County, California
The Recorder accepts eligible documents affecting title to real property located in Placer County.
Documents may be submitted over the counter or by mail.
The county states that documents accepted during the recording window are recorded the same day.
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Prepare the appropriate deed.
Different deeds have different legal consequences.
A grant deed, quitclaim deed, trust transfer or transfer-on-death deed should be prepared for the actual transaction.
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Verify the property description.
Check the legal description and affected property.
Do not rely on the street address alone when a legal description is required.
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Check signatures and acknowledgment.
Confirm proper execution and notarization.
Review California recording requirements before presenting the instrument.
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Reserve the required first-page space.
Placer County requires space on the first page for the Recorder’s information.
If the document lacks the required space, a separate cover page may be needed.
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Determine transfer tax and SB 2 fees.
Documentary transfer tax and Building Homes and Jobs Act charges can affect the final amount.
Some transfers qualify for statutory exemptions.
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Submit the deed and payment.
File during the 8 AM–4 PM recording window or mail the document to the Rocklin office.
Retain the recording reference and other filing proof.
Open Placer County Basic Recording Requirements
What If the Deed Has Multiple Titles?
Placer County charges an additional fee for each extra document title that must be indexed.
The published fee is $14 for each additional title.
A document with multiple recordable purposes may therefore cost more than a standard deed of the same page count.
Does the Recorder Check Whether a Deed Is Legally Valid?
The Recorder checks whether a document meets recording requirements.
Recording does not guarantee legal sufficiency, ownership or marketable title.
Obtain professional legal assistance when you are changing ownership, transferring a home to a trust or correcting a title problem.
Placer County Recorder Fees for Deeds and Official Records
The Recorder’s published fee schedule lists $14 for the first page of a standard document and $3 for every additional page.
Additional charges may apply for nonconforming pages, extra document titles, indexing and state-mandated recording fees.
SB 2, documentary transfer tax, nonconforming charges and other fees depend on the instrument and transaction. Exemptions and statutory limits may apply.
Simple Recording Fee Calculator
Use this calculator for a standard document’s page fee and additional indexed titles.
It excludes documentary transfer tax, SB 2 and other transaction-specific charges.
Example: A three-page standard document with no extra titles costs $20 before any applicable special charges.
Open the Official Placer County Recorder Fee Schedule
Placer County Documentary Transfer Tax and SB 2 Recording Fee
Documentary Transfer Tax
Placer County lists a documentary transfer tax rate of $0.55 for each $500 or fraction of $500 of taxable consideration.
For example, a $400,000 taxable consideration would produce $440 in county documentary transfer tax under that rate.
The taxable amount may differ from the full sale price in certain circumstances.
Confirm whether the transaction is exempt and whether any additional city-level rules apply.
SB 2 — Building Homes and Jobs Act
California Government Code §27388.1 requires a $75 fee on certain recorded real-estate documents.
Statutory exemptions include some transfers subject to documentary transfer tax and certain transfers involving owner-occupied residential property.
The fee is subject to statutory transaction limits. Whether it applies depends on the document and transfer circumstances.
Check the specific statutory basis. An exemption should not be claimed merely because a transaction involves relatives, a trust or a low-value transfer.
Preliminary Change of Ownership Report
California deed transfers commonly involve a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report, called a PCOR.
Placer County lists a $20 charge when a qualifying document is recorded without the required preliminary report.
Ownership changes can also affect property-tax reassessment. The Assessor is the appropriate office for assessment questions.
Open the Placer County Assessor’s Office
How to Get a Placer County Deed Copy or Certified Copy
The Recorder’s online search allows you to identify the document.
To obtain the actual recorded image, visit the Recorder’s office or order copies by mail.
$1 for each additional page.
$1 for each additional page.
Published delivery charge.
Request a Copy in Person
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Search the online index.
Find the instrument number or recording reference.
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Visit Rocklin or Auburn.
Both county locations offer real-property record services.
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Request the document.
Identify the document by the recorded parties, type and reference number.
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Ask for certification if required.
A regular copy is not equivalent to a certified copy.
Request a Copy by Mail
Mail a written request to the Placer County Recorder-Clerk at 3715 Atherton Road, Rocklin, CA 95765.
Include the document type, parties’ names, recording reference number, daytime telephone number and mailing address.
Include a check or money order for the applicable fee.
The county recommends including a self-addressed stamped legal-size envelope to speed delivery.
Open Official Records Copy Request Instructions
Placer County Real Property Fraud Notifications
Placer County operates a Real Property Fraud Prevention and Courtesy Notification Program.
The Recorder automatically mails a notice to the property owner when certain recorded documents may affect ownership.
Examples include grant deeds, quitclaim deeds and some trust-transfer deeds.
The letter includes the recorded document information and the first page of the recorded instrument.
It is not necessary to assume that a deed transfer is fraudulent merely because you receive the county’s letter. The notice is sent for certain legitimate transactions too.
What to Do if You Receive a Suspicious Letter
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Review the recording information.
Compare the document type, recording date and property address.
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Determine whether you authorized the transfer.
Check recent sales, trust transfers or ownership changes involving your property.
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Contact the Recorder if unclear.
Call 530-886-5600 and follow the prompts for assistance.
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Report suspected fraud promptly.
Contact the Placer County District Attorney’s Fraud Alert Hotline at 916-645-7226.
Open the Official Property Fraud Notification Page
Placer County Recorder vs. Assessor vs. Tax Collector
A deed, parcel assessment and property-tax bill are maintained for different purposes.
Choosing the right office helps avoid unnecessary visits and delays.
Contact the Placer County Recorder.
Contact the Placer County Assessor.
Contact the Placer County Treasurer-Tax Collector.
Review the county’s assessment appeal procedure and filing deadlines.
Consult the appropriate court and a qualified attorney or title professional.
Placer County Assessor
Address: 2980 Richardson Drive, Auburn, CA 95603
Phone: 530-889-4300
The Assessor maintains assessment information and handles homeowner exemption and property valuation questions.
Open the Placer County Property Details Search
Placer County Recorder Search and Deed Recording Troubleshooting
I can find a deed reference but cannot view the image online
Placer County does not provide public online access to scanned recorded-document images. Visit the Rocklin or Auburn office, or submit a copy request.
I only know the property street address
Start with Placer County Assessor property information to identify the parcel and owner. Then search the Recorder’s name index.
A mortgage still appears after the loan was paid
Search for a recorded reconveyance or release. The original deed of trust remains in the historical records even when the debt is satisfied.
A lien has been filed against my property
The Recorder cannot remove a lien merely because you dispute it. Contact the party who filed the lien and obtain appropriate legal guidance about a release or challenge.
My deed does not meet the recording format
Review the county’s Basic Recording Requirements. A cover sheet or nonconforming fee may apply, depending on the defect.
I need to correct an ownership name
A corrective recorded instrument may be required. The Recorder cannot simply edit the original deed, so seek qualified legal or title assistance.
I received a deed fraud notification
Check whether you authorized the transaction. If not, contact the Recorder and the District Attorney’s Fraud Alert Hotline.
I need the original document returned
The Recorder’s recording process includes returning the submitted instrument according to its procedures. Confirm mailing and return-address requirements before filing.
Placer County Deed Recording Checklist
Use this checklist before taking a document to Rocklin or Auburn.
- Confirm the property is located in Placer County.
- Use the correct deed or legal instrument for the intended transaction.
- Check grantor and grantee names.
- Include a complete legal description where required.
- Verify signatures and notarial acknowledgment.
- Reserve the required first-page recording space.
- Include the necessary document title and references.
- Check the Preliminary Change of Ownership Report requirement.
- Calculate documentary transfer tax if applicable.
- Determine whether the SB 2 recording fee applies.
- Prepare payment for all applicable charges.
- Include a complete return mailing address.
- Visit during the 8 AM–4 PM recording counter hours.
Recording staff do not substitute for a legal professional. For ownership transfers, trust changes or title defects, the appropriate deed should be reviewed before it is recorded.
Placer County Recorder FAQs
1. Who is the Placer County Recorder?
Ryan Ronco serves as Placer County Clerk-Recorder-Registrar of Voters.
2. Where is the main Placer County Recorder Office?
The main office is located at 3715 Atherton Road, Rocklin, CA 95765.
3. Is there a Placer County Recorder Office in Auburn?
Yes. The satellite office is at 2954 Richardson Drive, Auburn, CA 95603, in the Larry Oddo Finance Administration Building.
4. What is the Placer County Recorder phone number?
The recording service number is 530-886-5600. The Clerk service number is 530-886-5610.
5. Can I search Placer County deeds online?
Yes. The Recorder provides an online public index of recorded documents. Scanned instrument images are not available through the public website.
6. How much does it cost to record a deed in Placer County?
The standard recording charge is $14 for the first page and $3 for each additional page. Other fees and transfer taxes may apply.
7. How do I get a certified deed copy?
Find the recording reference and request a certified copy in person or by mail. The published fee is $4 for the first page and $1 for each additional page.
8. What are the Placer County recording hours?
The recording counter operates Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM, excluding county holidays.
9. Does Placer County notify owners about suspicious deeds?
Yes. The Recorder automatically mails notices when certain recorded instruments may affect ownership. Suspicious transactions can be reported to the District Attorney’s Fraud Alert Hotline.
10. Can the Recorder remove a lien or fix my deed?
The Recorder cannot simply delete a recorded lien or rewrite a previously recorded instrument. A proper release, corrective instrument or legal process may be required.
Official Placer County Recorder and California Resources
- Placer County Clerk-Recorder — main office, satellite location, services and contact information.
- Real Property Records — online index, copy requests and recording procedures.
- Basic Recording Requirements — document formatting, title indexing and recording standards.
- Official Fee Schedule — recording, copies, certification, transfer tax and SB 2 charges.
- Real Property Fraud Notification — automatic mailed deed notifications and fraud assistance.
- Placer County Assessor — property valuation, exemptions and assessment questions.
- Assessor Property Details — fee parcel and assessment information.
- California Government Code §27388.1 — Building Homes and Jobs Act recording fees.
- California Revenue and Taxation Code §11911 — county documentary transfer tax.
Office services, holiday hours, processing requirements and fees may change. Confirm current information with the relevant county office before submitting a document.
Legal, Privacy and Public Records Notice
This page is an independent informational guide. It is not operated, endorsed or maintained by Placer County, the Clerk-Recorder or another California government agency.
This article is not legal advice, a certified record, a title opinion or proof of ownership. Recording a document does not guarantee clear title or resolve existing liens.
Property records should not be used for employment screening, tenant screening, credit eligibility, insurance underwriting or other decisions regulated by the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
This website is not a consumer reporting agency.