SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA · RECORDER & LAND RECORDS · UPDATED OCTOBER 2026
San Diego County CA Recorder Office: Address, Deed Search, Records, Fees & Locations
The San Diego County Recorder Office records deeds, mortgages, liens, easements and other official property documents throughout San Diego County, California.
The main office is at 1600 Pacific Highway, Suite 260, San Diego, CA 92101. You can also use Recorder offices in Santee, Chula Vista and San Marcos.
Need a copy of a deed? Start with the online Official Records Index. You can search records from 1970 onward, then order a copy or view the document at a county office.
Since December 9, 2024, San Diego County no longer allows Assessor Parcel Number (APN) searches in its online Official Records Index. APN searches are available through designated in-person kiosks.
FIND THE RIGHT SERVICE
What Do You Need From the San Diego County Recorder?
The Recorder, Assessor and Treasurer-Tax Collector provide different services. Choosing the correct office can save you a trip or an unnecessary request.
Find a recorded deed, mortgage or lien
Use the Recorder’s Official Records Index. Search by a recorded party’s name or available document information.
How to search land recordsRequest a copy of a deed
Find the document reference, then order a copy online, by mail or at a Recorder office.
Copy fees and instructionsFind a property by street address or APN
Use the Assessor’s property resources. Online assessed-value searches are separate from the Recorder’s document index.
Search Assessed Property ValuesRecord a new deed or other document
Prepare the recordable instrument, check California recording requirements, and submit the document with all applicable fees and taxes.
Recording steps and requirementsThese records are generally handled by the San Diego Superior Court, not by the County Recorder.
Visit San Diego Superior CourtVISIT THE RIGHT LOCATION
San Diego County Recorder Office Addresses and Hours
San Diego County has four regular locations offering Recorder/Clerk services. You may visit the office most convenient for your transaction.
MAIN RECORDER / COUNTY CLERK OFFICE
County Administration Center — Downtown San Diego
Address:
1600 Pacific Highway, Suite 260
San Diego, CA 92101
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Recorder/Clerk: Jordan Z. Marks
General phone: 619-237-0502
Recording questions: 619-238-8158
Email: ARCCHELP@sdcounty.ca.gov
The county lists up to three hours of free underground parking for county business during weekday business hours.
The garage entrance is on Ash Street. Metered parking is also available near Waterfront Park.
Other San Diego County Recorder locations
East County — Santee
10144 Mission Gorge Road
Santee, CA 92071
Hours: Mon–Fri, 8 AM–5 PM
Directions to SanteeSouth County — Chula Vista
590 3rd Avenue
Chula Vista, CA 91910
Hours: Mon–Fri, 8 AM–5 PM
Directions to Chula VistaNorth County — San Marcos
141 East Carmel Street
San Marcos, CA 92078
Hours: Mon–Fri, 8 AM–5 PM
Directions to San MarcosThe office at 9225 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard currently does not offer Recorder/Clerk transaction services.
Use downtown San Diego, Santee, Chula Vista or San Marcos instead.
Google Map — Downtown Recorder Office
The main office is at the County Administration Center, near San Diego’s waterfront.
Regular Recorder/Clerk hours are subject to county holidays. Check service-specific requirements before traveling.
Verify All Official Recorder LocationsRECORDED DOCUMENT SEARCH
How to Search San Diego County Deeds and Official Records Online
The county’s Official Records Index allows public searches of recorded real-estate documents from 1970 to the present.
You can view index information online. Full recorded-document images are not freely displayed through the public online index.
-
Open the Official Records Index.
Use the county’s Acclaim public-search system.
Open Official Records Index -
Search using the recorded party’s name.
Start with the grantor or grantee. Use available name and recording-date filters to narrow your search.
-
Review the matching index entries.
Check the document type, parties, recording date and document number.
-
Confirm you found the correct instrument.
A property can have multiple deeds, deeds of trust, reconveyances and other recordings.
-
Save the document number.
Keep the year, instrument number, recorded parties and document type before ordering a copy.
Search for the grantor or grantee first. Use the recorded-document details to identify the correct result.
Select the document for copy ordering if you need the complete instrument. An account is required for online copy purchases.
What the index information means
California Assembly Bill 1785 led to the removal of online APN search functionality on December 9, 2024.
You can still use the county’s designated in-person kiosks for APN-based official-record searches.
This restriction does not mean every county property tool has lost APN searches. The Assessor’s valuation system serves a different purpose.
PARCEL AND PROPERTY INFORMATION
How to Find San Diego County Property Information by Address
If you only know a property’s address, the Assessor’s Secured Assessment Roll Search may be a useful starting point.
It lets you search assessed-value information by parcel number, address or street name.
Open 2026 Secured Assessment Roll Search- Choose the parcel number, address or street-name search.
- For an address, enter the street number and street name.
- For an APN, use the complete parcel-number format.
- Review the matching assessed-value information.
- Use other permitted records or in-person services for ownership-document research.
The Assessor’s 2026 roll search states that property ownership information is not provided through that online assessment service.
An assessed-value search is not the same as a deed, ownership certificate or title report.
COPIES AND CERTIFICATION
How to Get a Copy of a San Diego County Deed
San Diego County offers three ways to request copies of recorded real-property documents.
Order Online
Search the Official Records Index. Add the selected document to the cart and create an account.
Check your account-profile mailing address carefully. The county uses that address to send the document.
Order Through Official RecordsRequest by Mail
Send a written request with the document number, recording year, document type and at least one recorded party.
Include the correct payment by check or money order.
View Mailing AddressVisit an Office
Use a public kiosk to view recorded documents. Staff can also assist with copy requests.
The county says appointments are not required for regular in-person document-copy requests.
Choose an OfficeSan Diego County deed-copy fees
First page $2.00 + three additional pages $0.15 + certification $1.00 = $3.15.
Card surcharges and other applicable costs are not included.
When will an online copy arrive?
The county says online orders are normally printed the next business day and mailed through regular USPS.
It advises allowing approximately three to five business days for delivery, with more time for out-of-state addresses.
Verify Official Copy InstructionsNEW DOCUMENT RECORDING
How to Record a Deed in San Diego County
The Recorder accepts documents authorized or required to be recorded under California law. The property must be in San Diego County.
The office records qualifying documents but does not prepare deeds or provide legal advice about the correct instrument.
-
Prepare the legal document.
Confirm the deed type, names, property description, required signatures and acknowledgments.
-
Check the recording information.
Include the person requesting recording, the return-mailing address and the required parcel information.
-
Verify margins and legibility.
Reserve the upper 2½ inches of the first page for recording information. Keep at least ½-inch margins on both vertical sides.
-
Prepare applicable forms.
A Preliminary Change of Ownership Report (PCOR) is generally required with a property transfer.
-
Check recording fees and taxes.
Determine the appropriate recording fee, documentary transfer tax and any applicable SB 2 charges or exemptions.
-
Submit the document.
Visit an available Recorder office or use the correct mailing address. Appointments are not required for ordinary walk-in recordings.
San Diego County recording-format checklist
Property location: Property must be in San Diego County.
First-page space: Reserve 2½ inches at the top for recording information.
Side margins: At least ½ inch on each vertical side.
Paper: Standard 8½ × 11-inch paper avoids nonstandard-size charges.
Signatures: Original signatures are generally required, subject to statutory exceptions.
Notarization: Proper acknowledgment is needed when required by law.
Parcel information: Follow county APN requirements for the document type.
Return address: Include recording-requested-by and mail-to information.
Arrange any required notarization before submitting the deed. The Recorder/Clerk’s recording counters do not provide notary services.
If you are unsure which deed to use, contact a California attorney or qualified title professional.
Get official recording and deed forms
The county’s Recording page includes a PCOR form, grant deed, quitclaim deed, transfer-on-death forms and other courtesy forms.
Open Official Recording Forms- Find the Forms section.
- Choose the applicable document or PCOR form.
- Read its instructions before completing it.
- Review recording requirements and payment rules.
- Ask a legal professional for help with legal-document preparation.
2026 RECORDER CHARGES
San Diego County Recorder Fees, Transfer Tax and PCOR Costs
San Diego County’s official Recorder/County Clerk fee schedule became effective January 1, 2026.
The cost of recording depends on document type, number of pages, applicable taxes and whether an exemption applies.
Fraud-fee document categories include deeds of trust and certain foreclosure, assignment and reconveyance instruments. The complete schedule controls the final amount.
Documentary Transfer Tax
The county collects documentary transfer tax on taxable transfers valued above $100.
Existing liens or encumbrances may affect the taxable calculation. Exempt transfers must include the appropriate exemption statement.
Preliminary Change of Ownership Report (PCOR)
A PCOR provides ownership-change information for assessment purposes. When required but not filed with the transfer, a $20 charge may apply.
SB 2 — Building Homes and Jobs Act
Certain recorded real-estate instruments may incur an additional $75 fee. The statutory limit is $225 for a single transaction.
Exemptions include qualifying transfers subject to documentary transfer tax and certain residential transfers to owner-occupiers.
The county provides an SB 2 exemption cover sheet. Do not claim an exemption unless the recording qualifies.
View Official 2026 Recorder Fee ScheduleCheck the Recorder section on the first page for document charges. Use the next page for documentary transfer tax, PCOR and copy fees.
Confirm the correct first-page category and any SB 2 exemption before calculating the recording total.
San Diego County has announced an additional $5 recording fee for deeds, quitclaim deeds, mortgages and deeds of trust.
The announcement also requires the APN on the first page of these instruments under California SB 255.
These are upcoming 2027 changes, not additional charges to apply automatically to a recording made in October 2026.
SUBMIT RECORDS BY MAIL
San Diego County Recorder Mailing Addresses
The mailing address for recording documents differs from the downtown walk-in address. Use the appropriate destination for the delivery method.
P.O. Box 121750
San Diego, CA 92112-1750
590 3rd Avenue, Suite 204
Chula Vista, CA 91910
Mail a recorded-document copy request
Include the document number, recording year, at least one party name and document type.
Include the required check or money order. The county’s recording page identifies the payee as San Diego Recorder/County Clerk.
Confirm the applicable fee and delivery instructions with the office before mailing original legal documents.
The county says newly recorded documents may take approximately 24–48 hours to appear in the public index.
General processing can take seven to ten business days. If six weeks pass without a recorded original or rejection notice, contact the office with your submission details.
OLDER DOCUMENT RESEARCH
How to Find San Diego County Deeds Recorded Before 1970
The online Official Records Index covers 1970 to the present. Older records may require a different research approach.
San Diego County Archives maintains historical deed, grantor/grantee and recorded-document collections.
San Diego County Archives location
10144 Mission Gorge Road
Santee, CA 92071
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Phone: 619-237-0502
Email:
archives@sdcounty.ca.gov
Appointments are not generally required for Archives visits. However, contacting an archivist first can help with unusual historical requests.
Open San Diego County Archives FAQReview the available collections and electronic access information. Ask the Archives about the appropriate index or record series.
Order official copies through the Recorder/County Clerk, rather than requesting certification directly from the Archives.
PROPERTY FRAUD PROTECTION
San Diego County OWNER ALERT: Free Deed and Title Notifications
San Diego County offers OWNER ALERT, a free recording-notification service for property owners.
It sends email notifications when matching documents are recorded against registered names or parcel numbers.
No subscription fee.
Register up to 10 names and/or 10 parcel numbers per email.
Receive an email after matching documents are recorded and indexed.
How to sign up for OWNER ALERT
-
Open the official OWNER ALERT website.
Use the county’s free subscription service.
Open OWNER ALERT -
Enter your email and name information.
Use the name shown on the property’s recorded ownership documents.
-
Add an APN if appropriate.
You can find your parcel number on a county property-tax bill.
-
Complete the subscription process.
Follow the website’s instructions to activate your notifications.
Monitoring may help owners notice suspicious recorded deeds, liens or other documents sooner.
The service does not prevent a fraudulent document from being recorded. It is a notification tool, not title insurance.
If you suspect real-estate fraud, contact the San Diego County District Attorney’s Real Estate Fraud Unit.
Real-estate fraud complaint line: 619-531-3552
Read Official OWNER ALERT InstructionsOTHER RECORDER SERVICES
What Else Can the San Diego Recorder/County Clerk Help With?
The Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk department provides more than real-estate recording services.
Birth, death and marriage certificates
The Recorder/County Clerk maintains qualifying San Diego County vital records and accepts certificate requests.
Open Recorder/Clerk ServicesMarriage licenses and civil ceremonies
Marriage licensing and civil ceremony services have different requirements. Appointments may be needed for these services.
Review Marriage ServicesFictitious Business Name filings
The County Clerk handles qualifying fictitious business name filings and related records.
Review County Clerk ServicesRecorded maps and subdivision documents
Certain maps may be recorded through the Recorder. Map recording appointments are encouraged and are offered on designated days.
Read Map Recording RequirementsA declaration of homestead recorded with the Recorder is different from a Homeowners’ Property Tax Exemption handled by the Assessor.
They serve different legal and tax purposes.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Common San Diego County Recorder Search Problems
I have the APN, but the online Recorder search does not accept it.
APN searches were removed from the online Official Records Index on December 9, 2024.
Use an available in-person public kiosk for APN-based searching.
I found the deed reference but cannot open the full document.
The online index provides document information rather than unrestricted online access to the full recorded image.
Order a copy or visit a public kiosk to view available recorded documents.
My newly recorded deed is not showing online.
The county says newly recorded documents may take approximately 24–48 hours to appear in the index.
Allow for processing and indexing. Contact recording staff if the expected timeframe has passed.
I only know the property’s address.
Start with the Assessor’s property tools for parcel and assessment information. Use the Recorder’s name search or in-person kiosk when appropriate.
My deed is older than 1970.
Contact the County Archives or Recorder about historical indexes. Older documents may not be included in the online Official Records Index.
My recording was rejected.
Review the rejection notice for missing fees, tax information, recording space, signatures, acknowledgment or other deficiencies.
Recorder staff can explain administrative requirements, but cannot prepare legal documents for you.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
San Diego County Recorder Office FAQs
Where is the main San Diego County Recorder Office?
The main Recorder/County Clerk office is at 1600 Pacific Highway, Suite 260, San Diego, CA 92101.
What is the San Diego County Recorder’s phone number?
The general Recorder/Clerk number is 619-237-0502. For recording questions, call 619-238-8158.
What are the Recorder’s office hours?
Regular Recorder/Clerk office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding county closures.
Can I search San Diego County deeds online for free?
You can search the Official Records Index online for recorded-document information dating from 1970.
Complete document images require an official copy request or in-person viewing.
Can I search San Diego County Recorder records by APN?
APN searching is no longer offered through the online Official Records Index. The county provides APN-search access through designated in-person kiosks.
How much does a San Diego County deed copy cost?
The standard fee is $2 for the first page and $0.05 for each additional page. Certification costs $1 per document.
Where do I mail documents for recording?
Regular USPS recording submissions go to San Diego Recorder/County Clerk, P.O. Box 121750, San Diego, CA 92112-1750.
Does San Diego County charge documentary transfer tax?
Yes, on taxable conveyances. The county rate is $0.55 per $500 or fractional part of applicable taxable value or consideration.
Does San Diego County have a property-fraud alert service?
Yes. OWNER ALERT is a free email notification service for qualifying recorded-document matches associated with registered names or parcel numbers.
Can Recorder staff prepare a grant deed or quitclaim deed?
No. The county can record qualifying legal documents, but its staff cannot provide legal advice or prepare deeds.
Will recording fees increase in 2027?
San Diego County has announced an additional $5 fee for recording certain deeds and mortgage-related instruments beginning January 4, 2027.
Independent Information and Public Records Notice
This guide is independently published by county-appraisal-district.org. It is not the official website of San Diego County, the Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk or any California government agency.
The information is provided for public-records research and general guidance. It is not legal advice, tax advice or a title examination.
Recording rules, office hours, fees and public-search services can change. Confirm current information directly with official county sources before acting.
Do not use public property records for employment screening, tenant screening, credit eligibility, insurance underwriting or any other FCRA-regulated consumer-reporting purpose.