Shasta County Recorder: Deeds & Records

Shasta County provides a public self-service records index through the Assessor-Recorder website.

The county advises searching different spellings and versions of names to avoid missing matching documents.

1. Open the official self-service portal.

   Start with Shasta County’s public records search disclaimer.

   Open Shasta Recorder Search
2. Review the disclaimer.

   Read the conditions and proceed if you agree to the county’s public-access terms.

3. Choose the appropriate search method.

   Use grantor/grantee names or available recording references to identify a document.

4. Try name variations.

   Search maiden names, initials, alternate spellings and relevant business names when necessary.

5. Review the results.

   Compare document dates, recording references, document types and parties before selecting the correct instrument.

6. Request a copy when needed.

   Save the identifying information and contact the Recorder for the document image or certified copy.

Can you search Shasta County records by property address?

The Recorder indexes instruments primarily by recording number and grantor/grantee names.

If you only know a street address, start with the Shasta County Assessor to identify the property owner or Assessor’s Parcel Number.

Then use the Recorder index to locate documents associated with the relevant owner.

Open Shasta County Assessor

Does the Recorder keep a complete property file?

No. The Recorder explains that its records are organized by document number and grantor/grantee name.

There is no single county file containing every deed, easement, assessment, tax item and title restriction for each property.

The Recorder accepts documents that are legally authorized or required to be recorded and meet California recording standards.

The county does not provide legal advice, prepare deeds or offer notary services.

1. Prepare the correct instrument.

   Use the appropriate deed for the intended transfer. Consult legal counsel or a qualified document preparer when needed.

2. Check names and legal description.

   Include the property description, required party information and Assessor’s Parcel Number.

3. Complete signatures and acknowledgment.

   Original signatures and a proper acknowledgment are generally required unless the document qualifies for an exception.

4. Prepare the PCOR.

   Include a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report when required for the transfer.

5. Declare documentary transfer tax.

   Complete and sign the required declaration, including the reason if no transfer tax is due.

6. Check recording fees and SB2.

   Determine the page-based fee, documentary transfer tax, and whether an SB2 exemption applies.

7. Submit the document.

   Present the completed document with the required fees through an accepted Recorder submission method.

8. Verify the recording.

   Save the recording number and confirm the instrument appears in the official index.

Shasta County deed formatting rules

• Property location: the real property must be in Shasta County.
• Paper size: standard 8½ × 11 inches avoids additional size penalties.
• Maximum size: documents must not exceed the county’s stated 8½ × 14-inch maximum.
• First page: reserve space for recording information and the return address.
• Side margins: generally at least one-half inch, outside the recording area.
• Ink and paper: legible black ink on white paper.
• Notary seal: must reproduce clearly.
• Parcel number: include the Assessor’s Parcel Number on deeds as required by local ordinance.

Open Shasta County Recording Requirements

The official Recorder fee schedule lists a basic recording charge of $14 for the first page and $3 for each additional page.

California SB2 fees, documentary transfer tax and other statutory charges can significantly increase the total.

SB2 fee: when does the $75 charge apply?

California’s Building Homes and Jobs Act can add $75 per qualifying recorded real-estate document.

Statutory exemptions include certain documents recorded with transfers subject to documentary transfer tax and qualifying owner-occupied residential transfers.

Do not assume every deed is charged SB2. The exemption depends on the document and transaction.

Open the Official Shasta County Recorder Fee Schedule

Shasta County lists documentary transfer tax at $0.55 per $500, or fractional $500, of taxable value.

Tax generally applies to qualifying transfers over $100, based on the consideration or value subject to tax after permitted exclusions.

What if the transfer is exempt?

The Recorder requires a signed documentary transfer tax declaration on deeds.

If no tax is due, the county instructs filers to enter $0 and explain the reason for the exemption.

Commonly discussed exemptions include certain transfers between spouses, qualifying gifts and some trust transfers. Eligibility depends on the exact transaction and law.

A Preliminary Change of Ownership Report, commonly called PCOR, informs the Assessor about a property transfer.

The county’s recording instructions say a PCOR is required for transfers to someone other than a spouse, subject to applicable law and exceptions.

If a PCOR is required but not submitted when recording, an additional $20 fee applies.

Information commonly requested

• Property address and Assessor’s Parcel Number.
• Buyer or transferee information.
• Transfer date and type of transaction.
• Purchase price or other consideration.
• Possible exclusions from reassessment.
• Required certification and signature.

Open Shasta County Change of Ownership Forms

Does filing a PCOR prevent property-tax reassessment?

No. Filing the report provides information to the Assessor. It does not guarantee any reassessment exclusion.

Qualifying parent-child, inherited-property, spouse and trust transfers may involve additional California forms or eligibility requirements.

Use the Assessor’s change-of-ownership resources when a transfer may qualify for special treatment.

The Recorder can provide copies of recorded instruments, including deeds and deeds of trust.

Because public document images are not generally displayed online, start by locating the recording reference in the index.

How to request a copy

1. Search the official index.

   Find the recorded instrument and save the document number.

2. Choose regular or certified.

   Confirm which version you need before paying.

3. Contact the Recorder.

   Provide the recording reference and request current payment and delivery instructions.

4. Inspect the copy.

   Confirm the pages and instrument reference match the document requested.

The Recorder’s FAQ says recorded documents are generally mailed back approximately two weeks after recording.

Return timing can vary based on processing and delivery.

The office sends the document to the person and address provided in the upper-left return-information area.

Why a recorded deed may not arrive

• Processing: county archiving and document handling are still underway.
• Wrong return address: the preparer may have entered another party’s address.
• Document never recorded: the title company or submitting party may not have completed filing.
• Returned mail: the address may be outdated or incorrect.
• eRecording: the electronic submitter is responsible for returning the document.

Before calling, check the official index to confirm whether the deed was recorded.

Open Shasta Recorder Frequently Asked Questions

Verify Official Shasta Recorder Office Information

Send a question to Recorder staff

The county provides a web form for recording and document-copy questions.

Open Shasta County Recorder Contact Form

The Shasta County Recorder also maintains certain vital records. These services are separate from land-record searches and deed recording.

The county published updated vital-record fees effective January 1, 2026.

Authorized certified copies may require a sworn statement or other identification process.

Marriage licenses are obtained through the County Clerk, while certain recorded marriage certificates are maintained by the Recorder.

Open Current Vital Records Fees

• Cannot see a document image online? This is a county access limitation. Save the index reference and request the image from the Recorder.
• No result for an owner’s name? Search spelling variations, previous names, business names and alternative party names.
• Only know the street address? Start with Assessor property information to identify the owner and APN.
• Document rejected for formatting? Check margins, paper size, original signatures, acknowledgment and notary reproduction.
• Unexpected $75 fee? Review SB2 applicability and whether a valid exemption declaration is available.
• Deed transfer cost seems high? Separate the Recorder’s page-based charge from documentary transfer tax and other statutory fees.
• Missing PCOR? Check the BOE-502-A requirements and whether the $20 penalty applies.
• Paid off a home loan? Look for a recorded reconveyance or release, not a new ownership deed.
• Recorded document not returned? Review the return address, the index and the Recorder’s approximate two-week processing explanation.
• Found an unfamiliar lien? Obtain the document and identify the agency or party that recorded it. The Recorder does not create or cancel the claim itself.

The Shasta County Recorder maintains instruments accepted for recording under California law.

Recording a document does not guarantee that it is legally valid, establishes clear ownership or resolves a title dispute.

Recorder staff cannot prepare deeds or advise on the legal effects of a transfer.

Property records are not consumer reports. Do not use them for employment, tenant screening, credit, insurance or other decisions regulated by the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Last reviewed: October 17, 2026. Recording fees, office procedures and search access may change. Verify information through Shasta County before submitting documents or payments.