TULARE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA · DEEDS & OFFICIAL RECORDS · OCTOBER 2026
Tulare County Recorder: Deeds, Property Records, Search, Fees & Office Information
The Tulare County Recorder records deeds, deeds of trust, liens, easements and other official land documents for property throughout Tulare County, California.
You can search the county’s recorded-document index online. The search covers records indexed from January 1, 1960, through the latest available recording date.
Need a deed copy? You can purchase an uncertified copy online or request a certified copy in person or by mail.
Effective September 2026, the Tulare County Clerk-Recorder relocated to 5951 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia, CA 93277.
Some older county pages still display the former 221 S. Mooney Blvd. address. Use the new Government Plaza location for visits and mail.
FIND THE RIGHT SERVICE
What Does the Tulare County Recorder Handle?
The Recorder preserves official records involving property transactions. The Assessor maintains valuation and parcel information, while the Tax Collector handles property-tax payments.
Find a deed, mortgage or lien
Search the official Recorder index by recorded party name, document number or other available details.
See search instructionsGet a recorded deed copy
Purchase an uncertified copy online. Certified copies are available through the office or by mail.
View copy optionsFind a property using its address or APN
Use the Assessor’s property tools to find parcel maps and assessment information.
Open property resourcesRecord a new deed
Check recording requirements, the Preliminary Change of Ownership Report and applicable recording fees.
See deed-recording stepsThe Recorder maintains recorded documents but does not perform a complete title examination or guarantee that a property has clear title.
For a purchase, estate transfer or ownership dispute, a qualified California attorney or title professional may be needed.
OFFICIAL LAND RECORDS
How to Search Tulare County Recorder Deeds Online
Tulare County uses a Tyler Technologies public-records portal. The index includes deeds, mortgages and other recorded instruments.
Online index searching is separate from purchasing a document image. The county makes full document images available after purchase.
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Open the Recorder’s official search.
The portal may first display a disclaimer. Read it and select I Accept to continue.
Open Official Records Search -
Choose a search method.
Use the available name, document-number, date or document-type search options.
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Enter the name correctly.
For individuals, enter the last name first. For example, search Smith James rather than James Smith.
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Review the matching records.
Check the document type, recording date, grantor, grantee and document number.
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Open the document details.
Identify the correct document before purchasing a copy. Save its recording number for future reference.
Search tips from the county system
Enter the last name before the first name.
Try a surname and first initial when the full name gives no results.
Enter the organization’s name as it appears in the recording.
Expand the date range when the recording date is uncertain.
Try name variations and previous owners where appropriate.
The county search system identifies indexed Recorder documents beginning January 1, 1960.
The latest indexed date changes as additional recordings are processed and added.
Grantor, grantee and document numbers
The index is a finding tool. Review the underlying document and other relevant records before drawing legal conclusions.
DOCUMENT COPIES
How to Get a Copy of a Deed in Tulare County
Tulare County offers copies of recorded documents online, in person and by mail.
The main distinction is whether you need a regular copy or a certified copy.
Tulare County deed-copy fees
First page $3 + four additional pages $4 + certification $2 = $9 total.
This example excludes any separate payment or delivery charges.
How to request a copy by mail
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Find the recording reference.
Use the official records index.
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Complete the Recorded Document Request Form.
Use the county’s current copy-request instructions.
Open Recorded Document Request Form -
Calculate the correct payment.
Include the applicable copy and certification charges.
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Mail the form and payment.
Use the new Recorder mailing address shown below.
Make the check or money order payable to Tulare County Assessor/Clerk-Recorder.
Do not mail cash. Contact the Recorder if you are unsure about the required amount.
RECORD A NEW DOCUMENT
How to Record a Deed in Tulare County, California
The Recorder accepts qualifying documents affecting property located within Tulare County.
These may include grant deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, reconveyances and other legal instruments.
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Prepare the correct document.
Confirm the deed type, property description, parties, signatures and required acknowledgment.
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Verify the recording format.
Check the first-page recording space, paper size, document title and legibility.
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Include the APN when applicable.
The county’s document-requirements guidance identifies Assessor Parcel Numbers for applicable deed instruments.
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Prepare the PCOR.
A Preliminary Change of Ownership Report generally accompanies deeds transferring property ownership.
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Calculate taxes and fees.
Check recording fees, documentary transfer tax, Survey Monument charges and any SB 2 fee.
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Submit the document.
Visit the Recorder at Government Plaza or mail the document to the new address.
Recorder document-format requirements
County: The property must be in Tulare County.
Signatures: Original signatures or qualifying certified copies are required.
Recording space: Reserve the upper 2½ inches of the first page.
Return address: Include the recording-requested-by and return-mailing information.
Page size: Standard paper size is 8½ × 11 inches.
Side margins: At least ½ inch on both vertical sides.
Title: Identify the document title below the reserved recording space.
Legibility: Text, signatures, notary seals and attachments must be readable.
Compare the document against the county’s checklist. Fix formatting or missing information before submitting it.
Recorder staff cannot give legal advice or tell you which legal form is appropriate for an ownership transfer.
Consult a California attorney or title professional if you are uncertain about the legal effect.
2027 APN and owner-notification changes
California Senate Bill 255 introduces additional recording-related owner notifications beginning January 1, 2027.
The county has announced APN requirements for certain documents under its implementation of that law.
Its recording-requirements page already instructs filers to include APNs on applicable deeds and deeds of trust. Include the APN now where applicable to avoid a processing problem.
Check the county’s latest implementation instructions. New owner-notification procedures begin in 2027, while recording-document requirements may already be reflected in the current county checklist.
OFFICIAL 2026 FEES
Tulare County Recorder Fees and Recording Costs
The Recorder’s official fee schedule explains the charges for recording deeds and other instruments.
The first-page rate depends on whether the document is recorded in connection with a transfer subject to documentary transfer tax.
Other recording charges
These charges do not automatically apply to every document. Exemptions and special document types affect the actual fee.
Building Homes and Jobs Act (SB 2)
California Government Code 27388.1 creates an additional $75 recording fee for certain real-estate instruments.
The fee is limited to $225 per transaction and may not apply to qualifying exempt documents.
Exemptions include certain transfers subject to documentary transfer tax and qualifying transfers of residential property to an owner-occupier.
Open SB 2 Exemption Cover PageReview the statutory exemption statements. Use an exemption only if the specific recorded transaction legally qualifies.
A deed may involve recording charges, transfer tax, a Survey Monument fee or another applicable statutory charge.
The county may return documents that arrive with incorrect fees.
PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX
Tulare County Documentary Transfer Tax
Documentary transfer tax is separate from the Recorder’s basic recording fee.
Tulare County generally charges $0.55 for every $500, or fractional part of $500, of the taxable property-transfer value.
Simple transfer-tax example
Suppose a taxable property transfer has a value of $300,000, with no applicable reduction.
$300,000 ÷ $500 = 600 taxable units.
600 × $0.55 = $330.
The actual taxable calculation can differ. Certain assumed loans, statutory exemptions and transaction details may affect the result.
Open Official Transfer Tax CalculatorEnter the applicable purchase price or taxable value. Review the calculated amount and confirm any exemption or adjustment before recording.
California law generally requires a documentary transfer tax statement on applicable recorded property-transfer documents.
Check the official county guidance if the transfer is exempt from the tax.
OWNER, PARCEL AND ASSESSMENT RECORDS
How to Find Tulare County Property Information by Address or APN
If you only know a street address, the Assessor’s parcel resources are usually an easier starting point than the Recorder’s name index.
Tulare County provides access to parcel maps, assessment values and property-related data.
Property taxes are handled by another office
The Tulare County Tax Collector handles property-tax billing and payment services.
Its online system supports current and historical property-tax bills and several payment methods.
Tax Collector Phone: 559-636-5250
Open Tulare County Tax CollectorSelect the My Taxes or property-tax payment section. Verify the assessment and tax period before submitting a payment.
DOCUMENT CATEGORIES
What Types of Records Does Tulare County Maintain?
The Recorder maintains many kinds of official documents affecting real-property interests.
Grant deeds and quitclaim deeds
These instruments are commonly used to convey an interest in real property.
The legal protections and effects differ according to the deed type and circumstances.
Deeds of trust and reconveyances
Deeds of trust may secure property-related loans. Reconveyance documents can show the release of a recorded deed-of-trust interest.
Liens and mechanic’s liens
Recorded liens may affect property interests or provide notice of a claimed obligation.
Determining whether a lien remains enforceable may require legal or title review.
Easements and recorded maps
Easements may document access or other rights. Parcel maps and subdivision maps provide recorded land-division information.
Mining claims and related records
Tulare County’s Recorder maintains certain mining claim and related recorded-document categories.
Land ownership and mineral rights may require separate legal research.
Military discharge records
The Recorder maintains certain military discharge records. These records have special access and privacy rules.
The county’s fee schedule lists no charge for qualifying military-record recording or copies.
Paying off a mortgage does not ordinarily create a new ownership deed.
A reconveyance or other release may be recorded to document the termination of the loan’s security interest.
PROFESSIONAL DOCUMENT SUBMISSION
Does Tulare County Accept Electronic Recording?
Yes. Tulare County accepts electronic recording from authorized submitters.
eRecording is commonly used by title companies, institutional lenders, government agencies and other eligible recording professionals.
Authorized submitters may need to work through an approved Electronic Recording Delivery System.
The county recommends recording in person or by mail when you do not regularly submit recorded documents.
For professional eRecording requirements, contact the Recorder at 559-636-5050.
Find the electronic-submission section. Review authorized submitter requirements and contact the Recorder for onboarding information.
PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY
Tulare County Real Estate Fraud and Deed Scams
Tulare County publishes a Real Estate Fraud Alert explaining common property-related scams.
Property owners should watch for unfamiliar deeds, unexpected mortgage paperwork and property-tax bills that suddenly stop arriving.
A document may falsely claim to transfer property ownership.
Someone may attempt to borrow money using another person’s property.
An unexpected lien or deed may require investigation.
Private companies may offer copies you can obtain directly from the county for less.
What should you do if something looks suspicious?
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Save the recording reference.
Keep the document number, date and parties.
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Contact the Recorder.
Ask about the recorded document and available copies.
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Report suspected fraud.
Contact local law enforcement or the District Attorney’s Office.
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Get legal assistance when needed.
Fraud involving ownership or title may require an attorney.
Tulare County District Attorney — Bureau of Investigations: 559-636-5410
Read Official Real Estate Fraud AlertReview the county’s warning signs and reporting guidance. Use the official records portal if you need to investigate an unfamiliar recording.
County recording and indexing do not guarantee that every submitted document is legally valid.
VISIT THE RECORDER
Tulare County Recorder Office Address, Phone, Hours & Google Map
Tulare County Assessor/Clerk-Recorder
Assessor/Clerk-Recorder: Tara K. Freitas, CPA
Recorder Office Address:
Government Plaza
5951 S. Mooney Blvd.
Visalia, CA 93277
Phone: 559-636-5050
Email: Recorder@tularecounty.ca.gov
General office hours:
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Recording counter:
Plan to complete recording transactions before 3:00 PM.
Why the new address matters
On September 2, 2026, the county celebrated the opening of its remodeled Government Plaza offices.
The Recorder’s new location is across from Mooney Grove Park in Visalia.
The Assessor’s Office is nearby at 5953 S. Mooney Blvd.. The Recorder and County Clerk are at 5951.
Older county documents may still list 221 S. Mooney Blvd., Room 103, Visalia, CA 93291.
That was the former Recorder location. Use 5951 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia, CA 93277 for current Recorder business.
What time should you arrive?
Current county pages show office hours until 5:00 PM, but some pages list recording transactions until 3:00 PM and others until 3:30 PM.
To avoid a missed filing, arrive before 3:00 PM and confirm the recording-counter cutoff by phone.
Verify Official Contact InformationMAIL-IN RECORDING
How to Mail a Deed to the Tulare County Recorder
The Recorder accepts qualifying documents by mail. Include the completed instrument and the correct recording payment.
The county accepts checks and money orders for mail-in recording.
Make payment to Tulare County Assessor/Clerk-Recorder.
Before putting a deed in the mail
1. Confirm the document is fully completed.
2. Check signatures and required notarization.
3. Include the legal description and APN where applicable.
4. Include a completed PCOR for a qualifying ownership transfer.
5. Calculate all recording fees and taxes.
6. Use the new Government Plaza mailing address.
7. Keep copies of the submission and delivery details.
Replace the former 221 S. Mooney Blvd. mailing address with the new 5951 S. Mooney Blvd. address.
COMMON PROBLEMS
Why Can’t You Find a Tulare County Deed?
The owner name gives no results
Try the surname first, alternate spellings, a previous owner or a business name.
Remove unnecessary first-name details and widen the recording-date range.
The deed was recorded before 1960
The current online index identifies records beginning January 1, 1960.
Contact the Recorder about older indexes, microfiche and other available historical records.
I found the deed but cannot view the image
Full images are available through the paid-copy process.
Add the document to the portal cart to purchase an uncertified copy.
I need a certified deed copy
Certified copies are requested by mail or in person, not through immediate online download.
I only know the property address
Use the Assessor’s parcel resources first. Find the APN and property details, then continue with Recorder research.
The deed was rejected for recording
Check the rejection notice for missing information, inadequate recording space, missing PCOR or incorrect fees.
Correct the issue before resubmitting.
I paid off my mortgage but did not receive a new deed
Mortgage payoff does not normally create a new ownership deed.
Search for a reconveyance or other release, or contact your lender if a release is missing.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Tulare County Recorder FAQs
Where is the Tulare County Recorder Office?
The Recorder is at 5951 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia, CA 93277, in Government Plaza.
Who is the Tulare County Recorder?
Tara K. Freitas, CPA, is the elected Tulare County Assessor/Clerk-Recorder.
What is the Tulare County Recorder phone number?
The Recorder’s phone number is 559-636-5050.
What are the Recorder’s office hours?
General office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Because county pages list different transaction cutoffs, plan to arrive before 3:00 PM for recording.
How do I search Tulare County deeds online?
Use the county’s Tyler Technologies official-records portal. Search by name, recording date, document number or available document criteria.
How far back do Tulare County online records go?
The online Recorder index identifies documents beginning January 1, 1960.
Can I download a Tulare County deed online?
Yes. Uncertified recorded-document copies can be purchased and downloaded online.
Certified copies require an in-person or mail request.
How much does a certified deed copy cost?
The first page costs $3, each additional page costs $1, and certification is $2 per document.
How much does Tulare County charge to record a deed?
The standard first-page recording fee is $21. Certain documents connected to a transfer subject to documentary transfer tax use a $14 first-page fee.
Additional pages cost $3 each. Other fees and taxes may apply.
Does Tulare County charge documentary transfer tax?
Yes, on applicable taxable property transfers. The county rate is $0.55 per $500, or fractional part of $500, of taxable value.
Can Recorder staff prepare my deed?
No. Recorder staff cannot provide legal advice or select and prepare a deed for you.
Is the old 221 S. Mooney Blvd. office still the Recorder?
No. The Recorder moved to Government Plaza at 5951 S. Mooney Blvd. in September 2026.
Independent Information and Public Records Notice
This guide is independently published by county-appraisal-district.org. It is not the official website of Tulare County, the Assessor/Clerk-Recorder or another California government agency.
This article is informational and does not provide legal advice, title insurance, tax advice or an official determination of property ownership.
Recording fees, office hours, search coverage and requirements may change. Verify current information through official county sources.
Do not use public property records for employment screening, tenant screening, credit eligibility, insurance underwriting or other FCRA-regulated consumer-reporting purposes.