Orange County Recorder Information

The Clerk-Recorder is responsible for maintaining records for real property located in Orange County.

These government fees are separate from any Deeds.com service fees. Confirm current charges with the recorder's office.

Standard first page, one side 8 " x 11" (per title)..............................................$ 7.00

Each additional standard page...............................................................................$3.00
(A $3.00 charge will be added to all pages of a document containing a non-standard page)

District Attorney Fraud Fee (per title on certain documents, pursuant to GC 27388)...........$3.00

SB 2 Fee......................................................................................................................$75.00
(per title pursuant to Senate Bill 2, unless expressly exempt under GC 27388.1 (a)(1) or (a)(2). Documents must be labeled
"Exempt" with a valid exemption on the face of the document, or on a cover page, prior to submitting for recording)

Multiple References (per reference)...........................................................................$1.00

Indexing more than 10 names (per group of 10 names).........................................$1.00
Notification of Involuntary Lien (per debtor -- not applicable to Mechanic Liens)......$10.00

Release of any state, county, city, or municipality tax lien.......................................$10.00

Survey Monument Preservation Fund.........................................................................$20.00
(for each Grant Deed recorded showing a legal description other than a complete lot and tract)

Document Transfer Tax (per $500).............................................................................$0.55

Change of Ownership....................................................................................................$20.00
(applies when recording a change of ownership without a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report)

MISCELLANEOUS FEES:
Preliminary 20-day Notice of Mechanics Lien.................................................$72.00
Certification of Registered Translators.............................................................$10.00
Filing of maps (subdivisions, parcels, surveys and assessments).....................$6.00
Each additional page.............$2.00

RECORDED DOCUMENT COPY FEES:
Document (per page)..............................................................................................$1.00
Maps and Documents exceeding 11" x 18".........................................................$1.00
Certification (only completed documents will be certified)...............................$1.00
Conformed Copies...................................................................................................$1.00

County recording fees are subject to change without notice. For the most current fees and further information, contact the local recorder directly.

They accept cash, personal checks, money orders, cashier's checks, and credit/debit cards.
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Discover Card, MasterCard, and Visa.
Please make checks payable to the County of Orange.
Return check service fee: $25.00.
Mail to:
Orange County Clerk-Recorder Department
County Administration South
601 N. Ross Street
Santa Ana, CA 92701

On January 1, 2018, California Senate Bill 2, a.k.a., the "Building Homes and Jobs Act," goes into effect and may increase recording fees for real estate instruments. The fee will address homelessness and housing shortages, and help to increase the rate of home ownership within the State by creating a Building Homes and Jobs Trust Fund to which the additional fee will be remitted.

Upon taking effect, the recorder's office will impose a fee of $75.00 to be paid when recording every real estate instrument, paper, or notice required or permitted by law to be recorded, per each single transaction per single parcel of real property, not to exceed $225.00.

Transfers subject to the documentary transfer tax as defined in Section 11911 of the Revenue and Taxation Code or on any real estate instrument, paper, or notice recorded in connection with a transfer of real property that is a residential dwelling to an owner-occupier are exempt from this fee.

If you have any questions about how the Building Homes and Jobs Act affects your recording fees, please speak with a clerk with the Recorder's Office or a licensed attorney within the state.

Confirm current requirements with the recorder's office before submitting documents.

Real estate documents may be presented for recording in person, by mail, or by a representative. Please note the following:

Documents must be recorded in the county where the property is located.

The document should be legible.

Include the name of the party requesting the recording, and a name and address where the document can be returned.

Include a completed Preliminary Change of Ownership Report when recording documents affecting a change in the ownership of real property. These forms can be obtained from the Clerk-Recorder and Assessor departments.