California Property & Deed Records

In California, real estate documents are recorded at the county level. Recorders handle deeds, liens, and maps; assessors track parcel numbers, ownership, and value; tax collectors manage delinquencies and sales. Start with the parcel number (APN) to keep searches consistent across offices.

Where to Search

• County Recorder: Grant deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, liens, and maps searchable by name, APN, or document number.
• Assessor: Parcel maps, ownership, situs, assessed value, and mailing address; some counties expose GIS layers.
• Tax Collector/Treasurer: Delinquent tax lists, tax-defaulted property auctions, redemption status, and minimum bids.

Steps to Locate a Deed

1. Find the APN via the assessor lookup or GIS map using the property address.
2. Search the recorder's site by name or APN; download the latest grant deed and any deeds of trust.
3. Note document numbers, recording dates, and legal description (lot/block or metes and bounds).
4. Check for liens, lis pendens, and reconveyances tied to the same APN.
5. Verify tax status and redemption if the parcel is tax-defaulted.

County shortcuts

• Los Angeles: Registrar-Recorder for deeds; Property Assessment Info System for APNs; Treasurer-Tax Collector for redemption and sales.
• Orange County: Clerk-Recorder records search; OC Assessor for APN and value; OC Treasurer-Tax Collector for delinquent status.
• San Diego: Recorder/County Clerk records; Assessor parcel search and maps; Treasurer-Tax Collector for defaulted lists.
• San Francisco: Recorder for documents; Assessor-Recorder parcel search; Treasurer & Tax Collector for tax status.

Document set to pull

• Current grant deed and prior deed to confirm chain and vesting.
• Deeds of trust, assignments, substitutions, and reconveyances.
• Mechanics' liens, HOA liens, abstracts of judgment, and lis pendens.
• Parcel map or tract map tied to the APN for boundary context.

California tax-defaulted sales

California counties sell tax-defaulted property after the redemption period expires. Sales are often online; deposits are required, and properties are offered “as is” without warranties. Redemption usually ends at the moment of sale, so do title research first.

Due diligence checklist

• Confirm redemption status with the tax collector before bidding.
• Run name and APN searches for liens and lis pendens; many survive the sale.
• Check zoning, permits, and code enforcement cases with the city/county.
• Inspect parcel maps for easements and access; some parcels are landlocked.
• Budget for quiet title if needed after purchase; plan holding costs and minimum bid premiums.