What is the address of the Orange County CA Recorder Office?

The main Orange County Clerk-Recorder office is in County Administration South at 601 N. Ross Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701. The department also operates branch offices in Anaheim and Laguna Hills.

How do I search Orange County California deeds online?

Use the official Orange County Clerk-Recorder RecorderWorks Grantor/Grantee index. Search by a grantor or grantee name, business name, document number, or an appropriate recording date range. The online system is an index and does not provide document images.

Can I view Orange County deed images online?

The public online Grantor/Grantee search provides indexed information rather than online document images. Use the index to identify the document number, then request or view the document through the Clerk-Recorder's official copy services.

How much does an Orange County recorded document copy cost?

The Clerk-Recorder's posted fee schedule lists recorded document copies at $1 per page and certification at an additional $1 for each completed document or map. Fees can change, so verify the current official fee schedule before submitting payment.

Does the Orange County Recorder show property values and tax bills?

No. Recorded deeds and other official property documents are handled by the Clerk-Recorder. Property assessments and parcel information are handled by the Orange County Assessor, while property tax bills and payments are handled by the Orange County Treasurer-Tax Collector.

Can the Clerk-Recorder search for my deed for me?

The department states that staff do not conduct official-record searches by phone, in person, or by mail. Search the online Grantor/Grantee index first and obtain the document number before requesting a copy.

Where do I find Orange County property documents recorded before 1982?

The online Grantor/Grantee index is primarily for documents recorded from 1982 forward. For an older document, identify the book, page, instrument number, or other historical reference when available and contact the Clerk-Recorder or Orange County Archives for guidance.

Can I record an Orange County property document by mail?

Yes. The Clerk-Recorder accepts qualifying property documents by mail, FedEx, or UPS. Documents must be legible, include return information, include any required Preliminary Change of Ownership Report, and include accepted payment.

What number should I call about recording a property document?

The general Orange County Clerk-Recorder information line is 714-834-2500. For questions about presenting a property document for recording, the department lists 714-834-2887 for a document examiner.

Orange County, California · Deeds, liens, document copies, recording and vital records

Orange County CA Recorder Office: Addresses, Deeds & Official Records

The office commonly called the Orange County Recorder Office is officially the Orange County Clerk-Recorder Department. Use it when you need a recorded deed, deed of trust, reconveyance, lien, release, map, certified property-document copy, birth or death certificate, marriage record, fictitious business name filing, or another Clerk-Recorder service.

If you came here because you are trying to find who owns a property, locate a deed, order a certified copy, record a document, or simply find the correct office address, the sections below route you directly to the official county system and explain exactly what to do next.

Search official property records Check current office hours Get a deed copy

The Recorder is not the same office as the Assessor or Tax Collector. The Clerk-Recorder records deeds and other legal documents. The Orange County Assessor handles assessed values, parcel information and assessment matters. The Orange County Treasurer-Tax Collector handles property-tax bills, balances and payments.

RECORDED DOCUMENT Deed, lien or deed of trust

Use the Orange County Clerk-Recorder Grantor/Grantee index.

PROPERTY DETAILS Value, APN or assessment

Use the Orange County Assessor rather than the Recorder.

PROPERTY TAX Bill, balance or payment

Use the Orange County Treasurer-Tax Collector tax search.

COURT RECORD Divorce or court case

Use Orange County Superior Court, not the Clerk-Recorder.

Orange County Recorder Office quick navigation

Jump directly to the task that brought you here.

Addresses & hours

Orange County Clerk-Recorder office locations

Orange County operates a main Clerk-Recorder office in Santa Ana plus branch offices in Anaheim and Laguna Hills. The Old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana is also used for marriage services and the Orange County Archives. Services are not identical at every location, so choose the office based on what you need rather than simply visiting the closest address.

County Administration South — Santa Ana

601 N. Ross Street
Santa Ana, CA 92701

Monday–Friday: 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Main Orange County Clerk-Recorder location.
Real-property document recording and official-record services.
Main information line: 714-834-2500.
State seismic hazard map information is available through the County Service Center help desk.

North County Branch — Anaheim

222 S. Harbor Blvd., Suites 110A & 110B
Anaheim, CA 92805

Office: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Suite 110B handles real-property document recordings.
Recording service is listed as 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Recording service closes for lunch from noon–1:00 p.m.
Suite 110A handles services including vital records and FBN filings.

South County Branch — Laguna Hills

24031 El Toro Road, Suites 150 & 160
Laguna Hills, CA 92653

Office: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Suite 160 handles real-property document recordings.
Recording service is listed as 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Suite 150 handles vital records, FBN and several Clerk services.
County information notes free parking at the South County branch.

Old Orange County Courthouse — Santa Ana

211 W. Santa Ana Blvd.
Santa Ana, CA 92701

Marriage services and Orange County Archives

The courthouse location is used for marriage services and archival research.
Orange County Archives is in Room 108.
Archives research hours are 9:00 a.m.–noon and 1:00–4:30 p.m. weekdays.
Archives phone: 714-834-2536.

Before driving to an office: Orange County says customers generally must complete the applicable service application before visiting for in-person service, except for real-property document recordings. Recording windows can also end before the building’s general closing time.

Verify official hours & locations Parking & directions

Most common task

How to search Orange County deeds and recorded property documents

The fastest way to begin a deed or lien search is the official Orange County Clerk-Recorder RecorderWorks Grantor/Grantee Index. The online index covers recorded property documents from 1982 forward and lets you search by party name, business name, document number and recording period.

Important limitation: the online system is an index. It helps you identify the recorded instrument, but Orange County states that the public online Grantor/Grantee search does not provide document images. Save the document number and use the official copy process if you need the actual pages of the deed, lien or other recorded instrument.

Open the official RecorderWorks search Go directly to the Orange County Clerk-Recorder’s Grantor/Grantee Index . Avoid starting with a paid people-search or document-reseller site when the county index is available.

Choose the strongest search method If you already know the instrument number, search by document number. Otherwise choose the name search. For a person, enter the last name followed by the first name. A partial first name can help narrow a large set while avoiding an overly restrictive search.

Add a recording-date range when possible If you know approximately when the sale, refinance, lien, release or other event occurred, limit the date range. This can separate the target document from many similarly named records.

Open each plausible document number Compare the indexed names, document type and recording date. Do not assume the first matching surname is your property transaction.

Write down the document number This is the key reference for ordering a copy. For documents recorded from 1982 forward, Orange County describes the instrument number as the recording year followed by a six-digit number.

Request the actual document only if you need it If the index confirms what you needed, you may be finished. If you need the deed pages for a transaction, title review, lender, attorney, court, genealogy or another formal purpose, continue to the official copy-request process below.

What types of records can appear in the Recorder index?

Grant deed

A commonly recorded instrument transferring an ownership interest in California real property.

Deed of trust

A security instrument commonly recorded in connection with a real-estate loan.

Reconveyance

A recorded document associated with release of a deed of trust after the secured obligation is satisfied.

Liens and releases

Recorded claims, judgments and documents showing that certain recorded liens were released.

Maps

Certain subdivision, parcel, survey and assessment maps are filed or recorded through county processes.

Other title documents

Additional instruments affecting ownership or interests in Orange County real estate can become official records.

Do not call and ask staff to research a person’s property history. The Clerk-Recorder specifically states that staff do not conduct official-record searches for customers over the phone, in person or by mail. Use the public index first and obtain the document number yourself.

Copies & certification

How to get a copy of an Orange County deed or recorded document

Once you have the correct document number, obtaining the document is much easier. Orange County recommends finding the number in the online Grantor/Grantee database before visiting an office or mailing a copy request.

Search the index and identify the exact document Use RecorderWorks and save the document or instrument number.

Decide whether you need a regular or certified copy A regular copy may be enough for personal research. A certified copy contains the Recorder’s certification and may be required when another agency, court, lender or legal process asks specifically for certification.

Use the official copy instructions and form Open the county’s Official Record Copies page . The page links the current copy-request form and explains identification references and mailing requirements.

For a mail request, include a self-addressed stamped envelope Complete the request with the document number and requested copy type, include the required payment, and include a self-addressed stamped envelope so the completed records can be returned.

Mail the property-record copy request to the Recorder Orange County Clerk-Recorder
601 N. Ross Street
Santa Ana, CA 92701

Current posted recorded-document copy fees: the county fee schedule lists ordinary recorded document copies at $1 per page and certification at an additional $1 per completed document or map. Always confirm the current fee schedule before mailing payment because county fees are subject to change.

Official copy instructions Official record copy request form

Record a document

How to record a property document with the Orange County Recorder

Recording is different from ordering a copy. When you record a document, you are presenting an eligible instrument to the Clerk-Recorder so it can be examined, indexed and made part of the county’s official public record.

The Recorder cannot prepare your legal document. Orange County states that Clerk-Recorder staff cannot provide legal advice or tell you which legal form should be used for a transaction. If you do not know what instrument is appropriate, obtain qualified legal or professional guidance before submitting it.

Over-the-counter recording checklist

The real property is located in Orange County.

The document is legible and suitable for recording.

The requesting party’s name is included.

A return name and mailing address are provided.

Any required Preliminary Change of Ownership Report is included.

You have checked the applicable recording fee and possible statutory surcharges.

The county currently limits an over-the-counter recording transaction to a maximum of three documents. Accepted in-person payment methods listed by the department include cash, credit/debit card, check, cashier’s check and money order.

Micro guide: recording by mail, FedEx or UPS

Review the county recording requirements first Open the official Property Documents / Recording Services page .

Check that the document belongs in Orange County California real-property documents generally must be presented in the county where the affected property is located.

Include return information Add the name of the person requesting recording and the name and address where the recorded document should be returned.

Add the Preliminary Change of Ownership Report when required A document affecting a change in ownership may require a completed PCOR. The official county forms page provides the form: Orange County property document forms .

Include an accepted form of mail-in payment The Recorder’s recording instructions list check, cashier’s check or money order for mail-in recording. Make payment payable as instructed by the County of Orange.

Send the package to the official recording address Orange County Clerk-Recorder
601 N. Ross Street
Santa Ana, CA 92701

Recording question before you submit? Orange County lists 714-834-2887 for speaking with a document examiner about document-recording questions. The examiner can explain recording requirements, but the office cannot provide legal advice or prepare your document.

Fee guide

Orange County Recorder fees: what to budget for

Recording fees are not always just a single flat charge. The total can depend on document length, number of titles, statutory fees, transfer-tax calculations, formatting and whether an exemption from a particular surcharge applies.

Selected fees from the Orange County Clerk-Recorder posted fee schedule
Item	Posted fee	Practical meaning
Standard first page, 8½ × 11, per title	$12	Base recording charge listed for a standard first page.
Each additional standard page	$3	Added for additional standard pages; non-standard pages can trigger additional charges.
District Attorney Fraud Fee	$10	Applies per title to certain documents under the applicable statute.
SB 2 fee	$75	May apply per title unless the document qualifies for a statutory exemption that is properly stated.
Document Transfer Tax	$0.55 per $500	Can apply to qualifying transfers; the final calculation depends on the transaction.
Missing PCOR change-of-ownership charge	$20	May apply when a change-of-ownership document is recorded without the required Preliminary Change of Ownership Report.
Recorded document copy	$1 per page	Used when purchasing a copy of a recorded document.
Certification	$1	Added when certification of a completed document or map is requested.

Do not calculate a complex recording fee from this table alone. SB 2 exemptions, multiple titles, multiple references, non-standard pages, transfer tax and other document-specific charges can change the total. Check the county’s current fee schedule or contact the Recorder before submitting a time-sensitive instrument.

Open official fee schedule Check recording requirements

Historical records

What if the Orange County property record is older than 1982?

The online Grantor/Grantee database is most useful for modern recordings beginning in 1982. Older Orange County property research can require historical references that are not handled like a modern instrument search.

For pre-1982 property documents

Orange County’s copy instructions state that older documents may need the book, page and instrument number when available. If you already have an old deed, title report or reference, copy those identifiers exactly before contacting the office.

For broader historical county research

The Orange County Archives preserves many older county materials. The Archives notes that most of its holdings date from before 1960, while more recent property records generally route through the Clerk-Recorder.

Orange County Archives

Old Orange County Courthouse, Room 108
211 W. Santa Ana Blvd.
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Phone: 714-834-2536

Research hours are listed as Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 1:00–4:30 p.m., with the Archives closed for lunch from noon to 1:00 p.m.

Orange County Archives Archives directions & hours

More than deeds

Other records handled by the Orange County Clerk-Recorder

A person searching “Orange County Recorder Office” may actually need a birth certificate, marriage record, death certificate, DBA filing or another Clerk service. These functions are handled by the same department, although the application and office counter may differ.

Common Orange County Clerk-Recorder services
Record or service	Where to begin	Important point
Birth certificate	Vital Records	Complete the required application before an in-person visit.
Death certificate	Vital Records	Eligibility rules can apply to authorized certified copies.
Marriage certificate	Vital Records	Do not confuse a certificate copy with applying for a new marriage license.
Fictitious Business Name	Official FBN portal	The online system can search filings and begin certain FBN transactions.
Notary registration	Notary registration	State commission requirements come before county bond and oath filing.
Property document	Recorder services	The Recorder records documents but cannot draft them or give legal advice.

Vital-record mailing address can differ from a property-record transaction. Follow the address printed on the current official application for the service you are requesting rather than assuming every Clerk-Recorder request uses the same mailing destination.

Avoid the wrong counter

Recorder vs. Assessor vs. Tax Collector vs. Superior Court

One of the most common Orange County records mistakes is searching the Recorder for information maintained by another agency. Use the controlling office below.

Use the Clerk-Recorder when you need:

Recorded deeds
Deeds of trust
Reconveyances
Liens and releases
Recorded document copies
Vital records
FBN filings

Open OC Clerk-Recorder

Use the Assessor when you need:

Assessed property value
Assessment questions
Parcel-map information
Change-of-ownership assessment processing
Homeowners or other assessment exemptions

Open OC Assessor

Use the Treasurer-Tax Collector when you need:

Current property-tax bill
Tax payment
Tax balance
Secured or supplemental tax search
Payment receipt

Open property tax search

Micro guide: finding a property when you only know the address

If your goal is the current tax bill, open the official Treasurer-Tax Collector tax search and search the secured property section by street address.
If your goal is the assessed value or parcel information, start with the Orange County Assessor.
If your goal is the recorded deed, first identify an owner or likely transfer party, then use the Clerk-Recorder Grantor/Grantee index.
If your goal is a divorce, civil or other court filing, use Orange County Superior Court.

Unexpected recording?

What to do if you suspect a fraudulent deed or property recording

Orange County automatically sends a courtesy notice to a property owner when a document affecting title is recorded. No enrollment is required for that county courtesy notice.

Take an unexpected notice seriously. Examples that may warrant immediate review include a deed you did not sign, an unexplained transfer, a loan or deed of trust you did not authorize, a suspicious lien, or a document that appears to have been altered.

Search the official index Use RecorderWorks to identify the document and save its number.

Obtain the document Request an official copy so you can review the names, signatures, recording information and document type.

Do not ask the Recorder to decide whether the transaction was legal The Recorder maintains the record but is not your attorney and generally cannot adjudicate competing ownership claims or give legal advice.

Report suspected fraud promptly Orange County directs people who believe a fraudulent real-estate transaction occurred to contact the appropriate law-enforcement agency and provides additional reporting resources on its fraud-information page. Review the official Real Estate Fraud Alert .

Before you visit

Orange County Recorder visit checklist

Confirm which office actually controls your record.

Check the current weekday hours and county holiday schedule.

Complete the required service application when applicable.

Bring government-issued photo ID for a service that requires identification.

Save your document number before requesting a deed or lien copy.

Verify the fee instead of relying on an old fee sheet.

Bring the correct suite number when visiting Anaheim or Laguna Hills.

Arrive before the recording counter’s earlier closing time when recording a document.

Official contact: Orange County Clerk-Recorder Department · 714-834-2500 · OCRecorder.com

Frequently asked questions

Orange County CA Recorder Office FAQs

What is the main Orange County Recorder Office address?

The Orange County Clerk-Recorder’s main office is County Administration South, 601 N. Ross Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701. The general information number is 714-834-2500.

Can I search an Orange County deed online for free?

You can search the official Grantor/Grantee index online at RecorderWorks . The search helps you find indexed recording information and a document number. The public online index does not provide the actual recorded document image.

How do I search by owner name?

Open the Grantor/Grantee search and choose the name option. Enter the person’s last name followed by the first name or partial first name. For an entity, enter the business name. Narrow the recording-date range when possible, then compare each result before assuming you have the correct transaction.

Can the Recorder tell me who currently owns a property?

The Recorder index shows parties named in recorded instruments, but it is not a simple current-owner database. For parcel and assessment information, use the Orange County Assessor. For title certainty in a legal transaction, a full title examination may be needed.

Can I get a certified copy of an Orange County deed?

Yes. First locate the document number through the county index, then follow the Clerk-Recorder official copy instructions . The county’s posted fee schedule lists an additional certification charge for a completed document or map.

Does the Recorder have property tax records?

Recorded real-property instruments are maintained by the Clerk-Recorder, but tax bills and payments are handled by the Orange County Treasurer-Tax Collector . The online tax system can search secured property by address or APN.

What if the property document was recorded before 1982?

Older documents may require a book, page and instrument reference. Start with any old deed, title report or recording reference already in your possession. The Clerk-Recorder can explain its copy procedures, while the Orange County Archives may be useful for broader historical county research.

Can I mail a deed to the Orange County Recorder for recording?

Qualifying documents may be presented by mail, FedEx or UPS. Review the official recording requirements first, include the proper return address information, any required Preliminary Change of Ownership Report, and accepted payment, then send the package to the Clerk-Recorder at 601 N. Ross Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701.

What is a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report?

The PCOR supplies the Assessor with information about a real-property ownership change. When a qualifying ownership-transfer document is recorded, the form may need to accompany it. The county fee schedule also lists a charge that may apply when a change-of-ownership document is presented without the required PCOR. Use the current official form rather than an old downloaded copy.

What phone number should I use for a document-recording question?

Call the general Clerk-Recorder information line at 714-834-2500. For property-document recording questions, the department also lists a document examiner at 714-834-2887.

Bottom line

Use the Recorder for recorded documents—not every property question

For most people who land on this page, the fastest path is straightforward: search the official Grantor/Grantee index, identify the document number, and then request a copy only if you need the actual recorded pages.

Visit the Clerk-Recorder when you need deeds, liens, reconveyances, record copies, vital records or another Clerk-Recorder service. Use the Assessor for assessed values and parcel matters, the Treasurer-Tax Collector for tax bills and payments, and Superior Court for court cases. Choosing the correct office first can save an unnecessary trip across Orange County.

Search Orange County recorded documents Visit official Clerk-Recorder website