What are the basic recording requirements?
  • Original signatures are required except as otherwise required by law (Government Code 27201(b).
  • A California all-purpose acknowledgment is required (Civil Code 1188 and Civil Code 1189).
  • Documents, including notary seals and attachments, must be sufficiently legible to reproduce a readable photographic copy (Government Code 27361.7).
  • Margins on each vertical side must be at least 1/2 inches. The top 2.5 inches of the first page must be reserved for the recording information. The left 3.5 inches of this space must include the name of the party requesting recording and the address where the document is to be mailed after recording (Government Code 27361.6).
  • Download the sample cover sheet (PDF)
  • The title of the document must be indicated on the first page directly below the space reserved for the Recorder (Government Code 27324).
  • A recording reference is required on any document that modifies, releases, or cancels the provisions of a previously recorded document (Government Code 27361.6).
  • Basic recording fees are $15 for the first page and $3 for each additional page of the same document (Government Code 27361).

Show All Answers

1. What types of documents can be recorded?
2. What are the basic recording requirements?
3. Will the Recorder's Office help me prepare my document?
4. What happens to my document after it is recorded?
5. What is documentary transfer tax?
6. How do I find out what has been recorded on a particular property?
7. How do I find out the sales price of a certain property?
8. How do I find out if a lien has been filed against my property? How do I get it removed?