Imperial County CA. California PROPERTY RECORDS – Lien and title search – Deed Copy

How to Access Imperial County California Property Records, Deeds, Liens and Title Searches

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Imperial County, California property records provide essential information for real estate transactions, property research, and legal proceedings. This comprehensive guide explains how to access deeds, liens, title searches, and other property documents through official county resources and online portals.

Imperial County Clerk-Recorder’s Office Property Records

The Imperial County Clerk-Recorder’s Office maintains official property records including deeds, mortgages, leases, and liens. You can access records through their online portal or visit the office in person. The RecorderWorks online database contains property documents recorded since 1986, providing convenient digital access to historical records.

Official Website: https://recorder.imperialcounty.org/

Physical Address: Imperial County Administration Center 940 W. Main Street, Suite 202 El Centro, CA 92243

Online Portal: https://recorder.co.imperial.ca.us/PortalInternet/

Property Deed Search and Recording Services

The Recorder’s Office handles recording of deeds, mortgages, leases, and other instruments affecting title to real property in Imperial County. California follows a race-notice recording act, meaning the first recorded buyer who pays fair value without notice of conflicting interests has priority.

Recording fees vary by document type, with most recorded documents costing $2 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. Certification under seal costs $2.50, and map copies are $2 for the first page plus $1 for additional pages.

Imperial County Assessor Property Information

The Imperial County Assessor’s Office provides property valuations, tax assessments, and parcel information. Their website offers access to ParcelQuest Lite for property searches by Assessor Parcel Number (APN) or physical address.

Assessor Website: https://assessor.imperialcounty.org/ Contact: (442) 265-1300 Address: 940 W. Main St., Suite 115, El Centro, CA 92243 Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday

Property Lien Search Services

Lien searches reveal claims against properties including tax liens, mechanic’s liens, judgment liens, and mortgage liens. The Imperial County Recorder’s Office maintains lien records, and searches can be conducted online or in person.

California lien searches require specific information such as taxpayer name, recording date, book and page number, or document title. Federal tax liens affecting real estate are filed in the county where the property is located.

Title Search and Chain of Title Services

Title searches in Imperial County verify property ownership and discover encumbrances through the County Recorder’s Office records. Complete title searches often require professional assistance or in-person visits for comprehensive results.

Professional title search services are available through:

Online Property Record Search Portals

Several online platforms provide access to Imperial County property records:

Official County Resources:

Third-Party Search Platforms:

Tax Collector and Delinquent Property Information

The Imperial County Tax Collector handles property tax collection and maintains records of delinquent properties. Tax clearance certificates are required for certain property transfers, particularly manufactured homes.

Tax Collector Contact: (442) 265-1270 Address: 940 W. Main St., Suite 103, El Centro, CA 92243

Delinquent Tax Sales: https://www.bid4assets.com/Imperial

Court Records and Judgment Liens

The Imperial County Superior Court maintains civil court records that may include judgment liens and other legal proceedings affecting property. Named record searches are available online with proper account setup.

Superior Court Website: https://www.imperial.courts.ca.gov/ Court Records Search: https://www.imperial.courts.ca.gov/online-services/named-record-searches Contact: (760) 482-2200

Building Permits and Code Compliance Records

Property records also include building permits and code compliance information maintained by Imperial County Planning and Development Services.

Planning Department: https://www.icpds.com/ Building Inspections: https://www.icpds.com/building/inspections Zoning Information: https://library.municode.com/search

Document Preparation and Legal Requirements

When preparing property documents, Imperial County staff cannot provide legal advice per Government Code Section 24004. It’s recommended to consult attorneys, title companies, or professional document preparation services for title changes.

Property transfers may trigger reassessment for tax purposes and documentary transfer tax. A Preliminary Change of Ownership Report (PCOR) must be filed when recording certain documents, with a $20 fee if not filed at time of recording.

Fees and Payment Methods

Recording Fees:

  • Most documents: $2 first page, $1 each additional page
  • Certification: $2.50 plus $1 per additional page
  • Map copies: $2 first page, $1 each additional page

Payment Options:

  • Cash (in-person visits)
  • Check or money order payable to “Imperial County Clerk-Recorder”
  • Credit cards (where accepted)
  • Online payment through official portals

Contact Information Summary

Imperial County Clerk-Recorder:

Imperial County Assessor:

Imperial County Tax Collector:

  • Phone: (442) 265-1270
  • Address: 940 W. Main St., Suite 103, El Centro, CA 92243

This comprehensive guide provides multiple pathways to access Imperial County property records, ensuring you can obtain the deeds, lien information, and title search data needed for your real estate research or transactions.