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

Complete guide to searching property records, deeds, liens, and conducting title searches in Humboldt County, California. Find official county links and step-by-step instructions for accessing public property information.

Quick Access Summary

Humboldt County property records are maintained by the Clerk-Recorder’s Office, which provides online access to document indexes from 1979 to present and allows purchase of non-certified copies of documents and maps from April 1999 to present. The county offers multiple ways to search and obtain property information, from free online searches to official certified copies.

Essential Humboldt County Property Records Links

Official Humboldt County Property Search System:

• Search/Self-Service Web Portal: https://humboldtgov.org/1992/Search-Self-Service-Web
• Property Assessment Inquiry Database: https://humboldtgov.org/230/Property-Assessment-Inquiry

County Office Websites:

• Clerk-Recorder’s Office: https://humboldtgov.org/244/Clerk-Recorder
• Assessor’s Office: https://humboldtgov.org/220/Assessor
• Treasurer-Tax Collector: https://humboldtgov.org/260/Treasurer—Tax-Collector

How to Search Property Records Online

The county’s Self-Service Web portal provides access to official record document and recorded map indexes from 1979 to present, plus the ability to purchase and print non-certified copies of documents and maps from April 9, 1999 to present. Here’s how to use the system:

Step-by-Step Online Search Process:

1. Visit the official Search/Self-Service Web portal
2. Search by parcel identification numbers or street addresses (name searches are not available due to California Government Code Section 6254.21)
3. Review available documents in the index results
4. Purchase copies using Visa, MasterCard, or Discover Card
5. Note: A 2.95% service provider fee ($2 minimum) applies per card transaction

Property Assessment and Tax Information

Property assessments can be searched online by parcel number, assessment number, or street address through the Property Assessment Inquiry web page. The county recommends using Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge browsers for optimal functionality.

Assessment Search Features:

• Current assessment information and Assessor Parcel Maps
• Property characteristics and valuation data
• Information maintained solely for assessment purposes and not continuously updated

Property Tax and Lien Information:

• Online Tax Payment: https://humboldtgov.org/282/View-or-Pay-Property-Taxes-Online
• Tax Defaulted Properties: https://humboldtgov.org/295/Public-Auction-Information
• Property Tax Bills: View and pay property taxes online through third-party processors Point & Pay and Easy Smart Pay

Accessing Deeds and Title Information

The Clerk-Recorder’s Office maintains property documents including deeds, maps, mortgages, liens, plats, and leases, typically indexed using book and page numbers, book type, document type, and party names.

Available Document Types:

• Grant deeds, quitclaim deeds, warranty deeds
• Deeds of trust and reconveyances
• Liens and lien releases
• Maps and plats
• Mortgage documents
• Property transfer records

Document Copy Fees:

• Official copies: $2 for first page, $1 for each additional page
• Map copies: $7 initial fee, $5 per succeeding page
• Certification fee: $2 if certified copy needed

Conducting Professional Title Searches

For comprehensive title searches and lien research, several approaches are available:

DIY Title Search Method:

1. Search the Clerk-Recorder’s online index system
2. Review chain of title through deed records
3. Check for liens, judgments, and encumbrances
4. Verify current assessment and tax status
5. Review recorded maps and survey information

Third-Party Property Search Services:

Contact Information for Humboldt County Offices

Clerk-Recorder’s Office:

• Address: 825 5th Street, Eureka, CA 95501
• Phone: (707) 445-7593
• Services: Document recording, property record searches, certified copies

Assessor’s Office:

• Address: 825 5th Street, Room 300, Eureka, CA 95501
• Phone: (707) 445-7663 or toll-free (866) 240-0485
• Contact: Assessor Howard LaHaie
• Services: Property assessments, value reviews, exemption applications

Treasurer-Tax Collector:

• Address: 825 5th Street, Eureka, CA 95501
• Phone: (707) 476-2450
• Services: Property tax collection, tax lien information, defaulted property auctions

Important Processing Delays Notice

The Humboldt County Assessor’s office is currently experiencing significant processing delays, with current processing times extended to 18-24 months compared to the historical 6-12 months. These delays result from staff turnover, increased new construction, COVID-19 impacts, and legislative changes.

Recording Requirements and Fees

Document Recording Standards:

• Original documents must be signed and notarized with California all-purpose acknowledgment
• Black ink, minimum 10-point font, single-sided on 8.5×11 white paper
• 2.5-inch top margin on first page with return address information
• Minimum 0.5-inch side margins, 1-inch top and bottom margins

Recording Fees:

• $13 for first page, $3 for each additional page
• $1 each for social security number redaction, micrographics fee, and 2-day processing
• Real Estate Fraud Prosecution Fee: $3 per applicable title
• Non-conforming document penalty: $3 per page

Legal Disclaimers and Limitations

The Clerk-Recorder’s Office is prohibited from providing legal advice or assisting in legal document preparation. The county makes no warranty regarding accuracy or reliability of online content and users agree to hold the county harmless for any damages.

Property characteristic information is maintained solely for assessment purposes and is not continuously updated, with no liability assumed by the county or assessor for errors or omissions.

Additional Resources

Planning and Zoning Information:

• Contact Planning and Building Department for zoning verification
• Access current zoning maps and land use records
• Office Location: Eureka, CA

Alternative Property Research:

• ParcelQuest: Assessor records and maps
• Historic Aerials: Historical property imagery
• GIS Mapping: County mapping and geographic information services

This comprehensive guide provides multiple pathways to access Humboldt County property records, whether you need basic property information, detailed title research, or official certified documents for legal purposes.