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

How to Access Inyo County California Property Records and Deeds: Complete Guide for Lien and Title Searches

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Accessing property records, deeds, liens, and conducting title searches in Inyo County, California is essential for real estate transactions, property research, and due diligence. This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step instructions and direct links to help you navigate Inyo County’s property record system efficiently.

Online Property Records Access Through Inyo County Clerk-Recorder

The Inyo County Clerk-Recorder maintains all official property records dating back to 1866 when the county was formed. Records from 1982 to present are available through their online Self Service Website, which allows you to search records at no cost and purchase and download official documents.

Primary Access Link: https://www.inyocounty.us/services/clerk-recorder

Online Self Service Portal: Available through the Clerk-Recorder’s website for searching and downloading records from 1982 to current.

Understanding What Records Are Available

The County Recorder manages and protects public records including records related to land ownership. Any document signed by a person transferring ownership of land or creating a debt or duty in property can be recorded, provided it meets proper format requirements.

Property records available include:

  • Deeds and Title Transfers – Documents showing ownership changes
  • Mortgages and Trust Deeds – Loan documents secured by real property
  • Liens – Claims against property for debts or obligations
  • Releases and Reconveyances – Documents clearing previous encumbrances
  • Easements – Rights to use another’s property for specific purposes

How to Search Property Records Online

For official records from 1982 to the present, individuals can visit the Inyo Clerk-Recorder Self-Service Web Portal to search property records at no cost and purchase downloaded copies.

Step-by-Step Online Search Process:

  1. Visit the Inyo County Clerk-Recorder website
  2. Access the Self Service portal
  3. Search by property address, owner name, or document type
  4. Review search results for relevant documents
  5. Purchase and download needed records

Accessing Historical Records Before 1982

For official records prior to 1982, individuals must contact the County Clerk-Recorder’s office at 760-878-0224. They can schedule in-house research at the office at 168 N. Edwards Street, Independence, CA 93526.

Contact Information for Historical Records:

  • Phone: (760) 878-0224
  • Office Address: 168 N. Edwards Street, Independence, CA 93526
  • Mailing Address: P.O. Box F, Independence, CA 93526
  • Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm (closed 12pm-1pm for lunch)

Recording Document Fees and Requirements

Documents that transfer title have additional recording fees and requirements. Any document that transfers title must have a Preliminary Change of Ownership attached or there is an additional $20.00 penalty fee due at the time of recording.

Current Recording Fees:

  • Basic Recording Fee: $14.00 for first page, $3.00 each additional page
  • Transfer Tax: $0.55 per $500 of consideration
  • Building Homes and Jobs Act Fee: $75.00 per real estate instrument (with exemptions)
  • Document without PCOR: Additional $20.00 penalty

Fee Schedule Link: Available on the Inyo County Clerk-Recorder website

Conducting Lien Searches in Inyo County

California liens are charges or claims against a piece of property that guarantee the satisfaction of a debt or obligation. Lien searches involve the examination of public records held by various government offices, including county recorders.

Types of Liens Recorded:

  • Tax Liens – For unpaid property or income taxes
  • Mechanic’s Liens – For unpaid construction or improvement work
  • Judgment Liens – Court-ordered claims for debt satisfaction
  • HOA Liens – Homeowners association assessments
  • Federal Tax Liens – IRS claims against property

Lien Search Process:

  1. Search the Clerk-Recorder’s online portal for recorded liens
  2. Check with the Superior Court for judgment liens
  3. Verify tax liens with the County Tax Collector
  4. Review federal tax liens through county records

Court Records and Judgment Lien Searches

The Superior Court of California, County of Inyo, handles court record searches including judgment liens. Name search requests can be made by emailing the Name Search Request Form to searches@inyocourt.ca.gov.

Court Record Search Information:

  • Email for Name Searches: searches@inyocourt.ca.gov
  • Search Fee: $15.00 per name for last 10 years
  • Document Copies: $0.50 per page
  • Certification: Additional $40.00 per document
  • Court Locations: Independence Courthouse and Bishop Courthouse

Title Search Services and Professional Resources

California Title Reports has expert California title search abstractors ready to research title reports in Inyo County, providing property abstracts, title reports, lien searches, and deed copies generated from official Inyo recorders’ public land records.

Professional Title Search Options:

  • Licensed title companies for comprehensive searches
  • Real estate attorneys for complex title issues
  • Professional abstractors for detailed property histories
  • Title insurance companies for protection against defects

Property Tax and Assessment Records

Inyo County Assessor Information:

The Assessor’s Office is responsible for administering the county property assessment program, determining ownership and value of assessable property.

Additional County Resources and Links

Essential Inyo County Property Links:

Electronic Recording Services

The Inyo County Clerk-Recorder office now accepts eRecording from qualified submitters. If you are not established to submit eRecordings, you may contact qualified eRecording agents to get started.

eRecording Information:

  • Available for qualified submitters only
  • Contact the Clerk-Recorder’s office for approved agent list
  • Streamlines document recording process for professionals

Important Tips for Property Record Searches

Best Practices for Successful Searches:

  • Have complete property address or Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN)
  • Know the property owner’s full legal name as recorded
  • Understand recording dates help narrow searches
  • Consider hiring professionals for complex title issues
  • Verify all information with official county sources

Document Requirements for Recording:

  • Original signatures with notarization required
  • California all-purpose acknowledgment needed
  • Black ink, minimum 10-point font size
  • 8.5″ x 11″ white paper, single-sided
  • Proper margins and formatting per county requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

How far back do online records go? Official Records from 1982 to Current are available on the Self Service Website. Earlier records require in-person or mail requests.

What are the costs for record searches? Basic online searches are free. Document copies and certifications have fees ranging from $1.00 per page for copies to $40.00 for certifications.

How long does a title search take? Simple online searches are immediate. Comprehensive title searches by professionals can take several days to weeks depending on complexity.

This comprehensive guide provides the essential information and direct links needed to successfully access Inyo County, California property records, conduct lien searches, and obtain title information for real estate transactions and property research.