Lien Search | Title Search | Deed Copy | Los Angeles County CA. California PROPERTY RECORDS

 

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

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Los Angeles County maintains comprehensive property records dating back to 1850, making it one of the most extensive real estate record databases in California. Whether you need deeds, liens, title information, or property ownership details, this guide provides everything you need to access these public records efficiently.

Official Los Angeles County Property Record Offices

The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk (RR/CC) is the primary office responsible for maintaining all real estate records, including deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and judgments. The main office is located in Norwalk, with several satellite offices throughout the county.

Main Office Location:

  • Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
  • 12400 Imperial Highway, Room 2207
  • Norwalk, CA 90650
  • Phone: (800) 201-8999
  • Official Website: https://www.lavote.gov/home/recorder

Office Hours:

  • Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (except holidays)
  • Extended hours: Third Thursday of every month until 7:00 PM for property searches only

Los Angeles County Satellite Office Locations

Los Angeles County operates several satellite offices where you can access property record services:

  • Beverly Hills Branch Office
  • LAX/Courthouse Office
  • East Los Angeles Office
  • Lancaster Office
  • Florence/Firestone Office
  • Van Nuys Office

Los Angeles County Assessor Property Search Portal

For current property values and basic property information, use the Los Angeles County Assessor Portal rather than the RR/CC services.

Los Angeles County Assessor Contact Information:

How to Search Los Angeles County Property Records Online

The Los Angeles County RR/CC does not provide online access to real estate records or indexes due to California Government Code Section 6254.21, which prohibits online posting of home addresses of elected or appointed officials without their written permission.

However, several third-party services provide online access to Los Angeles County property records:

Third-Party Online Property Record Services

NETR Online Los Angeles County Index:

  • Website: https://datastore.netronline.com/losange
  • Search by Grantor/Grantee name or Assessor’s Identification Number (AIN)
  • Includes documents filed from 1977 to present for name searches
  • AIN searches only include documents filed after September 2009

Other Commercial Services:

  • CourthouseDirect.com: https://www.courthousedirect.com/PropertySearch/California/LosAngele
  • Various title search companies offering professional lien and title search services

Los Angeles County Property Record Search Methods

Searching by Property Owner Name (Grantor/Grantee)

Real estate documents like mortgages and deeds are maintained in alphabetical indexes by name and year the document was recorded. When searching by name:

  • Enter the full legal name of the current or previous property owner
  • Search both as Grantor (seller) and Grantee (buyer)
  • Name searches include documents from 1977 to present

Searching by Assessor’s Identification Number (AIN)

If you know the ten-digit Assessor’s Identification Number (AIN), enter it without dashes for more precise results. The AIN number can be obtained using the Los Angeles County Assessor’s online database.

In-Person Property Record Access at Los Angeles County Offices

You may freely view real estate records in person at Los Angeles County RR/CC offices. Benefits of in-person searches include:

  • Free viewing of all records
  • Access to records from 1850 to present
  • No online restrictions
  • Immediate access to certified copies

Record Location by Date:

  • Records from 1958 to present: Room 2207
  • Historical records from 1850-1957: Room LL001 (Hours: 8 AM to 4:30 PM)

Los Angeles County Property Record Fees and Costs

Copy Fees for Property Records

Los Angeles County recording fees vary based on document type. Fees range from $5 for a plain copy of the first page of a document to $18.50 for expedited mail.

Standard Copy Fees:

  • Plain copies: Starting at $5 for first page
  • Additional pages: $3.00 each
  • Expedited UPS delivery: Additional $18.50
  • Online credit card processing: $1.75 handling fee

Certified Copy Fees:

  • Higher fees apply for legal documents
  • Required for court proceedings and legal transactions

Payment Methods Accepted

  • Cash (in-person only)
  • Personal checks
  • Cashier’s checks
  • Money orders
  • Credit cards (online orders)

Make all payments payable to: “LA County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk”

How to Request Los Angeles County Property Records by Mail

Payment for mail requests are accepted only by check or money order, payable to the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. Do not send cash.

Mail Request Process:

  1. Submit written request with specific property information
  2. Include payment (check or money order only)
  3. Use blank check with “NOT TO EXCEED $20” if document length unknown
  4. Processing time: Five business days after receipt

Mailing Address: PO Box 1250 Norwalk, CA 90651-1250

Los Angeles County Lien Search Services

Types of Liens Recorded in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County records various types of liens affecting real property:

  • Mortgage liens and deeds of trust
  • Tax liens and assessments
  • Mechanic’s liens
  • Judgment liens
  • HOA liens and assessments
  • Business Improvement District liens

Conducting Comprehensive Lien Searches

When visiting in person, you can search and view all property records including deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and judgments.

Professional Lien Search Options:

  • Hire professional title search companies
  • Use third-party commercial services
  • Conduct DIY searches at county offices

Los Angeles County Title Search Process

What Title Searches Reveal

A comprehensive title search in Los Angeles County will uncover:

  • Current property ownership
  • Chain of title history
  • Outstanding liens and encumbrances
  • Easements and restrictions
  • Pending legal actions (lis pendens)
  • Tax assessment information

Professional Title Search Services

Several companies provide professional title search services for Los Angeles County properties:

  • Licensed title companies
  • Real estate attorneys
  • Professional search services
  • Commercial lien search companies

Important Limitations and Restrictions

Phone Search Restrictions

The Los Angeles County RR/CC offices do not accept requests for index searches over the phone. All searches must be conducted:

  • In person at county offices
  • Through written mail requests
  • Via authorized online services

Online Access Limitations

Los Angeles County does not provide online access to real estate records or indexes due to California Government Code Section 6254.21, which prohibits online posting of home addresses of elected or appointed officials without their written permission.

Special Services for Fire-Impacted Residents

Los Angeles County residents directly impacted by fires can request property records at no cost to support their recovery efforts. Contact (800) 201-8999, option 3, or email for assistance.

Available Services:

  • No-cost property records
  • Available at LAX, Van Nuys, Lancaster, and Norwalk offices
  • Requires signed affidavit

Tips for Successful Property Record Searches

Before You Search

  1. Gather essential information:
    • Property address
    • Owner names (current and previous)
    • Assessor’s Identification Number (AIN)
    • Legal description if available
  2. Determine search scope:
    • Time period needed
    • Types of documents required
    • Purpose of search (personal vs. legal)

Maximizing Search Efficiency

  1. Start with the Assessor’s portal for basic property information
  2. Use both current and previous owner names in searches
  3. Search multiple spelling variations of names
  4. Consider hiring professionals for complex title searches
  5. Verify information across multiple sources

Contact Information for Los Angeles County Property Records

Primary Contact Numbers

  • General Information: (800) 201-8999
  • Property Records: Option 3
  • Los Angeles County Assessor: (213) 974-3211

Official Website Links

Additional Resources

This comprehensive guide provides all the essential information needed to successfully access Los Angeles County property records, conduct lien searches, and obtain title information through official county channels and authorized third-party services.