Sonoma County CA. California PROPERTY RECORDS Lien and Title Search

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

BEGIN PROPERTY RECORDS SEARCH HERE

Sonoma County, California maintains comprehensive property records dating back to 1835, providing essential information for property owners, buyers, and legal professionals. This guide explains how to access deeds, liens, and conduct title searches through official county resources and online systems.

Official Sonoma County Clerk-Recorder-Assessor Office

The Sonoma County Clerk-Recorder-Assessor serves as the primary repository for all property records, including deeds, liens, mortgages, and financing statements. Located at 585 Fiscal Drive, Room 103, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, the office maintains records dating from 1835 to present.

Office Hours:

• Monday-Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Thursday-Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Official Website: https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/clerk-recorder-assessor-registrar-of-voters/clerk-recorder

Online Property Records Search System

The county provides online access to property records through their official search portal, covering documents recorded from 1964 to present. You can search for Official Public Records, Fictitious Business Names, Professional Registrations, and CEQA Filings.

Primary Search Portal: https://crarecords.sonomacounty.ca.gov/Web/

This system allows you to locate documents by:

• Grantor/Grantee names
• Document numbers
• Document types
• Recording dates

Accessing Historical Property Records

Documents recorded prior to 1964 (dating back to 1835) are not indexed online but are available through handwritten volumes that can be examined in the county office at no cost. The office also maintains a cumulative map index for subdivision maps, parcel maps, surveys, and assessment districts.

Important Search Tip: As of January 1, 2010, the Sonoma County Recorder’s Office no longer abbreviates words in the Grantor/Grantee index. When searching for records prior to 2010, remember to use abbreviations; after January 1, 2010, search under the exact name of the person or company.

Property Assessment and Parcel Information

For current property assessments and parcel data, use the county’s parcel search system:

Parcel Search Portal: https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/clerk-recorder-assessor-registrar-of-voters/assessor/real-property/search-parcel-info

The search system provides Assessor Parcel Number lookup, basic parcel information, value notices, and parcel maps. Due to California Government Code section 6254.21, property searches are allowed by parcel identification numbers and address only – searches by name are not available and results will not include owner names.

Document Costs and Fees

The county offers multiple options for obtaining property records with varying costs:

Online Downloads:

• $4.00 per document
• $2.00 credit card convenience fee per transaction
• Certified copies: Additional $4.00 per document (mail delivery only)

In-Person Purchases:

• $5.00 per page
• Certified copies: Additional $4.00 per document

Mail Requests:

• $5.00 per page
• Certified copies: Additional $4.00 per document
• Processing time: 2-3 weeks

Lien Search Services

The Sonoma County Recorder is responsible for recording transfer of title documents, liens, and maps. All recorded documents are considered Official Public Records and are available to the public.

The recording system protects persons intending to purchase or deal with land by allowing them to be informed about ownership and title conditions, and be protected from secret conveyances and liens.

Title Search Process

To conduct a comprehensive title search in Sonoma County:

1. Start with Property Identification: Obtain the Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN) or property address
2. Search Official Records: Use the online portal to locate relevant documents
3. Review Chain of Title: Examine deed transfers, mortgages, and liens
4. Check for Encumbrances: Look for judgments, tax liens, and other claims
5. Verify Current Status: Cross-reference with assessment records

Important Legal Disclaimers

Users should remember that the online index is similar to a library card catalogue – it serves as a guide to information contained within documents and should not be relied upon for making decisions about the underlying document. The staff of the Sonoma County Clerk-Recorder-Assessor’s Office are forbidden by California legal codes to practice law or provide legal advice, including advice about what forms you might need or how to fill them out.

Alternative Search Resources

Third-Party Services:

• ParcelQuest.com (for maps and recent sales data)
• CourthouseDirect.com (for additional search options)

Professional Title Services: For complex title searches or legal transactions, consider hiring professional title companies that specialize in Sonoma County property research.

Document Types Available

The Sonoma County system includes access to:

• Grant Deeds and Quitclaim Deeds
• Deeds of Trust and Mortgages
• Liens (mechanic’s liens, tax liens, judgment liens)
• Notices of Default and Foreclosure documents
• Easements and Right-of-Way documents
• Property tax records
• Subdivision maps and surveys

Contact Information for Property Records

Sonoma County Clerk-Recorder-Assessor 585 Fiscal Drive, Room 103 Santa Rosa, CA 95403 Mailing: PO Box 1709, Santa Rosa, CA 95402

Phone: Contact through main county switchboard Website: https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/clerk-recorder-assessor-registrar-of-voters

Tips for Successful Property Record Searches

1. Gather Complete Information: Have full names, property addresses, and approximate recording dates
2. Use Multiple Search Terms: Try different spellings and name variations
3. Search Chronologically: Start with the most recent records and work backward
4. Verify Information: Cross-reference findings with multiple sources
5. Consider Professional Help: For complex searches, consult with title professionals or real estate attorneys

Remember that County Clerk-Recorder staff cannot perform research or identify which documents you may be interested in purchasing – you must provide the specific document number for any document you wish to obtain.

This comprehensive access to Sonoma County property records ensures transparency in real estate transactions and provides the public with essential tools for property research, title verification, and lien searches throughout the county’s jurisdiction.