Los Angeles County Title Search
Property Records · Lien Search · Deed Retrieval · Chain of Title
Records compiled from the LA County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. U.S. Title Records provides title research services—we do not issue title insurance policies.
How Do I Search Los Angeles County Property Records?
Los Angeles County maintains property records at the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, located at 12400 Imperial Highway in Norwalk. These records include deeds, deeds of trust, liens, judgments, easements, and other documents affecting real property ownership. The Grantor/Grantee Index contains documents from 1977 to present, while historical records extend back to 1850.
You can search LA County property records through U.S. Title Records by providing the property address or APN (Assessor's Identification Number). Our abstractors cross-reference records from the Registrar-Recorder, the County Assessor, and the Treasurer and Tax Collector. Most reports are delivered within 24 hours via email in PDF format. No login or subscription required.
Los Angeles County Property Records
Los Angeles County is California's most populous county with nearly 10 million residents and over 2.4 million parcels of real property. The county encompasses 88 incorporated cities and numerous unincorporated communities across 4,084 square miles—from 70 miles of Pacific coastline to mountain peaks exceeding 10,000 feet in the San Gabriel Mountains.
U.S. Title Records provides professional title search services for every LA County city, from Beverly Hills estates to Downtown LA commercial complexes to South Bay investment properties. Our reports help real estate investors verify ownership before trustee sale bids, attorneys research chains of title for litigation, and lenders confirm collateral for loan underwriting. Since 2009, we've served investment groups, law firms, banks, and individual buyers throughout Southern California.
Los Angeles County Title Search Pricing
Property Detail Report: $29 — Ownership verification with sale history and assessed values.
Individual/Entity Lien Report: $95 — Personal and business lien search including judgments and UCC filings.
Full Property Owner Lien Report: $195 — Property and owner lien search; recommended for trustee sales.
Chain of Title Abstract: $275 — 30-year ownership history with all vesting deeds.
Preliminary Title Report: $295 — Full investigation with easements and Mello-Roos identification.
Most reports delivered within 24 hours via email in PDF format.
Los Angeles County Title Search Services
Professional property records research for all 88 LA County cities. Reports delivered within 24 hours.
Property Detail Report
Verifies current ownership with sale history and Prop 13 assessed values for LA County properties.
- Current owner and vesting type
- Sale and transfer history
- Assessed vs. market value
- Property characteristics
- AIN (Assessor's ID Number)
Individual/Entity Lien Report
Personal and business lien search including judgments, UCC filings, and bankruptcy records.
- Judgment liens
- UCC filings
- Bankruptcy records
- State and federal tax liens
- Court records search
Full Property Owner Lien Report
Searches property liens AND owner personal liens. Identifies liens that may survive trustee sales.
- All property liens
- Owner's personal judgments
- Bankruptcy filings
- UCC filings against owner
- IRS and state tax liens
- Property valuation
- Risk analysis synopsis
Chain of Title Abstract
30-year ownership history with copies of all vesting deeds and chain break identification.
- 30-year transfer history
- All vesting deed copies
- Deed of trust records
- Reconveyance verification
- Chain break identification
Preliminary Title Report
Full title investigation with easements, Mello-Roos identification, and valuation analysis.
- 10-30 year title search
- Full lien reports
- Mello-Roos/CFD identification
- Easement documentation
- Parcel maps and zoning
- Comparable sales
Service Comparison
| Report Type | Price | Best For | Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Detail | $29 | Ownership verification | Same day |
| Individual/Entity Lien | $95 | Asset searches, judgment recovery | 24 hours |
| Full Property Owner Lien | $195 | Trustee sales, investors | 24 hours |
| Chain of Title | $275 | Quiet title, litigation | 1-3 days |
| Preliminary Title Report | $295 | Auctions, complex transactions | 1-3 days |
How Does a Title Search Work in Los Angeles County?
A professional title search in Los Angeles County examines public records to trace property ownership and identify claims against the property. Here's what our title examination process includes:
Ownership Verification: We search deed records at the LA County Registrar-Recorder to confirm current ownership and verify the seller has legal authority to transfer title. Chain of Title Review: Our abstractors trace the property's ownership history through successive transfers, typically covering 10-30 years. Lien Search: We identify deeds of trust, tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, and other encumbrances recorded against the property. Encumbrance Discovery: We uncover easements, deed restrictions, and other limitations that may affect property use or value.
California Real Estate Law
Understanding California's real estate laws protects your investment in Los Angeles County transactions.
📜 Title Research vs. Title Insurance
U.S. Title Records is a title research company—we do not issue title insurance policies or commitments. Our role is to provide property research that investors, attorneys, and lenders need for informed decisions. Many clients are real estate investment groups who use our research to close their own deals. For clients who require title insurance, we recommend First American Title Company. Title insurance policies—including CLTA (California Land Title Association) and ALTA (American Land Title Association) policies—must be issued by licensed underwriters.
⚖️ Liens That Survive California Trustee Sales
Under California Civil Code Section 2924, trustee sales extinguish junior liens but several lien types survive: Property tax liens always survive and transfer to the buyer. Senior deeds of trust recorded before the foreclosing lien remain attached. IRS federal tax liens survive with a 120-day government redemption right. Mechanic's liens may survive depending on when work commenced relative to the foreclosed deed of trust. Our Full Property Owner Lien Report ($195) identifies all liens before you bid.
🏠 Property Ownership Forms in California
California recognizes several forms of property ownership with distinct legal implications. Joint Tenancy with Right of Survivorship provides automatic transfer upon death. Tenants in Common is the presumed default unless the deed specifies otherwise. Community Property is presumed for conveyances to married couples under California Family Code. California does not recognize Tenancy by the Entirety. Precise vesting descriptions in deeds are important for title examination and transfer planning.
📋 Important Lien Periods
Key lien periods to consider in LA County title searches: Federal tax liens are enforceable for 10 years plus 30 days. Mechanic's liens have a 90-day enforceability window under California Civil Code. State tax liens are enforceable for up to 10 years. Property tax liens attach on January 1 preceding the fiscal year and may remain in effect for up to 30 years unless cleared.
🏛️ Tax-Defaulted Property Sales
Los Angeles County conducts tax-defaulted property auctions for parcels with delinquent property taxes. Under the California Revenue and Taxation Code, properties become subject to sale after five years of tax default for residential/agricultural properties, or three years for commercial properties and vacant land. While tax deed sales extinguish most liens, certain encumbrances survive under R&TC Section 3712, including IRS liens (if proper notice wasn't provided) and Mello-Roos special taxes.
Related Resources
Our Services
California Guides
Investor Resources
Los Angeles County Real Estate Offices
Understanding county departments that maintain official property records.
📁 Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
The LA County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk maintains official real estate records including deeds, deeds of trust, liens, and other documents affecting property ownership. The main office is located at 12400 Imperial Highway, Norwalk, CA 90650. The Grantor/Grantee Index contains documents from 1977 to present, while historical records extend back to 1850 when LA County was established as one of California's original 27 counties.
💰 County Assessor
The LA County Assessor determines assessed values of all real property for property tax purposes. This office maintains property characteristics, ownership records, and assessment data. The 10-digit Assessor's Identification Number (AIN) serves as a key identifier for property records across multiple county departments. Assessed values are subject to Proposition 13 limitations (2% annual increase until sale).
🏦 Treasurer and Tax Collector
The LA County Treasurer and Tax Collector manages property tax collection and conducts tax-defaulted property auctions. Properties become subject to sale after five years of tax default (residential/agricultural) or three years (commercial/vacant land). Auctions are conducted online through platforms like Bid4Assets and GovEase.
🏗️ Department of Regional Planning
The Department of Regional Planning oversees land use planning, zoning enforcement, and development review for unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. This department processes permits, conducts environmental reviews, and maintains zoning maps that determine allowable uses for properties outside incorporated cities.
Los Angeles County Cities & Communities
Title search coverage for all 88 incorporated cities and unincorporated areas
Plus all unincorporated areas including East Los Angeles, Altadena, and Antelope Valley communities.
Southern California Title Search Services
We serve investors with multi-county portfolios throughout Southern California.
Neighboring County Coverage
Orange County
- Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine
- Huntington Beach, Newport Beach
- View California Coverage →
Ventura County
- Oxnard, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley
- Ventura, Camarillo
- View California Coverage →
San Bernardino County
- Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana
- San Bernardino, Victorville
- View California Coverage →
Riverside County
- Riverside, Corona, Moreno Valley
- Temecula, Palm Springs
- View California Coverage →
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I search property records in Los Angeles County?
You can search LA County property records through U.S. Title Records by providing the property address or APN (Assessor's Identification Number). Our abstractors search the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk records, cross-reference tax records, and compile professional reports. Most reports are delivered within 24 hours via email in PDF format. No login or subscription required.
How much does a Los Angeles County title search cost?
Los Angeles County title search costs range from $29 to $295. Property Detail Reports cost $29. Individual/Entity Lien Reports cost $95. Full Property Owner Lien Reports cost $195 and are recommended for trustee sale bidders. Chain of Title Abstracts cost $275. Preliminary Title Reports cost $295 with easement research and Mello-Roos identification.
How long does a Los Angeles County title search take?
U.S. Title Records delivers most LA County title search reports within 24 hours. Property Detail Reports and Lien Reports often arrive within hours due to LA County's advanced recording systems. Chain of Title Abstracts and Preliminary Title Reports require 1-3 business days due to the extensive historical research involved. We operate 7 days a week including holidays.
Does U.S. Title Records provide title insurance?
No. U.S. Title Records is a title research company—we provide property records research and due diligence reports, but we do not issue title insurance policies or commitments. Many of our clients are real estate investment groups who use our research to close their own deals without traditional title insurance. For clients who need title insurance, we recommend First American Title Company.
What records are searched in an LA County title search?
A Los Angeles County title search examines records from the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk including deeds, deeds of trust, liens, judgments, and encumbrances. The Grantor/Grantee Index contains documents from 1977 to present, while historical records extend back to 1850. We also review property tax records from the Treasurer and Tax Collector and assessment data from the County Assessor.
Do I need a title search before buying at an LA County trustee sale?
Conducting a title search before bidding at Los Angeles County trustee sales is strongly recommended. While trustee sales extinguish junior liens under California Civil Code Section 2924, senior deeds of trust survive, IRS tax liens have 120-day redemption rights, and property tax liens always transfer to the buyer. Our Full Property Owner Lien Report ($195) identifies all surviving liens before you bid.
What liens should I look for in Los Angeles County?
Important liens to identify in LA County include: property tax liens, mechanic's liens (90-day enforceability under California Civil Code), federal tax liens (10-year enforceability), state tax liens, HOA assessment liens, and judgment liens. Los Angeles County's active construction industry makes mechanic's lien searches particularly important for investor due diligence.
What is the difference between a title search and title insurance?
A title search is the research process of examining public records to discover ownership history, liens, and encumbrances on a property. Title insurance is a policy that protects against financial loss from title defects that were not discovered during the search. U.S. Title Records provides title search services only—we do not issue title insurance policies. Many investors use our research to close deals without title insurance, while others use our reports for title insurance underwriting.
Can I search LA County property records by owner name?
Yes. U.S. Title Records offers title search by name services to locate all properties owned by a specific individual or entity in Los Angeles County or statewide. This is useful for asset searches, judgment recovery, estate settlement, and identifying investment portfolios. Our Individual/Entity Lien Report ($95) also searches for liens recorded against a person or business.
What liens survive a California trustee sale?
Several liens survive California trustee sales under Civil Code Section 2924: property tax liens always survive; senior deeds of trust recorded before the foreclosing lien remain; IRS federal tax liens survive with 120-day redemption rights; mechanic's liens may survive depending on work commencement dates. A title search before bidding helps identify these surviving encumbrances.
Search Los Angeles County Property Records
Professional title search services for all 88 LA County cities. Reports from $29 with 24-hour delivery. BBB A+ rated since 2009.