ONLINE Access Orange County CALIFORNIA CA Property records & deeds for title and lien searches

Finding property records, deeds, and conducting lien searches in Orange County, California is essential for real estate transactions, title research, and property ownership verification. The Orange County Clerk-Recorder’s office is responsible for maintaining and providing access to all real estate documents relating to property transactions in Orange County, including deeds, liens, maps, and survey records.

Orange County Clerk-Recorder Office Locations and Contact Information

The Orange County Clerk-Recorder operates three convenient locations to serve residents throughout the county. The main office is located in Santa Ana with additional branch offices in Anaheim and Laguna Hills.

Main Office – Santa Ana:

• Orange County Clerk-Recorder
• County Administration South
• 601 N. Ross Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701
• Phone: (714) 834-2500

Branch Office – Anaheim: Residents in North Orange County can visit the department’s branch office in Anaheim, where customers can access most of our services.

Branch Office – Laguna Hills: Residents in South Orange County can visit the department’s branch office at the Laguna Hills Civic Center, where customers can access most of our services and parking is free.

Online Property Records Search System

The Orange County Clerk-Recorder’s Office is pleased to offer the Grantor/Grantee index for online searches of property documents recorded since 1982. This free online system provides comprehensive access to property records and legal documents.

Primary Online Search Portal:

• RecorderWorks System: https://cr.occlerkrecorder.gov/RecorderWorksInternet/
• Alternative URL: https://cr.ocgov.com/recorderworks/

The online system allows you to search by multiple criteria including:

• Property owner names (Grantor/Grantee)
• Document numbers
• Recording dates
• Document types
• Assessor Parcel Numbers (APN)
• Legal descriptions

Understanding Property Records and Document Types

The Clerk-Recorder’s office records and retains all real estate documents relating to property transactions in Orange County, including deeds, liens, maps, and survey records. Common document types include:

• Deeds: Grant deeds, quitclaim deeds, warranty deeds
• Trust Deeds: Primary security instruments for property loans
• Liens: Mechanic’s liens, tax liens, judgment liens
• Reconveyances: Documents showing loan payoffs
• Easements: Rights of way and utility easements
• Maps: Subdivision maps, parcel maps, survey records

How to Conduct a Lien Search

The first place to search for a tax lien in California is the clerk-recorder’s office in the county where a taxpayer resides or where a property is physically located. For Orange County properties, follow these steps:

1. Access the Online System: Visit the RecorderWorks portal
2. Search by Property Owner: Use the Grantor/Grantee search function
3. Search by Property Address: Use the legal description or APN search
4. Review Document Types: Look specifically for liens, notices of default, and judgments
5. Examine Recording Dates: Check for recent filings that might affect the property

Title Search Process and Best Practices

Conducting a comprehensive title search requires examining multiple types of records to ensure clear ownership. Investors want a “clear title” free of all liens and claims before completing the purchase of a property.

Essential Steps for Title Research:

1. Start with current owner information using the Grantor/Grantee index
2. Trace ownership history back through previous deeds
3. Search for any outstanding liens or encumbrances
4. Verify property boundaries using recorded maps and surveys
5. Check for easements or restrictions that might affect the property

Document Viewing and Copying Costs

Documents may be viewed free of charge or copied at a cost of $1.00 per page at any of our three locations. Copies obtained through the Grantor/Grantee Index Search cost $1 per page.

Payment Options:

• Online: Create a shopping cart for document orders
• In-person: Cash, credit/debit cards, checks, cashier’s checks, money orders
• Mail orders: PO Box 238, Santa Ana, CA 92701

Property Assessment and Tax Information

For property valuation and assessment information, contact the Orange County Assessor’s Department separately from the Clerk-Recorder’s office. For information on a property’s fair market value, contact the Orange County Assessor Department. This office is in charge of determining property values for taxation purposes.

Property Tax Payment and Search: Review and pay your property taxes online with a credit card or electronic check. Search for your property information by entering your parcel number, property address, tax lien number or watercraft/aircraft registration number.

Recording New Documents

Documents must be recorded in the county where the property is located. The document(s) shall be legible. Please include the name of the party requesting the recording, and a name and address where the document should be returned.

Recording Requirements:

• Documents must be clearly legible
• Include requestor’s name and return address
• Complete Preliminary Change of Ownership Report when applicable
• Pay applicable recording fees and transfer taxes

Recording Methods:

• In-person at any of the three office locations
• Mail to: Orange County Clerk-Recorder, 601 N. Ross Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701
• FedEx or UPS delivery accepted

Important Recording Fees and Transfer Taxes

On January 1, 2018, California Senate Bill 2, a.k.a., the “Building Homes and Jobs Act,” goes into effect and may increase recording fees for real estate instruments. Be aware of current fee structures when recording documents.

Professional Assistance and Legal Advice

The office of the Orange County Clerk-Recorder cannot provide legal advice to the public and cannot assist the public in the preparation of legal documents. If you have any questions concerning which document form is appropriate to your transaction, or are in need of assistance in the preparation of that document, consult an attorney or obtain other professional advice.

For complex title issues or legal document preparation, consider consulting:

• Licensed real estate attorneys
• Title insurance companies
• Professional title search companies
• Real estate professionals

Additional Orange County Resources

Official Website: https://www.ocrecorder.com/ Property Documents Information: https://ocrecorder.com/recorder-services/property-documentsdocument-recording-services General County Information: https://www.ocgov.com/residents/housing-property-real-estate

Archives and Historical Records

Most of the county records in the Orange County Archives date from before 1960. For more recent records (including birth certificates, property records, and tax liens), please contact the Orange County Clerk-Recorder at (714) 834-2500.

Property researchers, historians and students are invited to learn more about the county’s rich past at the Archives, open to the public weekdays in downtown Santa Ana.

Getting Help with Your Search

If you need assistance with document examination or have questions about specific recordings, call (714) 834-2887 to speak to a document examiner.

The Orange County Clerk-Recorder’s office provides comprehensive access to property records, making it possible for property owners, potential buyers, researchers, and legal professionals to obtain the documentation needed for real estate transactions and legal proceedings. Whether you’re conducting a simple ownership verification or a complex title search, these resources provide the foundation for informed property decisions in Orange County, California.