California State Public Records
California Public Records Lookup
Use this guide to start California searches across county recorder filings, assessor and tax data, vital records, business entities, and licenses, with routes for certified copies when required.
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Recorded Documents
Property Records
Vital Records
Business Filings
Licenses
On this page:
Land Records Are County-Based
Deeds, liens, and maps are recorded with county recorders; there is no statewide index.
Business/UCC Are State-Level
Entity registrations and UCC filings are searched with the California Secretary of State.
Vital Records Access
Certified birth, death, and marriage copies are issued by county recorder/clerk or the state vital records office.
Start Here
- Start with the county recorder index for deeds, liens, and maps.
- Check county assessor and tax collector for parcel details and tax status.
- Use the California Secretary of State to search business entities and UCC filings.
- Request certified birth, death, or marriage copies from the county recorder/clerk or the state vital records office.
- Search professional and contractor licenses through the California Department of Consumer Affairs.
Record Routing
- Deeds and Liens → County Recorder
- Parcel Data and Assessed Value → County Assessor
- Property Tax Bills and Payments → County Tax Collector
- Birth, Death, Marriage Certificates → County Recorder/Clerk
- Business Entities and UCC → California Secretary of State
Useful Search Inputs
- Grantor/Grantee name
- Recording document number or book/page
- Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN)
- Property address
- Business entity name or entity number
- Professional license number or holder name
Source Map
| Source / Office | Best For | Search Method | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| County Recorder (California) | Recorded deeds, liens, releases, and maps; official record copies. | Grantor/grantee name, document number, or date range; request certified copies from the county. | California records land documents at the county level; no statewide index. |
| County Assessor | Parcel characteristics, assessed value, and owner mailing address. | APN, property address, or owner name (varies by county). | Assessment and parcel data are maintained locally in each county. |
| County Tax Collector/Treasurer | Property tax bills, payment status, and delinquency. | APN or address; assessment or bill number where available. | Property taxes are billed and collected by counties in California. |
| California Secretary of State | Business entities, Statements of Information, and UCC filings. | Entity name or number; debtor name for UCC. | Business registrations and UCC are centralized at the state level. |
| California Department of Public Health — Vital Records | Statewide vital records indexes and certified copies when the county is unknown. | Name, event type, and event date range per request forms. | Supports vital record requests beyond the county level. |
| California Department of Consumer Affairs | Professional and contractor license lookup, status, and discipline. | License number, personal name, or business name. | Licensure is issued and searchable at the state level. |
FAQ
How do I get a certified copy of a recorded deed in California?
Locate the recording in the county recorder index using grantor/grantee or document number, then request a certified copy from that county recorder.
Is there a statewide search for California property records?
No. Recorded documents, parcel data, and tax details are maintained by each county. Search by APN or address with the appropriate county offices.
Where do I search California business entities or UCC filings?
Use the California Secretary of State to look up corporations, LLCs, and UCC filings by entity or debtor name, or by assigned number.
Where should I order California birth, death, or marriage certificates?
Order from the county recorder/clerk where the event occurred; the state vital records office also processes requests when the county is unknown.