Berkeley Deed Records
Berkeley property deeds are recorded with Alameda County Assessor Clerk-Recorder in Oakland. The city of Berkeley does not have its own deed office. All real estate transactions in Berkeley go through the county system. Alameda County maintains deed records for 14 cities including Berkeley, Oakland, Fremont, and Hayward. You can search these records online from 1969 to now or visit the county office for older documents. Berkeley is located on the east shore of San Francisco Bay about 10 miles north of Oakland. The city has approximately 124,000 residents across 18 square miles. Berkeley is home to the University of California flagship campus and has a long history as a center for education, research, and progressive politics.
Berkeley Quick Facts
Alameda County Recording Office
Alameda County Assessor Clerk-Recorder handles all deed filings for Berkeley. The office is at 1106 Madison Street in Oakland, about 8 miles south of Berkeley. Call (510) 272-6362 or email CROCustomerService@acgov.org for questions about recording or copies.
The office is open Monday through Friday during regular business hours. You can submit documents in person, by mail, or through electronic recording systems. Most real estate professionals use eRecording through vendors like Simplifile or Direct Legal. Electronic submissions typically get recorded within one to two business days.
Recording a deed creates an official public record that protects your ownership rights. Under California's race-notice system, the first person to record generally has priority over later claims. This is why buyers and lenders want deeds recorded immediately after closing.
For comprehensive information about Alameda County recording, visit the Alameda County deed records page which covers recording fees, online search instructions, eRecording vendor information, office hours and locations, and how to request certified copies of recorded documents for Berkeley and all other cities in the county.
Search Berkeley Property Deeds
Alameda County offers free online deed searches. Go to the Alameda County online records database to search for Berkeley property documents. The database covers 1969 to present. You can search by name, address, or document number.
To search by owner name, enter the last name first. The system shows all matching records with recording dates and document types. Click a result to view more details and see the scanned deed image. Viewing documents online is free for most records.
If you need a certified copy for legal purposes, you must request it from the county recorder. Certified copies include the county seal and a signed certification statement. They cost more than plain copies but are required for court filings, mortgage applications, or title insurance work.
Most Berkeley home sales use grant deeds. These transfer ownership with implied warranties that the seller has not sold the property to anyone else and that there are no hidden liens beyond those disclosed. Quitclaim deeds are used for family transfers or to clear title defects. They provide no warranties about ownership.
Recording Costs in Berkeley
Alameda County charges $89 for the first page of a deed. This includes base fees and mandatory state charges. Each additional page costs $3. A typical three-page deed costs $95 total. These fees apply throughout Alameda County including Berkeley.
The SB2 fee of $75 is included in the first page cost. This state-mandated charge funds affordable housing programs. Every California county collects it. The maximum SB2 fee is $225 for transactions involving three or more parcels.
Copy fees vary by type. Plain copies are cheaper and work for personal records. Certified copies cost more but include the county seal and are required for legal matters. Ask the recorder for current copy fees when requesting documents.
If you use electronic recording through a vendor, the vendor may charge service fees on top of county recording fees. Most title companies include these in their closing costs. Ask for a full breakdown before closing on Berkeley property.
Berkeley Transfer Tax
Berkeley charges high city transfer taxes in addition to the county rate. The city rate ranges from $15 to $35 per $1,000 depending on the sale price. Voters approved Measure W which takes effect in 2027 and raises rates further. The county rate is 55 cents per $500 on top of the city tax.
For properties under $1.5 million, Berkeley charges $15 per $1,000. For properties between $1.5 million and $3 million, the rate is $25 per $1,000. For properties over $3 million, the rate is $35 per $1,000. These are among the highest transfer tax rates in California outside of San Francisco.
On a $2 million home, you would pay $50,000 in city transfer tax plus $2,200 in county transfer tax for a total of $52,200. This is a significant closing cost that buyers and sellers must factor into their budgets. The seller typically pays transfer taxes unless the parties negotiate otherwise.
Learn more about Berkeley transfer tax rates at the Berkeley city transfer tax page which explains how the tiered rates work, when Measure W takes effect, what exemptions may apply, and where the revenue goes to fund affordable housing and other city programs.
California Recording Oversight
The state oversees electronic recording to ensure security and reliability. Check the California Attorney General Electronic Recording page to learn about the Electronic Recording Delivery Act and certified vendors.
Alameda County uses certified eRecording vendors including Simplifile and Direct Legal. These systems allow title companies and attorneys to submit Berkeley property documents electronically for faster processing than paper submissions.
Other Alameda County Cities
Alameda County has 14 incorporated cities. All record deeds at the county office in Oakland. Below are other major cities near Berkeley:
Note: Oakland, Berkeley, Hayward, and Emeryville all have additional city transfer taxes. Other Alameda County cities use only the county rate. Transfer tax rates vary significantly by city so check local rates before closing.