Downey Deed Files
Downey property deeds are recorded with Los Angeles County Recorder in Norwalk. The city of Downey does not have its own deed office. All property transfers in Downey go through the county system. Los Angeles County handles recording for 88 cities. The county office is about 8 miles east of Downey. You can search the online database from 1977 to now or request copies by mail or in person. Downey sits in southeast Los Angeles County about 13 miles southeast of downtown LA. The city has approximately 111,000 people living across 12.6 square miles. Downey is known as the birthplace of the Apollo space program where the spacecraft was designed and built.
Downey Quick Facts
County Recording for Downey
Los Angeles County Recorder processes all deed filings for Downey. The office is at 12400 East Imperial Highway in Norwalk. This location is convenient for Downey residents since Norwalk is just east of the city. Call (800) 201-8999 or email recorder@rrcc.lacounty.gov for questions about recording.
Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm. You can submit documents in person, by mail, or through electronic recording. Most real estate closings use eRecording now for faster processing. Documents submitted electronically typically process the same day or next business day.
Recording creates an official public record that protects your property rights. California law gives priority to the first party to record. This is why buyers and lenders want deeds recorded right after closing to protect against competing claims.
For comprehensive information about Los Angeles County recording, visit the Los Angeles County deed records page which includes recording fees, online database access, eRecording information, and how to request certified copies of property documents for Downey and all other LA County cities.
Online Deed Search
Los Angeles County provides online deed searches through LexisNexis. Go to the LA County online records portal to search for Downey property documents. The database covers 1977 to present. You can search by name, address, or document number.
To search by owner name, enter the last name first. The system returns all matching records with basic information. Click a result to see details like recording date and document type. Full deed images require payment. Certified copies cost $6 for the first page plus $3 per additional page.
Grant deeds are the standard document for Downey home sales. These transfer ownership with automatic warranties that the seller has not sold the property to anyone else. Quitclaim deeds are used for family transfers or to clear title defects. They provide no warranties about ownership.
The search covers all of LA County. You may see results from other cities if someone owns multiple properties. Check the address to confirm you have the right property in Downey before paying for copies.
Recording Fees in Downey
LA County charges $95 to record a one-page deed. This includes $15 base fee, $75 SB2 fee, and $5 fraud fee. Each additional page costs $3. A three-page deed costs $101 total. These fees apply throughout the county including Downey.
Copy fees are $6 for the first page of a certified copy plus $3 for additional pages. Certification includes the county seal and a signed statement. Plain copies cost $5 for the first page and work for personal records but not legal matters.
The SB2 fee is mandated by California law to fund affordable housing. Every county collects this $75 fee per transaction. The maximum is $225 for complex transactions involving three or more parcels.
If you use electronic recording, your vendor may charge service fees on top of county fees. Most title companies include these in their closing costs. Ask for a detailed breakdown before closing on Downey property.
Downey Transfer Tax
Downey has no city transfer tax. You pay only the county rate of 55 cents per $500 of the sale price. On a $550,000 home, the transfer tax is $605. This is lower than nearby LA city which adds the ULA tax that can reach 5.5% for expensive properties.
The seller typically pays transfer tax at closing unless the parties negotiate otherwise. The tax is based on the actual money exchanged. If a buyer assumes an existing mortgage, that loan amount does not count toward the taxable value.
Transfer tax is collected when the deed is recorded. The county stamps the amount on the document as part of the public record. Anyone can see what transfer tax was paid and estimate the sale price by working backward.
Transfer tax and property tax are different. Property tax is an annual charge based on assessed value. Transfer tax is a one-time fee charged only when ownership changes hands. Certain transfers may qualify for exemptions from transfer tax.
California Property Tax Rules
When property changes hands in Downey, you must file a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report with the county assessor. Check the California Board of Equalization FAQs to learn about this requirement.
Failing to file the PCOR can result in penalties. The penalty is $100 or 10% of applicable taxes, whichever is greater, not to exceed $5,000 for homeowners or $20,000 for non-homeowners.
Nearby LA County Cities
All cities in Los Angeles County record deeds at the same office in Norwalk. Below are other major cities near Downey:
Recording fees are the same across all LA County cities. Transfer tax rates vary by city so check whether a city has additional taxes before closing.