Del Norte County Ownership Records
Del Norte County deed records are filed at the Recorder office in Crescent City. The county maintains property ownership documents for its 1,008 square miles along California's northwest coast. With about 28,000 residents, Del Norte is a small coastal county near the Oregon border. Property here includes residential homes in Crescent City, rural parcels, timberland, and coastal properties near Redwood National Park. The recorder office has an online index but full document images may require an in-person visit. Electronic recording services are coming soon but not yet available. You can reach the recorder at (707) 464-7216 to ask about accessing deed records or filing new documents at 981 H Street in Crescent City.
Del Norte County Quick Facts
Del Norte County Recorder
The Del Norte County Recorder office is at 981 H Street in Crescent City. Call (707) 464-7216 for information. Hours are Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm. This office processes all deed recordings for Del Norte County.
When you file a deed, staff check it for proper formatting. The document must be notarized, typed clearly, and include a valid legal description. If something is missing or incorrect, they will reject it and explain what needs fixing. Once accepted, they stamp the deed with the recording date and time.
Del Norte County follows California recording statutes. Under Government Code Section 27201, the recorder must accept any instrument authorized by law as long as you pay the correct fees. They cannot refuse to record based on the content of the document.
The recorder creates a public index of all recorded documents. Anyone can search this index to see property ownership or liens. Del Norte County offers an online index search but you may need to visit in person to view full document images.
Search Online Index
Del Norte County has an online index for deed records. You can search by name or document number to find basic information about recorded deeds. The index shows recording dates, document types, and parties involved. Full document images may not be available online.
To view complete deed images, you may need to visit the Crescent City office or request copies by mail. Staff can pull documents from the files and make copies for you. Certified copies include the county seal and a signed statement from the recorder.
Electronic recording is coming soon to Del Norte County but is not yet available. For now, you must file deeds in person or by mail. Bring the original signed and notarized deed plus payment for recording fees. Same-day recording is possible if you submit before mid-afternoon.
Fees for Recording
Recording a deed in Del Norte County costs around $14 to $20 for the first page depending on local fees. Each additional page costs $3. Most deeds are one to three pages long. California sets the base fee structure through Government Code Section 27361.
Documentary transfer tax applies to property sales. California charges 55 cents per $500 of the sale price. On a $300,000 coastal home, the transfer tax is $330. Some transfers are exempt including gifts, inheritances, and divorce-related transfers.
Copy fees are separate. Plain copies cost a few dollars per page. Certified copies cost around $6 for the first page and $3 for each additional page. The certification includes the official county seal and recorder signature verifying the copy matches the original.
Payment options include cash, check, and money order. If mailing a deed, include a check payable to Del Norte County and a self-addressed stamped envelope for return of the recorded copy.
Types of Deeds
Grant deeds are most common in Del Norte County for property sales. The word "grant" creates implied warranties under California law. The seller promises they have not sold the property to anyone else and that no secret liens exist. This provides protection to buyers.
Quitclaim deeds transfer property without warranties. The grantor just releases whatever interest they have. These work for transfers between family members or to clear title problems. A quitclaim offers no promises about the quality of title.
Deeds of trust secure mortgages in Del Norte County. When you borrow money to buy property, you sign a deed of trust giving the lender a security interest. If you default, they can foreclose. When you pay off the loan, the lender files a reconveyance deed releasing the lien.
Tax liens attach to property when owners owe back taxes. Federal, state, and local governments can record tax liens. These show up in the public index and must be paid off before the property can be sold with clear title.
Learn about California grant deed warranties at Civil Code Section 1113 which explains the implied covenants that come with using the word "grant" in a property deed.
Recording Process
To record a deed in Del Norte County, prepare a proper document. Use standard paper size with margins for the recorder's stamp. Include the legal description, names of all parties, and consideration amount for sales. Type or print clearly.
Get the deed notarized. Most deeds require notarization. The notary verifies your identity and witnesses your signature. This helps prevent forgery. California notaries are commissioned by the Secretary of State for four-year terms after passing an exam and background check.
Submit the deed to the Del Norte County Recorder at 981 H Street, Crescent City, CA 95531. Include payment for the recording fee. If mailing, add a self-addressed stamped envelope. The recorder will process the deed and return a recorded copy with the official stamp.
Recording gives you priority under California's race-notice system. The first person to record generally has priority over later buyers, as long as they had no notice of earlier unrecorded transfers. This makes prompt recording important to protect your ownership.
California Recording Law
All Del Norte County deeds must comply with California statutes. Real property can only be transferred by written instrument signed by the grantor. This requirement comes from California Civil Code Section 1091. Oral agreements to transfer land are not enforceable in California.
Recording provides constructive notice to the world. Once your deed is in the Del Norte County index, everyone is legally considered to know about it. They cannot claim ignorance of your ownership later. This public notice system helps prevent fraud and protects property rights.
Nearby Counties
If your property is not in Del Norte County, try these neighboring recorders:
Note: Del Norte County is in the far northwest corner of California near the Oregon border.