Humboldt County Property Deeds
Humboldt County maintains all deed records at the County Clerk Recorder office in Eureka. The office is at 825 5th Street on the fifth floor where staff process property document recordings for the entire county. These records are public information which means anyone can search them. The county uses a Tyler Technologies online database where you can look up deeds from your computer. You will find grant deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, and other land documents in the system. Searching the index is free but viewing full document images costs money. The county charges per page for copies. If you need certified copies with the official seal, those cost more than plain copies. You can also call the office at (707) 445-7593 or toll-free at (888) 486-2732 with questions.
Humboldt County Quick Facts
County Recording Services
The Humboldt County Clerk Recorder processes all deed filings countywide. Their office is located at 825 5th Street, 5th Floor, in Eureka. Call (707) 445-7593 or toll-free (888) 486-2732 if you have questions about recording procedures or fees. Office hours are Monday through Friday during normal business hours.
When you submit a deed for recording, staff will examine it to ensure it meets California formatting standards. Documents must have one-inch margins on all sides. A blank space at the top right of page one for the recorder stamp. The APN must appear on the deed. All signatures need to be notarized. If your deed does not meet these requirements, the office will reject it.
This office handles more than deeds. Liens, easements, maps, and other property documents get recorded here. Business name statements and marriage licenses also go through this department. For real estate matters, this is the only place in Humboldt County where you can officially record a deed. Once recorded, your document becomes part of the permanent public record.
County employees can tell you about fees and formatting requirements. They can locate documents and make copies. But they cannot provide legal advice. If you need someone to explain what a deed means or which type to use, hire a lawyer or work with a title company. Recording is a ministerial function under state law.
Online Deed Search
Humboldt County uses Tyler Technologies for its online recording database. You can search for deeds at no charge at humboldtcountyca-web.tylerhost.net/web. The system lets you search by name, document number, or legal description.
For information about fraud prevention services available in some California counties, visit the County Alert Program page which lists counties offering property owner notification programs that alert you when documents are recorded affecting your property.
Most people search using the grantor or grantee name. The grantor is the seller or person giving property. The grantee is the buyer or recipient. Type in the last name first, then the first name. The system shows all matching documents with basic information like recording date and document type.
Searching is free but viewing full documents costs money. You pay per page when you want to see the actual deed image. The system accepts credit cards. After you pay, you can download a PDF of the document. If you need a certified copy with the county seal, that costs more and gets mailed to you.
Very old deeds might not be in the online system. If you are researching historical property ownership, you may need to visit the office in Eureka. Bring the property address or APN if you know it. Staff can retrieve archived files from storage. Some historical records are only on paper or microfiche.
Filing a Deed
Every deed recorded in Humboldt County must follow California formatting rules. One-inch margins on all sides. A blank space at the top right of page one for the recorder stamp. The document must list the APN which is the assessor parcel number from your property tax bill.
Under California Civil Code Section 1091, all transfers of real property must be in writing. An oral promise to convey land is not legally enforceable. The person conveying the property must sign the deed in front of a notary public who verifies their identity and witnesses the signature. Without proper notarization, the county will not accept your deed.
Documentary transfer tax applies to most deed recordings. The rate is 55 cents per $500 of the purchase price or consideration. If you buy property for $200,000, the transfer tax is $220. Some transactions are exempt including gifts between family members and transfers due to death. The deed must show the tax amount or state a valid exemption.
You must include a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report when recording a deed. This form provides the assessor with information needed to update property tax records. If you file the deed without this report, you could face a $20 penalty. The county needs this data to send tax bills to the correct property owner.
Recording your deed protects your ownership rights. California uses a race-notice system under Civil Code Sections 1213-1214. The first person to record a deed generally has priority if there is a dispute over the same property. Delaying your recording can create legal problems.
Recording Costs
Humboldt County charges California standard recording fees set by state law. Government Code Section 27361 allows up to $10 for the first page and $3 for each additional page. On top of this are mandatory state fees including the fraud prevention fee and SB2 housing fee.
The SB2 fee is $75 for most property sales. This money funds affordable housing projects under the Building Homes and Jobs Act. The maximum SB2 fee is $225 even on expensive properties. Certain transactions are exempt from SB2 such as transfers between spouses or from parents to children. Your title company can tell you if your transaction qualifies for an exemption.
Copy fees depend on what you need. Plain copies cost less and work for research purposes. Certified copies include the official county seal and a signed certificate stating the copy is accurate. Banks and courts usually require certified copies for legal transactions. The certification process adds time and cost.
Mail submissions take longer than in-person filings. If you mail your deed, include the recording fee and a stamped return envelope. Processing time varies based on workload. Same-day recording is usually possible if you submit in person early in the day. Electronic recording through certified vendors is faster but typically requires a business account.
Types of Property Deeds
Grant deeds are most common in Humboldt County real estate transactions. When you buy property, the seller gives you a grant deed. Under California Civil Code Section 1113, grant deeds include implied covenants that the seller owns the property and has not conveyed it to anyone else.
Quitclaim deeds make no promises about ownership. The person signing just releases whatever interest they might have in the property. Divorcing spouses use quitclaims when one transfers their share to the other. Parents might quitclaim property to children. These deeds also fix title defects like name misspellings on old documents.
Deeds of trust are loan documents, not ownership transfers. When you get a mortgage, you sign a deed of trust giving the lender a security interest in your home. If you default, they can foreclose. When you pay off the loan, the lender files a reconveyance deed releasing their claim. Both types get recorded in the public index.
Other recorded documents include liens, easements, and covenants. Tax liens from government agencies. Mechanic liens from contractors who were not paid. Utility easements giving companies access to your property. HOA restrictions on what you can do with your land. All of these affect property rights and appear in title searches.
State Recording Laws
County recorders have specific duties under California law. Government Code Section 27201 requires them to accept any document that meets statutory requirements and for which proper fees are paid. They cannot refuse to record a deed simply because they disagree with the transaction. Their job is to file documents, not judge them.
To find the specific California statute governing real property transfers, visit Civil Code Section 1091 which states that an estate in real property can be transferred only by operation of law or by an instrument in writing subscribed by the party disposing of it.
Recording creates a public record that anyone can search. This transparency helps prevent fraud and allows buyers to research property history. Title companies rely on these records to issue title insurance. Lenders check them before approving mortgages. The public nature of deed records protects property rights.
Notarization is required for all deeds. A notary public verifies the identity of the person signing and confirms they are signing voluntarily. This helps prevent fraud. The notary adds their seal and signature to the deed. Without proper notarization, the county recorder will reject your document.
Adjacent Counties
If your property is not in Humboldt County, check these neighboring counties: