Inyo County Property Deeds
Inyo County deed records are maintained at the Recorder-Clerk office in Independence. The county covers 10,192 square miles making it one of California's largest by area but smallest by population with just 19,000 residents. Property here includes homes in Bishop and Lone Pine, rural desert parcels, mountain land near Mammoth Lakes, and Death Valley areas. The recorder uses Tyler Technologies software for online searches going back to 1982. Electronic recording is available through certified vendors. You can call (760) 878-0224 to ask about deed searches or visit the office at 168 North Edwards Street in Independence to file new documents or view older records that predate the online system.
Inyo County Quick Facts
Inyo County Recorder
The Inyo County Recorder-Clerk office is at 168 North Edwards Street in Independence. Call (760) 878-0224 for information. Office hours are Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm. This office processes all deed recordings for Inyo County.
When you file a deed in Inyo County, staff review it for proper formatting. The document must be notarized, typed on standard paper, and include a valid legal description. If anything is missing or incorrect, they will reject it and explain what needs to be fixed.
California law governs what the recorder must do. Under Government Code Section 27201, the recorder must accept any instrument authorized by statute as long as you pay the proper fees and it meets formatting requirements.
The recorder maintains a public index of all recorded documents. Anyone can search this index to find property ownership or liens. Inyo County offers online searches through Tyler Technologies software which many California counties use.
Search Inyo County Deeds Online
Inyo County uses Tyler Technologies for online deed searches. The database has records from 1982 to present. You can search by grantor name, grantee name, or document number. Type in a last name and the system shows matching results.
Each search result displays basic information including recording date, document type, and parties involved. To view full document images, there may be a fee depending on the search portal access level. Check with the Inyo County office for current pricing.
If you need deeds recorded before 1982, you must visit Independence in person or contact the office. Older records are in paper files or on microfiche. Staff can help you locate what you need. Bring property addresses or owner names to make the search easier.
Electronic recording is available in Inyo County. Title companies and attorneys can submit deeds electronically through certified vendors. This is faster than mail and more convenient than driving to Independence. Most eRecordings process within hours.
Recording Fees
Recording a deed in Inyo County costs around $14 to $20 for the first page. Each additional page costs $3. The exact amount depends on local fees added to the state base fee set by Government Code Section 27361.
Documentary transfer tax is 55 cents per $500 of the purchase price. On a $250,000 home in Bishop, the transfer tax is $275. This applies to most property sales. Gifts, inheritances, and certain family transfers may be exempt.
Copy fees are separate from recording fees. Plain copies cost a few dollars per page. Certified copies cost around $6 for the first page and $3 for each additional page. Certification includes the official county seal and recorder's signature.
Payment options include cash, check, and money order. If mailing a deed for recording, include a check payable to Inyo County and a self-addressed stamped envelope for return of the recorded copy.
Types of Deeds in Inyo County
Grant deeds are the standard for property sales. The word "grant" creates implied warranties under California Civil Code. The seller promises they have not sold the property to anyone else and that no secret liens exist except those listed on the deed.
Quitclaim deeds transfer property without warranties. The grantor simply releases any claim they have. These work well for family transfers or clearing title defects. A quitclaim does not guarantee good title. It just says "I quit claiming whatever interest I might have."
Deeds of trust secure mortgages in Inyo 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, they file a reconveyance deed releasing the lien.
Transfer on death deeds let you name someone to inherit your property without probate. You file the deed while alive but it only takes effect when you die. You can revoke it any time. These are useful estate planning tools in California.
Learn about grant deed warranties at California Civil Code Section 1113 which explains what promises come with using the word "grant" in a property deed.
How to Record a Deed
To record a deed in Inyo County, prepare a proper document on standard paper. Include the property's legal description, names of all parties, and consideration amount for sales. Type clearly and leave margins at the top for the recorder's stamp.
Get the deed notarized. Most deeds require notarization. The notary verifies your identity and witnesses your signature. This helps prevent fraud. California notaries are commissioned by the Secretary of State for four-year terms.
Submit the deed to Inyo County Recorder, 168 North Edwards Street, Independence, CA 93526. Include payment for recording fees. If mailing, add a self-addressed stamped envelope. The recorder will process it and mail back a recorded copy with the official stamp.
Recording gives you priority. California uses a race-notice recording 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.
California Deed Law
All Inyo 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 valid.
Recording provides constructive notice. Once your deed is in the Inyo County public index, everyone is legally considered to know about it. They cannot claim ignorance later. This transparency helps prevent fraud and protects property rights.
Nearby Counties
If your property is not in Inyo County, check these neighboring recorders: