Lassen County Deeds
Lassen County deed records are kept at the Recorder-Clerk office in Susanville. All property ownership documents for the county's vast rural areas get filed here. With about 32,000 residents spread across 4,720 square miles in northeastern California, Lassen County includes Susanville, the Eagle Lake area, and extensive ranch land near the Nevada border. The recorder uses EagleWeb software for online searches. Electronic recording is not yet available so you must file deeds in person or by mail. Most deed activity here involves residential properties in Susanville, vacation homes, ranch sales, and rural land parcels. Call (530) 251-8234 to ask about searching records or visit 221 South Roop Street in Susanville to file documents.
Lassen County Quick Facts
Recorder Office
The Lassen County Recorder sits at 221 South Roop Street in Susanville. Phone is (530) 251-8234. Office hours are Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm with a lunch closure from noon to 1pm. This office processes all deed recordings for Lassen County.
Staff review each deed to make sure it meets California formatting standards. The document must be typed on standard paper, properly notarized, and include a complete legal description. If something is missing, they reject it and explain what needs to be corrected.
California law sets the rules for county recorders. Under Government Code Section 27201, the recorder must accept any instrument authorized by statute as long as you pay the right fees and it meets formatting requirements.
The recorder maintains a public index. Anyone can search this index to find property ownership or liens. Lassen County uses EagleWeb software for online searches which provides basic access to the deed index.
Search Lassen County Records
Lassen County offers online deed searches through EagleWeb. You can look up documents by name or document number. The system shows recording dates, document types, and parties involved. Full document images may require a fee or in-person visit.
To search by grantor or grantee, enter the last name in the search box. The system returns matching results. Click on one to see details. If you need a copy of the full deed, contact the recorder office or visit in person.
Certified copies come from the recorder office. Request them by mail, phone, or in person. Certification adds the official county seal and recorder's signature confirming the copy matches the original on file. These are required for legal purposes like refinancing or court proceedings.
Electronic recording is not available in Lassen County. 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
Recording a deed in Lassen County costs around $14 to $20 for the first page depending on local fees. Each additional page costs $3. California sets the base fee through Government Code Section 27361.
Documentary transfer tax is 55 cents per $500 of the sale price. On a $200,000 ranch sale, the transfer tax is $220. This applies to most property sales. Gifts and certain family transfers may be exempt from transfer tax.
Copy fees are a few dollars per page for plain copies. Certified copies cost around $6 for the first page and $3 for each additional page. Certification includes the county seal and recorder's signature.
Payment methods include cash and checks. If mailing a deed for recording, send a check or money order payable to Lassen County. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return of the recorded copy.
Common Deeds
Grant deeds are standard for property sales in Lassen County. Using "grant" creates implied warranties under California law. The seller promises they have not sold the property to anyone else and that no hidden liens exist except those disclosed.
Quitclaim deeds transfer property without warranties. The grantor releases any claim they have but makes no promises about title. These work for family transfers or clearing title defects. A quitclaim just says "I give you whatever I have."
Deeds of trust secure loans in Lassen County. When you borrow money to buy property, you sign a deed of trust. This gives the lender a security interest. If you default, they can foreclose. When the loan is paid off, they file a reconveyance deed.
Tax liens can attach to Lassen County property when owners owe back taxes. Federal, state, and county governments can record tax liens. These appear in the public index and affect property title until paid.
Learn about grant deed warranties at California Civil Code Section 1113 which explains the implied covenants in a grant deed.
How to Record
To record a deed in Lassen County, prepare a proper document on standard paper. Include the legal description, names of all parties, and consideration amount for sales. Leave margins for the recorder's stamp.
Get the deed notarized. Most deeds require notarization. The notary verifies your identity and witnesses your signature. California notaries are commissioned by the Secretary of State for four-year terms.
Submit the deed to Lassen County Recorder, 221 South Roop Street, Susanville, CA 96130. Include payment. If mailing, add a self-addressed stamped envelope. The recorder will process it and return a recorded copy.
Recording gives you priority. California uses a race-notice system. The first to record generally has priority over later buyers, as long as they had no notice of earlier unrecorded transfers.
Recording Law
All Lassen County deeds must comply with California law. Real property can only be transferred by written instrument signed by the grantor. This 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 Lassen County index, everyone is legally considered to know about it. They cannot claim ignorance later. This helps prevent fraud.
Nearby Counties
If your property is not in Lassen County, check these neighboring recorders: