Shasta County Deed Records
Shasta County keeps all deed records at the Clerk Recorder office in Redding. The office sits at 1450 Court Street, Suite 208, where staff handle property document recordings for the entire county. Anyone can search these records because property ownership is public information under California law. The county maintains deed records going back to the 1850s when California became a state. Most recent documents can be searched online but older records require an in-person visit to the office. You will find grant deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, reconveyances, and other land documents in the county files. Searching for basic information is typically free but viewing full deed images and ordering copies costs money based on the county fee schedule.
Shasta County Quick Facts
Clerk Recorder Office
The Shasta County Clerk Recorder handles all deed recordings for the county. You can reach them at (530) 225-5671. The office is located at 1450 Court Street, Suite 208, in Redding. Office hours are Monday through Friday during normal business hours.
When you record a deed in Shasta County, it becomes a permanent public record. Staff examine each document to verify it meets California formatting standards. Documents must have proper margins and space for the recorder stamp. The APN must appear on the first page. Signatures must be notarized. If your deed does not meet these requirements, the office will reject it and return it to you.
This office records more than deeds. Liens, easements, maps, and other property documents get filed here. Business name statements and marriage licenses also go through this department. For real estate transactions, this is the only place in Shasta County where you can officially record a deed. No city maintains its own deed records.
Counter staff can help you find documents or order copies. They cannot provide legal advice about your transaction. If you need someone to explain what type of deed to use or how to fill out forms, consult a lawyer or title company. County employees are only allowed to tell you about fees and recording procedures.
Searching for Deeds
Shasta County may offer online access to some deed records. Contact the clerk recorder office at (530) 225-5671 to ask about current online search options. Many California counties provide free online index searches where you can look up documents by name or document number.
For detailed information about property transfer taxes in California, visit the Board of Equalization FAQs which explains the Preliminary Change of Ownership Report requirements, penalties for not filing, and how property transfers affect tax assessments.
Most searches look for deeds by the grantor or grantee name. The grantor is the person selling or giving the property. The grantee is the buyer or recipient. You can also search by document number if you know it from a previous title search or closing statement.
If you need older deed records, you will probably need to visit the office in Redding. Bring the property address or APN if you have it. Staff can pull archived files from storage. Very old records might only exist on microfiche or paper. Some counties charge a small fee for staff time if extensive research is needed.
Copy fees apply whether you order online or in person. Plain copies cost less and work for research purposes. Certified copies include the official county seal and a signed certificate. Banks and courts typically require certified copies for loans and legal proceedings. Certified copies cost more due to the extra processing.
How to Record a Deed
Every deed recorded in Shasta 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 include the APN which is the assessor parcel number from your property tax bill.
California law requires all real estate transfers to be in writing under Civil Code Section 1091. The person transferring the property must sign the deed in front of a notary public. The notary verifies their identity and witnesses the signature. Without proper notarization, the county will not accept your deed for recording.
Documentary transfer tax applies to most deed recordings. The county charges 55 cents per $500 of the purchase price or consideration. On a $250,000 home, the transfer tax is $275. Certain transactions are exempt such as gifts between family members or transfers due to death. The deed must state the tax amount or claim a valid exemption.
Include a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report when you record a deed. This form gives the assessor information needed to update property tax records. If you forget this form, you could face a $20 penalty. The county needs this data to ensure property taxes are billed to the correct owner.
Recording protects your ownership rights under California's race-notice system found in Civil Code Sections 1213-1214. The first person to record a deed generally has priority in disputes over the same property. Waiting to record can create legal problems if someone else files a competing claim.
Recording Fees
Shasta 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 base amount are mandatory state fees including the fraud prevention fee and SB2 housing fee.
The SB2 fee is $75 for most property sales under the Building Homes and Jobs Act. This money funds affordable housing projects statewide. The maximum SB2 fee is $225 even on expensive properties. Some transactions are exempt from SB2 such as transfers between spouses or from parents to children. Check with your title company about exemptions.
Copy fees depend on the type you need. Plain copies cost less and work for general research. Certified copies include the county seal and a signed certificate stating the copy is accurate. Most legal matters require certified copies. The certification process takes extra time and costs more money.
If you mail your deed for recording, include the full fee and a stamped return envelope. Processing times vary depending on workload. In-person submissions usually get recorded faster, often the same day if you arrive early. Electronic recording through certified vendors is available in many California counties and processes documents within hours.
Common Deed Types
Grant deeds are most common in Shasta County real estate sales. When you buy property, the seller gives you a grant deed transferring ownership. Under California Civil Code Section 1113, grant deeds include implied promises that the seller owns the property and has not conveyed it to anyone else.
Quitclaim deeds make no warranties about ownership. The person signing just releases whatever interest they might have. Divorcing couples use quitclaims when one spouse transfers their share to the other. Parents might quitclaim property to children. These deeds also fix title problems like when your name is spelled incorrectly on an old document.
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 stop paying, they can foreclose. When you pay off the loan, the lender records a reconveyance deed releasing their claim. Both documents appear in the public index along with regular deeds.
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 ownership and appear in title searches.
California 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 just because they think it is unwise. Their role is to file documents, not judge the merits of transactions.
To learn about electronic recording systems certified by California, visit the Attorney General certified vendors page which lists all eRecording vendors approved under the Electronic Recording Delivery Act for submitting deeds and other documents electronically to county recorder offices.
Recording creates a public record that anyone can search. This transparency helps prevent fraud and allows buyers to research property history before purchasing. Title companies rely on these records to issue title insurance. Lenders check them before approving mortgages. The public nature of deed records is a cornerstone of the American property system.
Notarization is required for all deeds under California law. A notary public verifies the identity of the person signing and confirms they are signing voluntarily. This helps prevent fraud and forgery. 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 Shasta County, check these neighboring counties: