Declaration of Homestead

Homestead protection laws exist to protect your home against most creditors, up to the value of homestead exemption.  California homestead law is complex and technical in nature. A Declaration of Homestead, when not properly prepared, may be invalid. We recommend that you seek legal advice before considering the recording of a Declaration of Homestead.

Although we cannot give legal advice, we can provide you with the requirements for a Declaration of Homestead to be considered acceptable for recording. Blank forms may be available at stationery stores and office supply stores that stock legal forms. Information and forms are also available at the Sacramento County Public Law Library located at 813 Sixth Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, (916) 874-6012 or online.

When a Declaration of Homestead is presented for recording, we will look for the following information:

• Name of owner(s)/declarant(s);
• Statement declaring the homestead;
• Description of the property; for example, a complete street address including city and state is acceptable (Property must be located in Sacramento County);
• Statement that the facts are known to be true;
• Signature of owner(s)/declarant(s)/authorized agent; and
• Signature(s) acknowledged by a notary public.

The fee for recording a Declaration of Homestead is $18.00 for the first page and $3.00 for each additional page. If any part of the document is other than 8 1/2" x 11" an additional fee of $3.00 per page will be charged.

Mail your completed document to the Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder, P.O. Box 839, Sacramento, CA 95812-0839. Checks or money orders should be made payable to the Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder.

To record in person, visit our downtown location at 600 8th Street (corner of 8th and F Streets), Sacramento, CA 95814. Same-day document recording hours are 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, please contact us.