Transferring Ownership of Real Property

Although we cannot give legal advice, we can provide you with the requirements to make a document transferring ownership or real property acceptable for recording. The two most common documents used to transfer ownership are the Grant Deed or Quit Claim Deed. 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 document transferring ownership of real property is presented for recording we will look for the following information:

• Name(s) of the Grantor(s). Also known as the Seller(s), old owners;
• Name(s) of the Grantee(s). Also known as the Buyer(s), new owners;
• Description/identification of real property located in Sacramento County, such as lot and tract or street address;
• Assessor's Parcel Number;
• Documentary transfer tax declaration
• "When recorded mail to" address;
• Mailing address for future tax statements;
• City where property located or unincorporated specified;
• Signature(s) of grantor(s); and
• Signature(s) of grantor(s) acknowledged by a notary public.

Additionally, a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report (Form BOE-502-A) must accompany the document. This form is available free of charge from our office or via the Assessor's Website. If this report is not presented at the time of recording, an additional recording fee of $20.00 will be assessed.

If transfer tax is paid: The fee for recording is $9.00 for the first page and $3.00 for each additional page. If no transfer tax is paid: The fee for recording is $11.00 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 Recorder, P.O. Box 839, Sacramento, CA 95812-0839. Checks and Money Orders should be made payable to the Sacramento County 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.