Deed Recording Requirements in California
A California deed must be acknowledged before a notary to be recorded, no witnesses are required, and documentary transfer tax is imposed by counties and some cities rather than the state.
Last checked . General information, not legal advice.
California at a glance
- Notary acknowledgment
- Required to record
- Witnesses
- None
- Transfer tax
- Local taxes only
The rules in California
Does a deed need to be notarized in California?
California requires a deed to be acknowledged (or, where the statute allows, proved) before it can be recorded.
How many witnesses does a deed need in California?
None. California does not require witnesses to sign a deed.
Is there a real estate transfer tax in California?
Not at the state level. In California, transfer taxes are set locally, for example by counties or cities.
Where do the California rules for deeds come from?
They come from Cal. Gov. Code 27287 and Cal. Rev. & Tax. Code 11911. We last checked them in October 2026. Laws change, so check the current statute before you rely on it.
How California compares
California is one of 2 jurisdictions that leave transfer taxes to local governments.
What this means in practice
Record the signed deed with the county recorder, register of deeds or land records office where the property is located. Recording puts the world on notice of the transfer and generally protects the new owner against later claims.
Recording offices often have formatting rules (margins, paper size, a return address, a parcel number) and charge a fee. Check the county's requirements before you sign.
A deed does not pay off a mortgage. If the property is mortgaged, the loan usually stays in place after the transfer.
General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.