County Public Records
Los Angeles County Public Records
Search Los Angeles County recorded documents, property and tax data, vital records, business filings, and court indexes, with required inputs, online options, and when to request certified copies.
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Recorded Documents
Property & Tax
Vital Records
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Court Index
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Jurisdiction
Los Angeles County, California
Primary Record Holders
Recorder/County Clerk, Assessor, Treasurer-Tax Collector, Superior Court, Vital Records
Online Access
Indexes are commonly searchable for official records, parcels/APNs, tax bills, and court summaries; document images and certified copies typically require a request.
Permitting Scope
Use County departments for unincorporated areas; use city building departments for properties within incorporated cities.
Where To Start
- Start with the County Recorder/Clerk index for deeds, liens, releases, and official records; request copies if images are not available online.
- Check the Assessor for APN, parcel identification, and valuation details to anchor any property search.
- Use the Treasurer-Tax Collector lookup to verify tax bills, payment status, and any delinquency indicators.
- Search County Vital Records/Clerk for birth, death, and marriage certificates; plan for certified copy requests when needed.
- Review the Superior Court index for civil and probate case summaries tied to parties, properties, or estates.
Record Routing
- Recorded land documents → County Recorder/County Clerk
- Parcel data and assessed value → County Assessor
- Property tax bills and status → Treasurer-Tax Collector
- Birth, death, marriage certificates → Vital Records/County Clerk
- Civil and probate case index → Superior Court Clerk
Search Inputs To Have Ready
- Grantor/Grantee Name (Last, First)
- Document Number or Recording Date
- Assessor Parcel Number (APN)
- Property Address with City or ZIP
- Case Number or Party Name (civil/probate)
- Business/DBA Name (Fictitious Business Name)
Source Map
| Source / Office | Best For | Search Method | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles County Recorder/County Clerk | Deeds, mortgages, liens, releases, easements, maps, official records | Grantor/grantee name, document number, recording date; request certified copies as needed | Recorder and clerk functions are consolidated; start here for most land and filed documents. |
| Los Angeles County Assessor | Parcel ownership indicators, legal description, assessed value, mailing address | APN or property address; cross-reference with tax bill lookup | Assessor maintains parcel identification and valuation used across county systems. |
| Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector | Secured/unsecured property tax bills, payment status, and default information | APN, address, or bill number; verify current amounts and status | Property tax obligations and payments are recorded here; essential for lien and closing checks. |
| Los Angeles Superior Court | Civil and probate case indexes, registers of actions, judgments | Case number, party name, or filing date; request certified copies from the clerk | Court records verify litigation, judgments, and probate activity affecting parties or property. |
| Los Angeles County Vital Records (County Clerk) | Birth, death, and marriage certificates for events in-county | Name and event date/place; submit request for certified or informational copies | Vital events are recorded at the county level; certified copies often required for legal purposes. |
| Los Angeles County Clerk (Business Filings) | Fictitious Business Name (DBA/FBN) statements and certificates | Business/DBA name or registrant name; request copies or status certificates | County-level assumed-name filings identify business operators and publication compliance. |
Practical Questions
How do I search LA County recorded documents and obtain copies?
Use the Recorder/County Clerk index by name, document number, or date. For document images or certified copies, submit a copy request; some items may be viewable in-office.
Which identifier connects parcel, assessor, and tax bill lookups?
Use the Assessor Parcel Number (APN). Match the APN from the Assessor to the Treasurer-Tax Collector tax bill lookup to confirm the correct property.
Where do I request birth, death, or marriage certificates for events in Los Angeles County?
Request through the County Clerk/Vital Records. Have the name and event date; certified copies typically require eligibility and identity verification.
If a property is inside a city, where are permits found?
Use County departments for unincorporated areas; for properties within incorporated cities, check the city building or planning department for permit records.