Sacramento County Public Records
Use Sacramento County sources to search recorded land documents, parcel and tax data, vital and business filings, and permits, with guidance on online indexes, requests, and certified copies.
On this page:
Start Here
- Start with the County Recorder index for deeds, liens, and maps; search by party name, document number, or date, then request copies as needed.
- Check the County Assessor for parcel number, ownership, and valuation; review parcel maps and roll data to match addresses.
- Use the Treasurer-Tax Collector to confirm tax status, delinquencies, or payment history for a parcel before closing research.
- Search the County Clerk for fictitious business name filings, notary commissions, and official records not recorded as land documents.
- Request vital records from the county vital records office; certified copies require identity or authorization and a formal application.
Record Routing
- Recorded deeds and liens → County Recorder
- Parcels, APN, and ownership → County Assessor
- Property tax bills and payments → Treasurer-Tax Collector
- Fictitious business names → County Clerk
- Building permits and inspections → City/County Building Department
Search Inputs
- Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN)
- Owner Last Name, First Name
- Situs Street Address
- Document/Instrument Number
- Recording Date Range
- Business/DBA Name
Source Map
| Source / Office | Best For | Search Method | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| County Recorder | Deeds, liens, reconveyances, subdivision and parcel maps | Index by party name, document number, or date; request copies for document images | Land title documents for property in Sacramento County are recorded at the county level. |
| County Assessor | APN lookup, ownership, assessed value, parcel maps | Lookup by address, APN, or owner (as available); review parcel maps and assessment roll | Assessor maintains parcel identifiers and valuation needed to link addresses to recordings and taxes. |
| Treasurer-Tax Collector | Property tax bills, payment status, delinquencies | Search by APN, address, or assessment year; request statements or receipts | Confirms tax obligations affecting parcels in Sacramento County. |
| County Clerk | Fictitious business names, notary registrations, marriage records index | Name-based index and certificate copy requests | Business and official filings are clerk-held county public records separate from land recordings. |
| City Building/Planning Department | Building permits, inspections, zoning and code files | Permit lookup by address or parcel; records request for archived files | Permitting is handled by the municipality for city parcels and by county departments in unincorporated Sacramento County. |
| County Vital Records Office | Birth, death, and marriage certificates | Order in person, by mail, or via authorized request; eligibility required for certified copies | Vital records are county-held; certified copies are necessary for legal purposes. |
FAQs
How do I find a deed or lien for a Sacramento County property?
Search the County Recorder index by party name, document number, or date; note the APN from Assessor data if needed, then request unofficial or certified copies.
Can I look up an APN without the owner name?
Yes. Use Assessor address-to-APN tools or parcel maps, verify situs versus mailing address, and confirm the parcel on the assessment roll.
Are building permits part of county or city records in Sacramento County?
City parcels are handled by the respective city building department; unincorporated areas are handled by county departments. Confirm jurisdiction by APN and address.
Which Sacramento County records usually require a certified copy?
Birth, death, and marriage certificates typically require certification; some legal uses may require certified land record copies—confirm with the receiving agency.