What Are Recording Fees?
By JC Pacific Corp Published 2026-09-01 Last professionally reviewed: September 2026
Recording fees are charges for placing authorized real estate documents into the county's official records.
Documents That May Be Recorded
Documents that may be recorded include:
- Grant deed or other deed
- Deed of trust
- Reconveyance
- Release
- Affidavit
- Easement
- Power-of-attorney document
- Other transaction-related instruments
What Affects the Fee
The fee can depend on:
- Number of documents
- Page count
- Document type
- County schedule
- Statutory surcharges
- Exemptions
- Method of recording
Frequently Asked Questions
Who pays recording fees?
The contract and type of document generally influence allocation.
Are recording fees the same statewide?
No. Verify the current county and statutory charges.
Does paying a recording fee guarantee acceptance?
No. The recorder may reject a document that does not meet requirements.
Use the final settlement figures and escrow-confirmed county charges rather than an old online fee chart.
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A note on legal advice: These guides provide general, educational information about California real estate practice. They are not legal advice and do not create an attorney-client relationship. Mortgage information is general education, not individualized lending, tax or legal guidance. For advice about your specific offer, contract, closing or financing, consult a qualified California real estate attorney and a qualified mortgage professional.