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The Recorder is responsible for maintaining records for real property located in Santa Cruz County.
Recording Fees
To record the first page of a standard sized (8.5 x 11) deed, the fee is $14.00.
Each additional page is $3.00.
First page of all titles associated with the Real Estate Fraud Fee Standard page size (8 x 11)-$17.00.
Titles associated with the fraud fee; Abstract of Judgement, Affidavit, Assignment of Rents, Assignment of Leases, Assignment of Deed of Trust, Covenants, Deed of Trust, Declaration of Homestead, Easement, Lease, Lot Line Adjustment,
Mechanics Lien, Modification of Deed of Trust, Notice of Completion, Notice of Rescission of Declaration of Default, Notice of Default, Notice of Trustee Sale, Quitclaim Deed, Reconveyance,
Request for Notice, Subordination, Substitution of Trustee, Trustee's Deed Upon Sale, UCC.
Each additional page is $3.00.
Non-standard document size fee is $3.00 on every page of the document.
Each group of 10 names after the initial 10 is $1.00 each.
Each additional reference to a previously recorded document is $1.00.
If the print is spaced more than 9 lines per vertical inch or more than 22 characters and spaces per horizontal inch, the fee is $1.00 for each page containing such print.
The survey monument preservation fee of $10.00 is an additional fee required when recording any grant deed which conveys a fee interest in real property that makes reference to anything other than complete lots in a recorded subdivision tract map. (27584 GC)
When transferring title to real property, a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report is due with the deed. If this is not submitted at the time of recording, a $20.00 fee will apply.
Documentary transfer tax is due on all taxable conveyances in excess of $100 at a rate of $0.55 per $500 or fractional portion of real property value, excluding any lien or encumbrance already of record. It is collected at the time of recording on each deed or instrument.
A Documentary Transfer Tax Declaration must be completed and signed for all deeds. If no transfer tax is due, indicate this by entering "0" on the tax line and sign the declaration. On a separate signed statement, explain why there is no transfer tax due and refer to the proper exemption number.
County recording fees are subject to change without notice. For the most current fees and further information, contact the local recorder directly.
On January 1, 2018, California Senate Bill 2, a.k.a., the "Building Homes and Jobs Act," goes into effect and may increase recording fees for real estate instruments. The fee will address homelessness and housing shortages, and help to increase the rate of home ownership within the State by creating a Building Homes and Jobs Trust Fund to which the additional fee will be remitted.
Upon taking effect, the recorder's office will impose a fee of $75.00 to be paid when recording every real estate instrument, paper, or notice required or permitted by law to be recorded, per each single transaction per single parcel of real property, not to exceed $225.00.
Transfers subject to the documentary transfer tax as defined in Section 11911 of the Revenue and Taxation Code or on any real estate instrument, paper, or notice recorded in connection with a transfer of real property that is a residential dwelling to an owner-occupier are exempt from this fee.
If you have any questions about how the Building Homes and Jobs Act affects your recording fees, please speak with a clerk with the Recorder's Office or a licensed attorney within the state.
Document Formatting Requirements
* Property must be located in Santa Cruz County.
* The document must be authorized or required by law to be recorded.
* Original documents should be on white paper, 16 bond or heavier and printed with black ink in a font size of at least 10 point. Printing should be single-sided only. Dot matrix printers, fax copies, dark backgrounds, variations in colored paper or ink, printed letters that run together, and illegible notary seals will likely result in illegible documents.
* Use white paper measuring 8.5 x 11 inches to avoid penalty fees. Paper must not exceed 8.5 x 14 inches. Any document, including any sheet not exactly 8.5 x 11 inches will cost the regular recording fee plus an additional $3 per page to record.
* Attached exhibits should be on a separate page and properly marked.
* The first page should have a return address space on the top left that is 2.5 down and 3.5 across.
* On the top right, allow a blank space of 2.5 inches down 5 inches across for the recording stamp. If there is not enough space on the first page for the recorder's stamp, an additional $3 will be charged for a cover page. A cover page is available on the Santa Cruz County Recorder's webpage for documents that do not meet margin or size requirements.
* Directly below the 2.5 inch top margin, a document title should be given. The recorder is only required to index the title (or titles) listed in this space.
* The document should name the person requesting the recording.
* State the name and address of the person to whom the document is being returned and fill in the "Recording Requested by and Return to" section on the first page.
* The document must be legible enough to produce a readable photographic record. The notary seal must also be legible for a microfilm reproduction.
* A proper acknowledgment is required, unless exempt. A California all-purpose acknowledgment is required.
* The Assessor's Parcel Number is required on deeds.
* The grantor must sign the deed and must have his signature acknowledged. Corresponding names must be written or typed beneath signatures.
* Across the bottom of the first page, include the name and return address of the person or entity to where future tax statements should be mailed.
* If an entire instrument or part of an instrument is in a language other than English, it will not be accepted unless it is accompanied by an English translation. The translation must be performed by a certified or registered court interpreter or by an accredited translator registered with the American Translators Association. The translation must be accompanied by a notarized declaration.
Effect of recording: Every conveyance of real property or an estate for years therein acknowledged or proved and certified and recorded as prescribed by law from the time it is filed with the recorder for record is constructive notice of the contents thereof to subsequent purchasers and mortgagees.
An unrecorded instrument is valid as between the parties thereto and those who have notice thereof.