Fresno County Recorder Requirements for Deeds

What Does the Fresno County Recorder Require?

The Fresno County Recorder accepts documents that are authorized or required by law to be recorded, contain required information, are photographically reproducible, and are submitted with the proper fees and taxes.

For real property documents, the property must be located in Fresno County. Documents should include recording request information, a return mailing address, original signatures when required, and a proper notary acknowledgment unless the document is exempt.

Affordable LDA can prepare recording-ready deed documents at your direction. We cannot provide legal advice, title advice, tax advice, or determine whether a document should be recorded.

Common deed recording items may include:

• Original signed deed or affidavit
• Proper California notary acknowledgment, unless exempt
• Assessor's Parcel Number for real property transfer documents
• Return mailing address
• Preliminary Change of Ownership Report, if required
• Correct recording fees, taxes, and any applicable county charges

Document Formatting and Recording Space

Fresno County states that documents should be on white paper, clear and legible, with black ink preferred for reproducibility. Documents executed on or after July 1, 1994 must generally comply with standard paper-size rules to avoid additional penalties.

The first page should allow space for the return address and recorder information. If there is not enough room for the recorder's stamp, the Recorder may add a cover page and charge an additional fee.

If the document transfers an interest in real property, a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report may be required. If a required PCOR is not submitted, an additional charge may apply.