Los Angeles County Public Records
Use this map to start public-record searches in Los Angeles County, with direct paths to recorder, assessor, tax, clerk, and court sources, plus required inputs and request steps.
On this page:
Start Here
- Start with the County Recorder index to locate deeds, liens, and maps by name or document number before requesting copies.
- Check the County Assessor parcel/roll lookup to confirm APN, situs address, and assessed value for the property.
- Search the Treasurer-Tax Collector for secured/unsecured property tax bill status using APN or address.
- Use the County Clerk search to find fictitious business names (DBA) and related filings by business or registrant name.
- Request vital records (birth, death, marriage) from the County Clerk/Recorder using exact names and event dates; prepare for eligibility verification on certified copies.
Record Routing
- Recorded land documents → County Recorder
- Property assessments and parcel data → County Assessor
- Property tax bills and payments → Treasurer-Tax Collector
- Fictitious business names and certain licenses → County Clerk
- Civil and probate case dockets → Superior Court Clerk
Search Inputs
- Document number (instrument/recording)
- Grantor/Grantee name
- Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN)
- Situs address
- Tax bill number or year
- Business or registrant name (FBN/DBA)
Source Map
| Source / Office | Best For | Search Method | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| County Recorder | Deeds, liens, releases, subdivision/parcel maps | Online index by name, document number, and date range; use details to order regular or certified copies | Most Los Angeles County land instruments are recorded at the county; the index lets you identify instrument numbers needed for copy requests. |
| County Assessor | Parcel identification, ownership mailing records, assessed values | APN and address lookup; parcel/roll views | Confirms the correct APN and situs address used across recorder and tax systems, reducing mismatches in searches and requests. |
| Treasurer-Tax Collector | Secured/unsecured property tax bill status and amounts due | APN or address search; bill summary by year | Verifies billing status by parcel, helps identify the correct property record before ordering documents or submitting payments. |
| County Clerk | Fictitious business names, notary and certain marriage records | Name-based index with optional date filters; request copy or certificate as needed | County-level business name filings and selected public records are indexed here; use results to request certified copies when required. |
| Superior Court | Civil, probate, and small claims docket information | Case number or party search; select courthouse location if prompted | Use docket details to identify case files and request records from the correct court location without unnecessary visits. |
FAQs
How do I find a deed online in Los Angeles County?
Search the County Recorder index by grantor/grantee or document number and date range, capture the instrument number, then submit a copy or certified copy request using those details.
What do I need to look up property taxes?
Have the APN or situs address ready. Confirm the APN through the Assessor first, then search the Treasurer-Tax Collector for bill status and year-specific details.
Where do I get birth, death, or marriage records?
Request vital records from the County Clerk/Recorder. Online indexes may be limited; certified copies typically require eligibility verification and a formal request.
How can I search a fictitious business name (DBA)?
Use the County Clerk’s name index by business or registrant name, note the filing number and filing date, and request copies or certificates if needed.