SERVICE
Get copies of recorded documents
You can purchase regular or certified copies of records and also view records for free online.
What to know
Cost
- Online copies: $1.76 per document or free viewing if you don't need a copy.
- In person, by mail order, by drop box, and by mail:
- $9.44 for the first page, $0.38 for each additional page.
- Certification of the entire document: additional $1.00.
- To see additional copy fees for things like maps or conformed copies, please be sure to check out our recorder fees page.
Document search
You can search our Records Manager tool for official records recorded after 1990. Any record prior to January 1, 1990 can only be searched at City Hall, room 190.
What to do
Online (records from 1990-present)
Online Search & Easy Access for Recorded Documents.
Using our online Records Manager tool, you can view records from 1990 to present for free and purchase official copies for instant download.
Launched in November 2024, our first-in-the-state Easy Access for Recorded Documents service makes it easier for you to know that you are purchasing the correct document. If you don’t need to purchase an official copy or are conducting research, you don't need to come to our office at City Hall to view them, saving you time and money.
To preview records, you need to become a registered user, which includes ID verification. Once you are in the Records Manager tool and have found your document, you will be prompted to log-in to or create a registered user account. If you don’t want to register, you can continue as a guest and purchase records.
Use the Records Manager Tool for the fastest and most affordable way to purchase official copies. Follow these steps:
- Search for your document.
- Add the document to your "shopping cart"
- Pay for your document by credit card/debit card (a service fee of $2 is applied) or electronic check
- Download the PDF file of your document or choose to receive a paper copy by mail.
Search Tips
- Search for records by keywords in the Basic Search or by more specific search criteria in our Advanced Search.
- Search for recorded documents by name, document number, document type, or by using the Assessor's Parcel Number (APN, which is also known as the Assessor's Block and Lot Number). Please note that this search tool does not allow searches by property address.
- Watch the virtual demo of the Recorded Document Preview service.
Documents recorded prior to January 1, 1990 can only be searched in our office at City Hall.
Certified copies are not available for instant download online.
In person
View and purchase copies of official records on computer kiosks in our main office at City Hall, room 190. You can pay by cash, electronic check, credit/debit cards (fees apply).
Our staff can help you locate your official records.
Viewing records is free.
By mail
You can request a copy of your document by mail. Follow these steps:
- Download and complete the Recorded Document Request Form. Use the Records Manager tool to find your document number for the form.
- Mail the request form along with payment to our main office.
Special cases
After hours drop box
You can drop off a completed document request form at our drop box 24/7. Follow these steps:
- Download and complete the Recorded Document Request Form
- Include the form and payment in a secure package.
- Drop the package into the designated box on Grove Street outside City Hall.
We process requests weekdays at 8:00 am.
Fees to get copies of documents
Get help
Address
City Hall, Room 190
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
San Franciso, CA 94102
Phone
Partner agencies
What to know
Cost
- Online copies: $1.76 per document or free viewing if you don't need a copy.
- In person, by mail order, by drop box, and by mail:
- $9.44 for the first page, $0.38 for each additional page.
- Certification of the entire document: additional $1.00.
- To see additional copy fees for things like maps or conformed copies, please be sure to check out our recorder fees page.
Document search
You can search our Records Manager tool for official records recorded after 1990. Any record prior to January 1, 1990 can only be searched at City Hall, room 190.
What to do
Online (records from 1990-present)
Online Search & Easy Access for Recorded Documents.
Using our online Records Manager tool, you can view records from 1990 to present for free and purchase official copies for instant download.
Launched in November 2024, our first-in-the-state Easy Access for Recorded Documents service makes it easier for you to know that you are purchasing the correct document. If you don’t need to purchase an official copy or are conducting research, you don't need to come to our office at City Hall to view them, saving you time and money.
To preview records, you need to become a registered user, which includes ID verification. Once you are in the Records Manager tool and have found your document, you will be prompted to log-in to or create a registered user account. If you don’t want to register, you can continue as a guest and purchase records.
Use the Records Manager Tool for the fastest and most affordable way to purchase official copies. Follow these steps:
- Search for your document.
- Add the document to your "shopping cart"
- Pay for your document by credit card/debit card (a service fee of $2 is applied) or electronic check
- Download the PDF file of your document or choose to receive a paper copy by mail.
Search Tips
- Search for records by keywords in the Basic Search or by more specific search criteria in our Advanced Search.
- Search for recorded documents by name, document number, document type, or by using the Assessor's Parcel Number (APN, which is also known as the Assessor's Block and Lot Number). Please note that this search tool does not allow searches by property address.
- Watch the virtual demo of the Recorded Document Preview service.
Documents recorded prior to January 1, 1990 can only be searched in our office at City Hall.
Certified copies are not available for instant download online.
In person
View and purchase copies of official records on computer kiosks in our main office at City Hall, room 190. You can pay by cash, electronic check, credit/debit cards (fees apply).
Our staff can help you locate your official records.
Viewing records is free.
By mail
You can request a copy of your document by mail. Follow these steps:
- Download and complete the Recorded Document Request Form. Use the Records Manager tool to find your document number for the form.
- Mail the request form along with payment to our main office.
Special cases
After hours drop box
You can drop off a completed document request form at our drop box 24/7. Follow these steps:
- Download and complete the Recorded Document Request Form
- Include the form and payment in a secure package.
- Drop the package into the designated box on Grove Street outside City Hall.
We process requests weekdays at 8:00 am.
Fees to get copies of documents
Get help
Address
City Hall, Room 190
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
San Franciso, CA 94102