San Mateo County Records

The Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder in San Mateo County manages all property records. This office is at 555 County Center in Redwood City. They handle over 237,000 property assessments each year. The total assessed value in the county tops $206 billion. You can search property records online through the RecorderWorks portal. The office also provides in-person services at the county center. Call them at 650-363-4500 for help with deeds, liens, and other recorded documents.

Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder

San Mateo County combines three functions in one office. The Assessor values property for taxes. The Recorder files deeds and other land documents. The County Clerk handles vital records and marriage licenses. All three work from the same building. This makes it easy to handle multiple tasks in one visit.

The office is in Redwood City at the county center. Hours run from 8 am to 5 pm on weekdays. You can walk in or call ahead. Staff help with questions about assessments, recording fees, and how to file papers. Bring your documents early in the day if you want same-day recording. The office gets busy near the end of the day in San Mateo County.

Search Records Online

San Mateo County uses RecorderWorks for online property searches. This system lets you look up deeds, liens, and other documents from home. Go to the county website and click the RecorderWorks link. You can search by name, document type, or date. The system pulls up a list of matches with basic info about each record.

Click on a document to see more details. Some records have images you can view. The system shows the book and page where each paper is filed. You can print what you see on screen. If you need a certified copy, you must order it from the Recorder. They can mail it to you or hold it for pickup at the county center in San Mateo County.

The online search is free to use. You do not pay to view a record or see the index. You only pay if you want a certified copy or order copies through the mail. This makes it easy to research property before you visit the office in San Mateo County.

Recording Fees in San Mateo County

Recording fees follow the state schedule. The first page costs $14 to file. Each page after that adds $3. The SB2 fee of $75 per parcel applies to most real estate documents. Some filings also have a Monument Preservation fee. All fees are due when you submit your document for recording.

For a three-page grant deed on one parcel, you pay $14 for page one, $6 for two more pages, and $75 for SB2. That totals $95. If the document has more pages or covers more parcels, the fee goes up. The clerk can give you an exact quote when you bring your papers to the counter in San Mateo County.

Standard recording fees:

• First page: $14
• Each added page: $3
• SB2 Building Homes and Jobs Act: $75 per parcel
• Monument Preservation Fund: $10 on some documents
• Real Estate Fraud Fee: $3 on qualifying filings

Property Assessments and Values

The Assessor office values all property in San Mateo County. They assess 237,000 parcels each year. The total assessed value tops $206 billion. This is one of the highest in California. Property values in San Mateo County have risen fast over the past few years. Many homes are worth well over $1 million.

Under Proposition 13, your assessed value is set when you buy a home. It can go up by no more than 2% per year after that. If you add on to the home or build new, the county reassesses the added value. When you sell, the new owner gets a fresh assessment at the purchase price. This resets the base for future taxes in San Mateo County.

You must file a change in ownership form when you buy property. The county sends this to you after the sale. Fill it out and return it within 45 days. The Assessor uses it to set a new value. If you do not file it, you may face a penalty. The county can also issue a supplemental tax bill to make up the difference in San Mateo County.

Paying Property Taxes

Property tax bills go out twice each year in San Mateo County. The first bill is due November 1. It becomes late on December 10. A 10% penalty applies. The second bill is due February 1 and goes late on April 10. That payment also gets a 10% penalty if late, plus a $10 cost fee.

You can pay online through the county tax payment portal. Enter your parcel number or property address to see what you owe. The site accepts eChecks with no fee. Credit and debit cards have a small service charge. Many people set up automatic payments to avoid missing a due date in San Mateo County.

If you do not pay by June 30, the property goes to the defaulted tax roll. The county adds interest at 1.5% per month. A redemption fee is also added. These costs grow fast. The county can sell your property at a tax sale if you do not pay within five years. Keep your taxes current to avoid losing your home in San Mateo County.

Assessment Appeals

If you think your assessed value is too high, you can file an appeal. The deadline is between July 2 and September 15 for regular appeals. Use form BOE-305-AH. You can get it from the Assessor or download it from the state Board of Equalization website. File it with the county Clerk of the Board.

The county holds hearings to review appeals. You must show that the assessed value is more than the market value. Bring an appraisal or sales data for similar homes. Many owners hire appraisers to help with the process. The hearing board decides if your value should be lowered. Their decision is final unless you appeal to a higher court in San Mateo County.

Cities in San Mateo County

San Mateo County includes many cities. All property records are kept at the county Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder in Redwood City. No city has a separate recorder. You must go to the county office to file or search for deeds and land records.

Cities in San Mateo County include Redwood City, Daly City, San Mateo, South San Francisco, San Bruno, Pacifica, Menlo Park, Burlingame, Foster City, San Carlos, Belmont, Half Moon Bay, Millbrae, Atherton, Portola Valley, East Palo Alto, Brisbane, Colma, Hillsborough, and Woodside. All file property records at the county office.

Nearby Counties

These counties are near San Mateo County. If your property is not in San Mateo County, check the county where it is located. Each county has its own recorder and assessor.