Santa Cruz County Recorder and Deed Transfer Guide for Homeowners and Sellers

Last updated November 13, 2026. Reviewed by the Cash Home Buyers CA team. Fees and rules come from the Santa Cruz County Assessor-Recorder; sources are listed at the end.

Santa Cruz County charges a documentary transfer tax of $0.55 per $500 for all areas of the county, and a deed costs $14.00 for the first page or $17.00 for titles tied to the real estate fraud fee, such as a quitclaim deed. The state SB2 fee does not apply when a document is recorded in connection with a transfer subject to documentary transfer tax. A Preliminary Change of Ownership Report is required, or a $20 fee applies.

Santa Cruz County recording and transfer costs at a glance

Documentary transfer tax	$0.55 per $500 or fraction thereof, all areas of the county
First page, most titles	$14.00
First page, titles with real estate fraud fee (including quitclaim deed)	$17.00
Each additional page	$3.00
Non-conforming page size	$3.00 on each page of the entire document
SB2 fee	$75.00 per title, up to $225; not imposed with a transfer subject to documentary transfer tax
Survey monument preservation fee	$10.00
PCOR fee in lieu	$20.00

How do I record a deed in Santa Cruz County?

The Santa Cruz County Recorder accepts documents in person from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, by drop box at 701 Ocean Street, Room 230, or by mail to that address with a check or money order payable to the Santa Cruz County Recorder. Documents received between 3:01 and 4 p.m. are examined the next business day.

• The Assessor’s Parcel Number is required on deeds by local ordinance, and deeds need the address for tax statements on the first page.
• A Documentary Transfer Tax Declaration must be completed and signed for all deeds. If no tax is due, put 0 on the tax line and cite the Revenue and Taxation Code exemption.
• For a conformed copy, include a copy of the document and a self-addressed stamped envelope; the county’s fee schedule lists conformed copies at $1.00 per page.
• Credit and debit card users in person are charged a transaction fee by the county’s service provider.

What is the documentary transfer tax in Santa Cruz County?

The county follows Revenue and Taxation Code section 11911: documentary transfer tax is due on taxable conveyances over $100 at $0.55 per $500, or fraction, of real property value, excluding existing liens. It is collected when each deed is recorded, and the county’s FAQ says the rate applies in all areas of Santa Cruz County. Santa Cruz County’s recording page does not list any city transfer tax.

What is a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report (PCOR)?

The county says a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report is required under Revenue and Taxation Code section 480.2 when transferring property to anyone. If it is required but not submitted at recording, there is an additional $20 recording fee. The county’s fee schedule lists the charge as the PCOR fee in lieu of.

Which transfers are exempt from transfer tax in Santa Cruz County?

Exemptions come from state law, and the exemption and its Revenue and Taxation Code section must be cited on the declaration. Santa Cruz County staff cannot give legal advice or recommend forms, so your escrow officer or an attorney decides whether your deed qualifies.

Estimate the county transfer tax when you sell

The calculator below uses the county rate of $0.55 per $500.

How to sell a house in Santa Cruz County and handle the deed

You can sell a house in Santa Cruz County as is, and the deed to the buyer is recorded at closing by the escrow company. Whether you sell on the open market or for cash, the steps are the same.

1. Decide how to sell. A listing brings showings, repairs and a buyer’s loan approval. A cash sale closes on a date you choose.
2. Open escrow. The escrow officer prepares the grant deed, the transfer tax declaration and the PCOR.
3. Sign and notarize. The deed is signed and notarized by everyone on title.
4. Escrow records the deed. The recording fees and transfer tax are paid from the closing funds.

We buy houses across the county as they are. See our Santa Cruz County cash home buyer page and the Santa Cruz County property tax guide.

Selling a Santa Cruz County house and want a clear number? Call (424) 435-2326 or request a cash offer. There is no cost and no obligation.

Santa Cruz County recorder and deed FAQ

What is the transfer tax in Santa Cruz County?

$0.55 per $500 or fraction of value for all areas of the county, excluding existing liens.

How much does it cost to record a deed in Santa Cruz County?

$14.00 for the first page for most titles, $17.00 for titles tied to the real estate fraud fee such as a quitclaim deed, and $3.00 for each added page.

Does Santa Cruz County charge the SB2 fee on a sale?

No. The county says the fee is not imposed when a document is recorded in connection with a transfer subject to documentary transfer tax.

What if I record a deed without a PCOR?

An additional $20 recording fee applies.

Where do I drop off a document in Santa Cruz County?

At the Recorder’s Office at 701 Ocean Street, Room 230, in person or in the after-hours drop box, or by mail to that address.

Sources

• Santa Cruz County Recorder: Document recording
• Santa Cruz County Recorder: Fee schedule 2026 (PDF)
• Santa Cruz County Recorder: FAQ

This guide is general information, not tax or legal advice. Fees and rates can change; confirm the current amount with the Santa Cruz County Assessor-Recorder or your escrow officer.