Contra Costa 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 Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder; sources are listed at the end.

Contra Costa County’s documentary transfer tax is $0.55 per $500 of value, which is $1.10 per $1,000, and it is computed on the full value of the property. The City of Richmond adds its own tax of $7.00 to $30.00 per $1,000, and El Cerrito adds $12.00 per $1,000. A standard deed costs $14.00 for the first page and $3.00 for each added page, plus the state SB2 fee unless transfer tax is collected.

Contra Costa County recording and transfer costs at a glance

County transfer tax	$0.55 per $500 of value ($1.10 per $1,000); amounts over $1.00 are rounded up to the next $500
City of Richmond tax	$7.00 per $1,000 under $1 million; $12.50 from $1 to $3 million; $25.00 from $3 to $10 million; $30.00 over $10 million
City of El Cerrito tax	$12.00 per $1,000
Base recording fee, first page	$14.00 per title (all pages 8.5 x 11 inches); $3.00 more for certain titles subject to the real estate fraud fee
Each additional page	$3.00
SB2 Building Homes and Jobs Act fee	$75 per title, due on every document unless a valid exemption is listed or transfer tax was collected
Processing time	Recorded within two business days of receipt; average return about 30 days
Phone	(925) 335-7900

How do I record a deed in Contra Costa County?

The Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder accepts any document that California law authorizes or requires to be recorded, if the document has the required information and can be photographically reproduced, and fees and taxes are paid. The office does not supply forms or help prepare them.

• Use black or dark blue ink and standard fonts of size 10 or larger, and avoid highlighter pens, so the document scans cleanly.
• A Survey Monument Fee is collected on deeds whose legal description is a record of survey, parcel map, township and range, metes and bounds, rancho, or a portion of a lot.
• Documents are recorded within two business days of receipt. The county says the average turnaround to get one back is about 30 days.
• California law bars county recorders from posting document images online, so copies are requested through the office.

What is the documentary transfer tax in Contra Costa County?

Documentary transfer tax is collected on every transfer of property unless a valid exemption applies, and the county computes it on the full value excluding liens remaining at the time of sale. The county cites Revenue and Taxation Code section 11911 and its Ordinance 64.6.

Any amount over $1.00 is rounded up to the nearest $500. The county also explains that dividing the tax shown on a deed by $1.10 and multiplying by 1,000 gives a rough estimate of a past sale price.

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

The county says a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report must accompany any document that changes ownership of real property. It goes to the Assessor’s Office to decide whether the transfer is taxable. If you record a change-of-ownership document without a PCOR, the county charges an additional fee.

Which transfers are exempt from transfer tax in Contra Costa County?

The county’s transfer tax page links to a list of exemptions. As with every California county, exemptions come from state law, and the exemption must be claimed on the document. Because the Recorder cannot give legal advice, ask your escrow officer or an attorney whether your deed qualifies.

Which Contra Costa cities charge their own transfer tax?

The Clerk-Recorder collects transfer tax for two cities on top of the county tax. Richmond’s tax is based on full value and is rounded up to the nearest $1,000:

Richmond value of transfer	Rate per $1,000
Under $1 million	$7.00
$1 million to $3 million	$12.50
$3 million to $10 million	$25.00
Over $10 million	$30.00

The county’s El Cerrito page lists $12.00 per $1,000. Check the county’s city pages for current details before you close.

Estimate the county transfer tax when you sell

The calculator below uses the county rate of $0.55 per $500 and leaves out the Richmond and El Cerrito city taxes, so add those for a sale in either city.

How to sell a house in Contra Costa County and handle the deed

You can sell a house in Contra Costa 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 Contra Costa County cash home buyer page and the Contra Costa County property tax guide.

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

Contra Costa County recorder and deed FAQ

What is the transfer tax in Contra Costa County?

$0.55 per $500 of value, or $1.10 per $1,000, computed on the full value of the property. Richmond and El Cerrito add their own city tax.

What is the Richmond transfer tax?

$7.00 per $1,000 under $1 million, $12.50 from $1 million to $3 million, $25.00 from $3 million to $10 million and $30.00 over $10 million, on top of the county tax.

How much does it cost to record a deed in Contra Costa County?

The base fee is $14.00 for the first page and $3.00 for each added page, plus the $75 SB2 fee unless an exemption applies or transfer tax is collected.

What happens if I record a deed without a PCOR?

The county charges an additional fee when a change-of-ownership document is recorded without a PCOR.

How long does recording take?

Documents are recorded within two business days of receipt, and the county says the average turnaround to return one is about 30 days.

Sources

• Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder: Recording information
• Contra Costa County: Documentary transfer tax
• Contra Costa County: City of Richmond transfer tax
• Contra Costa County: City of El Cerrito transfer tax
• Contra Costa County: Regular recording fees
• Contra Costa County: Recording fees

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