San Bernardino County Recorder and Deed Transfer Guide for Sellers

Last updated November 13, 2026. Reviewed by the Cash Home Buyers CA team. Facts come from the San Bernardino County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk; sources are listed at the end. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.

A San Bernardino County home sale ends with a deed recorded at the Hall of Records in San Bernardino. The office publishes its recording fees and a fee calculator, and the Assessor explains the ownership-change report. The pages reviewed did not state the documentary transfer tax rate, so this guide does not either; ask your escrow officer for the exact amount.

San Bernardino County recording at a glance

In a normal sale, your escrow or title officer prepares the deed and handles recording, and the fee calculator can estimate the recording charge.

The Change in Ownership Report and Statement

File the PCOR at recording. If the Change in Ownership Statement is not returned, the Assessor applies a penalty of $100 or 10 percent of the taxes applicable to the new base year value, whichever is greater, capped at $20,000.

After an owner’s death, notify the Assessor within 150 days, even for property held in trust. Adding a child as a joint tenant is generally not a reappraisal. The Assessor’s number for this is (909) 387-8307, option 6.

See our San Bernardino County property tax guide for how reassessment affects your bill, and our San Bernardino County probate guide if the sale follows a death.

How to sell a house in San Bernardino County: the recording steps

1. Open escrow. Escrow orders title and drafts the grant deed.
2. Sign before a notary. The deed needs a notary acknowledgment.
3. Complete the tax paperwork. The PCOR goes in with the deed.
4. Pay at recording. Fees and tax are normally paid from seller proceeds.
5. Title transfers. The recorded deed becomes part of the public record.

A cash buyer can close and record on your schedule. See how we buy houses in San Bernardino County.

Questions about selling a San Bernardino County house? Call (424) 435-2326 or request a cash offer. There is no cost and no obligation.

San Bernardino County deed and recording FAQ

What does the Recorder charge for the first page?

$14 for the first page and $3 for each additional page.

What if the PCOR is missing?

The Recorder charges $20.

Is there a card surcharge?

Yes, 3.5 percent.

How many documents can I record per appointment?

Only 5 documents per appointment.

What is the penalty for not returning the Change in Ownership Statement?

$100 or 10 percent of the applicable taxes, whichever is greater, capped at $20,000.

Sources

• San Bernardino County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk: Recorder and Change of Ownership

This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rates and fees change; confirm with the San Bernardino County Recorder or your escrow officer.