County Public Records
San Mateo County Public Records
Start San Mateo County searches with recorder indexes, assessor parcel data, tax bill lookups, and clerk filings, then route requests or certified copies to the correct county office.
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Property Records
Deeds & Liens
Parcel Search
Tax & Assessment
Vital Records
On this page:
Jurisdiction
San Mateo County, California
Primary Record Families
Recorder, Assessor, Tax Collector, County Clerk, Planning/Building
Online First Steps
Recorder index, parcel/APN lookup, tax bill search
Certified Copies
Order from the holding office; required for vital records and some recorded documents
Start Here
- Use the recorder index to locate deeds, liens, or maps by name, document number, or date range
- Check the assessor parcel search to confirm APN, situs address, and assessed values
- Search property tax bills by APN or address to review amounts due and payment status
- Search county clerk filings for DBAs (FBN) by business or owner name
- Request certified birth, death, or marriage copies from the county clerk-recorder
Record Routing
- Recorded deeds, liens, and maps → Recorder
- Birth, death, and marriage certificates → County Clerk-Recorder
- Parcel data, ownership reference, and assessed values → Assessor
- Property tax bills, payments, and delinquencies → Tax Collector/Treasurer
- Permits, zoning, and land use files → Planning/Building
Common Search Inputs
- Grantor/Grantee Name
- Recording Date Range
- Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN)
- Property Address
- Document Number
- Business/DBA Name
Source Map
| Source / Office | Best For | Search Method | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| County Recorder Index | Deeds, liens, releases, subdivision maps | Online index; name and date filters; APN or document number where supported | Recording establishes chain of title and lien priority in California; APN cross-references parcels in San Mateo County. |
| Assessor Parcel Inquiry | APN, situs address, land/use codes, assessed values | Parcel lookup by APN or address | APN is the primary parcel identifier used across county departments for property research. |
| Tax Collector/Treasurer | Current and prior-year tax bills, installment status, delinquency | Bill lookup by APN, address, or bill number | Tax status affects closings and due diligence on San Mateo County properties. |
| County Clerk Filings | Fictitious Business Names (DBA/FBN), notary public records | Index search by business name, owner name, or filing number | DBA filings are recorded at the county level and help tie public-facing business names to registrants. |
| Vital Records (County Clerk-Recorder) | Birth, death, and marriage certificates | Request-based; submit application for certified or informational copies | Vital records are issued by the county; certified copies require request to the holding office. |
| Planning/Building | Permits, inspections, zoning, planning files (unincorporated areas) | Address or APN lookup; confirm city vs county jurisdiction | County handles unincorporated areas; city departments handle permits within city limits. |
San Mateo County FAQs
Can I view deed images online, or only the index?
Expect an online index; document images may be limited. Request copies from the recorder; certified copies are issued by the recorder, not downloaded.
I only have a property address. How do I find records?
Use the assessor search to obtain the APN from the address, then search the recorder and tax collector using the APN or other identifiers.
How far back do online indexes typically go in San Mateo County?
Online coverage is usually more recent; older recordings may require on-site review or a copy request to the recorder.
Are permits handled by the county or by cities?
County Planning/Building handles unincorporated areas; incorporated cities manage permits within city limits. Confirm jurisdiction before searching.