New Recording Notice Rule Creates Notice Obligations on Part of Recorders

Title fraud continues to plague the real estate industry. Fake documents from deeds to loans are being recorded against properties, causing a multitude of issues for the owners. To confront this issue a new law requiring notices is coming soon to counties across California.

Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 255 on October 6, 2025. This new law requires California counties to create a recorder notification program. Under the program, when a deed, quitclaim deed, mortgage, or deed of trust is recorded, the county must notify the parties who signed the document within 30 days. Notification can be sent by mail or electronically.

Counties may charge a small fee to cover the cost of the service, and state or local government filings are exempt. Los Angeles County is also exempt because it already operates a similar program. All other counties must have their notification programs in place by January 1, 2027.

The goal of Senate Bill 255 is to protect property owners by making it easier to know when any document affecting their property has been recorded. This added transparency helps prevent fraud, unauthorized transfers, and other recording-related issues. Though this program does not prevent fraud, it provides an opportunity for owners to act quickly to address a problematic transaction.