Clerk's Office
The County Clerk issues many documents marking life milestones, including birth, death and marriage certificates. The Clerk also issues public and confidential marriage licenses and deputy commissioner of marriage certificates for those who want to officiate weddings. Records are made available to the public as allowed by law. Copying and certification costs may apply.
The Clerk files and posts for public inspection Notices of Determination, Notices of Exemption and all other environmental-related documents. The Clerk accepts for filing Fictitious Business Name Statements, Statements of Fact, Oaths of Office and Surety Bonds.
The Clerk is responsible for the registration of notaries, legal document assistants, process servers, unlawful detainer assistants and professional photocopiers.
Recorder's Office
The County Recorder files, indexes and maintains a wide variety of public documents associated with land transactions in Tulare County. These recorded documents are often used to determine the history and ownership of real property and for other real estate transactions. Recorded documents include grant deeds, deeds of trust, mechanic’s liens, tax liens, reconveyances, subdivision and parcel maps, mining claim records and military discharge papers. The Recorder collects documentary transfer tax and conveyance taxes on property sales.
California legal statutes govern document recording requirements. Recorded documents are kept permanently for research purposes and the issuing of certified copies. Copying and certification costs may apply.
Please note that the County Clerk-Recorder is unable to give legal advice, such as what type of document you need or how to complete a document. It is advisable to seek advice from an attorney or real estate professional before recording documents that affect the title to property.