Operations
Requiring APNs on page one: §27297.7(b)(2) as a recording condition
SB 255 lets a recorder require the assessor's parcel number on the first page of covered documents, and rely on it. What the requirement says, how to roll it out to title companies and e-recording submitters, and what to do about documents that arrive without one.
Every SB 255 notice depends on one fact: which parcel the document affects. Without the parcel, there is no tax-bill address to mail to. Subsection (b)(2) of Government Code §27297.7 gives recorders a tool for that: the recorder may require, as a condition of recording, that a deed, quitclaim deed, mortgage or deed of trust show the assessor's identification number.
What the subsection says
- The requirement is optional: the recorder may require it.
- It applies to the four covered document types.
- If the legal description covers more than one parcel, all parcels must be listed.
- The numbers go on the first page.
- The form is substantially: Assessor's Identification Number __-__-__.
- The recorder may rely on the numbers as shown on the document.
Several California counties have announced APN requirements for covered documents starting January 1, 2027, alongside their notification programs.
Why it helps
Most documents prepared by title companies already show an APN, but not always in the index, and not always in the same place. A clear requirement improves both. Fewer documents reach the "no parcel" exception queue, and staff spend less time searching legal descriptions near the end of the 30-day window.
Rolling it out
- Decide how it is enforced: rejection at the counter and in e-recording, or acceptance with a later exception. Your county counsel and recording staff should agree on this before announcing it.
- Give notice early to title companies, escrow officers, lenders, attorneys and e-recording submitters, with a sample page one.
- Update e-recording rules so submissions are checked before they reach the queue.
- Update counter checklists and the Recorder's recording requirements page.
Documents that still arrive without an APN
Even with a requirement, some will: documents recorded before the effective date, documents that list a retired parcel number, and documents where the index keying missed it. SentraDeed handles these by reading the APN from the document image. Readings that match a current parcel with high confidence are used; anything uncertain goes to staff, not to the mailbox. See Reading APNs from document images.
Relying on the number
The "may rely" language is useful: if a filer lists the wrong parcel, the recorder is not expected to second-guess it. Good practice is still to check that the number exists on the current Assessor roll, and to send numbers that don't match a current parcel (often split or retired parcels) to an exception queue rather than mailing a notice to whoever owns a similar number.
Not legal advice. This article is general information about California Government Code §27297.7 and county recording operations. It is not legal advice. Consult your county counsel about how the statute applies to your office.
