Imperial County Clerk/Recorder Chuck Storey warns Imperial County citizens and property owners that they may become targets of opportunistic individuals. Mr. Storey is aware that property owners in several counties, including Imperial County, are receiving correspondence inviting property owners to send money for the purpose of obtaining a “certified copy” of their deeds. These providers charge exorbitant fees for a service that can be obtained at the County Clerk/Recorder’s office for a minimal fee. Citizens who own real estate can request copies of their deeds at the Clerk/Recorder’s office or submit their request by mail. The cost for a certified copy of your deeds is $2.50 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page.

Citizens should be aware that the County Clerk/Recorder’s office is the only agency in Imperial County that can issue certified copies of your deeds; no other state or county agency is authorized to do so. These opportunistic intermediaries must even obtain a certified copy of the deeds from this office. Citizens are tricked into paying exorbitant fees and often these third party providers collect the money and do not offer the service.

Many services are offered online and provided by the Imperial County Clerk/Recorder’s office for fees that often exceed the cost charged at the Clerk/Recorder’s office. Citizens of Imperial County may contact the Clerk/Recorder’s office to obtain birth, death , marriage certificates or request copies of deeds or other official documents. If any member of the public receives a record of the above that has not been certified by the County Clerk/Recorder please notify the authorities or notify the Clerk/Recorder’s office.

The Imperial County Clerk/Recorder’s office is located at 940 W. Main Street, Suite 202, El Centro, California and the telephone numbers are (442) 265-1076 or (442) 265-1077. The Clerk/Recorder’s office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.