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CALIFORNIA GUIDE

Life in California comes
with its own rules. Know what comes next.

From Prop 13 and property taxes to court records, wildfire season, and starting a business, CountyOffices gives you clear California-specific guidance for the things that matter.

Reviewed against official California government sources • Updated as laws and requirements change

What brings you here today?

I own a home in California

Property tax assessments, Prop 13 and Prop 19 rules, deeds, and wildfire risk.

I'm buying or selling property

Closings, title searches, disclosures, documentary transfer tax, and property records.

I'm preparing for wildfire season

Defensible space rules, evacuation zones, insurance documents, and county alerts.

Someone passed away

Probate, wills, estates, Prop 19 inheritance transfers, and county court filing.

I'm getting married or divorced

Marriage licenses, divorce filing, community property, and name changes.

I'm renting a home or apartment

Security deposits, tenant protections, eviction notices, and local rent rules.

I need an official record

Birth, death, marriage, court, property, and business records.

I'm starting or running a business

Business licenses, fictitious business names, permits, EIN, and local requirements.

How-To Guides for California

California works differently. Here's what to know.

Prop 13 & Prop 19

Assessed value is capped and only resets on sale or new construction, with special rules for inherited homes.

Assessor vs. Tax Collector

The Assessor determines property value. The Treasurer-Tax Collector bills and collects the tax.

Clerk-Recorder Does More

From deeds and marriage licenses to fictitious business names, your County Clerk-Recorder handles a lot.

No County DMV

Driver licenses and vehicle registration are handled by state DMV field offices, not the county.

Community Property Rules

California divides most marital property equally, which may affect divorce, debt, and inheritance.

Wildfire & Defensible Space

Brush clearance, permits, and rebuilding rules after a fire can vary by county and fire district.

The questions California residents actually ask

See more common questions →

Not sure where to start?

Describe your situation and we'll point you in the right direction.

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IMPORTANT IN CALIFORNIA

Important Deadlines in California

California property taxes are billed in two installments, and missing either delinquency date carries a real 10% penalty.

Property Tax Appeals in California

If you believe your assessed value exceeds actual market value, California's county-level Assessment Appeals Board (AAB) is where you challenge it - but the filing window genuinely varies by county.

Public Records Access in California

The California Public Records Act (CPRA) presumes that records held by state and local government agencies are open to public inspection, and like most states' open-records laws, you generally don't need to explain your reason for the request or demonstrate a personal interest in the records.

Wildfire & Recovery Help in California

California's wildfire season genuinely spans late spring through fall in most years, with specific timing and severity varying by region and current drought conditions.

New to California?

California runs genuinely tight clocks for new residents: you have 10 days after establishing residency to obtain a California driver's license and 20 days to register your vehicle - both meaningfully shorter windows than many states allow, with real penalties (including possible "back-tax" charges) for missing them.

Find the services available in your county

California laws apply statewide, but offices, services, procedures and local requirements can vary by county. Select your county for verified local offices, services and official resources.

All 58 California counties

Browse every county and county seat.

Sources and References

58COUNTIES COVEREDAcross California
39M+RESIDENTS REPRESENTEDCalifornia population covered
1,000+TOPICS & GUIDESAnswers for real life
VerifiedSOURCED TO OFFICIAL RESOURCESEvery guide links to primary government sources