SB2 fee

Per Government Code 27388.1, starting January 1, 2018, an additional $75 SB2 fee is charged for real estate documents recorded in California.

This fee applies:

• To each document title recorded;
• In addition to other standard recording fees;
• Unless the document is expressly exempt from recording fees under the law.

Your document may be exempt if is:

• Subject to documentary transfer tax, and the amount paid is shown.
• Recording concurrently with a document that is subject to documentary transfer tax.
• Involving the transfer of a residential dwelling to an owner-occupier.
• Recording at the same time as a document that transfers a residential dwelling to an owner-occupier.
• Not related to real property.
• Executed or recorded by the State of California or a county, city, or other local government agency:
  • No exemption declaration is required on the document.
• Executed or recorded by the federal government under the Uniform Federal Lien Registration Act:
  • No exemption declaration is required on the document.
• or if the $225 fee cap per transaction has already been reached.

To claim an exemption:

• Include a valid exemption statement on the face of the document,
  or
• Attach a cover page with the exemption language. This will be an additional fee, and become part of the official record.

If the exemption is not stated, the SB2 fee will apply.