San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk

This place is not very organized there is a sign for you that saids to sign in but there’s no sign-​in sheet anywhere and the ladies at the counter are yapping away even if they see you standing around I tried to interrupt them to ask them where to sign in and they just turn their heads and ignore me I waited about an hour and a half to get my marriage license but once I sat down at one of the desks everything was super fast

When my daughter was born, I was told to come here to pick up her birth certificate in 2 weeks so on schedule, I came here as requested. On my way there, it dawned on me that I wasn’t sure if you had to make an appointment but I was hoping it wasn’t required and/​or the wait wouldn’t be too long. I had my little one in tow so I was definitely taking a gamble.
It was 11:30am on a Tuesday and the joint was pretty quiet and empty. There were several people being helped but I was the only one that seemed to be waiting. I thought to myself, this isn’t so bad. Then, while I was waiting, the door kept opening up and people began filing in one after the other. Within a few minutes, there was a line nearly out the door with people waiting to pull a number. I had already pulled a number and since I was the only one waiting initially, I figured I would be the next person called. Minutes later, my number was called and the clerk was able to print out my babies birth certificate and of course, collect the necessary fees. While waiting, we got to talking and I made a comment that I beat the lunch rush and she said yes… it gets really busy during the lunch hour so you definitely timed it perfectly. I was in and out in about 10 minutes. Whew!
Honestly, with the stroller and the car seat, it took me longer to unload and load the baby in the car than it took me to have the clerk prepare my daughters birth certificate. I got really lucky with the timing but if you have to come here for any reason, I would highly recommend that you avoid the lunch hours, if possible.

I cannot say enough good things about the exceptional service my husband and I received here. We came last month for a simple civil service and invited only our nearest and dearest to witness all the while, careful to abide by the strict attendance guidelines. We came before our scheduled appointment time to fill out the requisite paperwork, and were treated wonderfully by the employee who was handling us. During which time, another employee came by and inquired as to whether or not we wished to be married in the courtyard. Not knowing this was even an option and, thrilled to not have to be stuck in a stuffy room, we promptly said «Yes!!»
From the beginning to end, from the employees inside to the lovely justice of the peace who performed the ceremony, we were treated incredibly well. I had somewhat dreaded the entire «courthouse wedding» experience but, have been proven so wrong. Things were quick but, we still felt as though we were treated with the respect that every husband and wife deserve.

I needed information re a change in APN over 20 yrs ago in order to close escrow on a house. After calling the Tax Collector’s Office (22 minute wait and they couldn’t find anything), I called the Assessor’s Office. No wait, and a really serious, informed, competent guy named Allen researched quickly. When his computer was too slow, he walked up to look at the significant document (a quitclaim deed) first hand, then within 5 minutes called me back with all the pertinent info that I needed. Amazing. I’m no fan of bureaucracy, but this one really worked!

this is a review based on calling in, not going in person
i don’t know if i called at the wrong time, but i was on hold for way too long. clearly short-​staffed, i’m assuming due to budget cuts

This is located close very close to the 78 freeway. It is a couple of stop lights away from the exit and it is behind the Hampton Inn.
My first visit here was with my husband to get our marriage license. It is by appointment only. It was a very quick process. Ladies, make sure you write the name you want to change your name to because that will be what you have to change it to!
I recently went to pick up our marriage certificate. You walk in, they ask what you’re here for, give you a number and form to fill out. I went on a Friday morning and the wait wasn’t long. The workers were nice.
For some reason I thought you get 1 certified copy for free, but I was wrong! I ended up getting 3 copies, $ 15 each. And if you pay with a credit card, they charge you $ 2.50. Bring your check book or cash!

I was looking for the hours so I Googled it and Unilocal came up. I never thought about Unilocal for a government office. I noticed they had 4 – 5 stars so my expectation was high — and they met it. Fast, efficient, friendly, polite, and professional. Definitely not something I expected from a government agency since my last visit to the DMV.
Well done, keep up the good work, you are setting the new standard for service at government offices.
Oh yeah, and they handled my transactions perfectly.

This is my second time visiting the SD County Clerks location in San Marcos. The staff are surprisingly friendly and helpful. I had a terrific experience. Melanie, the woman who assisted me, was so polite! Thank you’s, you’re welcomes, manners that are not seen much these days. She was also a wealth of information and advice on the steps I needed to take to complete my FBN registration. Great group of staff here!

First time in my life that I leave extremely happy from the service obtained at some official institution. I needed to record a couple of documents and didn’t even know this big building was there, as I thought everything was managed in some obscure downtown San Diego offices. Even though I live in San Diego and not San Marcos, my lawyer indicated I could do my paperwork there, since it was on my way home.
Very modern building, strange location close to a hotel, I would have never guess what was it about. No ugly carpet or Salvation Army furniture to criticize, everything neat, tidy, clean, nice bathrooms too.
Service oriented employees. Very nice and fast ladies who informed me that I would be charged $ 2 if I used credit or debit card. Therefore, I paid with check and everything was smooth, fast and polite transaction. In less than 15 minutes I was in and out. No weird looking folks waiting in line or presumptuous people. Just a nicely run Recorder office.

I had to record a document and was in and out in 5 minutes. Much easier than I expected. Of course I had my checkbook with me for the recording & copy fees, and my document was buttoned up and ready to go, which obviously helped a lot. Regardless, the woman at the counter who helped me was really nice.
I think this was my second visit to this location. I’m pretty sure I picked up a copy of a birth certificate at an adjacent counter a couple years ago.
Strange location behind the hotel but nice, new and easy once you’re inside.

Was a little apprehensive as to how dealing with a county office might be, but my husband and I were pleasantly suprised. Everyone was extremely nice and helpful and made our marriage license and ceremony a piece of cake to take care of.

After screwing up and procrastinating for approximately 11-​months, I finally went in to take care of some business at the County Clerk’s office. I was in-​and-​out within 17 minutes. The woman that assisted me, I believe her name was Melody G. was extremely professional and courteous. It was a great experience in a nice, modern building. The parking lot was clean and there was plenty of free parking. It also felt safe. There weren’t any shifty or shady people hanging around. Two thumbs up! My only mistake was not hopping on 78W to get to work, I thought I’d cruise Restaurant Row and it took forever because the high school was just starting around 8:30.

They have «telephone» hours of 8a to 4p yet their office hours are 8 – 5. Why in the world would they not take calls up until closing time?
Come on, Ernie, that’s how all normal businesses operate, isn’t it?

First I’ll tell the good part. You go in and take a number, and get service very quickly.
I researched first online, to be sure of what I needed, and I also called twice before going in. It may be that my issue was a bit more complicated. I was trying to change the name on the title of a mobile home.
What they told me on the phone, was NOT the right information. Then I talked to 4 different people who didn’t seem to be too sure of the procedure. It turned out that I needed another agency to fax them something. Amazingly enough, the majority of the employees don’t know the fax number there. However, I did get the document.
Then I was told I needed to go to La Mesa to get the title. I filled out a form to get a certificate that the taxes were paid, but couldn’t get that without the title.
So quick trip to La Mesa. Got there, and turned out that I couldn’t get the title without the certificate that the taxes were paid. I asked if it could be faxed to them. NOPE.
Back to San Marcos, picked up the certificate that taxes were paid. This time, I didn’t need the title. Back to La Mesa, and finally done.
Total time workers spent doing the task — 5 minutes. Total time I spent — 7 hours.

Very friendly clerks that go out of your way to help. The process was organized and simple to understand. I was able to conduct my business all within 15 minutes!!! How easy is that! This location is definitely busier than the Kearny Mesa location but, very efficient and effective in assisting you to complete your business as expeditiously as possible. Parking lot is large and lobby is big and roomy!!! It’s helpful to go on-​line and do a little research on what you need to bring, it never hurts to be prepared!!!

You have to be kidding me. Nothing is ever this easy– especially when it has to do with governement or records.
I went in, grabbed a number. I was called within 5 minutes, before I had even finished the paperwork. I had the birth certificate I needed and was out the door in another 5.
Its clean, organized and the people are very nice and know what they are doing. I’m still in shock.

Came here to pick up the little one’s birth certificate.
I made sure to come at the opening. I arrived about half an hour before the place opened.
You walk in and you grab a number from the number dispenser thingy.
Then they call you up and you get what you need.
The place must be fairly new because it was really clean and orderly. The person I dealt with was really nice too. it’s a nice change of pace from the grumpies at the DMV.
It’s definitely helpful to go there right when the place opens. Even the lady that helped me said that was the best thing to do because that place can get busy fast!