Escrow Companies in California: Independent, DFPI-Licensed Escrow
Cloud Escrow Inc. is an independent escrow company licensed by the California DFPI (#96DBO-80565), headquartered in Irvine. We handle purchase, sale, FSBO and commercial escrows across Southern California, and refinance escrows ($550 flat) anywhere in California. Most of the work happens online, with mobile notaries for signing.
Types of escrow companies in California
Independent escrow company
Licensed and examined by the DFPI under the California Escrow Law; can handle any transaction; escrow is its only business.
Title company escrow
An escrow department of a title insurer, regulated by the California Department of Insurance.
Broker escrow
A real estate brokerage acting as escrow holder, under its DRE license, only for transactions it is part of.
How to choose an escrow company in California
- Verify the DFPI license on the DFPI website.
- Confirm EAFC membership for independent escrow companies.
- Compare published fees — escrow fees in California.
- Read recent reviews — Cloud Escrow reviews.
- Ask who handles your file and how quickly they reply.
- Ask how wire instructions are verified.
Where we provide escrow services
Orange County
Los Angeles County
San Diego County
Refinance escrows: anywhere in California.
California escrow customs
Customs differ by region. In Southern California, independent escrow companies are common and the escrow fee is customarily split between buyer and seller; in much of Northern California, title companies usually handle escrow and the buyer often pays the escrow fee. Every item is negotiable and set in your purchase agreement. With Cloud Escrow, sellers pay $0 in escrow fees. Other closing costs and service fees may apply.
California escrow FAQ
How do I check if an escrow company is licensed in California?
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Independent escrow companies are licensed by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI). You can search the company's name or license number on the DFPI website. Cloud Escrow's license number is 96DBO-80565.
Are escrow companies regulated in California?
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Yes. Independent escrow companies are licensed and examined by the DFPI under the California Escrow Law (Financial Code §17000 and following). Title companies are regulated by the Department of Insurance, and broker escrows operate under the broker's DRE license.
Do you handle escrow outside Orange County?
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Yes. We handle purchase, sale and commercial escrows across Southern California and refinance escrows anywhere in California.
What's the difference between escrow and title?
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Escrow is the neutral third party that holds the money and documents and follows the parties' instructions until closing. Title insurance protects the buyer and lender against problems with ownership. Both are needed in most California sales, and they can be handled by different companies.
California escrow guides
Closing costs in CaliforniaTransfer tax ratesHow long escrow takesTitle vs. escrow company