Take the original signed and notarized Deed of Trust and Promissory Note to the County Recorder's Office for the county where the property is located. A deed of trust is the California version of a mortgage.(888) 679-MERS. Documents. (E). "Note" means the promissory note dated. In California, a deed of trust must come with security, typically a promissory note. A deed of trust is a legal document that serves as a security instrument in real estate transactions. Only a Qualified Holder can request a Release of a Deed of Trust without producing the original. Evidence of Debt (promissory note). 2. This document provides instructions and templates for completing a deed of trust and promissory note for real property being used as security for a loan. The lender is the institution that made the loan.