California Code, Public Resources Code - PRC § 7952

After the map or plat and field-notes constituting the survey have been made, the field-notes and the map or plat shall be submitted to the commission for approval.  If approved by it, the commission shall so certify and a copy of the map or plat and field-notes shall be filed in the office of the commission and a copy recorded in the office of the county recorder of the county in which the land is situated.  Such map or plat shall thereafter be the official map or plat of the land so surveyed.