Recording your real estate documents protects your ownership rights and creates a public record of your transaction. Select your state below to find your local recorder's office.
Select Your State
Why Recording Your Deed Matters
Legal Protection
Recording establishes your ownership in public records and protects against competing claims.
Chain of Title
Creates a clear history of property ownership that's essential for future transactions.
Priority Rights
First to record typically has priority over later claims to the same property.
Understanding the Recording Process
When you purchase real estate or refinance a mortgage, the deed or mortgage documents must be recorded with the local government office responsible for maintaining land records. This office goes by different names in different states:
- Recorder of Deeds - Most common title
- County Clerk - Common in northeastern states
- Register of Deeds - Used in some midwestern states
- Circuit Court Clerk - Found in some southern states
Regardless of the title, these offices all serve the same essential function: maintaining the official public record of real estate transactions.
What to Expect When Recording
Document Review
Your documents will be reviewed to ensure they meet state and local formatting requirements.
Fee Payment
Recording fees vary by location and are typically based on the number of pages.
Recording
Documents are assigned a unique identifier and entered into the public record.
Return
Recorded documents are returned with official recording information stamped on them.
Ready to Get Started?
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