Each county maintains its own recorder's office responsible for filing and maintaining real estate records. Select your county below to find office locations, hours, fees, and requirements.
About District Of Columbia Recording
Real estate deeds that transfer property in District Of Columbia can be recorded to provide constructive notice of the transfer. In most cases deed documents are recorded in the County where the property is located.
Statute 42-401. Effective date of deeds; exception.
Any real estate deed conveying real property in the District, or interest therein, or declaring or limiting any use or trust thereof, executed and acknowledged and certified as provided in 42-101, 42-121 to 42-123, 42-306, and 42-602 and delivered to the person in whose favor the same is executed, shall be held to take effect from the date of the delivery thereof, except that as to creditors and subsequent bona fide purchasers and mortgagees without notice of said deed, and others interested in said property, it shall only take effect from the time of its delivery to the Recorder of Deeds for record.
Statute 42-401. Effective date of deeds; exception.
Any real estate deed conveying real property in the District, or interest therein, or declaring or limiting any use or trust thereof, executed and acknowledged and certified as provided in 42-101, 42-121 to 42-123, 42-306, and 42-602 and delivered to the person in whose favor the same is executed, shall be held to take effect from the date of the delivery thereof, except that as to creditors and subsequent bona fide purchasers and mortgagees without notice of said deed, and others interested in said property, it shall only take effect from the time of its delivery to the Recorder of Deeds for record.
Common Recorder Services
Most District Of Columbia recorder offices provide:
- Real estate deed and mortgage recording
- Document searches and certified copies
- Lien and release recording
- Plat maps and property surveys
- UCC financing statements
Recording Process
When recording documents:
- Documents must meet state formatting requirements
- Recording fees vary by county
- Most offices accept walk-in and mail submissions
- E-recording available in participating counties
- Processing times typically 1-5 business days
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