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The Registry of Deeds in Strafford County is responsible for recording and maintaining property records.
Recording Fees
The fee to record a deed is $12 for the first page (this includes the $2 surcharge) and $4 for each additional page.
A state-wide LCHIP fee of $25 applies to each deed, mortgage, mortgage discharge, and plan set that is presented for recording. This must be paid by separate check.
The transfer tax rate is $15 per $1,000 of consideration. When the consideration is $4,000 or less a minimum of $40 will be due. A transfer tax table is available on the Strafford County Registry of Deeds website.
Payment on separate checks is due at the time of recording, made out to the Strafford County Registry of Deeds. Checks for $500 or greater are to be certified or from a trust account.
An appropriate amount of return postage or a self-addressed stamped envelope must be included for documents being returned by mail. A postage fee chart is available on the Strafford County Registry of Deeds website.
Document Formatting Requirements
Documents submitted for recording must be suitable for reproduction. Use paper of a durable weight, which is generally 20# weight. Submit original documents only---no machine copies, faxed copies, or carbon copies. A certified copy may be accepted with the Register's discretion when the original document is on the record in another government office.
The document should be printed in black ink and a font size of 10 point Times New Roman. Signatures can be in dark blue or black ink. Reduced print is not acceptable. The font size does not apply to page numbers or any of the following that are not part of the headings or text of the document: form names or numbers, address and/or telephone number of the printer or producer of the document, directions for placement of recording data or for filling in of blanks, or for other non-textual notations.
Seals on the document should be impressed firmly and clearly. Justice and notary expirations should be in black ink only.
Provide sufficient margins of at least 3 inches at the top of the first page to allow space for docket margins. All other margins on the first page and on additional pages of the document can be a minimum of 1 inch.
When attaching additional papers to a page to complete a description, be careful not to cover up any pertinent information. A new page can be added, with a reference to the attachment or exhibit (i.e. "See Exhibit A.").
The Register of Deeds will not accept a deed for filing and recording unless it recites the following information:
* The latest mailing address of the grantees named in the instrument.
* In the first sentence of the first description paragraph, list the names of all municipalities in which the real property is located. The names of all municipalities wherein all the real property being transferred is located shall be recited in a separate sentence at the beginning of the description (for example: "One or more parcels in one town, certain parcels situated in Dover.").
* The name of each person signing the deed as a party to the transaction must be legibly printed or typed underneath the signature.
Transfer Tax
The transfer tax is imposed upon the sale, grant, or transfer of any real estate and any interest therein. Any exemption must be stated on the deed submitted for recording.
The purchaser, grantee, assignee, or transferee of any real estate or any interest in real estate shall buy and attach stamps to the instrument by which the real estate or interest is sold, granted, assigned, or transferred. The stamps shall indicate the full consideration paid for the real estate or interest in real estate. The amount paid for each stamp shall be computed to the nearest whole dollar. The seller, grantor, assignor, or transferor of any real estate or interest in real estate shall also buy and attach stamps.