Adams County Recorder Information

Land records in Adams County are recorded by the Recorder of Deeds. The office is held by Karen R Heflin.

Online records access requires a subscription; a daily subscription is $10.00. Public search terminals are in the Courthouse lobby, not in the Register & Recorder Office. Photographing images is prohibited. The office does not provide search services.

Checked October 2026 against official publications. Sources: Realty Transfer Tax - PA Department of Revenue · Adams County - Recorder of Deeds · Recorder of Deeds Documents Center

These government fees are separate from any Deeds.com service fees. Confirm current charges with the recorder's office.

Other charges

Fee schedule effective December 1, 2025.

StatewideEach county sets its own recording fees, and the totals counties publish include the state charges collected with every deed, mortgage and similar filing: a $20.00 judicial computer system and access to justice fee and a temporary $21.25 surcharge that runs until December 31, 2027 (204 Pa. Code 29.351). Counties also add their own records improvement, affordable housing and demolition fees.

Of each deed and mortgage recording fee, $11.50 plus $2.00 for each page over 4 and $.50 for each name over 4 goes to affordable housing (Act 137 of 1992; Adams County Ordinance #7 of 1996). Adams County does not use UPI and collects no UPI fee. Returned check charge: $20.00.

Paying the office

Realty transfer tax must be paid by check (no cash). Three checks are required for a deed transfer, easement and lease with realty transfer tax: two for transfer taxes and one for the recording fee. Overpayments of $10.00 or less are kept; if a check is more than $10.00 over, documents are returned and a new check is needed.

Transfer tax

Realty Transfer Tax. 1 percent on the value of real estate (including contracted-for improvements to property) transferred by deed, instrument, long-term lease or other writing. The tax is collected when the document is recorded. (statewide, 72 P.S. § 8101-C et seq.)

StatewideCounty Recorders of Deeds collect the state realty transfer tax, often together with an additional local realty transfer tax levied by municipalities and school districts (Tax Reform Code of 1971, Article XI-D, 72 P.S. § 8101-D et seq.). The Department of Revenue describes the rate as one percent for the state and usually one percent for the local portion; local rates vary by place.

In Adams County a State Tax of 1% of the consideration and a local tax of the same amount is due when recording. Where property lies in two or more municipalities, the percentages for local realty transfer tax must be stated and the Taxes Between Two Municipalities form completed.

Checked October 2026 against the sources below. Some of them are not official publications, so confirm with the recorder's office. Sources: Realty Transfer Tax - PA Department of Revenue · Adams County Recorder of Deeds Fee Schedule Effective 12.01.25 · Adams County - Recording Requirements · Recorder of Deeds - Pennsylvania Department of Revenue (Answer Center)

Confirm current requirements with the recorder's office before submitting documents.

No margin requirements for any documents submitted for recording.

StatewideRecorders refuse a mortgage, assignment, or agreement given to secure payment of money unless a certificate signed by the mortgagee, assignee, or person entitled to interest, or an authorized attorney or agent, setting forth that person's precise residence is attached and recorded with it (21 P.S. § 625).

Adams County does not use the UPI (Uniform Parcel Identifier System). Documents must pertain to real estate and have original signatures that are properly notarized; the date of document must be the same as or before the notary acknowledgement. The municipality (township or borough) must be referenced. Assignments of mortgage must reference the book and page of the original mortgage. Subdivision plans must be paper, 18"x24", and recorded within 90 days of approval.

Forms filed along with a transfer

• Realty Transfer Tax Statement of Value (REV-183) Statewide Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, Bureau of Individual Taxes
  Filed in duplicate with the Recorder of Deeds when (1) the full value/consideration is not set forth in the deed, (2) the deed is without consideration or by gift, or (3) a tax exemption is claimed
• Taxes Between Two Municipalities Adams County Recorder of Deeds
  Multiple municipalities must state the percentages of divisions for local realty transfer taxes

Submitting documents

Appointments are preferred but not required (717-337-9826 or registerrecorder@adamscountypa.gov). An outside secure drop-off box is available during working hours under the roofed entrance. 4:00 p.m. is the cut-off to accept recordings. Use binder clips, paper clips or envelopes to keep work in order.

Checked October 2026 against official publications. Sources: 1979-1980 Regular Session HB 946 PN 3432 Bill Text · REV-183 Realty Transfer Tax Statement of Value and Instructions · Adams County Recorder of Deeds Fee Schedule Effective 12.01.25 · Adams County - Recording Requirements · Adams County - Recording Information · Recorder of Deeds Documents Center · Pennsylvania Statutes Title 21 P.S. Deeds and Mortgages § 625