Recorder Office
Contact the recorder's office directly for its records, copies, and recording requirements.
Lancaster County Recorder of Deeds
About the Lancaster County Recorder of Deeds
Land records in Lancaster County are recorded by the Recorder of Deeds. The office is held by Ann M. Hess.
Military Service Discharges are not public record. Fraud Notify alerts are set up through the Records Public Access site.
Checked October 2026 against official publications. Sources: Realty Transfer Tax - PA Department of Revenue · About - Lancaster County Recorder of Deeds
Recording Fees
These government fees are separate from any Deeds.com service fees. Confirm current charges with the recorder's office.
| Deeds and other conveyances | $71.25 for the first 4 pages, $2.00 each additional page (base fee for deeds and mortgages, maximum 4 pages) |
|---|---|
| Mortgages and deeds of trust | $71.25 for the first 4 pages, $2.00 each additional page (base fee for deeds and mortgages, maximum 4 pages) |
| Releases and satisfactions | $59.75 for the first 4 pages, $2.00 each additional page (base fee covering assignments, releases and satisfactions, maximum 4 pages) |
| Other standard documents | $58.75 for the first 4 pages, $2.00 each additional page (base fee for most documents, maximum 4 pages) |
Other charges
| Copies, per page | $0.25 |
|---|---|
| Certification | $10.00 |
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.
Each page after the first four is $2.00. Statement of Value forms are counted as an additional page when determining recording fees. Documents indexed as Miscellaneous, including Powers of Attorney and Deputations, are $18.50 for up to 4 pages. A document returned as unacceptable for recording is charged a $5.00 fee each time it is returned. Service charge $5.00. Returned checks are charged a $25.00 fee. No refunds are given.
Paying the office
| Accepted | Cash, Check, Money order, Cashiers check, Credit card |
|---|---|
| Card fee | A 2.5% fee applies to all credit card transactions over $50.00, and $1 to all transactions under $50. |
Personal checks are not accepted for amounts over $75.00 and are not accepted for the payment of transfer tax. Checks must be in the correct amount. Blank checks are not accepted.
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.
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 · Recorder of Deeds - Pennsylvania Department of Revenue (Answer Center) · Select Fees - Lancaster County Recorder of Deeds · Recording Requirements - Lancaster County Recorder of Deeds
Document Requirements
Confirm current requirements with the recorder's office before submitting documents.
| Paper size | 8 1/2" x 11" |
|---|---|
| Minimum type size | 10 pt |
| Ink and paper | Black ink, black stamp pads, black typewriter ribbons and white or manila paper; no highlighting over any text or signatures. |
| Grantee address required | Yes (statewide, Act of April 22, 1929, P.L. 620, No. 258 (certificate of residence)) |
| Parcel number required | Yes |
| Cover sheet | None |
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).
No staples. All documents must indicate the municipality, county, and state where the property is located. Documents with property in more than one municipality must state, in whole numbers, the percentage division of local transfer taxes. Numerical amounts must match written amounts on deeds and mortgages. For deeds, P.O. boxes may not be used as certified addresses. Foreign language documents must include written English translations. Book and page or instrument numbers must appear on documents referring back to an original mortgage. Blanket assignments and blanket releases are not accepted. Limit of 10 documents per transaction.
Forms filed along with a transfer
- Realty Transfer Tax Statement of Value (REV-183) Statewide Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, Bureau of Individual TaxesFiled 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
Submitting documents
| In person | Accepted |
|---|---|
| By mail | Accepted |
| Electronic recording | Accepted |
| eRecording through Deeds.com | Available for this office |
| Stamped, self-addressed return envelope | Required |
| How recorded documents come back | Documents submitted by mail or courier are returned in the self-addressed, stamped envelope provided; e-recorded documents are returned electronically. |
| Processing time | Barring scheduled office closings and unusual circumstances, all documents submitted by 4:30pm are recorded on the day they are received. |
As of October 1, 2025, the office no longer prints trusts and other supporting documents; supporting documents are submitted in person, by mail, or as attachments to e-recordings. Over 90% of documents are recorded electronically.
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 · Lancaster County Recorder of Deeds · Pennsylvania Statutes Title 21 P.S. Deeds and Mortgages § 625 · Recording Requirements - Lancaster County Recorder of Deeds · Recorder of Deeds Schedule of Fees (fee bill PDF) · Electronic Recording - Lancaster County Recorder of Deeds
Deeds.com Resources & Services
Using Deeds.com is optional. Contact the recorder's office directly for its services and submission options.
How to Get a Copy of Your Deed
Read Deeds.com's guide to requesting document copies from the recorder's office.
Deeds.com eRecording
Available through Deeds.com
Use Deeds.com's paid service to submit documents electronically to the recorder's office. Deeds.com service fees are separate from government recording fees and taxes.
Recorder Office
Contact the recorder's office directly for its records, copies, and recording requirements.
Lancaster County Recorder of Deeds
Deeds.com Forms
Blank legal forms sold by Deeds.com, not by the recorder's office.
Supplemental Document Resources
Recording-related forms and instructions for reference. Confirm which documents apply with the recorder's office.
Deeds.com Customer Care
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