Lehigh County Recorder Information

Land records in Lehigh County are recorded by the Recorder of Deeds. The office is held by Michelle Graupner.

Checked October 2026 against official publications. Sources: Realty Transfer Tax - PA Department of Revenue · Fee Schedule, Recorder of Deeds Division (Effective January 1, 2026)

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

Other charges

Fee schedule effective January 1, 2026.

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.

The fees below include a maximum of 4 pages, 4 names, and 1 PIN certification unless otherwise noted. Maps and plans have their own first-page and additional-page fees. When no fee is specified, the fee shall be set by the Recorder of Deeds.

Paying the office

Credit cards are accepted for recording fees only and may not be used for Realty Transfer Tax. All checks must include the account holder's address. Recording fees and transfer taxes may be combined in one check; no more than ten documents for one check. Overpayments of $10.00 or less are forfeited; larger overpayments cause rejection, with a $10.00 rejection fee on mailed documents. Returned checks carry a $30.00 service charge.

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.

The Recorder of Deeds collects a 1% Local Realty Transfer Tax (1.5% for the City of Allentown) together with the 1% State Realty Transfer Tax, both due at the time of recording. Taxable documents with property in more than one municipality must contain a signed statement giving the percentage of Local Realty Transfer Tax to be paid to each municipality.

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) · Fee Schedule, Recorder of Deeds Division (Effective January 1, 2026) · Recording Guidelines, Recorder of Deeds Division (Effective January 1, 2026)

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

First page: 3" top margin, with the right side of the top margin left blank for the Recorder's use, and 1" margins on the bottom and sides. Margin requirements apply to all documents except State forms (for example UCC, notary commission).

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).

The numerical amount must match the written amount on deeds and mortgages. A document referencing a prior recorded document must state its original recording information and its instrument number or book and page. Foreign language documents need a sworn English translation. Re-recorded deeds are not accepted. Documents with personal information may be rejected or redacted.

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

Submitting documents

Multiple documents recorded together must be clearly numbered on each document to show the order in which they are to be recorded. Documents must relate to real estate in Lehigh County.

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 · Pennsylvania Statutes Title 21 P.S. Deeds and Mortgages § 625 · Recording Guidelines, Recorder of Deeds Division (Effective January 1, 2026)