Philadelphia County Recorder Information

Land records in Philadelphia County are recorded by the Department of Records. The office is held by James P. Leonard, Commissioner.

Philadox covers deeds and other property records from 1974 to the present; printing requires a paid subscription (one day $15, one week $60, one month $125, one year $750). Recorded documents aren’t searchable until two to four weeks after recording. Historical deed images from 1683 through 1974 are on the Historical Land and Vital Records site.

Checked October 2026 against official publications. Sources: Record a deed or other document | City of Philadelphia · Department of Records | City of Philadelphia · Get a copy of a deed or other recorded document

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

Other charges

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.

Other recording fees: deed, miscellaneous $263.75; deed, deceased spouse/partner $43.75; assignment of mortgage $246.75; declaration of condominium and declaration of planned community $112.50; certificate of stock transfer $153.75; notary public commission and bond $106.50; railroad/police commission $96.50; powers of attorney $96.50; Uniform Commercial Codes (UCCs) $191.50. Deed of condemnation: $5 for the first page, $1 for each additional page, 25 cents per name to be indexed. A military discharge document can be recorded and copied at no cost.

Paying the office

Personal checks are not accepted. Payments for all fees and taxes must be made on separate checks. Payments for electronically recorded documents are made by ACH.

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.

Philadelphia Realty Transfer Tax: 3.578% (City) + 1% (Commonwealth) = 4.578% (total), based on the sale price or assessed value of the property, plus any assumed debt. It applies to deeds, long-term leases (30 or more years), easements, life estates, entity transfers, and transfers of interest in a real estate company (where transfer is 75% or more). The Department of Records collects both local and state realty transfer tax.

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 · Record a deed or other document | City of Philadelphia · Document recording and service fees · Realty Transfer Tax | City of Philadelphia · Recorder of Deeds - Pennsylvania Department of Revenue (Answer Center)

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

The first page must have a 3” margin at the top; the left side needs to contain the “Prepared by” and “Return to” party name, address, and phone number. The rest of the first page must have 1” margins.

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 document must be dated, must have the names of all parties typed in the OR and EE captions, and must be for a Philadelphia property, with a metes-and-bounds description and the street address. It must carry a notary acknowledgement; the notary seal is optional for Pennsylvania notaries. The names in the OR caption, the signatures, and the acknowledgement must be the same. Numerical amounts must match written amounts on deeds and mortgages.

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
• Philadelphia Real Estate Transfer Tax Certificate City of Philadelphia
  Deeds must be accompanied by the completed certificate; fill out in duplicate

Submitting documents

In-person recording is by appointment; email appointments.records@phila.gov to schedule. Recording three or more documents in person requires drop-off for later pickup. Electronic recording is available to businesses.

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 · Record a deed or other document | City of Philadelphia · Pennsylvania Statutes Title 21 P.S. Deeds and Mortgages § 625