Land records · Deeds · October 2, 2026
How to Get a Copy of Your Deed Online (Without Overpaying)
How to get a copy of my deed: find the county recorder, search by owner name or parcel, download or order a copy, and know when you need a certified copy instead of a plain one.
If you are wondering how to get a copy of my deed, the answer is almost always the recording office in the county where the property sits. Deeds are public records once they are recorded. Many counties put their document index online. The job is finding the right office, searching the index the right way, and deciding whether you need a plain copy or a certified one.
Step 1: Find the right recording office
The office goes by different names: recorder, register of deeds, county clerk, or clerk of court. It is in the county where the land is, even if you live somewhere else. Use our county directory to find the county, then look for the recorder or register of deeds link on the county website.
Step 2: Gather what the index needs
- The grantee name, meaning the buyer’s name as it appeared at purchase.
- The approximate recording date.
- The parcel number. See find your property PIN.
- Any book and page or instrument number from closing papers or the tax bill. What is an instrument number and what is a map book and page explain those references.
The county parcel or assessor record often lists the most recent deed reference. That is the fastest shortcut to the right document.
Step 3: Search the document index
Search by the owner’s name in the grantee index, or go straight to the book and page or instrument number. Older records may only be searchable by name, and some counties have not put their oldest books online. If several documents show up, look for the document type labeled deed (warranty deed, quitclaim, grant deed, and so on) rather than a mortgage or release.
Step 4: Choose the kind of copy
- Plain copy: good for reading the legal description, checking names, or giving a surveyor background. Often viewable or downloadable online.
- Certified copy: stamped by the recorder. Some courts, agencies, and transactions ask for one. Usually ordered online, by mail, or in person.
Fees and formats vary by county, so check the recorder’s fee schedule before you order.
Watch out for deed-copy mailers
Homeowners often receive official-looking letters offering a copy of their deed for a fee. Many recorders publicly warn that these services charge much more than the county does for the same record. You do not need a third party. Order from the recording office.
What to do with the deed once you have it
Read the legal description: lot and block, metes and bounds, or a section reference. Then compare it with the plat and the county GIS map. Plat map vs the deed and why the deed and the GIS map disagree cover the usual mismatches. A deed shows how title was conveyed. It is not a title search and does not by itself show liens or every easement.
Get a copy of your deed FAQ
Where is my property deed recorded?
In the county (or equivalent) office that records land documents, often called the recorder, register of deeds, or county clerk. The office is in the county where the land sits, not where you live.
Can I get a copy of my deed online for free?
Many counties let you search and view recorded documents online, sometimes for free and sometimes for a small per-page fee. Policies vary by county.
What is the difference between a copy and a certified copy?
A plain copy is fine for your own reference. A certified copy carries the recorder’s stamp or seal and is what courts, some lenders, or agencies may ask for.
Are mailed offers to send me my deed for a fee legitimate?
Many counties warn owners about mailers that charge high fees for a deed copy the county sells cheaply. Get the copy directly from the recording office instead.
This guide is general information, not legal advice or a survey. Confirm details with the county office, a licensed surveyor, or an attorney before you act.