Land records · Parcel maps · October 5, 2026
How to Record a Deed With the County Recorder
How to record a deed: get it signed and notarized, meet formatting rules, add transfer tax forms, and file with the county in person, by mail, or online.
How to record a deed comes down to getting a properly signed and notarized deed to the county office that keeps land records, usually called the recorder, register of deeds, or county clerk, along with any required forms and fees. Recording puts the world on notice of the transfer and protects the new owner against later claims. Title companies record deeds at most closings, but owners sometimes record their own, such as a quitclaim between family members. This page is general land-records background, not legal advice.
Before you record
- Use the correct deed type for the transfer, such as a warranty, quitclaim, or transfer-on-death deed.
- Include the full legal description, copied exactly from the prior deed. See how to read a property deed.
- List grantor and grantee names correctly, plus how the new owners will hold title.
- Have the grantor sign in front of a notary, and witnesses if your state requires them.
- Add the preparer’s name and a return address if required.
Formatting rules
Recorders often have specific rules, and deeds that do not comply may be rejected:
- Page size, often 8.5 x 11 inches.
- Margins, commonly a larger blank space at the top of the first page for recording stamps.
- Legible font size and black ink.
- Parcel number on the first page in some counties.
- No staples or attachments that obscure text.
Check your county recorder’s website for its checklist.
Forms and fees
| Item | What it is |
|---|---|
| Recording fee | Flat or per-page fee for recording |
| Transfer tax or exemption form | Required in many states; see transfer tax |
| Sales or property transfer questionnaire | Some states require a form reporting price and details |
| Preliminary change of ownership or similar | Required in some states for assessors |
Ways to submit
- In person at the recorder’s office, often with same-day recording.
- By mail, with a check for fees and a return envelope.
- E-recording through approved vendors, popular with title companies and increasingly available to the public.
After recording
The recorder stamps the deed with a book and page or instrument number and recording date, then returns the original, often by mail. The record also appears in the online index. Keep the original deed somewhere safe and update the assessor if the change does not flow automatically. See how to get a copy of my deed if you need copies later.
Common mistakes
- Leaving out or shortening the legal description.
- Missing notarization or witness signatures.
- Ignoring mortgage terms: transferring a mortgaged property can trigger a due-on-sale clause in some cases.
- Forgetting transfer tax forms.
- Not updating homeowners insurance.
Bottom line
To record a deed, prepare it with an accurate legal description, have it signed and notarized, meet the recorder’s formatting rules, include transfer tax and other required forms, and submit it with fees in person, by mail, or electronically. Find your county recorder through the Platbookmapper map.
How to record a deed FAQ
Where do I record a deed?
At the county recorder, register of deeds, or county clerk in the county where the property is located.
Does a deed have to be notarized to be recorded?
In nearly all states, yes. Some also require witnesses.
How long does it take to record a deed?
In person can be same day. Mail and e-recording usually take days to a few weeks for the return copy.
How much does it cost to record a deed?
Recording fees vary by county and page count. Transfer taxes, if any, are separate.
What happens if a deed is not recorded?
It may still be valid between the parties, but it may not protect the new owner against later buyers or creditors.