Land records · Parcel maps · October 7, 2026
What Is a Deed Book? Book and Page Records
What is a deed book? A volume where a county recorded deeds in order. How book and page numbers work, what liber means, and how to find old deed books.
What is a deed book? A deed book is a bound volume in which a county recorder or register of deeds copied or filed deeds and other land documents in the order they were received. Each document was assigned a book number and a starting page number, which together form the familiar “book and page” citation used to locate deeds. Older deed books were handwritten copies made by clerks; later ones contain typed copies or photocopies. Many states call these volumes “liber,” from the Latin word for book, especially in Maryland and Michigan. Today most counties record documents electronically with instrument numbers, but deed book references remain essential for older records. This page is general land-records background, not legal advice.
How book and page works
A citation such as “Deed Book 412, Page 88” means the document starts on page 88 of volume 412. Some systems include the county or office name, and some use separate book series for deeds, mortgages, and miscellaneous records. See how plat book and page numbers work for the similar system used for plats.
Book and page vs instrument number
| System | How documents are identified |
|---|---|
| Book and page | Volume number and starting page |
| Instrument or document number | Unique sequential number per document |
| Reception number | Number assigned at receipt, used in some states |
Many counties switched to instrument numbers as they moved to digital recording, but older references in legal descriptions still cite book and page.
Finding a deed in a deed book
- Search the grantor-grantee index for the owner’s name to get the book and page. See how to use a grantor-grantee index.
- Look up the book and page on the county’s online system or in the recorder’s office.
- View or copy the deed image.
Older books may be available only on microfilm or in the recorder’s vault.
Types of books
Counties often kept separate series for deeds, mortgages, plats, wills, leases, and miscellaneous documents. Knowing which series a reference belongs to matters when the same number appears in more than one.
Handwritten copies
Historic deed books contain clerks’ copies, not original documents. Originals were returned to the parties. Copying errors occasionally occurred, so a discrepancy may mean the clerk made a mistake.
Online access
Many counties have scanned their deed books back to the county’s founding. Some state archives and genealogy sites also host images. Coverage varies widely. See how to find old deeds.
Tips for older books
Older indexes may group names by first letter or by first and second letters rather than strict alphabetical order. Clerks also sometimes indexed by the first named grantor only. If a deed is hard to find, search for co-owners, spouses, and spelling variations.
Bottom line
A deed book is a bound volume where deeds were recorded in order, cited by book and page. Many counties now use instrument numbers, but deed book references remain common in legal descriptions and older records. Use the grantor-grantee index to find book and page, then view the image. Find county recorders via the Platbookmapper map.
What is a deed book FAQ
What is a deed book?
A bound volume where a county recorded deeds in order.
What does liber mean?
Liber means book; some states use it for deed books.
How do I find a deed by book and page?
Look it up on the county’s records system or in the recorder’s office.
Are deed books online?
Many counties have scanned them; coverage varies.
Are deed books original deeds?
Usually they contain copies; originals went back to the owners.