Land records · Parcel maps · October 7, 2026
What Is a Recording Fee? County Charges for Deeds
What is a recording fee? The charge a county recorder collects to record a deed or mortgage, usually per document or page. What affects the total cost.
What is a recording fee? A recording fee is the charge a county recorder, register of deeds, or clerk collects to enter a document into the official land records. Deeds, mortgages, releases, easements, liens, and plats all carry recording fees. The fee pays for indexing the document, scanning it, assigning a book and page or instrument number, and keeping it permanently available to the public. Recording fees are set by state law or county ordinance and are usually charged per document, per page, or as a flat amount, with possible add-on fees. They are separate from transfer taxes, which are based on the sale price. This page is general land-records background, not legal advice.
How recording fees are calculated
| Method | How it works |
|---|---|
| Per page | A charge for the first page plus a smaller charge for each additional page |
| Flat fee | One charge per document regardless of length |
| Per document type | Different fees for deeds, mortgages, plats, and releases |
| Add-on fees | Charges for state funds, housing programs, technology, or preservation |
| Extra names or references | Some counties charge for additional parties or cross-references |
Plats and surveys often have their own fee schedule based on sheet size.
Recording fee vs transfer tax
The recording fee covers the clerical service of recording. A transfer tax, sometimes called documentary stamps or excise tax, is a tax on the transfer and is often far larger. See what is a real estate transfer tax.
Who pays
Local custom and the purchase contract decide. Commonly, buyers pay to record the deed and their mortgage, while sellers pay to record releases of their old mortgage. Closing disclosures list these charges separately.
Formatting penalties
Many recorders charge extra or reject documents that do not meet standards such as margin sizes, paper size, font size, or a blank space for the recording stamp. Some charge a nonconforming document fee instead of rejecting.
E-recording fees
When documents are submitted electronically, the county recording fee still applies, and the e-recording service may add a convenience fee. See what is e-recording.
Finding the fee schedule
Most county recorder websites post current fee schedules and calculators. Title companies and attorneys know local fees. Calling the recorder before submitting avoids rejected documents for incorrect payment.
Paying the fee
Counties accept checks, money orders, and sometimes credit cards for in-person or mail submissions. Mail-in documents with wrong fees are often returned unrecorded, which can delay a transfer.
Why fees exist
Recording fees fund the recorder’s office, records preservation, digitization projects, and in some states housing or land records modernization programs.
Bottom line
A recording fee is the county’s charge for entering a document in the land records, usually based on pages, document type, or a flat amount plus add-ons. It differs from transfer tax. Check the recorder’s fee schedule and formatting rules before submitting. Find county recorders via the Platbookmapper map. See also how to record a deed.
What is a recording fee FAQ
What is a recording fee?
The county’s charge to record a document in the land records.
Is the recording fee the same as transfer tax?
No, transfer tax is a separate tax based on the sale price.
Who pays recording fees at closing?
It depends on custom and the contract.
Why was my deed returned unrecorded?
Often because of wrong fees or formatting problems.
Where can I find recording fees?
On the county recorder’s website or by calling the office.