Land records · Parcel maps · October 5, 2026
What Is a Satisfaction of Mortgage? Proof of Payoff
What is a satisfaction of mortgage? The recorded document showing a mortgage is paid in full and released. Timing, who files it, and fixing a missing one.
What is a satisfaction of mortgage? It is a document signed by the lender, or its servicer or successor, stating that a mortgage has been paid in full and that the lender releases its lien on the property. It is recorded with the county recorder, clearing the mortgage from the public record. In deed of trust states, the equivalent document is a deed of reconveyance. The name also varies: release of mortgage and mortgage discharge are common. This page is general land-records background, not legal advice.
When it is issued
After a final payment, a refinance, or a sale that pays off the loan, the lender prepares and records the satisfaction. Many states set deadlines, often within 30 to 90 days of payoff, and some impose penalties if lenders fail to record in time.
What it contains
- Names of the borrower and lender.
- Recording information for the original mortgage, such as instrument or book and page numbers.
- Property description or parcel number.
- Statement that the debt is paid and the lien released.
- Lender’s authorized signature and notarization.
Why it matters
Without a recorded satisfaction, the old mortgage still appears open. That can become a cloud on title when you sell or refinance, delaying closing until it is cleared.
How to confirm yours was recorded
- Wait a reasonable period after payoff.
- Search the county recorder’s index under your name for a satisfaction or release.
- Match the reference to your original mortgage.
- Keep a copy with your deed and payoff letter.
If it is missing
| Situation | What to try |
|---|---|
| Lender still exists | Contact the servicer with your payoff letter and request recording |
| Lender merged or sold the loan | Contact the successor, often found through bank regulators or title companies |
| Lender failed | Contact the FDIC or the successor institution |
| Lender unresponsive | Use your state’s statutory procedure, which may allow an affidavit or title company release after notice |
| Nothing works | Consult an attorney about a quiet title action |
Title companies routinely resolve missing releases during closings.
Partial releases
A partial release frees part of the property, such as one lot sold out of a larger parcel, from the mortgage while the rest stays secured.
Satisfaction vs payoff letter
A payoff letter, sometimes called a paid-in-full letter, is the lender’s statement to you that the loan balance is zero. It is useful proof, but it is not recorded and does not clear the public record. The satisfaction is the recorded document that tells everyone else the lien is gone. Keep both: the payoff letter helps if you ever need to chase down a missing satisfaction, and the recorded satisfaction is what title examiners look for.
Home equity lines and second mortgages
Paying a home equity line of credit down to zero does not always close it. Many lenders release the lien only after the borrower asks to close the account. If you want the lien removed, request account closure in writing and confirm a release is recorded. Second mortgages paid off at a sale or refinance are normally handled by the title company.
Bottom line
A satisfaction of mortgage is the recorded proof that a mortgage was paid and released. Check that it was recorded after any payoff, and follow up with the servicer, successor, or state procedures if not. Search your county’s records through the Platbookmapper map.
What is a satisfaction of mortgage FAQ
Who files a satisfaction of mortgage?
The lender, servicer, or successor typically prepares and records it after payoff.
How long does a lender have to record a satisfaction?
Many states set deadlines, often 30 to 90 days after payoff.
Is a satisfaction of mortgage the same as a release?
They serve the same purpose. The name varies by state and lender.
What if my satisfaction of mortgage was never recorded?
Contact the servicer or successor with proof of payoff, use state procedures, or consult an attorney.
Where can I get a copy?
From the county recorder where the property is located.