Land records · Parcel maps · October 7, 2026
What Is an Owner of Record? How to Find It
What is an owner of record? The person or entity shown as owner in the public land records. How it differs from tax records and how to look it up.
What is an owner of record? The owner of record is the person, couple, trust, company, or other entity named as owner in the most recent recorded deed or other instrument in the county’s public land records. Being the owner of record means the public records show you hold title. It is the name a title company, court, or government office relies on for notices and transactions. The owner of record is usually the true owner, but not always: an unrecorded deed, a recent death, or a pending lawsuit can mean the records lag behind reality. This page is general land-records background, not legal advice.
Where the owner of record comes from
| Source | What it shows |
|---|---|
| Recorder or register of deeds | Deeds and other recorded instruments, the legal source of record ownership |
| Assessor or tax office | Owner name for tax billing, often updated from recorded deeds |
| County GIS parcel viewer | Owner name pulled from assessor data |
| Title search | Full history including liens and encumbrances |
The recorder’s documents are the official record. Assessor and GIS names are convenient but can be out of date. See assessor vs recorder.
How to find the owner of record
- Search the county parcel viewer or assessor site by address or parcel number. See look up land ownership online free.
- Note the deed reference, such as book and page or instrument number.
- Search the recorder’s index by owner name to confirm the latest deed. See how to use a grantor-grantee index.
- View the deed image to see exact names and how title is held.
You can also search by owner name to find all parcels someone owns. See find property parcel by owner name.
When record and actual ownership differ
- Unrecorded deed: a sale or gift happened but the deed was never recorded.
- Death: the owner died and heirs have not recorded documents.
- Recent sale: recording or assessor updates lag by weeks.
- Trust or LLC: the owner of record is an entity, not the person in charge.
- Fraud: a forged deed puts the wrong name on record.
Why owner of record matters
Tax bills, code enforcement notices, foreclosure notices, and lawsuits are typically sent to the owner of record. Buyers deal with the owner of record, and title insurance is based on the record. Someone who bought property but never recorded the deed may lose priority to a later buyer who records first.
Privacy
Owner of record information is generally public. Some states allow certain people, such as law enforcement officers or domestic violence survivors, to shield their names in online records. Many owners use trusts or LLCs for privacy, which makes the entity the owner of record.
Updating the record
To change the owner of record, a new deed or other instrument must be recorded. Assessor records usually update automatically after recording, but owners should confirm their mailing address so tax bills arrive.
Bottom line
The owner of record is the person or entity shown as owner in the county’s recorded documents. Assessor and GIS sites show it conveniently, but the recorder’s deed is the official source. Record ownership can lag behind reality after deaths, unrecorded deeds, or recent sales. Find county parcel viewers and recorders via the Platbookmapper map.
What is an owner of record FAQ
What does owner of record mean?
The owner named in the public land records.
How do I find the owner of record?
Check the assessor or parcel viewer, then confirm with the recorder’s deed.
Is the owner of record always the real owner?
Usually, but unrecorded deeds or deaths can cause differences.
Is owner of record information public?
Generally yes, with limited exceptions.
How do I become the owner of record?
Record a valid deed in your name.