Land records · Parcel maps · October 6, 2026
What Is E-Recording? Electronic Deed Recording
What is e-recording? Submitting deeds and other land documents to the county recorder electronically. How it works, who can use it, and its benefits.
What is e-recording? E-recording, short for electronic recording, is the process of submitting deeds, mortgages, releases, and other land documents to a county recorder electronically instead of mailing or hand-delivering paper. The recorder reviews the document, collects fees electronically, assigns a recording number and time, and returns the recorded image. Most states have adopted laws that make electronic documents and signatures valid for recording, and a large share of U.S. counties now accept e-recordings, usually through approved submitters such as title companies and law firms. This page is general land-records background, not legal advice.
How e-recording works
- Prepare the document in the required format and signed as required.
- Submit through an approved electronic recording service connected to the county.
- County review checks formatting, signatures, and fees.
- Recording assigns a book and page or instrument number with a date and time.
- Return of the recorded image and receipt to the submitter.
Levels of e-recording
| Level | What is submitted |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | Scanned paper documents with wet signatures, sent electronically |
| Level 2 | Scanned images with electronic indexing data and electronic return |
| Level 3 | Fully electronic documents with electronic signatures and notarization |
Most e-recordings today are scanned paper documents, but fully electronic closings with remote or electronic notarization are growing.
Who can e-record
Counties typically limit e-recording to approved submitters: title companies, attorneys, lenders, and recording services that have agreements with the county or its vendor. Individuals usually record by mail or in person, though some counties offer public portals or allow individuals to use a recording service for a fee. See how to record a deed.
Benefits
- Faster recording, often the same day.
- Fewer rejected documents due to automated checks.
- No mailing delays or lost documents.
- Electronic fee payment.
- Earlier recording time can matter for priority.
Notarization and signatures
Documents still must meet notarization and signature requirements. Paper documents are signed and notarized traditionally, then scanned. Fully electronic documents use electronic notarization, and many states also allow remote online notarization. See what is an acknowledgment on a deed.
Fees
Counties charge their usual recording fees. Submitters may add a convenience fee for the electronic service.
Finding recorded documents
E-recorded documents appear in the county index like paper recordings. You can usually get copies the same way. See how to get a copy of my deed.
Common rejection reasons
E-recording reduces errors, but counties still reject documents. Common reasons include missing or illegible notary seals, margins that do not meet county formatting rules, a legal description that does not match the parcel, missing transfer tax forms, wrong fees, and missing preparer or return-address information. Because the submitter gets the rejection electronically, corrections can usually be made and resubmitted quickly, sometimes the same day.
Checking whether your county e-records
Many county recorder websites state whether they accept electronic recording and list the services they work with. If you are using a title company or attorney, ask whether they will e-record and when you will receive the recorded copy. If you are recording on your own, the recorder’s office can tell you whether a public portal exists or whether paper submission is your only option.
Bottom line
E-recording lets approved submitters send land documents to the county recorder electronically, speeding recording and reducing errors. Requirements for notarization still apply, and individuals usually record by mail, in person, or through a service. Find county recorders via the Platbookmapper map.
What is e-recording FAQ
Can I e-record a deed myself?
Usually only through an approved submitter or a county portal if offered.
Is e-recording legal?
Yes, most states have laws authorizing electronic recording.
How fast is e-recording?
Often same day, depending on the county.
Does an e-recorded deed need notarization?
Yes, notarization requirements still apply.
Are e-recorded documents public?
Yes, they become part of the public land records.