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1. When do your records go public? Are all records public?

• Recorded documents are publicly available on our website within 48 hours and in many cases the following business day. Check the proof date on the records search page.
• All our records are public except for military discharge’s (DD-214’s).

2. How can I receive a copy of a recorded document?

• Online- You may find and print any document recorded with the ROD from your home or place of business. Click here for instructions.
• Mail- Provide the book/page number of the document you are requesting to the office via mail along with a return envelope. The cost for a mail request is $5.00 per page and $1.50 to certify. The fee(s) must be paid with a business check, money order, or cashier check. (No personal checks or estate checks accepted). Once received, the request is processed and sent back the same day.
• In Person- Come to the office anytime between 8:30-4:00 to receive a certified copy of a document from our search room. The cost .50 cents per page and $1.50 for certifications (if needed). No appointment required.
• Fax- request must include book/page and credit card information. Fax requests cannot be certified. The fee is $5.00 per page, plus $1.00 service fee.

3. How do I find the UPI number and the current owner(s) of a property?

If you only have an address and need a UPI number, you must use ChescoViews. After searching by address, information will appear on the bottom bar including current owners, UPI numbers, and the last recorded deed book/page number. Use the information to search our property record's databases here.

4. How do I record a new deed if there was an error?

You cannot alter any documents once they are recorded. In order to replace the current deed, you will need to have a new deed prepared and recorded in our office. This is usually referred to as a Deed of Correction. It is generally best to have someone with some degree of expertise in this field, such as an attorney, to draft the new deed .

5. What happens when I pay off my mortgage?

• Once a mortgage is paid in full, the lender has 60 days to record a satisfaction piece with the ROD per Pennsylvania Mortgage Satisfaction Act of 2002 [21 P.S. Section 721-6]. Once recorded, the satisfaction removes the referenced lien. When a title search is conducted on the home for a loan, equality line, or any other purpose, the title searcher will see the mortgage is paid off. 
• A new deed is not recorded after a mortgage is satisfied nor is one sent to the homeowner. The homeowner should have the original deed in their possession since settlement. 
• You may request a copy of the satisfaction, mortgage, and deed from our office.

6. What are recording requirements for a Subdivision Plan?

• Subdivision plans are to be between 17" x 22" and 34" x 44". Three copies are required. 
• The Chester County Planning Commission and proper municipal authorities must sign the plans. The plan must be recorded within 90 days of the municipal signature or a 90-day letter from an official of the municipality needs to be attached to the plan. The letter must state that the official is waiving the 90-day recording period on behalf of the municipality. This letter is then recorded as the first page of the plan.
• All subdivision plans are available online and a large map can be printed out in our office for $5.00 per page. 

7. What is Real Estate Transfer Tax?

1. The ROD collects transfer taxes on non-exempt conveyances for all 73 municipalities and the Department of Revenue. Transfer taxes are paid on the consideration or the computed value (usually higher amount). The tax is 1% for the state and 1% for the municipalities (Exceptions: City of Coatesville 2%, Malvern 1.5%, Tredyffrin 1.5%).
2. Transfer taxes must be paid by business check, cashier check, or money order made payable to the Recorder of Deeds. We do not accept cash or credit card payments for transfer tax purposes.
3. For all other questions regarding transfer tax, such as exemption codes, please contact the PA Department of Revenue.

8. How do I check restrictions, easements, and liens?

Use our public database to search property records or hire a professional title searcher. The Recorder of Deeds is not permitted/bonded to conduct title searches on a property. 

9. How can I determine my property line?

The Recorder of Deeds can provide the survey information located on the deed and subdivision plans. However, we are unable to determine property lines or assist in the process. We do not have individual plot plans. A survey needs to be conducted on the property by a licensed surveyor if you want to determine your property’s boundaries.  

10. Do you have plans that show the location of buildings, dwellings, and sheds?

Our records do not reflect dwellings, only the land the dwelling is located on. Contact the original builders, your real estate agent, an expert in property searching, or your municipality.

11. How do I determine the location of old wells & septic tanks?

Please contact the Chester County Health Department for information regarding wells & septic tanks :  https://www.chesco.org/224/Health

12. I am interested in the history of my property. Where do I start?

If you are interested in the history of property transfers, you may start with our public database digitally or in the office. Other resources are professional searchers, historical societies, and the Chester County Archives.

13. How can I record my military discharge paperwork (DD-214)?

Veteran related services

14. How do I record my Notary Bond and Commission?

For detailed instructions on how to record your notary paperwork, please see our Notary Information page.