Issues
 

The Role of the Recorder of Deeds...
The Recorder of Deeds is one of the seven elected Row Offices in Chester County government. The traditional role of the Recorder is to 1) collect real estate transfer taxes for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and its municipalities in Chester County, and 2) maintain accurate information on property transactions and ownership for the public. Today’s Recorder carries on the traditional role, though now is expected to provide many additional services.

The title, real estate, banking, and legal communities rely on the records maintained by the Recorder. The information recorded must be accurate, timely, and easily accessible to the public.  Various county agencies and law enforcement rely on the accurate verification of the Uniform Parcel Identifier (UPI) number assigned to each property.

In addition to land records, the Recorder of Deeds Office is also the repository for military discharge documents. These important documents are recorded and kept in a secure area so that only the veteran, his family, or an authorized military agency is allowed access.

The Recorder’s Office also has a role when an individual petitions the court to change his or her name. A search of property records for the five preceding years must be completed to determine what, if any, mortgages are owed under the petitioner’s current name. The Recorder’s Office prepares a Name Search Certificate for petitioners to file with the court.