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Recorder of Deeds - General

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1. What are the hours of operation of the Recorder of Deeds Office?

The office is open on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Documents will be accepted for recording as close to 5 p.m. as practical. There are no Saturday or evening hours. The office will observe all scheduled county holidays.

2. How far back do your records go?

Official county records begin as of 1800 when Centre County was founded. Some records created prior to 1800 may be found if they were recorded after the creation of the Centre County Recorder of Deeds Office.

3. What is the county registry of documents?

All papers presented to this office for recording must be original documents, properly executed, signed, dated, and acknowledged before a Notary Public with the Notary's legible seal, signature, and expiration date of the commission before they can be accepted for recording. The recording of any document is not an approval of the contents of that document. We do not check the accuracy of the information in each document.

This office just records what is presented to us. In no way do we certify a document's contents are correct. If the document has satisfied the recording requirements, and all fees and taxes are paid, we will accept it for recording; assigning each document an instrument number, and applying a time and date stamp of recording. In order to track, catalog, and index each recording, every document page gets a Record Book volume and page number mechanically stamped on it. Each document receives a "Recorders Certification Stamp." All records are indexed by grantor and grantee. The records before 1989 are in "Deed," "Mortgage" or "Miscellaneous" books. Since 1989, all records are recorded in "Record Books."

4. What are the recording fees?

Our fees are set by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through action of the General Assembly and may be changed from time to time.

5. How many checks do I need when recording?

We can accept cash or check for recording fees. It is not necessary to present separate checks for state or local transfer taxes. All checks are payable to "Centre County Recorder of Deeds." Remember, all deeds and instruments conveying real estate need to have a "Uniform Parcel Identifier" number on the document before it can be recorded. This UPI number must be issued by the Centre County Assessment Office. A separate check made payable to County of Centre will be necessary for this process. To find out more about the UPI requirements, call the Assessment Office at 814-355-6721.

6. May I do recording by mail?

Yes, but make sure all documents meet all legal recording criterion requirements and the proper fee is enclosed. All documents require self addressed stamped envelopes for return! Deeds that need a UPI number can be sent directly to the Tax Assessment office and after the UPI number is affixed Assessment will forward the deed to the Recorder's office.

7. Can I get information over the phone?

General information can be obtained by phone, but for more detailed information you should come into the office or contact a Title Searcher or Attorney. Our responsibility is only for recording, reproducing, and indexing recordable documents. Therefore, we may refer you to qualified professionals for answers to some questions. Our staff cannot perform searches.

8. How long does it take to get documents back?

The Recorder's Office will return original documents, in most cases, to the party which presented them for recording. Usually, it takes about one to two days to return documents. However, document return time is affected by volume of recordings, work loads, holidays, and staffing levels. Again: always, unless prior agreements are made with this office, provide a self-addressed envelope of proper size and with appropriate postage for document return! If you have not received your papers after three weeks, contact the person or firm who recorded them for you.

9. Why does it take one to two days?

For your protection and accurate permanent records, all documents are electronically imaged and the original is retained until the indexes and records are verified and proofed by at least two people. All electronic images are also backed up on hard disk and microfilm to meet Pennsylvania Historical Museum Commission requirements. The microfilm is stored off-site in a specially designed underground center so in the event of a disaster in the Willowbank Building or Courthouse the records can be duplicated.

10. Can anyone look at my deed or mortgage?

Yes. All papers recorded in our office are public information with the exception of military discharge papers. This means anyone can visit our office and look at your deed or mortgage.

11. Can I prepare my own deed?

Yes. But it is usually a good idea to have someone with certain expertise in the field such as an attorney or title company prepare it for you to make sure it's correct. Employees of our office may not prepare a deed for you.

12. How do I get a copy of my deed or mortgage?

You can get a copy by sending a request to the Recorder of Deeds Office. The charge is $0.50 per page. If you need the copy certified there is an extra charge of $1.50. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for return.

13. How do I replace a lost deed?

By obtaining a copy as described above. We need the full name of the property owner, the location of the property, and approximate purchase date. A certified copy of a deed is a replacement for an original instrument.

14. How do I change, add, or erase a name on a deed?

This can only be done by recording a new deed showing the change. A transaction must take place between the old owners and the new owners. Many people think they just come to the office and change the present deed on record. However, once a document is recorded, it cannot be changed. A new deed can be prepared by your attorney.

15. Is it necessary to delete a deceased spouse's name?

Generally no, if the property was held jointly by husband and wife as tenants by entireties. If and when the survivor sells or mortgages the property, he or she simply explains in the new deed or mortgage that the other spouse is deceased. There could be special circumstances such as when title is held as tenants in common that would require different handling. You should consult your attorney.

16. If a woman marries, should she change her name on her deed?

It's not legally required, but again consult your attorney. Each individual's situation may differ according to your own circumstances.

17. If I sell a portion of my land, do I get a new deed for the remainder?

Generally no. Recorded documents show your original deed and the deed(s) for the portion(s) sold. Anyone searching records simply deducts the land you sold from the original deed. However, some local land use ordinances may require you to record a new deed for the remainder. Again, please consult an attorney for concerning the necessity of a new deed.

18. Why is a deed recorded?

A deed is valid and binding if it is signed by the grantor and delivered to the grantee. For numerous reasons, it's in your best interest to record it. Let's say you don't record your new deed, the former owner might acquire a mortgage on your property since the records in our office show he or she still owns it. You may go to apply for a mortgage and be denied because the public record does not show you have title to your property. The former owner may also get the tax statements, too.

19. If I build on my lot, do I get a new deed for my house?

No. The original deed usually covers any buildings erected on the lot now or at a later date. However, there are deeds that have exceptions to structures.

20. If I find a mistake in my deed, how do I correct it?

Usually the same way you change a name, by recording a new deed. In this case it's called a deed of correction. Again, it's best if you get guidance from your attorney because each individual's circumstances are different.