Allegheny County PA Recorder of Deeds: Search Deeds, Mortgages, Copies & Office
The office many people call the Allegheny County Recorder of Deeds is handled through the county’s Administrative Services Division of Real Estate. It records and maintains public land records such as deeds, mortgages, mortgage satisfactions, subdivision plans, powers of attorney, military discharge records and other real estate documents.
Use this guide to search recorded land documents, avoid confusing the deed search with the assessment portal, request copies, prepare a deed for recording, find the Room 101 office in Pittsburgh, and use the county’s free property fraud alert without relying on third-party record sites.
Where Is the Allegheny County Recorder of Deeds?
Allegheny County’s deed recording and land-record functions are handled by the Allegheny County Administrative Services Division of Real Estate. The in-person recording office is located in the County Office Building, Room 101, 542 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. For general recording questions, Allegheny County directs callers to 412-350-4636 and Option 2.
Use This Office For
- Recorded deeds and mortgages.
- Mortgage satisfactions.
- Subdivision plans and historical land records.
- Certified deed copies and recording questions.
- Property fraud alerts and suspected deed fraud reporting.
Do Not Confuse It With Assessment
The Office of Property Assessments handles assessed values, property characteristics, owner history on the tax record and assessment appeals. The deed recorder records documents; it does not decide your market value or tax assessment.
Search by address or parcel? Start with the Real Estate Portal, then use the deed search if you need recorded instruments.
Legal Warning
A recorded deed can be public evidence that a document was recorded, but it is not the same as a legal title opinion. Allegheny County states that the office is not permitted to give legal advice about the correctness or legality of deed contents.
For title problems: contact a qualified Pennsylvania real estate attorney or title professional.
How to Search Allegheny County Recorder of Deeds Records Online
The official record search is best for recorded land documents such as deeds, mortgages and satisfactions. The county-linked search supports grantor/grantee names, subdivision, document type, document number and recorded-date filtering.
Open the Official Recorded Document Search
Use the county’s official land-record search, not a paid people-search or background-check website. The current search page is branded for the County of Allegheny and the Administrative Services Division of Real Estate.
Choose the Right Search Term
For a deed, search a grantor or grantee name. For a mortgage release, search a borrower, lender, mortgage company, document type or document number if you have it. For a subdivision plan, search by subdivision or plan name.
Use Recorded-Date Filters
If the result list is too broad, use the recorded-date options such as last 24 hours, last 3 days, last month, last year, or a custom date range. This is especially helpful when checking whether a recently signed deed or mortgage satisfaction has actually been recorded.
Pick Index Search or Full Text OCR
The official search offers an index-only search and a full-text OCR search. Use index-only for names, document numbers and indexed fields. Use full-text OCR when you are looking for words inside the document image, but verify results carefully because OCR can misread scanned documents.
Open the Result and Review the Details
After results load, look for document type, recorded date, party names, document number, book/volume/page reference, parcel reference, image availability and any card-view details. Save the document number before requesting copies or calling the office.
Use the Assessment Portal Only When You Need Parcel Data
If you only know a property address and need the block and lot number, owner history, assessed value, building information or tax information, start with the Allegheny County Real Estate Portal. That portal searches by address or parcel number and tells users not to include street suffixes like Drive, Circle or Street.
What You May See in an Allegheny County Deed Search Result
Recorded-document search results are different from property assessment records. Use this decoder to understand what each field is likely telling you.
| Field / Item | What It Usually Means | Why It Matters | Common Mistake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grantor | The party giving, selling or transferring an interest. | Useful when tracing prior ownership or confirming who signed a deed. | Assuming the grantor is always the current owner. |
| Grantee | The party receiving the recorded interest. | Useful for finding the buyer or new owner named in the recorded document. | Ignoring trusts, LLCs, estates or spelling variations. |
| Recorded Date | The date the document was accepted and recorded by the county. | Important for chain-of-title research and confirming whether a document is public record. | Confusing signing date, closing date and recorded date. |
| Document Type | Deed, mortgage, satisfaction, assignment, plan, power of attorney or another accepted document class. | Helps separate transfers from liens, releases and supporting instruments. | Treating a mortgage as ownership transfer. |
| Book / Volume / Page or Instrument Number | The county reference used to identify a recorded document. | Needed for copy requests, mortgage satisfaction verification and deed references. | Calling the office without saving the exact reference. |
| Block and Lot / Parcel Number | Allegheny County’s parcel identifier used by assessment and mapping systems. | Important for matching a recorded deed to the correct tax parcel. | Assuming a street address alone is enough for every recording issue. |
| Document Image | A scanned or electronic copy of the recorded document when available. | Needed to verify legal description, parties, signatures and recording stamp. | Relying only on index text without checking the image. |
Why You Cannot Find an Allegheny County Deed or Mortgage
Search Problems to Fix First
- Searching the assessment portal when you need recorded documents.
- Using only one spelling of a grantor or grantee name.
- Including punctuation, middle initials, LLC punctuation or corporate suffixes too strictly.
- Searching by closing date instead of recorded date.
- Looking for a very old deed in the current index instead of historical records.
- Expecting a newly created parcel to appear before the county certifies values.
Better Search Strategy
- Try last name only, then add first name if too many results appear.
- Search both grantor and grantee names.
- Try business name variations with and without punctuation.
- Use document number if it appears on a closing packet or title report.
- Use the Real Estate Portal to find the Block and Lot number first.
- Check historical deeds for older title research.
How to Record a Deed or Mortgage in Allegheny County
Allegheny County accepts many land-related documents for online eRecording or in-person recording, but several deed categories require paper submission. The county also publishes detailed deed, content and formatting requirements that should be checked before delivery.
Prepare the Document Correctly
Deeds must include a complete legal description with municipality, ward if in the City of Pittsburgh, county and state. The county also requires parcel identification numbers, known locally as Block and Lot numbers, on all deeds.
Check Certificate of Residence and Deed Certification
Allegheny County requires a Certificate of Residence for deed certification. A Certification Clerk reviews grantors, legal description and certificate-of-residence addresses against the assessment system before the deed is ready for recording.
Follow Formatting Rules
County formatting guidance says recordable documents must generally use 8½ × 11 or 8½ × 14 paper, single sheets of white or manila paper, fully typed black ink, at least 10-point font, proper top margin for certification stamping, and no tape, glue, staples, correction fluid or highlighted areas.
Confirm Acknowledgment and Notary Requirements
The acknowledgment must include the county, state, date, people or corporate officers appearing, notary signature and clear notary rubber stamp. The acknowledgment date cannot predate the document date.
Choose eRecording or Paper Recording
Most land-related documents can be eRecorded through approved vendors. Paper submission is required for subdivision plans, corrective deeds, sheriff deeds, deeds in lieu of foreclosure, deeds transferring property into a trust, and deeds taxable in multiple jurisdictions.
Pay the Correct Fee
The current county fee schedule should be checked before recording. The fee schedule effective November 17, 2025 lists a flat $182.75 document recording fee for many deed and mortgage document categories, with extra charges possible for more than 30 names or certain parcels requiring deed certification.
Allegheny County Deed Copies, Online Images and Recording Fee Notes
Fees depend on whether you are recording a document, viewing an online image, requesting copies by mail or visiting Room 101. Always verify the latest fee schedule before mailing payment.
| Need | What the County Publishes | Practical Tip | Best Contact / Portal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Index search | The online land-record portal states that index search is free for listed dates and documents. | Use the index to identify document number, parties and recorded date before buying images. | Official land-record search |
| Online document images | The portal lists casual-user credit-card image pricing at $1.00 per page for the first 10 pages of a document, with remaining pages of that document at no cost. | Open the index first, then decide whether the image is worth purchasing. | Land-record portal account / cart |
| Commercial drawdown users | The portal lists commercial drawdown pricing at 50 cents per page for the first 10 pages, with remaining pages of that document at no cost. | Internet access requires a separate internet drawdown account from existing office drawdown accounts. | Land-record portal registration |
| Block and lot maps | The portal lists block and lot maps at $1.50 per page. | Use these for parcel-mapping context, not as a replacement for a recorded legal description. | Land-record portal |
| Historical property cards | The portal lists historical record cards at 25 cents per page. | Useful for older building/history research; not the same as a deed. | Land-record portal |
| Certified deed copies | Allegheny County provides a certified deed request form through its real estate forms page. | Have the document number, book/page or party names ready before requesting. | Deed Copies: 412-350-4224 |
Allegheny County Recorder of Deeds Office Address and Phone Numbers
For in-person recording, deed copies and deed certification, use the Division of Real Estate office in Room 101 of the County Office Building. For general county service routing, Allegheny County also lists the INFO line at 412-350-4636.
Allegheny County Division of Real Estate
Office:
County Office Building, Room 101
542 Forbes Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
General questions: 412-350-4636, Option 2
Fee schedule phone: 412-350-4226
Open Office Map ↗Direct Deed Contacts
Deed copies: 412-350-4224
Deed mapping and registry: 412-350-5024
Deed certification: 412-350-5021
County INFO line: 800-581-9145 or 412-350-4636
Call before visiting for unusual filings, multi-jurisdiction deeds, corrective deeds, trust deeds, sheriff deeds or large copy orders.
Recorder Search vs Property Assessment Search vs Tax Questions
Allegheny County’s property systems work together, but they do not answer the same question. This is the fastest way to choose the right portal.
| Your Question | Correct Office / Portal | What to Search | What It Does Not Prove |
|---|---|---|---|
| I need a recorded deed, mortgage or satisfaction. | Division of Real Estate / Recorder of Deeds land-record search. | Grantor, grantee, subdivision, document type, document number or recorded date. | It does not give legal advice or guarantee title quality. |
| I need the parcel number, owner on the tax roll or assessment details. | Allegheny County Real Estate Portal / Office of Property Assessments. | Address or parcel number. Do not include street suffixes in address search. | Assessment records do not replace the recorded deed or title search. |
| I need to record a new deed or mortgage. | Division of Real Estate recording counter or approved eRecording vendor. | Use the recording documents, deed requirements, formatting rules and fee schedule. | The recorder does not draft your deed or decide whether the transfer is legally correct. |
| I think someone filed a fraudulent deed or mortgage. | Property Fraud Alert and suspected fraud reporting form. | Sign up by name and report suspicious real-estate filings. | Alerts do not block recording or replace legal action. |
| I want to appeal my property assessment. | Office of Property Assessments / Board of Property Assessment Appeals and Review. | Use assessment appeal forms and deadlines, not the deed recorder search. | Recording a deed does not automatically lower assessed value. |
Allegheny County Property Fraud Alert and Suspected Deed Fraud
Allegheny County’s land-record system promotes a free Property Fraud Alert service that sends email notification when a document is filed in the Division of Real Estate Office with your requested name on it. This is a monitoring tool, not a guarantee that fraud will be prevented.
When to Sign Up
- You own property in Allegheny County.
- You recently bought or inherited real estate.
- You are monitoring an estate, trust or family property.
- You want notification when documents are recorded under a requested name.
What Alerts Do Not Do
- They do not stop a document from being submitted.
- They do not decide whether a deed is valid.
- They do not replace title insurance, attorney review or police reports.
- They do not guarantee that every name variation will match.
Official Allegheny County Recorder of Deeds Links
Use these official resources for searching, recording, copies, fees and fraud alerts. Each link includes what to do after opening it.
Allegheny County Official Record Search
Search recorded land records by grantor/grantee, subdivision, document type, document number and recorded date.
- Confirm the page says Allegheny County Administrative Services Division of Real Estate.
- Leave Department as Land Records.
- Enter a grantor, grantee, subdivision, document type or document number.
- Use a recorded-date range if the result list is too broad.
- Choose Search Index Only for indexed fields or Search Index & Full Text OCR for document text.
- Open the result and save the document number before requesting copies.
Allegheny County Land Records Page
County page explaining that land records include deeds, mortgages, subdivision plans, block and lot maps, historical plat maps and property history cards.
- Review the list of land-record categories.
- Use Find Land Records for recorded deed and mortgage searching.
- Use Obtaining Copies if you need a copy rather than only an index result.
- Use Historical Records Search for older deed research.
Allegheny County Recording Documents
Official instructions for preparing, recording and paying fees for documents such as deeds, mortgages, DD214s, powers of attorney and subdivision plans.
- Start at How to Record a Document.
- Open formatting and content requirements before preparing the document.
- Open the document-specific page for deeds, mortgages or subdivision plans.
- Check whether the document can be eRecorded or must be submitted on paper.
- Confirm the current fee schedule before paying.
Allegheny County Deed Requirements
Official deed preparation requirements, including legal description, Block and Lot numbers, Certificate of Residence, deed certification and transfer-tax instructions.
- Read the legal-description requirements first.
- Confirm that Block and Lot numbers are included.
- Open Certificate of Residence and deed-certification links.
- Check local realty transfer tax disbursement rules.
- Contact an attorney if you are unsure whether the deed language is legally correct.
Allegheny County eRecording Vendors
Official eRecording page listing approved vendors and documents that cannot be eRecorded.
- Review the listed eRecording vendors.
- Confirm your document type is eligible for eRecording.
- If it is a subdivision plan, corrective deed, sheriff deed, deed in lieu, trust deed or multi-jurisdiction taxable deed, prepare a paper submission instead.
- Ask your vendor about account setup, delivery timing and payment handling.
Allegheny County Real Estate Portal
Use this portal for address or parcel searches, assessed values, tax information, building information and owner history on the assessment record.
- Choose Address or Parcel Number.
- For address searches, enter the house number and street name.
- Do not include street suffixes such as Dr., Cir. or Street.
- Leave municipality blank if you are not sure.
- Open the correct parcel and save the Block and Lot number for deed research.
Pennsylvania Realty Transfer Tax
State guidance explaining the Pennsylvania 1% realty transfer tax and the county recorder’s role in collecting state and local realty transfer taxes.
- Read the state 1% realty transfer tax rule.
- Review whether the transfer might be taxable or exempt.
- Use Allegheny County’s local transfer-tax table for municipal and school rates.
- Use PA Form REV-183 when a Statement of Value is required.
Allegheny County Property Fraud Alert
Free alert service promoted through the county-linked land-record portal for notification when documents are filed under a requested name.
- Open the Property Fraud Alert page.
- Register the name variations you want monitored.
- Use an email address you check regularly.
- If an alert looks suspicious, search the recorded document and use the county’s suspected deed or mortgage fraud reporting process.
What to Do Next Based on Your Situation
| Your Situation | Best Next Step | Office / Portal |
|---|---|---|
| You need to find a deed or mortgage by name. | Use the official recorded document search by grantor/grantee and recorded date. | Division of Real Estate record search |
| You only know the property address. | Use the Real Estate Portal first, save the Block and Lot number, then search recorded documents. | Real Estate Portal + Recorder search |
| You need a certified deed copy. | Use the certified deed request process or call Deed Copies with the document reference ready. | Deed Copies: 412-350-4224 |
| You are recording a new deed. | Check deed requirements, Certificate of Residence, deed certification, transfer tax and current fees before delivery. | Room 101 or eRecording vendor if eligible |
| Your deed was rejected. | Review the rejection reason, legal description, certificate, grantor name and formatting requirements before resubmitting. | Deed Certification: 412-350-5021 |
| You suspect deed or mortgage fraud. | Sign up for alert monitoring, search the document, save the recording reference and report suspected fraud. | Property Fraud Alert + county fraud report |
Allegheny County Recorder of Deeds FAQs
What is the official name of the Allegheny County Recorder of Deeds office?
The public-facing recorder function is handled by the Allegheny County Administrative Services Division of Real Estate. The official record search identifies Jessica Garofolo as Department Director and Recorder of Deeds.
Where is the Allegheny County Recorder of Deeds located?
The in-person recording office is in the County Office Building, Room 101, 542 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Allegheny County lists recording office hours as Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
How do I search Allegheny County deed records online?
Open the official record search, keep the department set to Land Records, and search by grantor/grantee, subdivision, document type, document number or recorded date. Use index-only search for indexed fields and full-text OCR when searching document text.
Can I search Allegheny County property records by address?
Yes, but use the Real Estate Portal for address or parcel-number searches. That portal is for assessment and property data. If you need a recorded deed or mortgage, use the recorder land-record search after identifying the property or party information.
What records are available through the Allegheny County land-record portal?
The county-linked portal lists document indexes from 1986 to current, imaged deeds from 1976 to current, imaged mortgages from 1986 to current, subdivision records for all years, other documents from October 2001 to current, block and lot maps, GIS maps, property history cards and historical plat maps.
How much does an Allegheny County deed image cost online?
The county-linked land-record portal lists free index searching. It lists casual-user credit-card image pricing at $1.00 per page for the first 10 pages of a document, with the remaining pages of that document at no cost. Commercial drawdown pricing is listed separately.
Can every Allegheny County deed be eRecorded?
No. Allegheny County says most land-related documents can be eRecorded, but paper submission is required for subdivision plans, corrective deeds, sheriff deeds, deeds in lieu of foreclosure, deeds transferring property into a trust, and deeds taxable in multiple jurisdictions.
What are common Allegheny County deed recording requirements?
Common requirements include a complete legal description, municipality and ward if in Pittsburgh, county and state, Block and Lot numbers, matching written and numeric consideration, Certificate of Residence, deed certification, proper formatting and complete notary acknowledgment.
Who should I call for Allegheny County deed copies or deed certification?
Allegheny County lists Deed Copies at 412-350-4224, Deed Mapping and Registry at 412-350-5024, and Deed Certification at 412-350-5021. General recording questions can be directed to 412-350-4636, Option 2.
Is this website the Allegheny County Recorder of Deeds?
No. County-Appraisal-District.org is an independent informational resource. It is not Allegheny County, the Division of Real Estate, the Recorder of Deeds, the Office of Property Assessments, a title company, a law firm or a consumer reporting agency.
Independent Educational Guide
County-Appraisal-District.org is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with Allegheny County, the Allegheny County Administrative Services Division of Real Estate, the Recorder of Deeds, the Office of Property Assessments, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or any title agency.
Recorded document indexes, deed images, certified copies, fees, document acceptance, transfer-tax treatment and legal ownership issues must be verified with the responsible government office, title professional or qualified Pennsylvania attorney. This page does not provide legal, tax or title advice.
Public property and deed records should not be used for employment screening, tenant screening, credit eligibility, insurance underwriting or other regulated consumer-reporting purposes. This website is not a Consumer Reporting Agency.