Dauphin County PA Recorder of Deeds: Search Deeds, Copies, Recording & Office Guide
The Dauphin County Recorder of Deeds records, indexes and reproduces deeds, mortgages, satisfactions, assignments and other real-estate documents for properties in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. The official office is in the Dauphin County Courthouse, Room 102, at 101 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101.
This guide explains how to search the official Dauphin County deed index, how to use name, instrument number, book/page and UPI searches, how to get a deed or mortgage copy, what to check before recording a deed, when to use Tax Assessment instead of the Recorder, and what to do after opening every official county link.
What Does the Dauphin County Recorder of Deeds Handle?
The Dauphin County Recorder of Deeds is the correct office for recorded deeds, mortgages, mortgage satisfactions, assignments, easements, recorded plans, UPI-related recording checks, notary commission recording and deed/mortgage copies. It is not the best first stop for tax bills, delinquent taxes, assessment appeals or civil court judgments.
Recorder of Deeds
Use this office to search recorded documents, print or request copies, record a deed or mortgage, e-record eligible documents, register for RNS alerts, and ask recording-process questions.
Phone: 717-780-6560
Office of Tax Assessment
Use Tax Assessment for property valuation, property characteristics, ownership records for assessment purposes, UPI/parcel context, Homestead/Farmstead, Clean and Green, and assessment appeal issues.
Phone: 717-780-6101
Tax Claim / Treasurer / Prothonotary
Use Tax Claim for delinquent real estate taxes, Treasurer for certain county tax collection issues, and Prothonotary for civil records, liens and judgments that are not ordinary recorder documents.
Do not mix offices when searching a title issue.
How to Search Dauphin County Recorder of Deeds Records Online
Dauphin County’s official Recorder search system is an AcclaimWeb public-record system. It offers Simple Search, Name, Instrument Number, Document Type, Book/Page, Record Date, Consideration, UPI Number, Municipality/Comments and Alpha Index searches. Choose the search path based on the information you already have.
Open the Official Recorder Page First
Start on the county Recorder of Deeds page and scroll to the public-search disclaimer. The county says the official records are located in the Recorder of Deeds Office, so online search results should be used as a public index and starting point.
Use Simple Search When You Need a Common Copy
The Simple Search page includes common prompts such as “I want a copy of my Deed,” “I want a copy of my Mortgage,” “I want a copy of my Satisfaction,” “I want to search my name on all Document Types,” and “I want a copy of a Plan.”
Search Names in the Required Order
The Name Search help text says to enter a name as last name then first name, like Sparks,Shelton. The name must be at least three characters long. Search both grantor and grantee possibilities when you are tracing ownership.
Use Instrument Number for an Exact Document
If a closing package, title report, satisfaction letter or prior search result gives you an instrument number, use the Instrument# search. The portal help says to enter the instrument number as one contiguous number without spaces or hyphens.
Use UPI Number for Parcel-Based Document Searches
Dauphin County’s recorder portal supports UPI Number searches. The help text shows the UPI format as 62-123-456-000-0000. If you do not know the UPI, use the county property information site or Tax Assessment resources first.
Use Alpha Index for Older Deed and Mortgage Index Work
Dauphin County says deeds, indices of deeds and the mortgage index are online under the “Alpha Index” portion of the website. This is especially useful when a normal modern search does not immediately locate an older deed or mortgage reference.
Dauphin County Recorder Search Fields Explained
A recorder result helps identify recorded instruments. It does not replace reading the actual deed or mortgage, and it does not prove that there are no title issues.
| Field / Search Type | What It Means | When to Use It | Local Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Searches recorded names associated with documents. | Use for owner, buyer, seller, borrower, lender, trustee, estate or business-name research. | Enter last name then first name and try spelling variations. |
| Instrument # | Exact recorded-document number, also useful when a title report or old document cites it. | Use when you already have the recording number. | Enter it as one continuous number without spaces or hyphens. |
| Book/Page | Older or referenced record location format. | Use when a deed, mortgage, satisfaction or title note cites book and page. | Keep both book and page exactly as listed on the reference document. |
| UPI Number | Dauphin County’s Uniform Parcel Identifier connected to real estate parcels. | Use when you have the parcel identifier and want related recorded documents. | Use the 62-123-456-000-0000 style format shown in portal help. |
| Record Date | Searches by the date documents were recorded. | Use when you know the approximate closing, mortgage payoff, lien or satisfaction recording date. | Use a realistic date range; recording date may differ from signing or closing date. |
| Alpha Index | Online deed and mortgage index access. | Use for older deed/mortgage research and name-index work. | Cross-check names, dates and instrument details before ordering copies. |
How to Get a Dauphin County Deed or Mortgage Copy
The county FAQ says you can obtain a copy of a deed or mortgage by visiting the website and printing the document, or by visiting the Recorder of Deeds Office in person at the Dauphin County Courthouse, 101 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101.
Online Copy Path
Use the official public search system when you know the name, instrument number, book/page, UPI or document type. After locating the correct document, follow the portal’s copy/print option where available.
Best for: ordinary deed, mortgage and satisfaction copies.
In-Person Copy Path
Visit the Recorder of Deeds Office in Room 102 at the Dauphin County Courthouse when online searching fails, the index is confusing, or you need staff guidance on the recorder system.
Bring: name, UPI, instrument number, book/page or property details.
Certified Copy Path
Use the current fee schedule or contact the office before ordering a certified copy. Certified copies cost more than ordinary photocopies and may be required for court, lender, estate or official filing purposes.
Verify: exact fee and certification requirement before payment.
How to Record a Deed in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania
A deed that changes, adds or removes a name must be prepared as a new deed and recorded with the Recorder of Deeds. The Recorder can explain recording procedure, but the county FAQ warns that detailed deed preparation or legal questions should be handled by an attorney, title searcher or other qualified professional.
Prepare the Correct Legal Document
The Recorder records documents; it does not create your deed for you. If you are transferring property, adding a spouse, removing a deceased person, correcting title or moving property into a trust, have the deed prepared correctly before recording.
Confirm UPI and Tax Assessment Requirements
Dauphin County uses Uniform Parcel Identifiers. If you do not know the UPI or need a new parcel assignment, start with Dauphin County Tax Assessment and the property information site. The county announced that new parcel assignment requests are handled ahead of time by email rather than walk-in assignment.
Check Realty Transfer Tax and REV-183
Pennsylvania imposes a state realty transfer tax, and county recorders collect it along with applicable local transfer tax. Dauphin County’s FAQ describes a 2% realty transfer tax on consideration or value that is split between the state, municipality and school district. Use Pennsylvania’s REV-183 Statement of Value when required, especially if the deed does not state full value, is a gift/no-consideration transfer, or claims an exemption.
Use the Official Fee Calculator
Dauphin County provides deed and mortgage fee calculators. Use them before writing a check, especially when transfer tax, UPI fees, multiple pages, multiple names, certifications or unusual document types may apply.
Prepare Payment Correctly
The county FAQ says recording fees may be paid by cash or check, and checks should be made payable to Dauphin County Recorder of Deeds. The fee calculator page also states that separate checks for fees and transfer tax are not required.
Mail or E-Record When Eligible
Dauphin County accepts documents by mail if they meet legal recording criteria, the proper fee is enclosed, and a self-addressed stamped envelope is included for return. The Recorder also accepts electronic recording through Simplifile and CSC for eligible submitters.
Dauphin County Record Notification Service: What It Does and Does Not Do
Dauphin County’s Record Notification Service lets individuals receive an email alert when a document is recorded against a specific property, name or parcel number. It can be useful for early notice of deed, mortgage, assignment or satisfaction activity, but it does not block a document from being recorded.
What RNS Can Help With
- Receive email alerts tied to a name, property or parcel number.
- Monitor deed, mortgage, assignment and satisfaction activity.
- Quickly contact the Recorder if you receive an unexpected alert.
- Register multiple names or properties if the system allows your situation.
What RNS Cannot Do
- It does not prevent recording of a document that meets legal recording requirements.
- It is separate from private identity-monitoring services.
- It does not prove fraud by itself.
- It does not replace a title company, attorney or law-enforcement report when fraud is suspected.
Dauphin County Deed Transfer Tax and Recording Checklist Estimator
This tool is only for planning. Use the official Dauphin County fee calculator and the Recorder’s current fee schedule before submitting a document.
The 2% option reflects Dauphin County FAQ wording for realty transfer tax. Pennsylvania DOR separately explains the commonwealth’s 1% tax and local realty transfer taxes collected by county recorders. Exemptions, local rates, UPI fees and document fees can change, so verify with the official fee calculator.
Dauphin County Recorder of Deeds Office Address, Hours and Contact
For deed copies, recording questions, notary commission recording, RNS questions and detailed recorder-system help, contact or visit the Recorder of Deeds office at the Dauphin County Courthouse.
Dauphin County Recorder of Deeds
Office:
Dauphin County Courthouse, Room 102
101 Market Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Phone: 717-780-6560
Email: jzugay@dauphincounty.gov
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Best for: deed/mortgage searches, recording, copies, RNS, e-recording and recorder-index questions.
Open Recorder Map ↗Dauphin County Office of Tax Assessment
Office:
Dauphin County Administration Building, 2nd Floor
2 South Second Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Phone: 717-780-6101
Email: taxassessment@dauphincounty.gov
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Best for: assessed value, property characteristics, ownership records for assessment purposes, property info, UPI and assessment appeals.
Arrival and Filing Tips
- Bring the instrument number, book/page, UPI or exact party name when requesting help.
- For mailed recordings, include proper fee and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- For deed preparation or title corrections, speak with an attorney before visiting.
- For UPI/new parcel questions, contact Tax Assessment before attempting to record.
Why a Dauphin County Deed Search May Not Find the Record
Search Fixes to Try
- Enter names as last name then first name, such as Smith,John.
- Use at least three name characters.
- Search grantor and grantee names separately.
- Remove middle initials, punctuation and suffixes if results are missing.
- Try trust names, estate names, business names and prior owner names.
- Use instrument number, book/page or UPI if you have it.
- Use Alpha Index for older deed or mortgage index work.
Common Mistakes
- Trying to solve assessed-value questions through the Recorder.
- Assuming a mortgage payoff means a new deed will be issued.
- Trying to add or remove a name without recording a new deed.
- Forgetting REV-183 when an exemption or no-consideration transfer requires it.
- Mailing documents without a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Using a private site when the official county search is available.
Official Dauphin County Recorder of Deeds Links
Use these official links for live searching, forms, fees, e-recording, Tax Assessment property data and Pennsylvania realty transfer tax verification.
Dauphin County Recorder of Deeds
Official county page for the Recorder office, public-search disclaimer, records coverage, contact details, RNS, e-recording, FAQ, fee calculator and fee schedule.
- After opening this link, scroll to the Public Search disclaimer.
- Read the disclaimer and click the acceptance link at the bottom if you agree.
- Use the Featured Actions for Public Search, Electronic Recording, FAQ, Fee Calculator or Fee Schedule.
- Save the office phone and email if your search or recording question is not answered online.
Official AcclaimWeb Recorder Search
Official public record search system for Dauphin County Recorder of Deeds documents.
- After opening this link, choose Simple Search, Name, Instrument#, Book/Page, UPI Number or Alpha Index.
- For names, enter last name then first name and use at least three characters.
- For instrument numbers, enter the number with no spaces or hyphens.
- For UPI, use the county’s 62-123-456-000-0000 style format.
Electronic Recording
Official county explanation of e-recording through Simplifile and CSC.
- After opening this link, review whether your organization or document type is eligible for e-recording.
- Contact Simplifile or CSC if your workflow uses one of those providers.
- Email the Recorder at jzugay@dauphincounty.gov if you need local e-filing guidance.
- Wait for recording confirmation before assuming the document is accepted.
Recorder of Deeds FAQ
Official county FAQ covering hours, deed copies, name changes, mortgage payoff, public records, payment, mail recording and document return time.
- After opening this link, expand the FAQ matching your issue.
- Read the deed-copy, name-change and recording-fee questions before calling.
- Use the mail-recording answer if submitting documents by mail.
- Use the legal-advice warning before preparing your own deed.
Fee Calculator
Official Dauphin County calculator for deed and mortgage recording fee estimates.
- After opening this link, select the deed or mortgage calculator.
- Enter the consideration/value and document details.
- Check whether transfer tax, UPI fees or other charges apply.
- Make checks payable to Dauphin County Recorder of Deeds unless official instructions say otherwise.
Dauphin County Tax Assessment
Official office for valuation, property characteristics, ownership records for assessment purposes, UPI/parcel context and the moved Dauphin Property Info site.
- After opening this link, use Property Info when your starting point is an address or parcel question.
- Confirm the UPI, assessment record and property characteristics.
- Use Tax Assessment for value and assessment issues, not the Recorder.
- For new parcel assignment requests, follow the county’s email instructions rather than walking in without confirmation.
Pennsylvania Realty Transfer Tax
Official Pennsylvania DOR page explaining state realty transfer tax, local tax collection by county recorders and exempt transfer categories.
- After opening this link, review the state 1% realty transfer tax rule.
- Read how county recorders collect state and local realty transfer tax.
- Check whether a transfer may be exempt before claiming exemption on a deed.
- Use the DOR forms/publications section if REV-183 or related instructions are needed.
REV-183 Realty Transfer Tax Statement of Value
Official Pennsylvania form used when required for value reporting or realty transfer tax exemption claims.
- After opening this link, complete transfer data, real estate location, valuation data and exemption data if applicable.
- Enter Dauphin County, school district and tax parcel number in the real-estate-location section.
- Attach required documentation when claiming an exemption, trust transfer or corrective/confirmatory deed treatment.
- Review the warning that failure to complete the form properly may result in refusal to record the deed.
What Should You Do Next?
| Your Situation | Best Office / Tool | Next Action |
|---|---|---|
| You need a copy of a deed, mortgage or satisfaction. | Recorder AcclaimWeb Search | Use Simple Search, Name, Instrument#, Book/Page or UPI search; print/order the document or visit Room 102. |
| You want to add, remove or change a name on a deed. | Attorney/title professional + Recorder | Prepare a new deed correctly, then record it with proper fee, UPI and transfer-tax documents. |
| You paid off a mortgage and want proof. | Recorder Search + lender | Search for the mortgage satisfaction; if missing, contact the lender or settlement company that should submit satisfaction. |
| You only have a property address. | Tax Assessment / Dauphin Property Info | Find UPI and property context first, then use Recorder search for related recorded documents. |
| You are worried about deed fraud. | Record Notification Service + Recorder Office | Sign up for RNS, save unexpected alert details, and contact the Recorder quickly if you did not authorize a recording. |
| Your issue is delinquent taxes or a tax sale. | Tax Claim Bureau | Use Tax Claim, not Recorder search, for delinquent real estate tax balance and tax-sale procedure. |
Dauphin County Recorder of Deeds FAQs
How do I search Dauphin County deeds online?
Open the official Dauphin County Recorder of Deeds page, accept the public-search conditions, and use the AcclaimWeb search system. Choose Simple Search, Name, Instrument#, Book/Page, Record Date, UPI Number or Alpha Index depending on what information you have.
How should I enter a name in Dauphin County Recorder search?
The official Name Search help says to enter the name as last name then first name, such as Sparks,Shelton. The name must be at least three characters long. Try spelling variations, business names, trust names and grantor/grantee searches separately if the first search fails.
What is a UPI number in Dauphin County deed search?
UPI means Uniform Parcel Identifier. The Dauphin County recorder portal lets users search by UPI and shows the format as 62-123-456-000-0000. If you do not know the UPI, use Dauphin County Property Info or contact Tax Assessment first.
How far back do Dauphin County Recorder records go?
Dauphin County says its records begin in 1785 with the first recorded registry. The current Recorder page says the website contains deeds and miscellaneous documents from 1785 to present and mortgages from 1979 to present.
How do I get a copy of my Dauphin County deed or mortgage?
The county FAQ says you can visit the Recorder website and print your document, or visit the Recorder of Deeds Office in person at the Dauphin County Courthouse, 101 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101.
How do I add or remove a name from a deed in Dauphin County?
The county FAQ says a new deed must be prepared showing the change and then recorded in the Recorder of Deeds Office. Because deed wording can affect legal ownership, taxes, estates and title, use a qualified professional when you are not sure how to prepare it.
What happens after I pay off my mortgage?
The county FAQ explains that you should already have received a deed shortly after purchasing the property. After the mortgage is paid, a mortgage satisfaction is usually sent from the lender to the Recorder of Deeds Office showing the mortgage is satisfied.
Can I record documents by mail in Dauphin County?
Yes. The county FAQ says documents may be submitted by mail, but they must meet legal recording criteria, include the proper fee, and include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return.
What is Pennsylvania REV-183 and when is it used?
REV-183 is the Pennsylvania Realty Transfer Tax Statement of Value. It is commonly used when value is not fully stated in the deed, the deed is without consideration or by gift, or a realty transfer tax exemption is claimed. The form asks for transfer data, real estate location, valuation data, exemption data and correspondent information.
Is this website the official Dauphin County Recorder of Deeds?
No. County-Appraisal-District.org is an independent educational resource. The official Dauphin County Recorder of Deeds page is on dauphincounty.gov, and the official deed-search system is the county’s AcclaimWeb recorder search system.
Independent Educational Guide
County-Appraisal-District.org is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with the Dauphin County Recorder of Deeds, Dauphin County Government, Dauphin County Office of Tax Assessment, Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, any title company, or any attorney.
Recorder index results, deed copies, UPI records, recording fees, realty transfer tax, REV-183 requirements, title status, legal ownership and document acceptance are controlled by the responsible official offices and Pennsylvania law. This article is not legal advice, tax advice, title advice or a substitute for a title search.
Public property and owner 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.