Marion County Recorder: Deeds, Real Estate Records, Copies, Fees & Office Guide
The Marion County Recorder’s Office in Indianapolis records, indexes and preserves permanent public records primarily related to real estate, including deeds, mortgages, liens, releases, assignments, plats and other instruments recorded in Marion County, Indiana.
If you searched for marion county recorder, first confirm this is the Indiana office you need. Marion County names exist in several states, and Indiana deed records are handled through the Indianapolis/Marion County government system, not through Florida, Oregon, Ohio or another Marion County.
What Does the Marion County Recorder Handle?
Use the Marion County Recorder when your task involves a recorded document, such as a deed, mortgage, release, lien, assignment, plat, survey, easement, power of attorney, UCC filing, assumed business name, military discharge or other recordable instrument. Use the Assessor, Auditor or Treasurer when the question is parcel value, ownership transfer for taxation, deductions or tax payment.
Use the Recorder For
- Searching recorded deeds and mortgages.
- Recording prepared instruments.
- Ordering copies or certified copies.
- Checking instrument numbers and recording dates.
Use the Assessor For
- Parcel number and property cards.
- Assessed value and property characteristics.
- Address-based parcel lookup.
- Sales disclosure review on conveyances.
Use the Auditor For
- Transfer for taxation endorsement.
- Homestead and mortgage deductions.
- Tax-bill mailing address workflow.
- Property ownership transfer routing.
Use the Treasurer For
- Property-tax bills and payments.
- Tax payment history.
- Tax sale and delinquency questions.
- Payment receipts and balances.
Why Marion County Deed Searches Need the Right Indiana Workflow
Marion County covers Indianapolis and many local communities and townships, including Lawrence, Beech Grove, Speedway, Southport, Pike, Washington, Wayne, Center, Warren, Lawrence, Franklin, Perry and Decatur areas. Recorder records are county records, so the starting point is the property’s Marion County parcel or recorded instrument details.
Start With the Assessor if You Only Know the Address
The official Assessor Property Cards tool allows searches by parcel number, state parcel number, owner name or address. This helps you find the parcel number and owner display before searching Recorder indexing records.
Save the local parcel number, state parcel number, owner name and legal-description clues before moving to the Recorder search.
Indiana Deed Transfers Often Need More Than Recording
Real-estate conveyance documents may need sales disclosure and assessor/auditor routing before the Recorder can record them. A deed that transfers land is not just a Recorder counter transaction.
In practical terms, many deed transfers move through Assessor review, Auditor endorsement and then Recorder recording.
How to Search Marion County Recorder Deeds and Records
The Marion County Recorder indexing inquiry supports searches such as grantor/grantee name, legal description, book/page and recording date. Use the method that matches the information you already have, and confirm the document before ordering copies.
Confirm You Need Marion County, Indiana
Search results for “Marion County Recorder” can point to several states. Confirm the property is in Marion County, Indiana before using Indianapolis/Marion County tools.
Use the Assessor Property Card if You Only Have an Address
Search the Assessor property-card system by address or owner name. Save the parcel number, state parcel number, owner name and property-record details, then use those clues in the Recorder search.
Search by Grantor or Grantee Name
The grantor is often the party giving, transferring, releasing or assigning an interest, depending on document type. The grantee is often the party receiving the interest. Search both sides when building a deed or mortgage chain.
Search by Book/Page or Recording Date When Available
If a prior deed, title report, mortgage release, survey or court filing gives a book/page or date range, use those fields instead of running a broad name search. This is especially helpful for common names.
Read the Document Type Carefully
A deed may transfer ownership. A mortgage secures a loan. A release or satisfaction may show a mortgage was paid or released. An assignment may transfer a lender’s interest. Do not assume every record with a familiar name is the current deed.
Compare Legal Description and Parcel Clues
Street addresses may be missing or abbreviated in older documents. Compare the legal description, subdivision, lot, block, parcel number, state parcel number and parties before relying on a record.
Order Copies Only After Verification
Before paying for a copy or certified copy, confirm the instrument number, recording date, document title, grantor/grantee names and legal-description match. Certified copies may be required for courts, lenders, title companies or official filings.
How to Read a Marion County Recorder Search Result
A Recorder result is an index and image pathway. Treat it as a research starting point, then compare the actual document with property-card and tax records.
| Field / Clue | What It Usually Means | How to Use It | Common Mistake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instrument number | The Recorder’s recorded-document reference after acceptance. | Save it for copy requests, title research, mortgage releases and future lookup. | Using the parcel number as if it were the instrument number. |
| Grantor | The party giving, assigning, releasing or encumbering an interest depending on document type. | Search forward from the grantor to trace later transfers or releases. | Assuming grantor always means current owner. |
| Grantee | The party receiving the interest or benefit of the recorded document. | Use it to identify buyers, lenders, assignees or recipients of an interest. | Ignoring trusts, LLCs, banks or name changes. |
| Document title | Shows whether the document is a deed, mortgage, release, assignment, lien, plat or other instrument. | Separate ownership records from loan/security and lien records. | Confusing a mortgage with a deed. |
| Recording date | The date the Recorder accepted the document into the public record. | Build a timeline and identify the newest relevant document. | Confusing signing, closing and recording dates. |
| Legal description | The formal description of the land or property interest. | Compare it with the Assessor property card, subdivision, lot and parcel details. | Relying only on a street address. |
How to Record a Deed or Document in Marion County, Indiana
The Recorder records documents that are ready for recording and meet essential requirements. Recorder staff can process accepted instruments, but they cannot choose your deed type, draft legal wording, notarize the document, clear liens or give title advice.
Record In Person
The Marion County Recorder’s Office is commonly listed in the City-County Building at 200 E Washington St, Suite 741, Indianapolis, IN 46204. Common public-directory hours list Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a recording cut-off before close.
Record by Mail
Mail only a fully prepared original document with correct fee, return address and required Assessor/Auditor routing where applicable. Keep a scanned backup before mailing originals.
Electronic and Remote Search Options
Indianapolis/Marion County budget materials describe high electronic-recording usage and online access options. Occasional users may use public indexing tools, while professionals may use paid remote access systems where available.
Marion County Recording Fees, Copies and Document Requirements
Indiana recording fees are set by state law and Marion County also has county-specific fee treatment. Use this section for planning only. Always verify the current Marion County Recorder fee schedule before mailing documents or paying at the counter.
| Item | Planning Rule | What to Verify Before Filing |
|---|---|---|
| Deeds and most non-mortgage documents | Recent Marion County fee schedules list deeds and many other documents at $35, including one oversized page, with extra charge for additional pages exceeding 8.5 x 14 inches. | Verify the current fee schedule and confirm whether the document is a deed, release, lien, UCC, mortgage or multiple-transaction document. |
| Mortgages | Recent Marion County fee schedules list mortgages, subordinate mortgages and re-recorded mortgages separately at a higher flat fee. | Confirm whether the instrument is treated as a mortgage or another document type before payment. |
| Multiple transaction release documents | Marion County fee schedules describe additional transaction charges for blanket or multiple-transaction release documents and state that names and legal descriptions must match. | Do not combine unrelated releases or documents unless the Recorder accepts that format. |
| Copies and certified copies | Recent schedules list regular copies by page and certification as a separate charge plus copy fees. | Ask whether a plain copy is enough or whether the receiving agency requires a certified copy. |
| Indiana affirmation statement | Documents prepared or notarized in Indiana generally require a redaction affirmation about Social Security numbers when required by law. | Make sure the statement and printed name appear where required before recording. |
| Prepared-by statement | Indiana recording rules require a prepared-by statement for many documents prepared or notarized in Indiana. | Include the printed name of the person who prepared the document when required. |
| Auditor / Assessor routing | Many conveyance documents require a Sales Disclosure Form reviewed by the Assessor and Auditor endorsement before recording. | Confirm the Assessor stamp and Auditor transfer-for-taxation endorsement before visiting the Recorder. |
Marion County Recorder Fee Planning Calculator
This tool is for planning only and does not replace the official Marion County Recorder fee schedule. It uses common recent Marion County fee-schedule figures for a simple estimate.
Add-ons use $5 per additional oversized page, $7 per additional blanket transaction, $1 per regular copy page and $5 for one certification estimate. This tool does not include every document-specific statutory charge, payment processing fee or office-specific exception.
Marion County Recorder Office Address, Phone, Hours & Map
The Marion County Recorder’s Office is commonly listed in the Indianapolis City-County Building. Check the current official Indianapolis/Marion County site or call before visiting because room numbers, counter access, security rules and recording cut-off times can change.
Marion County Recorder’s Office
Address:
200 E Washington St, Suite 741
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317-327-4020
Common office-hours listing: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; recording cut-off commonly listed around 4:15 p.m.
Arrival tip: bring the parcel number, state parcel number, grantor/grantee name, book/page, instrument number, recording date, payment method and any Assessor/Auditor documents.
Open Recorder Map ↗Recorder vs Assessor vs Auditor vs Treasurer in Marion County
These offices are connected in real-estate transactions, but they solve different problems. Use this table to avoid calling the wrong office.
| Office / Tool | Use It For | Do Not Use It For | Best Starting Clue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marion County Recorder | Recorded deeds, mortgages, releases, liens, assignments, plats, UCCs, assumed business names, copies and certified copies. | Property valuation, tax payment, tax deductions, legal advice, title insurance or deed preparation. | Grantor/grantee name, book/page, instrument number, recording date or legal description. |
| Marion County Assessor | Property cards, parcel number, state parcel number, owner display, assessed value and property characteristics. | Recording deeds or providing certified copies of recorded documents. | Street address, parcel number, state parcel number or owner name. |
| Marion County Auditor | Deed transfer for taxation, deductions, property-tax mailing address and auditor endorsement where required. | Searching deed images or paying property taxes. | Conveyance document, Sales Disclosure Form and parcel details. |
| Marion County Treasurer | Property-tax payment, tax cash history, tax sale parcels, receipts and balances. | Changing title, recording instruments or certifying deed copies. | Parcel number, owner name, tax year or property address. |
Official Marion County, Indianapolis and Indiana Recorder Links
Use these official or government-supported resources to search records, verify offices, check fees, find parcel details, route deed transfers and avoid third-party confusion. Each action link includes what to do after opening it.
Marion County Recorder Indexing Inquiry
Recorder indexing search for grantor/grantee name, legal description, book/page and recording-date searches.
- After opening this link: choose a search method such as Grantor/Grantee Name, Legal Description, Book and Page, or Recording Date.
- Enter as much accurate information as possible, but do not overload the search with uncertain terms.
- Compare document type, recording date, parties and legal-description clues before relying on a result.
- Use the instrument reference when requesting copies or certified copies.
Indianapolis / Marion County — Indy.gov
Official digital city/county government website for Indianapolis and Marion County elected offices, property services and public-record workflows.
- After opening this link: use the search bar or elected-official section to locate Recorder, Assessor, Auditor or Treasurer services.
- Use government-record topics for public-record questions.
- Use property-tax topics if your task involves deductions, tax bills, parcel data or payments rather than deed images.
Marion County Assessor Property Cards
Official property-card search by parcel number, state parcel number, owner name or address.
- After opening this link: search by address if you do not know the parcel number.
- Save the local parcel number and 18-digit state parcel number.
- Review the owner display and property details.
- Use the owner, parcel and legal-description clues in the Recorder search.
Indy.gov — Pay Your Property Taxes
Use this for Marion County tax payments, not deed recording or certified deed copies.
- After opening this link: search by address or parcel number.
- Review current property-tax balance, payment options and tax year.
- If you need deed ownership history, return to the Recorder search instead.
Indiana State Board of Accounts — County Recorders
State guidance for Indiana county recorder duties, fees, copies, recording laws and record-handling references.
- After opening this link: use the Recorder’s Fees and Copies sections for Indiana statewide fee context.
- Review recorder duties, indexing and public-record references.
- Compare state guidance with Marion County’s local fee schedule before filing.
Indianapolis-Marion County Code — Recorder Supplemental Fee
Local code section describing the Marion County Recorder supplemental recording fee authorized for the housing trust fund.
- After opening this link: read the Recorder supplemental recording fee language.
- Remember this local fee may be in addition to state recording fees.
- Use the live Recorder fee schedule for the final amount due.
Indiana Sales Disclosure Form
State form used for many real-property conveyance documents before recording.
- After opening this link: confirm whether your deed or conveyance requires a Sales Disclosure Form.
- Complete property, transfer, buyer, seller and value sections carefully.
- Route it through the required Assessor/Auditor process before recording when applicable.
Indiana DLGF — Sales Disclosure Instructions
Official instructions explaining when and how sales disclosure applies to conveyance documents.
- After opening this link: read the definition of conveyance document.
- Check whether your transaction requires a completed SDF.
- Do not record a transfer document until the required Assessor/Auditor steps are handled.
Common Marion County Recorder Mistakes
Mistakes That Waste Time
- Searching the wrong Marion County in another state.
- Using the Recorder when you really need the Assessor property card.
- Trying to record a deed before Assessor and Auditor routing when a conveyance requires it.
- Assuming a mortgage record is the ownership deed.
- Expecting a new deed after paying off a mortgage instead of looking for a release or satisfaction.
- Ignoring trust, LLC, bank or prior-owner names.
- Including unnecessary Social Security numbers in a public recorded document.
- Relying on a Recorder search as proof of clear title.
Better Workflow
- Confirm Marion County, Indiana first.
- Use the Assessor Property Cards tool for address-based parcel research.
- Search Recorder records by grantor/grantee, book/page, recording date or legal description.
- Save the instrument number before requesting copies.
- Check sales disclosure and auditor endorsement before recording transfers.
- Use the Treasurer only for tax-payment issues.
- Use a title company or attorney for title-risk questions.
- Verify current fees before mailing documents.
What Should You Do Next?
| Your Situation | Best Next Step | Correct Office / Tool |
|---|---|---|
| You need a copy of your deed. | Search the Recorder index by grantor/grantee, book/page, recording date or legal description, then request the correct copy. | Marion County Recorder |
| You only know the property address. | Find the parcel and owner display first, then use those details in the Recorder search. | Assessor Property Cards |
| You are recording a deed transfer. | Prepare the deed, complete required sales disclosure, get Assessor/Auditor review where needed, then record. | Assessor + Auditor + Recorder |
| You paid off a mortgage. | Search for a release, satisfaction or related mortgage release document connected to the original mortgage. | Recorder index |
| You need to apply for a homestead or mortgage deduction. | Use Indy.gov deduction workflows or the Marion County Auditor, not the Recorder. | Auditor / Indy.gov property-tax deductions |
| You need to pay property taxes. | Use the Indy.gov property-tax payment workflow or Treasurer resources. | Marion County Treasurer |
| You are unsure whether a deed is valid. | Do not rely on Recorder staff for legal advice; contact a title company or Indiana real-estate attorney. | Legal/title professional |
Marion County Recorder FAQs
Which Marion County Recorder does this guide cover?
This guide covers the Marion County Recorder’s Office in Marion County, Indiana, including Indianapolis. Marion County names exist in several states, so verify the property is in Indiana before using the links and office information on this page.
What does the Marion County Recorder record?
The Marion County Recorder records and maintains permanent public records primarily related to real estate, including deeds, mortgages, liens, releases, assignments, plats and other instruments submitted for recording.
Where is the Marion County Recorder’s Office?
The office is commonly listed at 200 E Washington St, Suite 741, Indianapolis, IN 46204. The public phone number commonly listed for the Recorder is 317-327-4020. Confirm current room, counter hours and recording cut-off before visiting.
How do I search Marion County deed records?
Use the Marion County Recorder indexing inquiry and search by grantor/grantee name, legal description, book/page or recording date. If you only know the address, start with the Marion County Assessor Property Cards tool to find the parcel and owner information.
Can I search Marion County Recorder records by address?
The better workflow is to use the Assessor property-card system for address-based searches, then use the resulting owner name, parcel number, legal description or deed clues in the Recorder search.
How much does it cost to record a deed in Marion County?
Recent Marion County fee schedules list deeds and many non-mortgage documents at $35, while mortgages and some UCC or multiple-transaction documents use different fees. Always verify the current Marion County Recorder fee schedule before submitting payment.
Do Marion County deeds need an Indiana Sales Disclosure Form?
Many Indiana conveyance documents require a Sales Disclosure Form that is reviewed by the county assessor and routed through the auditor before recording. Check the Indiana SDF instructions and local routing before bringing a deed to the Recorder.
Does the Recorder prepare deed forms or give legal advice?
No. The Recorder records documents that meet recording requirements but does not choose deed forms, draft ownership language, provide legal advice, notarize documents, clear liens or guarantee title.
Why does an old mortgage still appear in the Recorder records?
Recorded documents remain in the public record. Paying off a mortgage does not remove the original mortgage record. Search for a later release, satisfaction, assignment or related instrument that references the original mortgage.
Can I use Marion County Recorder records for tenant screening or background checks?
No. This guide is for property-record and recorded-document research. Public property records and owner names should not be used for employment screening, tenant screening, credit eligibility, insurance underwriting or other regulated consumer-reporting purposes.
Independent Educational Guide
County-Appraisal-District.org is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with the Marion County Recorder’s Office, Indianapolis/Marion County government, Marion County Assessor, Marion County Auditor, Marion County Treasurer, Indiana State Board of Accounts, Indiana Department of Local Government Finance, any court, title company, law firm or government agency.
Recording acceptance, document validity, copy availability, fees, transfer routing, tax deductions, title status, office hours and legal effect are controlled by official agencies, Indiana law and the content of recorded documents. This page is not legal, tax, title, escrow or real-estate advice.
Public owner names and property 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.