Philadelphia County Recorder of Deeds: Search Deeds, PhilaDox Records, Office, Fees & Fraud Guard
The office most people call the Philadelphia County Recorder of Deeds is the City of Philadelphia Department of Records. It records deeds, mortgages and other land-title documents for Philadelphia properties and serves as the local recorder of deeds function.
This guide explains how to search Philadelphia deeds through PhilaDox, how to get a copy in Room 154, how to record a deed in Room 111, how current recording fees and Realty Transfer Tax work, and when to use Fraud Guard, OPA, Revenue, Register of Wills or a title attorney instead.
Who Handles Philadelphia County Deed Recording?
Philadelphia is both a city and county, so deed recording is handled by the Philadelphia Department of Records, not by a separately branded county recorder office. The Department records deeds, mortgages and other land-title documents; provides public access through PhilaDox and the Reading Room; and collects recording fees and realty transfer taxes when documents are recorded.
Use Department of Records for Deeds
Use the Department of Records when you need to search, record, copy or verify deeds, mortgages, releases, powers of attorney, UCCs and other land-title documents recorded in Philadelphia.
Best starting point: PhilaDox or City Hall Room 154 for copies.
Use OPA for Assessment Data
The Office of Property Assessment is the better office for assessed value, property characteristics and property-search data. A recorded deed and an assessment record answer different questions.
Best for: value, property class, square footage and assessment questions.
Use Revenue for Tax Payments
The Department of Records collects transfer tax at recording, but ongoing Real Estate Tax bills, payment plans and property-tax payment questions generally involve the Department of Revenue.
Best for: tax bills, balances, payment assistance and Revenue questions.
How to Search Philadelphia Deeds and Property Records
Philadelphia offers two important search paths. Use PhilaDox for deeds and property records from 1974 to the present. Use the Historical Land and Vital Records site for older deed documents dating from 1683 through 1974.
Start With PhilaDox for 1974 to Present
Open PhilaDox when you need a modern deed, mortgage, release, ownership document or recorded-property document. PhilaDox lets users search recorded documents, view document information and watermarked copies, and print records with a paid subscription.
Use Names, Prior Owners and Address Clues
Philadelphia deeds may list individuals, estates, trusts, companies, sheriff-sale buyers, family members or prior owners. If one search fails, try spelling variations, old owner names, business names, trust names and the property address.
Open the Document Details Before You Pay
Check whether the result is a deed, mortgage, satisfaction, assignment, release, power of attorney, UCC or another document type. A mortgage or lien is not the same thing as a deed.
Use the Reading Room When Online Search Is Not Enough
The Department of Records Reading Room is in City Hall Room 154. The Reading Room team helps property owners and researchers find property documents, answer ownership-record questions, research property histories and get valid copies.
Use Historic Records for 1683 Through 1974
Philadelphia’s historical land-record search site contains digital images of Philadelphia deed documents from 1683 through 1974. It is useful for older chains of title, historic house research and genealogy-related land research.
Save the Citation Before Ordering a Copy
Save the party names, document type, recorded date, book/page or instrument details, property address and page count if available. The copy desk can help confirm the exact number of pages before you mail payment.
What Philadelphia Deed Search Results Mean
Deed search results can look simple, but they are easy to misread. Use this decoder before you assume ownership changed, a mortgage was satisfied, or a title issue is solved.
| Record Item | What It Means | Common Mistake | Best Follow-Up |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deed | A recorded transfer or ownership document for Philadelphia real property. | Assuming the deed alone proves title is clear. | Use title review for liens, fraud, heirs, mortgages and ownership disputes. |
| Mortgage | A recorded security instrument showing property pledged for a loan. | Reading a mortgage as a sale or deed transfer. | Look for a later satisfaction or release if the loan was paid off. |
| Mortgage satisfaction / release | A recorded document showing a mortgage was released or satisfied. | Assuming payoff happened just because the owner says the loan was paid. | Search for the satisfaction document and match it to the original mortgage. |
| Grantor / grantee | Parties transferring and receiving an interest in a document. | Missing estate, trust, corporation or power-of-attorney documentation issues. | Check supporting documentation requirements before recording a deed. |
| Watermarked copy | Useful online preview or reference copy from PhilaDox. | Using it when a certified copy is required. | Order a certified copy if a court, lender or government agency requires one. |
| Historical deed image | Older Philadelphia deed image from historic land records. | Expecting a modern index result for every old deed. | Use historical land records and Reading Room help for older research. |
How to Record a Deed in Philadelphia County
To record a Philadelphia deed or transfer document, the document must be for a Philadelphia property and must include required deed information, applicable Realty Transfer Tax documents, taxes unless exempt, and the current recording fee. Philadelphia requires an appointment for in-person recording.
Before You Submit a Deed
- Confirm the property is located in Philadelphia.
- Confirm the deed contains the required property description and street address.
- Prepare the Philadelphia Real Estate Transfer Tax Certificate in duplicate.
- Prepare the Pennsylvania Realty Transfer Tax Statement of Value when required.
- Calculate City and Commonwealth Realty Transfer Tax unless exempt.
- Email appointments.records@phila.gov before recording in person.
- Use certified or registered mail if mailing a deed package.
Common Recording Problems
- Trying to record in person without an appointment.
- Missing transfer-tax certificate or Statement of Value.
- Using outdated transfer-tax rates after July 1, 2025.
- Mailing without certified or registered tracking.
- Failing to provide extra documentation for estate, trustee, corporation or power-of-attorney grantors.
- Assuming the Department of Records can draft the deed or provide legal advice.
Philadelphia Recording Fees, Copy Fees and Realty Transfer Tax
Philadelphia recording cost is not just a deed fee. Buyers, sellers, heirs and property owners should separate recording fees, copy fees, subscription fees, City Realty Transfer Tax and Pennsylvania Realty Transfer Tax before submitting documents.
| Fee / Tax Item | Current Listed Amount | When It Applies | Practical Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deed recording | $278.75 | Common standard deed recording fee listed by Philadelphia Department of Records. | Transfer tax may be much larger than the recording fee. |
| Deed, deceased spouse / partner | $43.75 | Special reduced deed fee listed for deceased spouse or partner situations. | Confirm eligibility and required proof before filing. |
| Miscellaneous deed | $263.75 | Listed for miscellaneous deed recordings. | Use Department of Records guidance for document type classification. |
| Mortgage | $248.75 | Common mortgage recording fee. | Mortgage paperwork may have separate tax and closing requirements. |
| Mortgage satisfaction / release | $231.75 | When recording mortgage satisfaction or release documents. | Verify the release matches the original mortgage record. |
| Recorded legal document copy | $2 per page | Copies of recorded legal documents. | Ask deedcopy.info@phila.gov for page count before mailing payment. |
| Certification of recorded legal document copy | $2 per document | When a certified copy is required. | Use certified copy for court, lender or official filing needs. |
| PhilaDox subscription | $15 one day, $60 one week, $125 one month, $750 one year | Paid online access for printing documents or indexed information. | Use the shortest access period that fits your research project. |
| Philadelphia Realty Transfer Tax | 4.578% total current rate | Most taxable sales or transfers after July 1, 2025. | Current split is 3.578% City plus 1% Commonwealth. |
Philadelphia Deed Recording and Transfer Tax Estimator
Use this educational calculator for rough planning only. It is not an official bill, recording approval, tax opinion or legal advice. Verify final amounts with Philadelphia Department of Records and Department of Revenue.
Formula used: selected listed recording fee + $2 per copy page + optional $2 certification + 4.578% transfer tax when taxable. Some transactions require different handling, documentation or exemptions.
Deed Fraud Guard, Fraud Reports and Tangled Title Help
Philadelphia has unusually important local deed-fraud resources. The Department of Records offers Deed Fraud Guard alerts, an online fraud-report process, paper notices after deeds or mortgages are recorded, and information for tangled-title and quiet-title issues.
Deed Fraud Guard
Property owners can register for free. When a document is recorded with your name on it, you can be notified by email and review an unofficial copy through the document link.
Fraud Report
If you own a property and experience deed or mortgage fraud, Philadelphia lets you file a report online with the Department of Records. You do not have to go to City Hall just to file the report.
Tangled Title
If you live in a home and consider yourself the owner but your name is not on the deed, Philadelphia calls this a tangled title. This often requires legal help, probate or a quiet title action.
Department of Records vs OPA vs Revenue vs Register of Wills
Philadelphia property issues often involve several offices. Use this table to avoid sending the right question to the wrong department.
| Your Task | Correct Office | Why | Fast Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Search or record deeds, mortgages, releases, powers of attorney or UCC documents. | Department of Records | This office serves the recorder of deeds function for Philadelphia. | Use PhilaDox, Room 111, Room 154 or official recording pages. |
| Get a copy or certified copy of a deed. | Department of Records Reading Room | Room 154 helps with copy requests and land-record research. | Email deedcopy.info@phila.gov for page-count help. |
| Check assessed value, property characteristics or OPA account details. | Office of Property Assessment | OPA handles property assessment data, not deed recording. | Use the City property-search tools for assessment data. |
| Pay real estate taxes, transfer tax, or ask about tax balances. | Department of Revenue | Revenue handles tax-payment systems and tax questions. | Use Philadelphia Tax Center or Revenue contact channels. |
| Transfer title after an owner died. | Register of Wills / attorney, then Department of Records | Estate opening and probate may be needed before title can transfer. | Do not record an heir deed without checking probate requirements. |
| Clear tangled title, fight deed fraud, or file quiet title. | Legal help / court process | Recorder records documents, but title disputes often require legal action. | Use Title Clearance Unit, legal aid or a real-estate attorney. |
Philadelphia Recorder of Deeds Office Address, Phone, Email and Directions
The Department of Records is located in Philadelphia City Hall. Use Room 111 for recording documents by appointment and Room 154 for deed-copy and Reading Room help.
Philadelphia Department of Records
Recorder of Deeds / Commissioner: James P. Leonard, Esquire
Recording address:
City Hall, Room 111
1400 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Recording phone: 215-686-2290
Recording email: recording.info@phila.gov
Appointment email: appointments.records@phila.gov
Recording hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
Open Recording Office Map ↗Reading Room / Deed Copy Help
Location: City Hall, Room 154, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: 215-686-2292
Email: deedcopy.info@phila.gov
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
Fraud / Records Questions
General records email: records.info@phila.gov
Fraud report help: Use the online deed or mortgage fraud report page first.
DA Economic and Cyber Crime Unit: 215-686-9902
PA Attorney General Consumer Protection: 800-441-2555
Official Philadelphia Recorder Links and What to Do After Opening Them
Use these official links before paying a third-party deed-copy site or mailing a deed package. Each link includes exactly what to check next.
Philadelphia Department of Records Home
Official department page for recording, copies, fraud help, archives and Department of Records services.
- Confirm the Department of Records service you need.
- Use “Record a deed or other document” for recording.
- Use “Get a copy of a deed” for copies or certified copies.
- Use fraud help links if you suspect deed or mortgage fraud.
Record a Deed or Other Document
Official Philadelphia service page for recording deeds and other documents by appointment, mail or eRecording vendor.
- Read the required deed and transfer-tax document section.
- Confirm Room 111 address and current hours.
- Email appointments.records@phila.gov for in-person recording.
- Use certified or registered mail if mailing the deed.
- Use listed eRecording vendors only if your business is eligible.
Search PhilaDox
Official online document search system for Philadelphia deeds and other property records from 1974 to present.
- Read the disclaimer before searching.
- Search by available name, property or document information.
- View document information and watermarked copies first.
- Use paid subscription access only if you need printing or repeated research.
Get a Copy of a Deed or Recorded Document
Official page for online, mail and in-person deed-copy requests through Room 154 and PhilaDox.
- Decide if you need a regular copy or certified copy.
- Gather property address, owner names and document details.
- Contact deedcopy.info@phila.gov if you need the page count.
- Make checks or money orders payable to “City of Philadelphia.”
Document Recording and Service Fees
Official fee list for deeds, mortgages, releases, land-record copies, certifications, archives and searches.
- Scroll to Document recording for deed and mortgage fees.
- Scroll to Land records for copy and certification fees.
- Scroll to Archives if you need older historical copies.
- Recheck the fee right before mailing or appointment day.
Philadelphia Realty Transfer Tax
Official Philadelphia Department of Revenue page for transfer-tax payment, exemptions, forms and penalties.
- Verify the current transfer-tax rate and due date.
- Review family-transfer and other exemption documentation rules.
- Use the Philadelphia Tax Center if paying online.
- For mail, prepare the City certificate, PA Statement of Value and certified checks.
Historical Land and Vital Records
Official historical search site with Philadelphia deed documents from 1683 through 1974 and selected older vital records.
- Use this for older deeds before the modern PhilaDox range.
- Search historical deed books and indexes when available.
- Save book/page and image details for citation.
- Use the Reading Room if historic chain-of-title research becomes complex.
Sign Up for Deed Fraud Guard
Official free Philadelphia alert service for property owners and notaries who want notice of recorded documents.
- Register your name as it appears in property records.
- Use an email address you check regularly.
- Open alerts quickly and review document links.
- File a fraud report if a document appears unauthorized.
Report Suspected Deed or Mortgage Fraud
Official online fraud report for Philadelphia property owners who suspect deed or mortgage fraud.
- Open the online report page.
- Gather the suspicious deed or mortgage details.
- Submit the Department of Records report online.
- Also file a police report and contact legal help if ownership is at risk.
Common Philadelphia Recorder of Deeds Mistakes
Mistakes That Waste Time
- Looking for a separate county recorder when Philadelphia uses the Department of Records.
- Trying to record a deed in person without an appointment.
- Using old transfer-tax rates instead of the current 4.578% total rate.
- Forgetting the City transfer-tax certificate or PA Statement of Value.
- Assuming PhilaDox 1974+ records include every older deed.
- Ignoring Fraud Guard or paper notices after a suspicious deed or mortgage recording.
Better Philadelphia Workflow
- Use PhilaDox first for 1974 to present deed research.
- Use historical land records for 1683 through 1974 research.
- Use Room 154 or deedcopy.info@phila.gov for copy help.
- Use Room 111 and appointment email for recording.
- Use Department of Revenue for transfer-tax payment questions.
- Use a title attorney for deed drafting, fraud, tangled title and quiet-title issues.
What Should You Do Next?
| Your Situation | Best Next Step | Use This Office / Tool |
|---|---|---|
| You need a deed from 1974 to the present. | Search PhilaDox, review the watermarked record, then order or print the copy if needed. | PhilaDox |
| You need an older deed before 1974. | Use the historical land-records site or visit/contact the Reading Room. | Historical Records + Room 154 |
| You need to record a new deed. | Prepare deed, tax forms and payment, then schedule Room 111 appointment or use approved eRecording. | Department of Records Room 111 |
| You need a certified copy. | Contact the deed-copy team with property address and document details before mailing payment. | Room 154 / deedcopy.info@phila.gov |
| You received a suspicious deed or mortgage notice. | Open the document, save the details, file a fraud report and contact legal/law-enforcement help. | Fraud Guard + Online Fraud Report |
| You live in a property but your name is not on the deed. | Seek tangled-title help before trying to record a new deed on your own. | Title Clearance Unit / legal aid |
Philadelphia County Recorder of Deeds FAQs
Who is the Philadelphia County Recorder of Deeds?
The Philadelphia Department of Records serves as the recorder of deeds function for Philadelphia. It records deeds, mortgages and other land-title documents, manages public access to records, and provides deed-copy and fraud-report services.
Where do I record a deed in Philadelphia?
Deeds are recorded with the Department of Records at City Hall, Room 111, 1400 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19107. Philadelphia requires an appointment for in-person recording; email appointments.records@phila.gov before visiting.
How do I search Philadelphia deeds online?
Use PhilaDox, Philadelphia’s online document search system, to search deeds and other property records from 1974 to the present. You can view document information and watermarked copies online and use subscription access for printing.
How do I find Philadelphia deeds before 1974?
Use Philadelphia’s Historical Land and Vital Records site for deed documents dating from 1683 through 1974. For difficult older research, contact or visit the Department of Records Reading Room in City Hall Room 154.
How much does it cost to record a deed in Philadelphia?
The Department of Records lists a standard deed recording fee of $278.75, a miscellaneous deed fee of $263.75, and a deceased spouse or partner deed fee of $43.75. Realty Transfer Tax may also apply and is usually much larger than the recording fee.
What is the current Philadelphia Realty Transfer Tax rate?
Philadelphia lists the current total Realty Transfer Tax rate as 4.578% for taxable transfers after July 1, 2025. The current split is 3.578% City plus 1% Commonwealth. Some exemptions may apply with proper documentation.
How do I get a copy or certified copy of a Philadelphia deed?
You can use PhilaDox online, visit City Hall Room 154, or mail a request and payment to the Department of Records. For page-count help, contact 215-686-2292 or deedcopy.info@phila.gov before mailing payment.
What is Philadelphia Deed Fraud Guard?
Deed Fraud Guard is a free Philadelphia notification service. Property owners can register their name and receive email alerts when a document is recorded with that name. It is a monitoring tool, not a guarantee that fraud cannot happen.
What should I do if I suspect deed or mortgage fraud?
File an online report with the Department of Records, save the suspicious document details, file a police report, notify the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Economic and Cyber Crime Unit at 215-686-9902, notify the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Consumer Protection office at 800-441-2555, and speak with a real-estate attorney.
Can the Department of Records prepare or fix my deed?
No. The Department of Records records documents and provides record access, but it does not replace a title company, attorney, probate process or court action. Deed drafting, tangled title, quiet title, probate transfers and fraud recovery usually require legal help.
Independent Educational Guide
CountyCADPropertySearch.org is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with the City of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Department of Records, Office of Property Assessment, Department of Revenue, Register of Wills, Philadelphia Courts, Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, any title company or any law firm.
This page is not legal advice, tax advice, title advice or a substitute for a title search. Recording acceptance, copy availability, transfer-tax treatment, fee amounts, fraud-report outcomes, deed validity and title status are determined by official offices, Pennsylvania law, Philadelphia rules and qualified professionals.
Public property and recorded-document information 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.