Lawrence County Recorder: Deeds & Records
The Lawrence County Ohio Recorder’s Office in Ironton keeps the county’s public land records, including deeds, mortgages, liens, leases, plats, powers of attorney, military discharges and other documents connected to real-property ownership or encumbrance. The official office is located at the Lawrence County Court House, 111 South 4th Street, Suite 21, Ironton, Ohio 45638.
This guide explains how to search Lawrence County recorder records online, how the current and historic indexes are separated, when to use the Auditor instead of the Recorder, what the 2025 recording-fee increase means, how to avoid ORC 317.114 formatting problems, and which official links to open for deeds, copies, forms, property taxes and parcel research.
Where Do You Search Lawrence County Ohio Deeds?
Start with the official Lawrence County Ohio Recorder website. Use the Records tab for the current index and the Search Index or Search Index Books tabs for older deed, mortgage, plat, lease and lien references. If you need parcel value, property-tax appraisal or conveyance forms, use the Lawrence County Auditor instead.
Recorder’s Office
Best for deeds, mortgages, liens, leases, plats, powers of attorney, releases, assignments, military discharge recordings and recorded-document questions.
Office: 111 South 4th Street, Suite 21, Ironton, OH 45638.
Auditor / Property Search
Best for parcel lookup, real-estate appraisal, tax history, conveyance forms, DTE 100 / DTE 100(EX), sales reports, tax estimator and conveyance fee calculator.
Office: 111 S. Fourth St., Ironton, OH 45638.
Treasurer / Tax Payments
Best for real estate tax bills, property-tax payments, due dates, delinquency, receipts, payment plans and bank/online/phone payment questions.
Office: 111 S Fourth St., Ironton, OH 45638.
Lawrence County Recorder Online Index Coverage
Lawrence County’s Recorder site is useful because it clearly separates current searches from older index searches and index-book browsing. This is especially important for older Ironton, Chesapeake, South Point, Proctorville, Coal Grove, Burlington and rural Lawrence County property research.
| Record Group | County-Listed Online Coverage | Where to Look | Search Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current deeds | Deeds — 1982 to present. | Records tab / current index search. | Use party names, document links and deed details from the current search result. |
| Historic deed grantor/grantee index | Deed Grantor & Grantee — 1818-1984. | Search Index tab. | Useful when a deed predates the current deed index. |
| Historic deed books | Deeds Volume 1-475. | Search Index Books tab. | Use when you already have or can find volume/book/page information. |
| Mortgages | Current mortgages — 1988 to present; historic mortgage index — 1834-1988. | Records tab for current, Search Index for older. | Search both borrower/lender names and release or assignment records when payoff is involved. |
| Leases, liens and miscellaneous | Current leases, liens and miscellaneous — 1981 to present. | Records tab. | Try party-name variations, lien type and approximate recording year. |
| Plats | Plats — 1818-2010; plat books Volume 1-11. | Search Index or Search Index Books. | Use subdivision, allotment, lot, plat book and page clues. |
| Military discharge records | Military Discharge — 1943-1984; Soldiers Discharge Index — 1864-1865. | Search Index. | Access and copy rules may be sensitive; contact the Recorder before requesting military discharge copies. |
Lawrence County Deeds, Property Records and Taxes: Which Office Does What?
Many deed searches fail because the user starts with the wrong office. Use this Lawrence County-specific decoder before calling or visiting.
| Your Task | Best Office / System | What It Helps With | What It Does Not Do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Search a recorded deed | Lawrence County Recorder current or historic index. | Deeds, grantor/grantee references, book/page, mortgage, lien, lease, plat and miscellaneous records. | Does not give legal advice or guarantee marketable title. |
| Find a parcel number or property value | Lawrence County Auditor property search. | Parcel data, appraisal, tax history, sales reports, map link, tax estimator and property record details. | Does not replace the recorded deed image or title examination. |
| Record a new deed or transfer | Recorder plus Auditor conveyance/forms where required. | Recording, indexing, conveyance forms, DTE 100 / DTE 100(EX), and transfer-related checks. | Does not draft a legal document for the parties. |
| Pay real estate taxes | Lawrence County Treasurer. | Tax payment, online payment, phone payment, due dates, delinquency, receipts and tax-bill questions. | Does not record deeds or change ownership language. |
| Search court cases | Lawrence County Clerk of Courts. | Civil, criminal, domestic or court docket questions depending on court jurisdiction. | Does not maintain the recorder deed index. |
How to Search Lawrence County Recorder Records Online
The Lawrence County Recorder website links to a current indexed records search and historic index options. Use a broad search first, then narrow by document group, date range, book/page or party name.
Start on the Official Recorder Website
Open the Lawrence County Ohio Recorder website and confirm it identifies Lori A. Morris, Lawrence County Recorder. Starting from the county-linked site helps avoid paid lookalike record websites.
Choose Current Records or Historic Indexes
Use the current index for deeds from 1982 to present, mortgages from 1988 to present, financing statements from 1989 to present, and leases/liens/miscellaneous records from 1981 to present. Use historic index search for older deed, mortgage, plat, lease, military discharge and lien ranges.
Search Every Likely Name Variation
The Recorder disclaimer advises users to search all possible spelling variations or proper names to maximize results. Try current owner, prior owner, grantor, grantee, spouse, estate, trust, company name, initials, maiden name and alternate spelling.
Use the Auditor Search When You Only Know the Address
If you only have a street address, use the Lawrence County Auditor property search first. The Auditor site says property information may be accessed through the search bar or Search link, and the Auditor’s tools include sales reports, conveyance calculator and tax estimator.
Use Index Books for Older Volume/Page Research
If you are researching old Lawrence County deeds, coal contracts, plats, liens or mortgages, use the Search Index Books area when you have book, volume or page clues. The Recorder site lists deed books Volume 1-475 and multiple historic book groups.
Save the Exact Record Details
Save the document type, grantor, grantee, recorded date, book/page, volume, instrument number, parcel clue and record group. Specific details make copy requests and title follow-up easier.
What Lawrence County Deed Search Results Mean
A recorder search result is a pointer to a recorded document. Use these fields to decide whether the result is likely the right deed, mortgage, release, lien or plat.
| Field / Clue | Plain-English Meaning | Why It Matters | Common Mistake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grantor | The party giving, selling, releasing or transferring an interest. | Useful for tracing sellers, prior owners, lienholders and releasing parties. | Searching only the current owner when the seller or grantor name is the better clue. |
| Grantee | The party receiving the property interest or document benefit. | Useful for finding a buyer, trust, LLC, lender or new owner. | Ignoring trust names, company names, estate names or spelling variations. |
| Document Type | The kind of record, such as warranty deed, quit claim deed, mortgage, lien, lease, plat or power of attorney. | Helps separate ownership transfers from encumbrances, releases and supporting documents. | Assuming every recorder record is a deed. |
| Book / Volume / Page | Traditional recorder reference used especially for older records. | Helpful for historic research, old title chains and copy requests. | Requesting “my deed” without book/page, name, date or other clues. |
| Recorded Date | The date the document was recorded by the Recorder. | Important for lien priority, title-chain order, recent transactions and mortgage releases. | Confusing recorded date with closing date or signing date. |
| Parcel / Auditor Clue | Property identifier or related property reference that may connect to the Auditor record. | Useful for matching a recorder document to tax/appraisal data. | Using Auditor data alone as if it were the recorded deed itself. |
Why Your Lawrence County Deed Search May Not Find a Result
If the recorder search does not immediately show the document, try these fixes before assuming the deed or mortgage was never recorded.
Common Search Problems
- Searching the current deeds index for a deed older than 1982.
- Ignoring the historic deed grantor/grantee index for 1818-1984.
- Searching only the current owner instead of the seller, prior owner, spouse, estate, trust or company.
- Using a tax address when the recorder index is easier to search by party name or book/page.
- Confusing Auditor parcel records with Recorder document records.
- Expecting the Treasurer tax-payment site to provide deed images.
- Assuming a mortgage payoff creates a new deed instead of a mortgage release.
Better Search Tactics
- Use Records tab for current records and Search Index for historic records.
- Try surname-only, full-name and alternate-spelling searches.
- Search both grantor and grantee names when available.
- Use the Auditor property search to confirm parcel and owner information.
- Use index books when you have volume/page or historic deed clues.
- Call the Recorder during business hours if the search path is unclear.
- Save document details before requesting copies or legal/title help.
How to Record a Deed or Real Estate Document in Lawrence County, Ohio
Recording a new document is not the same as searching an old deed. A deed or transfer may need a properly prepared legal instrument, Ohio standard-format compliance, correct recording fee, DTE conveyance form and Auditor-related transfer handling.
Prepare the Legal Document Before Recording
The Recorder records documents presented for recording, but the office does not act as your attorney or title company. Use qualified legal or title help for deed type, survivorship language, estate, trust, transfer-on-death, mineral, coal, easement or title-effect questions.
Confirm the Document Type
Lawrence County lists common recorded documents such as warranty deeds, survivorship deeds, quit claim deeds, sheriff’s deeds, certificates of transfer, transfer-on-death affidavits, mortgages, releases, assignments, easements, land contracts, plats, powers of attorney, trusts, zoning items and liens.
Follow ORC 317.114 Standardization Guidelines
Documents prepared after June 30, 2009 generally must follow Ohio standardization rules. Lawrence County lists requirements including at least 10-point font, 8½×11 minimum paper, 8½×14 maximum paper, black or blue ink, no highlighting, side/bottom margins and special top margins.
Avoid the $20 Nonconformance Fee
Lawrence County states that an additional $20 recording fee will be collected if a document does not conform to the standardization guidelines. Review margins, font, paper size and ink before submitting.
Check Auditor Conveyance Forms
For real estate transfers, use the Lawrence County Auditor forms page to find DTE 100, DTE 100(EX), manufactured-home conveyance forms, homestead conveyance statement and CAUV conveyance statement when applicable.
Estimate Fees Before Submitting
Use the 2025 Lawrence County fee notice for the Recorder page fee and use the Auditor conveyance calculator for parcel transfer or conveyance-related estimates when a real estate transfer is involved.
Verify the Document After Recording
After recording, search the current index to confirm the document appears under the expected names, document type, date and reference. Save the final reference for future sale, refinance, estate, mortgage release or title questions.
Lawrence County Recorder Fees, Page Counts and Standardization Costs
Lawrence County’s 2025 fee notice says most recording fees increased by $5 due to Ohio SB 94 and the preservation surcharge. The new fee is $39 for the first two pages and $8 for each additional page. The notice also says $4 reference fees and standardization guidelines still apply.
| Fee / Rule | Current Lawrence County Detail | Plain-English Use | Before You Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular recording fee | $39 for the first two pages. | Starting cost for most standard recordable documents after the 2025 fee increase. | Verify the fee page before submitting because special document types may differ. |
| Additional pages | $8 for each additional page after the first two pages. | Applies to longer deeds, mortgages, affidavits, attachments and multi-page instruments. | Count all pages before writing a check or money order. |
| Reference fees | $4 reference fees still apply according to the fee notice. | Often relevant when a document references prior recorded instruments. | Count required references carefully. |
| Nonconformance fee | $20 additional recording fee if the document does not conform to standardization guidelines. | Applies when ORC 317.114 formatting rules are not met. | Check top margins, side margins, font size, ink and paper size. |
| Conveyance / transfer estimates | Auditor site provides a Conveyance Fee Calculator that includes parcel transfer fee. | Useful when a real estate transfer is involved, not just recording a non-transfer document. | Use the Auditor calculator and DTE forms for transfer-related costs. |
Lawrence County Recording Fee Estimator
This tool estimates only the basic recorder page fee, reference fees and possible nonconformance fee. It does not calculate conveyance fee, parcel transfer fee, title company fees, attorney fees, eRecording vendor fees, copies, certifications, tax liens, plats or special document charges.
When the Lawrence County Auditor Is Part of a Deed Recording
A real estate transfer often involves more than the Recorder. The Auditor’s website is the local source for property search, property appraisal/tax history, DTE forms and conveyance tools.
Use the Auditor for Parcel and Conveyance Work
The Lawrence County Auditor site says property information can be accessed through the search bar or Search link, and it provides sales reports, conveyance calculator and tax estimator tools. The forms page lists DTE 100, DTE 100(EX), manufactured-home conveyance forms, DTE 101 and DTE 102.
- Auditor: Paul David Knipp.
- Address: 111 S Fourth St., Ironton, OH 45638.
- Phone: 740-533-4310.
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:00pm.
Use the Recorder for Final Recording
The Recorder’s Office makes and preserves the permanent public record of documents affecting land and encumbrances. Use the Recorder for the recorded instrument, index search, recorded document questions and recording-fee questions.
- Recorder: Lori A. Morris.
- Address: 111 South 4th Street, Suite 21.
- Phone: 740-533-4314.
- Email: recorder@lawrencecountyohiorecorder.org.
Lawrence County Recorder Office Address, Phone and Map
The Recorder’s Office is in the Lawrence County Court House in Ironton. Call during business hours if you need help using the search, identifying the correct index tab, estimating recording fees or confirming how to request copies.
Lawrence County Ohio Recorder’s Office
Recorder: Lori A. Morris
Address:
Lawrence County Court House
111 South 4th Street, Suite 21
Ironton, Ohio 45638
Phone: 740-533-4314
Fax: 740-533-4411
Email: recorder@lawrencecountyohiorecorder.org
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:00pm
Open Recorder Map ↗Lawrence County Property Check: Recorded Document Alerts
The Recorder website includes a Property Check link. Property-record alert tools can help owners notice a recording tied to a monitored name, but they do not prevent fraud or prove whether a document is legally valid.
When It Helps
- You own Lawrence County property but live outside Ironton or outside Ohio.
- You manage family, estate, trust, rental, farm, mineral or coal-interest property.
- You want name-based alerts for recorded documents.
- You recently paid off a mortgage and want to watch for future recordings.
What It Does Not Replace
- It does not stop a fraudulent recording automatically.
- It does not prove that a recorded document is valid or invalid.
- It does not replace title insurance, law enforcement or attorney review.
- It does not guarantee every suspicious issue will be caught before harm occurs.
Official Lawrence County Recorder and Property Links
Use these official resources before paying a third-party records website, preparing a deed package or assuming the wrong county office handles your request.
Lawrence County Ohio Recorder Home
Official Recorder page for current index ranges, historic index ranges, index books, office address, phone, fax and county links.
- Confirm the page says Lawrence County Ohio Recorder and Lori A. Morris.
- Use Go to Records Tab for current records.
- Use Search Index Tab for older index searches.
- Use Search Index Books Tab when you need old volume/book references.
Current Lawrence County Recorder Search
Official Cott-hosted current indexed records search for Lawrence County Recorder records.
- Start with a name search for deeds from 1982 to present or mortgages from 1988 to present.
- Search all possible name spellings and proper-name variations.
- Open the record details and save document type, date, book/page or instrument clues.
- Contact the Recorder’s Office if you need help using the search.
Lawrence County Recorder Common Documents
Official list of documents commonly recorded in the Recorder’s Office, including deed types, mortgages, liens, plats, powers of attorney and DD214s.
- Review the deed types before searching or recording.
- Check whether your document is a deed, mortgage, release, assignment, plat, lien or miscellaneous record.
- Do not assume every recorded item transfers ownership.
- Ask a legal professional when the document type affects ownership rights.
Lawrence County Recorder Fee Notice
Official notice for the 2025 recording-fee increase, page fee chart and preservation surcharge.
- Use the current $39 first-two-page fee, not an old $34 estimate.
- Add $8 for each additional page after the first two pages.
- Check whether $4 reference fees apply.
- Remember that standardization guidelines still apply.
Standardization Guidelines
Official Lawrence County guidance for ORC 317.114 document formatting and the $20 additional fee for nonconforming documents.
- Check font size, paper size, ink color and no-highlighting rule.
- Confirm 1-inch side and bottom margins.
- Reserve 3 inches at the top of the first page for recorder, auditor and engineer use.
- Reserve 1½ inches at the top of remaining pages.
Lawrence County Auditor Property Search
Official Auditor site for parcel search, appraisal, tax history, sales reports, conveyance calculator, tax estimator and GIS map link.
- Use the search bar or Search link to find the property by parcel, owner or address.
- Copy parcel, owner and tax-history details that may help the recorder search.
- Use Sales Reports, Conveyance Calculator or Tax Estimator only for property/auditor tasks.
- Return to Recorder search when you need the recorded deed or mortgage record.
Lawrence County Auditor Forms
Official form list for DTE 100, DTE 100(EX), manufactured-home conveyance forms, homestead conveyance statement and CAUV conveyance statement.
- Scroll to the Conveyance section.
- Use DTE 100 for a taxable real estate conveyance.
- Use DTE 100(EX) only when a valid exemption reason applies.
- Check DTE 101 or DTE 102 if homestead or CAUV conveyance information applies.
Lawrence County Treasurer
Official tax-payment site for real estate tax due dates, online payments, phone payments, mailed payments, bank payments and tax-bill questions.
- Use this page only when your issue is tax payment or tax-bill status.
- Search by parcel, owner or address for tax-payment details.
- Review current tax due dates and payment method fees.
- Do not use the Treasurer site to record a deed or request a recorder document.
Ohio Revised Code Section 317.08
State law listing many instruments county recorders record in official records, including deeds, mortgages, plats, powers of attorney, liens and other instruments.
- Use this to understand the state-law role of Ohio county recorders.
- Compare the statute with Lawrence County’s local document and fee pages.
- Do not use the statute as a substitute for current county fees or local submission rules.
Common Lawrence County Recorder Search and Recording Mistakes
Mistakes That Delay Users
- Searching only the current index when the deed may be in the 1818-1984 historic deed index.
- Using a tax parcel search as if it were a recorder deed search.
- Calling the Treasurer for a deed copy instead of the Recorder.
- Preparing a transfer deed without checking DTE 100 or DTE 100(EX) requirements.
- Using old recording fees from before the January 1, 2025 fee increase.
- Ignoring Ohio standardization margins and triggering a possible $20 extra fee.
- Searching only one spelling of a name, even though the county advises spelling-variation searches.
- Relying on index data alone for legal title conclusions.
Better Workflow
- Start on the Recorder’s official website.
- Pick current records, historic index or index books based on the date range.
- Search grantor, grantee, prior owner, spouse, trust and LLC variations.
- Use the Auditor site for parcel and conveyance clues.
- Review the fee notice before recording.
- Check standardization guidelines before printing or submitting.
- Use the Treasurer only for tax-payment questions.
- Contact the Recorder during business hours if search assistance is needed.
What Should You Do Next?
Choose the path that matches your exact Lawrence County deed or property-record problem.
| Your Situation | Best Next Step | Office / Link to Use |
|---|---|---|
| You need a deed from 1982 to present. | Use the Recorder’s current Records search and search all likely party-name variations. | Lawrence County Recorder Records tab |
| You need an older deed. | Use the historic Deed Grantor & Grantee 1818-1984 index or deed index books Volume 1-475. | Search Index / Search Index Books |
| You only know the property address. | Use the Auditor property search first, copy parcel/owner details, then return to Recorder search. | Lawrence County Auditor |
| You are recording a new deed or transfer. | Check Recorder fees and standardization guidelines, then review Auditor DTE/conveyance forms. | Recorder Fee Notice + Auditor Forms |
| You need to estimate a transfer cost. | Use the Auditor Conveyance Fee Calculator and confirm final costs with the appropriate office. | Auditor Conveyance Calculator |
| Your question is about tax payment. | Use the Treasurer website or call the Treasurer, not the Recorder. | Lawrence County Treasurer |
| You suspect a fraudulent or unexpected recording. | Check Property Check, save record details, and contact the Recorder, legal counsel or authorities as appropriate. | Recorder Property Check + professional help |
Lawrence County Recorder FAQs
Where is the Lawrence County Recorder’s Office in Ohio?
The Lawrence County Ohio Recorder’s Office is at the Lawrence County Court House, 111 South 4th Street, Suite 21, Ironton, Ohio 45638. The official phone number is 740-533-4314, the fax number is 740-533-4411, and the contact page lists Monday-Friday hours from 8:00am to 4:00pm.
Who is the Lawrence County Recorder?
The official Lawrence County Ohio Recorder website identifies Lori A. Morris as the Lawrence County Recorder. The county recorder history page lists Lori A. Morris as serving from 2025 to present.
How far back does the Lawrence County deed search go?
The Recorder site lists current deeds from 1982 to present. For older records, the online index search lists deed grantor and grantee records from 1818 to 1984, and the online index books list deeds Volume 1-475.
What records are in the current Lawrence County Recorder index?
The current index search lists deeds from 1982 to present, financing statements from 1989 to present, leases/liens/miscellaneous records from 1981 to present, and mortgages from 1988 to present.
How do I search older Lawrence County Ohio deeds?
Use the Search Index tab for the historic deed grantor and grantee index from 1818 to 1984. Use the Search Index Books tab when you need older deed books, including deeds Volume 1-475.
What is the Lawrence County Recorder fee for most documents?
Lawrence County’s fee notice says that effective January 1, 2025, the new recording fee for most documents is $39 for the first two pages and $8 for each additional page. The notice also says $4 reference fees and standardization guidelines still apply.
What happens if my document does not meet Ohio standardization guidelines?
The Lawrence County Recorder standardization page says documents prepared after June 30, 2009 are governed by ORC 317.114 guidelines, and if a document does not conform, an additional $20 recording fee will be collected.
Which office has DTE 100 and DTE 100(EX) forms?
The Lawrence County Auditor forms page lists DTE 100 Real Estate Conveyance form and DTE 100(EX) Real Estate Exempt form under the Conveyance section, along with related manufactured-home, homestead and CAUV conveyance forms.
Should I use the Auditor or Recorder for a parcel search?
Use the Lawrence County Auditor for parcel search, appraisal, tax history, sales reports, tax estimator and conveyance calculator. Use the Lawrence County Recorder when you need a recorded deed, mortgage, lien, lease, plat, book/page reference or document recording help.
Can I use Lawrence County recorder records for background checks?
No. This guide is for property-record and deed-record navigation only. Public 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.
Independent Educational Guide
County-Appraisal-District.org is an independent informational website. It is not affiliated with Lawrence County Ohio, the Lawrence County Recorder, the Lawrence County Auditor, the Lawrence County Treasurer, Cott Systems, any Ohio court, any title company or any law firm.
Recorded documents, legal descriptions, index coverage, copy availability, recording acceptance, fees, conveyance forms, standardization requirements, tax data and property-transfer rules are controlled by official Lawrence County offices and Ohio law. Always verify current requirements with the responsible office before submitting or paying for a document.
This article is not legal advice, title advice, tax advice or a substitute for attorney review, title insurance, a title search or an official public-record request. Recorder-index information should be verified against the actual recorded document and the appropriate official office.