Clearfield County Recorder of Deeds: Search Records, Recording Fees & Office
Trying to find a recorded deed for a property in Clearfield, DuBois, Curwensville, Houtzdale, Philipsburg-area communities, or another part of Clearfield County? The Clearfield County Recorder of Deeds maintains land records, including deeds, mortgages, releases, easements and recorded maps.
The county offers two online search options through LANDEX. You can research an instrument without visiting the courthouse, but document images generally require payment. If you are recording a new deed, there is an additional local step you cannot overlook: Clearfield County requires a UPI stamp before the deed is recorded.
Where to Search Clearfield County Recorder of Deeds Records Online
The official Clearfield County Recorder of Deeds page directs users to two LANDEX products. LANDEX Webstore is better suited to occasional searches. LANDEX Remote is intended for frequent researchers who need broader search functions.
LANDEX Webstore
Browser-based document search. You can search selected counties, parties, document types and dates, or use instrument and book/page references.
Basic index information can be researched before purchasing the corresponding document image.
Open Document Search ↗LANDEX Remote
Designed for regular users such as title researchers and legal professionals. It uses a Windows application and a debit-account system for record access.
The county describes its search criteria as identical to those used at the courthouse.
Explore LANDEX Remote ↗Search at the Courthouse
Clearfield County says the Register & Recorder office provides six public-access workstations for locating records.
This is an alternative if you need help identifying an older instrument or do not want to buy an online image immediately.
View Courthouse Details →How to Search Clearfield County Deeds in LANDEX Webstore
LANDEX publishes detailed search instructions, including a requirement that surprises some users: when searching an individual by last name, you must also enter something in the First Name field. An asterisk can be used when you do not know the first name.
Open the LANDEX Document Search Page
Visit the LANDEX Webstore Document Search screen.
The search interface includes General, Instrument Number and Book and Page search methods.
Select Pennsylvania and CLEARFIELD
In the county-selection area, choose CLEARFIELD under Pennsylvania.
LANDEX supports searching multiple participating counties, but selecting only Clearfield can reduce unrelated results when researching land in this county.
Enter the Last Name or Company Name
For an individual, enter the surname in COMPANY/LAST NAME and the given name in FIRST NAME.
If you know only the surname, enter an asterisk (*) in the First Name field.
Use the Correct Business-Name Method
For a corporation, bank, LLC or other company, enter the organization in COMPANY/LAST NAME and leave FIRST NAME blank.
The portal’s help text recommends trying partial business names and wildcards when corporate suffixes vary.
Choose the Document Type
Select at least one document type. The published Webstore options include DEED, MORTGAGE, MORTGAGE SATISFACTION/DISCHARGE, WILL and OTHER.
When looking specifically for ownership transfers, begin with DEED rather than selecting every type.
Apply a Date Range if Necessary
Use the Beginning and Ending Date fields if you know approximately when the instrument was recorded.
The Webstore allows the date fields to remain blank when you want to search the available historical range.
Review Matching Documents
Compare the parties, recording reference, date and document type. If several people have the same name, do not assume the first result concerns your property.
Check the legal description on the actual document image when one is available.
Purchase the Document Image Only if Needed
LANDEX lets users select documents and add them to a shopping cart. The provider states that purchased documents are available immediately online as PDFs.
Images require payment. The Webstore also lists a $5 order processing charge in addition to document charges.
Save the Instrument Reference
Keep the book/page or instrument number, the recording date and relevant parties.
These details are particularly useful when requesting a certified copy from the Clearfield County Recorder rather than purchasing another online image.
LANDEX Name Search, Wildcards, Instrument Number and Book/Page
The following search methods are documented in the actual LANDEX Webstore interface used for Clearfield County records.
| Search Method | How to Use It | Useful Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Individual name | Enter surname and first name separately. | First Name cannot be blank for an individual search. Use * if unknown. |
| Company search | Enter the organization in Company/Last Name. | Leave First Name blank for a company. |
| Asterisk (*) | Use for any string of characters. | JOHN* can help find names with suffixes or variations. |
| Question mark (?) | Use as a single-character wildcard. | The published help supports ? for one character. |
| Instrument Number | Select Pennsylvania, Clearfield and enter the exact number. | No wildcard permitted. One result is returned for an exact match. |
| Book and Page | Enter the county, book number and page number. | All three fields are required; no wildcard permitted. |
| Document Type | Select the types relevant to your research. | The system requires at least one selected county and document type. |
| Date Range | Enter Beginning and Ending dates. | Leave blank to search the available dates. |
How to Find a Clearfield County Deed When You Only Know the Address
The county Recorder’s online search is primarily a document-index system. If you have only a street address, a better starting point is Clearfield County’s Assessment Office, which maintains parcel records and tax identification information.
Open the County Assessment Page
Visit the Clearfield County Assessment & Tax Claim page.
Look for the county Assessment Search access or contact the Assessment Office.
Identify the Tax Parcel
Use the available assessment-search options to locate the property. Record the parcel number, owner name and municipality.
If the online assessment system is unavailable or requires access credentials, contact the Assessment Office at (814) 765-2641, extension 5005.
Check the Map Number
Clearfield County refers to its tax parcel identifier as a Map # on tax invoices.
This identifier is especially useful when arranging a UPI stamp before recording a deed or registering for LANDEX property-record alerts.
Return to LANDEX
Use the reported owner or previous owner as a starting point in LANDEX Webstore.
Confirm the actual legal description, property location and parties in the recorded instrument before assuming it belongs to the property.
What Records Does the Clearfield County Recorder of Deeds Maintain?
Deeds and Ownership Transfers
Recorded deeds may show transfers between individuals, companies, estates and trusts.
Check grantor and grantee names, acknowledgment, legal description, municipality and recorded date.
Mortgages and Satisfactions
Mortgages are recorded to document a security interest in real estate. A satisfaction may later show the recorded mortgage has been discharged.
Search for the original instrument and any related satisfaction.
Easements and Recorded Maps
Easements and maps may affect access, utilities or land boundaries.
These instruments can be important for rural parcels, subdivisions and properties with multiple tracts.
Other Official Instruments
The Recorder also maintains certain leases, assignments, releases, UCC documents, notary bonds and commissions, and military discharge records.
Availability and access restrictions depend on the document type.
UPI Stamp Required Before Recording a Deed in Clearfield County
This is one of the most important local requirements. The Recorder says all deeds must receive a UPI stamp from the Assessment Office before recording. UPI stands for Uniform Parcel Identifier. The county lists a $10 charge per parcel and allows pre-approval before the day of recording.
UPI Office
Clearfield County Assessment Office
Courthouse Annex
230 East Market Street
Clearfield, PA 16830
UPI questions:
(814) 765-2641, extension 2042
UPI Fee
The Recorder page states $10 per parcel.
The separate county UPI instructions describe how the coordinator reviews a deed, identifies the relevant parcel information and applies the stamp.
Confirm the total for deeds involving multiple parcels.
Pre-Approval
The county recommends submitting a deed for UPI review in advance.
Its instructions explain that complicated descriptions or busy periods may require additional processing time, so same-day completion should not be assumed.
Three Ways to Obtain UPI Approval
Hand Delivery
Bring the original deed to the UPI office with the applicable fee. The coordinator checks the description and, after approval, places the stamp on the original instrument.
You can then take the stamped deed to the Register & Recorder office for recording.
Email or Fax Pre-Approval
The county’s published UPI instruction sheet lists bquick@clearfieldco.org and fax (814) 765-7652 for submitting copies for review.
After receiving confirmation and fee instructions, you must still deliver the original deed with the required payment so the physical UPI stamp can be applied.
Because contact methods can change, confirm the currently accepted email or fax with the UPI office before sending personal transaction documents.
U.S. Mail
The county’s published instructions provide this destination for mailed UPI submissions:
Clearfield County Assessment Office
UPI Department
230 East Market Street, Suite 117
Clearfield, PA 16830
Include the fee and a properly stamped return envelope. The county warns that documents submitted without a return envelope will not be returned through that process.
Official UPI Approval Instructions
County PDF covering hand delivery, email/fax review, mailing, payment and return documents.
- Read the method that matches your submission plan.
- Prepare the deed and identify the parcels being transferred.
- Request review before the intended recording date when possible.
- Follow the coordinator’s confirmation and payment instructions.
- Obtain the original UPI stamp.
- Deliver the stamped deed to the Recorder with the required recording documents and payments.
When Does a Clearfield County Deed Need Form REV-183?
Pennsylvania uses REV-183, Realty Transfer Tax Statement of Value. Clearfield County’s Recorder page explains that a signed, dated Statement of Value is required for various transfers, including some transfers without consideration and those claiming a tax exemption.
Common Reasons REV-183 Is Needed
- The full consideration is not disclosed in the deed.
- The property is transferred without payment or as a gift.
- A realty transfer tax exemption is claimed.
- The transaction involves certain sheriff or tax sales.
- Property passes through certain estate-related transfers.
What the Form Asks For
- Grantor and grantee information.
- County, municipality and school district.
- Street address and parcel number.
- Cash and other consideration.
- Assessed value and applicable Common Level Ratio factor.
- Details and supporting documents for claimed exemptions.
- Signature of the responsible person.
Pennsylvania REV-183 — Official Form
Department of Revenue form with exemption and valuation instructions.
- Open the official Pennsylvania Department of Revenue PDF.
- Complete Section I with transfer parties and acceptance details.
- Complete Section II with the real estate location and parcel information.
- Complete valuation information in Section III.
- Complete Section IV when claiming an exemption.
- Provide the correspondent’s information, signature and date.
- Include the required attachments and copies when submitting the deed to the Recorder.
The state instructions call for filing in duplicate in applicable situations. Confirm the current paper or electronic filing requirements with the Recorder.
Clearfield County Realty Transfer Tax: What Buyers and Sellers Should Know
Pennsylvania generally imposes a 1% state realty transfer tax on taxable real estate transfers. Local realty transfer tax may also apply. The total depends on the property’s municipality, school district, taxable value and whether a statutory exemption applies.
State Tax
Pennsylvania’s statewide realty transfer tax is generally 1% of the taxable value of the transfer.
The taxable value is not necessarily the amount written on a deed. Special valuation rules can apply to gifts and non-arm’s-length transactions.
Local Transfer Tax
A local realty transfer tax is also commonly due.
The state Department of Revenue explains that the usual local rate is 1%, with higher rates in some jurisdictions. Do not assume a fixed local amount without verifying the property’s specific municipality and school district.
For non-arm’s-length transactions, check the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue Common Level Ratio factors applicable to the transaction’s date. Do not reuse an older factor.
Clearfield County Recorder of Deeds Fees for Recording and Copies
The Recorder’s official website still displays a fee schedule marked effective March 27, 2020. The values below are taken from that published county schedule. Confirm current payment amounts before submitting documents, since statutory surcharges and local fee schedules can change.
| Document or Service | Published Charge | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| Deed | $79.75 | Base recording charge; extra pages and names can increase the fee. |
| Mortgage | $79.75 | Standard mortgage instrument. |
| Satisfaction Piece | $59.75 | Used for recording certain satisfactions. |
| Release | $59.75 | Published release instrument charge. |
| Easement | $59.75 | Published easement recording fee. |
| Assignment | $59.75 | Published assignment recording fee. |
| Right-of-Way | $59.75 | Published right-of-way recording fee. |
| Map | $25 first page; $20 additional page | Map recording has a separate fee structure. |
| Additional page | $2 | For each page beyond four. |
| Additional name | $0.50 | For each name beyond four. |
| Ordinary record copy | $0.50 per page | County office copy rate, separate from LANDEX online purchases. |
| Certified copy | $1 listed certification charge | Confirm whether additional page-copy charges apply to the request. |
| UPI stamp | $10 per parcel | Handled through the Assessment/UPI Office before deed recording. |
Official fee reference: Clearfield County Recorder of Deeds — Fee Schedule.
Estimate a Clearfield County Deed Recording Fee
Enter the number of document pages, indexed names and parcels. This tool uses the county’s posted deed fee schedule and provides an estimate before realty transfer taxes and other applicable charges.
Excluded: Pennsylvania state and local realty transfer taxes, nonstandard-document charges, third-party electronic recording fees and any newer county fee revisions. This is not an official payment quote.
Clearfield County Deed Recording Requirements and Common Mistakes
Before presenting a deed for recording, review the county-specific requirements. Some are separate from Pennsylvania’s general deed-formatting rules.
Checklist Before Recording
- Original deed has the required UPI stamp.
- County and municipality are identified.
- Grantee’s certificate of address is signed.
- Acknowledgment and notary information are complete.
- Applicable REV-183 Statement of Value is included.
- Required fees and transfer taxes are ready.
- A self-addressed stamped return envelope accompanies the document when required.
Common Reasons for Problems
- Attempting to record before UPI approval.
- Missing a notarial seal, commission expiration or acknowledgment date.
- An acknowledgment date predating the document date.
- Missing grantee address certification.
- Incorrect municipality or missing location information.
- A corrective deed without a stated correction reason or new acknowledgment.
- Failing to explain local tax allocation where multiple municipalities are involved.
The county also requires a written English translation to accompany documents presented in a foreign language and asks for multi-document transactions to be numbered in their intended recording order.
How to Obtain a Certified Deed Copy in Clearfield County
A downloaded LANDEX image and an officially certified copy are not the same. LANDEX states that certified copies must be obtained from the courthouse rather than through its Webstore.
Locate the Recorded Instrument
Search LANDEX or use the deed reference from your closing documents.
Save the instrument number, book/page, recording date and party names.
Contact the Recorder
Call the Clearfield County Register & Recorder at (814) 765-2641, extension 5012.
Explain whether you need an ordinary copy or a certified copy for a court, lender, estate or other purpose.
Confirm the Exact Fee
The county lists ordinary copies at $0.50 per page and a $1 certified-copy charge.
Confirm how these fees combine for your particular document, the number of pages and the accepted payment methods.
Arrange Pickup or Delivery
Ask whether you can receive the certified document in person or by mail, and what information or envelope arrangements the office requires.
Review the received copy to make sure the certification relates to the correct instrument.
Does Clearfield County Accept Electronic Deed Recording?
Yes. The county Recorder’s page lists Simplifile and CSC eRecording Solutions as available electronic recording vendors.
Simplifile
Phone: (800) 460-5657
The vendor supports electronic submission workflows for participating recording offices.
Ask which Clearfield County documents are currently eligible and how UPI approval is handled.
Simplifile Website ↗CSC eRecording Solutions
Phone: (866) 652-0111
CSC provides an electronic document-submission service for participating recording offices.
Confirm onboarding, payment and the county’s acceptance conditions before transmitting deeds.
CSC Website ↗Clearfield County Recorder of Deeds Office Address, Hours and Contact
Register & Recorder — Courthouse
Clearfield County Courthouse
1 North Second Street
Clearfield, PA 16830
Office: First floor
Phone: (814) 765-2641
Extension: 5012
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4 PM, excluding holidays or special closures.
Register & Recorder: Heather Olson-Desmett
Courthouse Directions ↗Assessment and UPI — Courthouse Annex
230 East Market Street
Clearfield, PA 16830
Assessment Office:
(814) 765-2641, extension 5005
UPI questions:
(814) 765-2641, extension 2042
Purpose: Parcel identification, assessment records and required UPI approval before deed recording.
Annex Directions ↗Map shows the county courthouse. Confirm parking, accessibility arrangements, office access and any schedule changes before visiting.
Clearfield County Recorder vs. Assessment, Tax Claim and Prothonotary
| Your Question | Responsible Office | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Where is a deed or mortgage recorded? | Recorder of Deeds | Search LANDEX or request the instrument reference. |
| How can I obtain a certified deed? | Recorder of Deeds | Contact the office with the recorded document reference. |
| What is my property Map # or assessed value? | Assessment Office | Use the assessment records or call extension 5005. |
| Where do I get a UPI stamp? | Assessment / UPI Office | Obtain parcel identification approval before recording. |
| Who handles delinquent property taxes? | Tax Claim Bureau | Contact extension 5006 for delinquent tax information. |
| Where can I research a civil judgment? | Prothonotary | Use the county’s civil case records service or contact the office. |
| Does this property have clear title? | Title professional / Pennsylvania attorney | Obtain an appropriate title examination. |
What to Do When Clearfield County Deed Search Returns No Results
LANDEX Says the Name Is Missing
- Confirm CLEARFIELD is selected.
- Enter the last name and first name separately.
- Use * in First Name if the given name is unknown.
- Try a wildcard for spelling variations.
- Search a previous owner or business entity.
- Expand the date range.
Too Many Results
- Add the first name or initial.
- Select DEED rather than every document type.
- Limit the recording date.
- Use the exact instrument number if known.
- Use book/page when listed on another recorded document.
No Document Image Appears
LANDEX Webstore provides basic search information, but images generally require payment. Check the cart and checkout process before assuming the record is unavailable.
For certified copies, contact the courthouse rather than relying on an online download.
You Only Have a Street Address
Start with the Clearfield County Assessment Office to identify the parcel and relevant reported owner.
Then use the owner or transfer-party names in LANDEX and compare the recorded legal description.
Clearfield County LANDEX Record Alert: Sign-Up Steps
Clearfield County links to a LANDEX Record Alert program intended to notify subscribers of new recordings associated with a monitored name or parcel number.
Landex Record Alert Registration
Access the county-linked alert signup from the Recorder’s official website.
- Visit the county’s Recorder of Deeds page.
- Select Landex Record Alerts Signup.
- Review the provider’s registration requirements.
- Use your property Map # from the tax invoice if the service requests it.
- Register the name or parcel information you want to monitor.
- Follow the alert provider’s verification instructions.
Clearfield County Recorder of Deeds Official Search, Forms and Filing Links
1. Clearfield County Recorder of Deeds
Government source for recording requirements, fee schedule, LANDEX links and UPI rules.
- Open the county government website.
- Review the online records options.
- Read Recording Information before submitting a deed.
- Check the current county-posted fees and contact details.
2. LANDEX Webstore Document Search
Search Clearfield County recorded instruments by names, document categories, instrument number or book/page.
- Choose CLEARFIELD under Pennsylvania.
- Select the appropriate search method.
- Enter names or recording references.
- Select the relevant document types.
- Review matches and pay only when an image is needed.
3. LANDEX Remote
More extensive remote-search software for frequent record researchers.
- Read the subscription and technical requirements.
- Review the Windows application and debit-account model.
- Choose the counties needed for your research.
- Compare the expected costs with Webstore before registering.
4. UPI Approval Instructions
County PDF explaining deed pre-approval, stamp payment and hand-delivery, email/fax or mail methods.
- Review the UPI submission options.
- Identify the number of parcels in the deed.
- Prepare the deed and required payment.
- Obtain the original approved UPI stamp.
- Deliver the deed to the Recorder.
5. Pennsylvania Realty Transfer Tax Statement of Value
REV-183 official form for applicable transfer-value reporting and exemption claims.
- Read the form instructions.
- Enter transaction and property information.
- Complete valuation and exemption information when applicable.
- Sign, date and include required attachments.
- Confirm the Recorder’s current submission requirements.
6. Clearfield County Assessment & Tax Claim
Parcel identification, assessment information, delinquent taxes and property assessment resources.
- Open the Assessment & Tax Claim page.
- Locate the Assessment Search option or relevant department contact.
- Find the parcel number or reported owner.
- Use that information to guide a separate deed-record search.
What Should You Do After Finding a Clearfield County Deed?
If You Found the Correct Deed
Keep the book/page or instrument number and recorded date. Obtain a certified copy if the receiving court, lender or other institution requires official certification.
If the Ownership Looks Incorrect
Search for subsequent recorded transfers and compare the deed with the Assessment Office’s parcel record.
For an actual deed error, consult the original preparing professional or a Pennsylvania attorney.
If You Need to Record a New Deed
Prepare the instrument, arrange the UPI stamp, determine whether REV-183 applies, calculate the recording fees and transfer taxes, and submit the complete package.
If You Need to Check Liens
Review Recorder records for mortgages and satisfactions, and check the appropriate Prothonotary records for judgments or other relevant civil filings. Consider a professional title search for consequential transactions.
Clearfield County Recorder of Deeds FAQs
Where is the Clearfield County Recorder of Deeds office?
The Recorder is part of the Clearfield County Register & Recorder office on the first floor of the county courthouse at 1 North Second Street, Clearfield, PA 16830. Call (814) 765-2641, extension 5012.
Can I search Clearfield County deeds online?
Yes. Clearfield County links to LANDEX Webstore and LANDEX Remote. Webstore supports name searches, document types, instrument numbers and book/page references. LANDEX Remote is intended for more frequent research.
Is the Clearfield County deed search free?
Basic index information can be researched through LANDEX Webstore, but document images require payment. The provider also lists a $5 order processing fee in addition to document charges. Certified copies must be requested from the courthouse.
How do I search LANDEX if I only know a person’s last name?
Enter the surname in Company/Last Name and an asterisk (*) in First Name. LANDEX requires an entry in First Name for individual searches. Use additional information if the search exceeds the system’s result limit.
Does Clearfield County require a UPI stamp before deed recording?
Yes. The Recorder’s published rules require all deeds to receive a UPI stamp from the Assessment Office before recording. The county lists a $10 charge per parcel and provides pre-approval instructions.
How much does it cost to record a deed in Clearfield County?
The county’s posted schedule lists a standard deed recording fee of $79.75, an additional $2 per page beyond four and $0.50 for each name beyond four. UPI approval, applicable transfer taxes and other charges are separate. Verify the current total with the Recorder.
When is a Pennsylvania REV-183 Statement of Value required?
Clearfield County identifies situations including deeds with incomplete consideration information, gifts, transfers claiming tax exemptions and certain estate or sale transactions. Specific exemptions and exceptions depend on the transaction.
Can I obtain a certified deed copy through LANDEX?
LANDEX states that it cannot provide courthouse-certified copies online. Contact the Clearfield County Recorder directly with the instrument reference to arrange an official certified copy.
Does Clearfield County accept electronic recording?
Yes. The county’s Recorder page lists Simplifile and CSC eRecording Solutions as available vendors. Contact the vendor and Recorder to confirm document eligibility, UPI requirements and payment arrangements.
What are the Clearfield County Recorder office hours?
The county lists office hours as Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4 PM, excluding holidays and special closures. Call the office before making a special trip.
Can the Recorder confirm that a property has clear title?
No. Recorded deed information can support property research, but it does not establish that every legal interest, judgment or lien has been resolved. A title professional or qualified Pennsylvania attorney can conduct a more complete review.