Erie County PA Recorder of Deeds: Search Land Records, Office, Fees & Recording Guide
The Erie County Recorder of Deeds records and maintains deeds, mortgages, mortgage satisfactions, easements, leases, powers of attorney and other real-estate instruments in Erie County, Pennsylvania.
If you need a recorded deed, want to check whether a mortgage was satisfied, need a certified copy or plan to record a property-transfer document, start with the Recorder of Deeds Division in Room 121 of the Erie County Courthouse.
This guide explains the actual Infocon search categories, the important 2025 fee increase, realty transfer tax, how to prepare a deed, and which office handles assessment records versus recorded land documents.
What Does the Erie County PA Recorder of Deeds Do?
The Recorder of Deeds Division is part of Erie County’s Clerk of Records organization. The Recorder reviews, records and indexes real-estate-related documents. It also collects applicable recording fees and Pennsylvania/local realty transfer tax.
Recorder of Deeds
Use for deeds, mortgages, satisfactions, assignments, releases, leases, powers of attorney, eligible UCC filings and recorded land documents.
Location: Courthouse Room 121.
Assessment Office
Use for property assessment values, property and tax searches, parcel identification, recent property transfers and Board of Assessment Appeals information.
Location: Courthouse Room 104.
Register of Wills / Courts
Use the Register of Wills for probate and estate records. The Prothonotary and other court divisions maintain their own judicial records.
Register of Wills: Courthouse Room 122.
Erie County Recorder of Deeds Office in Erie, Pennsylvania
The official Erie County departmental directory identifies the Recorder of Deeds office in Room 121. If your task involves a deed or mortgage recording, use this room rather than the nearby probate or civil court counters.
Recorder of Deeds — Land Records
Clerk of Records: Aubrea Hagerty-Haynes
Office: Erie County Courthouse
140 West Sixth Street
Room 121
Erie, PA 16501
Phone: 814-451-6246
TDD: 814-451-6237
Fax: 814-451-6213
Email: recorder@eriecountypa.gov
Office hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
Get Directions ↗How to Search Erie County PA Deeds and Recorded Documents Online
Erie County links its online land-record index and scanned images through Infocon County Access. The service has multiple Erie County Recorder datasets, including modern records and separate historic books, so choosing the right record category matters.
Open the Erie County Recorder’s Official Page
Open the Erie County Recorder of Deeds page and find the Infocon Online Index and Images resource.
Select Erie County and the Recorder Records
On Infocon, choose Pennsylvania, Erie County and the relevant Recorder of Deeds collection where the service presents those options. A current record may be in the main Recorder dataset; an older document may require a historical book or index category.
Search by Owner or Transaction Party
Begin with the grantor or grantee name. If the result is unclear, try prior owners, alternate spellings and business names. A deed index often works better with party names and record references than a street address alone.
Identify the Correct Instrument
Check document type, indexed parties, recording date, deed book/page or instrument reference and available legal-description details. Do not assume that two people with the same surname are connected to the same parcel.
Inspect the Scanned Document Image
If your access level supports viewing the image, compare the legal description and recording details with your property. Infocon access terms or image charges may apply; check the portal before buying credits or a subscription.
Request a Certified Copy if Necessary
A downloaded or printed research image may not be a certified copy. If your document is needed for a court, lender, title company or official transaction, ask the Recorder about current certification procedures.
Which Infocon Dataset Should You Use for an Older Erie County Deed?
Infocon’s participating-office listing separates Erie County records into distinct categories. This is especially useful for properties that have passed through several owners, older mortgages or deeds recorded before computer indexing.
| Dataset | Listed Coverage | Use It For |
|---|---|---|
| Recorder of Deeds — R1 | 1996 to current, as listed by Infocon | Modern Recorder document indexes and available images. |
| Recorder of Deeds History — R2 | 1976–1995 | Historical grantor/grantee records. |
| Recorder of Deeds History — R3 | 1976–1995 | Historical mortgagor indexing. |
| ROD Deed Books — R6 | Prior to 1976; books 1–1191 | Older recorded deeds when the book/page or index reference is known. |
| ROD Mortgage Books — R5 | Prior to 1976; books 1–1052 | Older mortgages. |
| ROD Maps — R4 | 1976–1995 | Maps filed within this historical range. |
| ROD Contract Books — R7 | Books 1–181 | Older recorded contracts. |
| ROD Russell Index — RX | Historical index inquiry | Finding older record references before locating a deed book or mortgage book. |
| ROD Miscellaneous / Right of Way | Separate R9 / R8 categories | Miscellaneous recorded instruments and historic right-of-way maps. |
Infocon’s published participating-office listing provides these coverage notes. The availability, currency and account permissions of individual searches should be confirmed inside the live service.
How to Record a Deed in Erie County, Pennsylvania
Erie County’s Recorder reviews and records instruments relating to real estate. The office explicitly states that its staff cannot provide legal advice about a person’s property or the documents they should sign.
Have the Correct Deed Prepared
Verify grantor and grantee names, accurate legal description, signatures, acknowledgment and any transaction-specific language. A deed involving inheritance, divorce, life estate, trust or ownership correction should receive legal review before signing.
Confirm Parcel and Property Identification
Use the Erie County Assessment Office’s property search to verify the parcel and assessed-property information. Make sure your deed identifies the intended property, not just a similar street address or owner name.
Review Pennsylvania Realty Transfer Tax
The Recorder collects Pennsylvania and local realty transfer taxes. The county notes that certain family transfers may be exempt, including some transfers between spouses, parents and children, or siblings.
Eligibility for an exemption depends on the actual transaction. Prepare the PA Realty Transfer Tax Statement of Value when required and seek professional advice about the correct exemption or tax treatment.
Calculate Recording Fees and Add-Ons
The current published base deed fee is $87. The county schedule provides additional fees for more than four pages, more than four indexed names, additional parcels and a Statement of Value.
Submit to the Recorder
Confirm current mail, counter or electronic recording instructions with Room 121. Professional e-recording options are linked through Simplifile and CSC; applicable approval and account requirements depend on the service.
Keep the Recorded Instrument Details
Save the recording receipt, official document reference and returned copy. After indexing, search the Recorder system to confirm the new instrument appears with the expected party names.
Common Erie County Deed and Mortgage Records
Deeds
Use a deed to review the recorded transfer instrument, parties, legal description and recording reference. Check earlier deeds if you need the history of ownership.
Mortgages
A mortgage records a security interest. It is not the same as the county’s current property-tax balance or a lender’s current payoff statement.
Mortgage Satisfactions
When a mortgage is paid off, a satisfaction or release may be recorded. Search later dates before assuming an old mortgage still affects the property.
Easements and Rights of Way
These instruments may establish access or use rights affecting the land. Review the full language and any referenced plan, not just the document title.
Leases and Agreements
Long-term leases, installment sales agreements and certain taxable agreements may be recorded. The fee schedule distinguishes leases of 30 years or longer from shorter ones.
UCC and Other Filings
Eligible UCC filings and other instruments may be available through the Recorder. Legal effect and lien priority require a fuller investigation.
Erie County Recorder of Deeds Fees and Copy Charges
The county’s fee schedule effective December 1, 2025 increased certain recording charges by $1 under Pennsylvania Act 45 of 2025. Do not use the older 2024 $86 deed fee or $58.75 mortgage-satisfaction fee for current transactions.
| Instrument or Service | Published Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Deed | $87.00 | Base fee with page, name and parcel add-ons where applicable. |
| Mortgage | $87.00 | Same published base as a deed. |
| Excerpt of adjudication / decree | $87.00 | Recorded real-estate-related court or estate instrument, as applicable. |
| Declaration of acquisition | $87.00 | Listed on the updated fee schedule. |
| Mortgage satisfaction | $59.75 | For the recorded mortgage satisfaction instrument. |
| Mortgage assignment or release | $59.75 | Base fee, plus applicable extras. |
| Easement / right of way | $59.75 | Published base fee. |
| Land contract / installment sale agreement | $59.75 | Published base fee. |
| Lease — 30 years or longer | $59.75 | Shorter leases are separately listed at $18.50. |
| Mortgage subordination / rents assignment | $18.50 | Separate short-instrument category. |
| UCC-1 / UCC-3 filing | $100.00 | For eligible Recorder UCC filings. |
| Extra indexed name | $0.50 | Each name after the first four. |
| Extra page | $2.00 | Each page after the first four for applicable instruments. |
| Additional parcel | $0.50 | Check parcel-count treatment with the office. |
| Statement of Value | $2.00 | Where the separate attachment charge applies. |
| Copy: pickup, email or fax | $0.25 per page | Published copy price. |
| Certification | $1.00 per document | In addition to applicable copy charges. |
Erie County Recording Fee Estimator
This simple calculator covers commonly listed Erie County recording charges. It deliberately excludes realty transfer tax, unusual legal instruments, professional fees and fees that are not published as a fixed amount.
For eligible recording categories, this estimate applies extra-page and extra-name charges after four pages and four indexed names. Actual document classification, parcel charges and payment requirements must be confirmed by the Recorder.
Pennsylvania Realty Transfer Tax on Erie County Deeds
Erie County’s Recorder of Deeds collects realty transfer tax for Pennsylvania and the applicable local municipality or school district. Recording and transfer tax are separate obligations.
Taxable Transfers
A taxable real-estate conveyance can require Pennsylvania and local tax payments based on the transaction’s applicable value and tax rules. Do not assume every Erie County municipality produces the same total tax.
For budgeting, have the transaction value, property municipality and exemption status available before asking the Recorder or closing professional for an exact amount.
Statement of Value / Exemptions
Some transfers between spouses and close relatives may qualify for an exemption, subject to Pennsylvania law. A Statement of Value may be required to document consideration or explain an exemption.
Use the state-issued form and instructions rather than assuming a family transfer is automatically tax-free.
Does Erie County PA Accept E-Recording?
Yes. The official Recorder of Deeds page links to professional electronic recording providers Simplifile and CSC eRecording. An attorney, lender or title company may use these systems to transmit qualifying documents electronically.
For Professional Submitters
- Contact the e-recording provider.
- Confirm that your instrument is supported.
- Prepare the executed and acknowledged document.
- Check recording charges, transfer tax and attachments.
- Submit and monitor the recording or rejection response.
For Individual Property Owners
Do not assume you can upload a deed directly to the county without a provider account. Ask the Recorder about available in-person or mail procedures, or have a title professional handle eligible electronic recording.
E-recording does not substitute for legal review or correct transfer tax handling.
Why an Erie County Deed Search or Recording May Go Wrong
| Problem | Likely Cause | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Search finds no deed | Wrong Infocon collection or incorrect indexed name. | Try the appropriate R1, R2, R6 or Russell Index category and alternate party names. |
| Only a mortgage appears | The deed and mortgage may be indexed differently. | Search grantor/grantee names and the approximate transfer date separately. |
| An old paid mortgage remains listed | The original mortgage remains public even after payoff. | Search for the later satisfaction or release instrument. |
| Document seems to match another property | Similar names or different legal descriptions. | Compare legal description, date, parcel identification and prior deed references. |
| Fee estimate is short | Outdated $86 deed fee or missed extra page/name charges. | Use the December 1, 2025 fee schedule and recheck add-ons. |
| Recorded copy is not accepted | The receiving organization requires certification. | Ask the Recorder for a certified copy and applicable fee. |
| Estate deed is unclear | Probate records and recorded real estate documents are different. | Review the Register of Wills estate record and relevant recorded instruments with an attorney. |
| Assessment owner differs from deed | Assessment data and Recorder indexing may update on separate timelines. | Confirm the recorded deed, then contact the Assessment Office about its ownership record. |
Erie County Recorder of Deeds Official Search, Forms and Office Links
Use the official sources below for active searches, current fee verification, forms and requests. The steps explain what to do after opening each resource.
1. Erie County Recorder of Deeds — Official Office
Recorder responsibilities, contact details, search system and e-recording links.
- Check that you are on the Recorder of Deeds (Land Records) page.
- Confirm the Room 121 address and phone.
- Find the Resources section near the bottom.
- Use the Infocon, fee schedule or Statement of Value link as needed.
2. Infocon County Access — Land Record Search
County-linked public-record index and scanned-image service.
- Select the appropriate county and Recorder collection.
- Start with grantor/grantee or other indexed party names.
- Check historical datasets when the document is older.
- Read the site’s access and pricing terms before requesting images.
3. Current Erie County Recorder Fee Schedule
Official PDF with fees effective December 1, 2025.
- Locate the instrument type in the left column.
- Check the base fee and any indexed-name or page extras.
- Add copy, certification, Statement of Value and parcel charges where applicable.
- Call 814-451-6246 for a final total when Realty Transfer Tax applies.
4. Pennsylvania Realty Transfer Tax Statement of Value
Official PA Department of Revenue form resource available through the county Recorder page.
- Search the state site for REV-183 Statement of Value.
- Open the official form and accompanying instructions.
- Determine whether your transfer requires it, including exemption situations.
- Confirm form completion and tax treatment before submitting the deed.
5. Erie County Assessment and Property Tax Search
Parcel information, property assessment details and recent transfers.
- Open Property and Tax Search from the Assessment page.
- Search using the available parcel or property options.
- Save the parcel number and current ownership clues.
- Use those details to research the recorded deed through Infocon.
6. Erie County Parcel Number Search
Useful when the property parcel number is already known.
- Enter the parcel number in the required format.
- The county states parcel numbers contain 14 numeric characters without spaces.
- Review the resulting assessment/property information.
- Return to the Recorder for the actual legal document.
7. County Departmental Directory
Verified county addresses, phone numbers and office hours.
- Find Recorder of Deeds (Land Records).
- Confirm hours and the Room 121 location.
- If the issue concerns taxes, estates or assessment, find the matching department.
- Call the correct office instead of making an unnecessary courthouse visit.
Erie County Land Records: Choose the Right Next Step
| Your Goal | Action | Correct Resource |
|---|---|---|
| Find a recently recorded deed | Search by grantor/grantee name in the current Recorder collection. | Infocon — R1 |
| Find a deed recorded in the 1980s | Use the historic 1976–1995 grantor/grantee collection. | Infocon — R2 |
| Research a pre-1976 deed | Use historic deed books and older index references. | Infocon — R6 / RX |
| Record a deed | Check document preparation, tax form, base recording fee and extra charges. | Recorder of Deeds — Room 121 |
| Obtain a certified copy | Locate instrument details and request copy/certification instructions. | Recorder of Deeds |
| Check property assessed value | Use parcel number or other supported assessment lookup. | Assessment Office — Room 104 |
| Research a deceased owner’s estate | Check probate records separately from land records. | Register of Wills — Room 122 |
| Determine legal ownership or lien priority | Obtain professional title/legal review of relevant documents. | PA attorney / title company |
Erie County PA Recorder of Deeds FAQs
Where is the Erie County PA Recorder of Deeds office?
The Erie County Recorder of Deeds is located in Room 121 of the Erie County Courthouse, 140 West Sixth Street, Erie, PA 16501.
What is the Erie County Recorder of Deeds phone number?
Call 814-451-6246. The office lists fax 814-451-6213 and email recorder@eriecountypa.gov.
What are the Erie County Recorder office hours?
The county departmental directory lists Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Confirm holiday closures before visiting.
Who oversees the Erie County Recorder of Deeds office?
Aubrea Hagerty-Haynes is listed as Erie County Clerk of Records. The Recorder of Deeds Division operates within that organization.
Can I search Erie County Pennsylvania deeds online?
Yes. The county links to Infocon Online Index and Images. The service offers current Recorder records and separate historical record collections.
How do I find Erie County deeds recorded before 1976?
Infocon lists the ROD Deed Books Prior to 1976 collection, identified as R6, covering deed books 1–1191. The Russell Index inquiry can also help with older references.
How much does it cost to record a deed in Erie County?
The county’s schedule effective December 1, 2025 lists a base deed recording fee of $87. Extra pages, extra indexed names, additional parcels, Statement of Value and realty transfer taxes may increase the total.
How much is an Erie County mortgage satisfaction recording?
The current published base fee is $59.75. The same base amount is listed for mortgage assignments and releases. Check additional page, name or parcel charges.
What does Erie County charge for certified deed copies?
The published fee schedule lists pickup, email or fax copies at $0.25 per page and certification at $1 per document. Contact the Recorder for any other delivery or special request charges.
Does Erie County offer electronic deed recording?
Yes. Erie County links to Simplifile and CSC eRecording as professional electronic recording services. Confirm eligibility and document requirements with the provider and Recorder.
Does recording a deed prove that the title is clear?
No. Recording makes an instrument part of the public records. It does not guarantee that the deed was legally valid, that liens are cleared, or that all prior ownership transfers were effective.
Is Erie County Recorder of Deeds the same as the Assessment Office?
No. The Recorder records legal land documents in Room 121. The Assessment Office manages property valuation and assessment-related information in Room 104.