Lackawanna County Recorder Office: Address, Hours, Deed Search & Recording Records
Need to visit the Lackawanna County Recorder of Deeds Office in Scranton, find a recorded property deed, request a mortgage satisfaction or prepare an instrument for recording?
The office is located at 123 Wyoming Avenue, Suite 218, Scranton, PA 18503. Recorder of Deeds Evie Rafalko McNulty’s office maintains the county’s real-property recording system, including deeds, mortgages, assignments, satisfactions and related documents.
This guide covers the correct office address, shorter recording cutoff, online record access, 2026 deed-recording costs and a practical preparation checklist. It also explains how to avoid confusing the Recorder with the Assessment Office or Clerk of Judicial Records.
Lackawanna County Recorder of Deeds Office Address, Phone and Hours
The current office listing places the Recorder of Deeds on the second floor of the Lackawanna County Government Center in downtown Scranton. If you are submitting a document close to closing time, note that the recording cutoff is earlier than the regular office closing time.
Lackawanna County Recorder of Deeds
Recorder: Evie Rafalko McNulty
Address:
Lackawanna County Government Center
123 Wyoming Avenue, Suite 218
Scranton, PA 18503
Phone: (570) 963-6775
Fax: (570) 963-6390
Email: mcnultye@lackawannacounty.org
Public hours: Monday–Friday, 9 AM–4 PM
Recording cutoff: 3:45 PM
Open Office Map ↗Before Visiting the Office
- Use 123 Wyoming Avenue, Suite 218, rather than relying on older addresses from archived Recorder documents.
- Arrive before 3:45 PM for document recording; earlier is safer if the deed needs review or fee confirmation.
- Bring the deed reference if requesting an existing document.
- For recording, have the complete signed instrument, parcel identification and required supporting paperwork.
- Call ahead if you need accessibility, parking, appointment or holiday information.
- The county describes hand delivery, mailing and a main-lobby drop box as submission options; confirm how the drop box is currently handled before relying on it for a deadline-sensitive transaction.
What Does the Lackawanna County Recorder Office Handle?
Recorded Property Deeds
Research and record deeds transferring interests in land located in Lackawanna County. Search by names or recording references and check the actual instrument before making ownership decisions.
Mortgages and Satisfactions
Find or record mortgages, mortgage assignments and satisfaction documents. A recorded satisfaction can be important when confirming a loan-related lien was released.
Other Recorded Instruments
The office also maintains certain leases, powers of attorney, real-estate agreements, easements, notary-related documents and veterans’ discharge records.
How to Search Lackawanna County Recorder of Deeds Records Online
Lackawanna County has an official Recorder of Deeds Self-Service portal using Tyler Technologies. The entry page requires you to accept the county’s disclaimer before continuing. It specifically warns that an index is a guide to documents, not a conclusive statement about the underlying property rights.
Open the County’s Recorder Search
Visit the Lackawanna County Recorder of Deeds Self-Service portal.
Read the disclaimer and select I Accept if you agree to the terms.
Choose the Search Options Available
Use the party-name, document-reference or other index fields presented by the live system. For a deed, relevant parties usually include the grantor, who conveys an interest, and the grantee, who receives it.
The precise search controls may change with portal updates, so follow the labels currently shown after accepting the disclaimer.
Try All Reasonable Name Variations
The county’s search disclaimer expressly recommends checking alternate spellings of names and using different search criteria. Search a prior owner’s surname, full legal name or business entity name when appropriate.
Use Document Number or Book/Page When Known
Older county Recorder guidance states that the office uses book-and-page or document-number references depending on when the instrument was recorded. If a mortgage, title policy or prior deed lists such a reference, save time by looking for the corresponding index option.
Compare the Matching Record
Review the recording date, named parties, document type and any displayed parcel or property details. A matching name does not necessarily mean the document concerns the property you are researching.
Open the Available Document Details
Depending on portal access and document availability, inspect the record or follow the displayed options for document images and copies. Confirm any current charges before paying.
Save the Reference for the Recorder
Write down the recorded document number, book/page, date and party names. Use these details when calling the office about a copy or researching the property’s chain of title.
How to Find Lackawanna County Deed Records When You Only Know the Address
If you do not know the owner’s name or deed reference, start with the official Lackawanna County Assessment Database rather than guessing names in the recorded-document index.
Open the County Assessment Search
Use the official Assessment Database Search. The site identifies itself as Lackawanna County’s public assessment database.
Choose Basic Search
The assessment portal offers Basic Search (Owner, Parcel, Address) and an Advanced/Sales Search option. Use Basic Search for a property you can identify by street address.
Verify the Correct Parcel
Compare the street address, parcel identification number, municipality and owner information. Save the parcel/PIN reference because Lackawanna County’s recording requirements call for county-certified PIN information.
Search the Recorder’s Index
Return to Recorder Self-Service and search with the owner name or available recording information. Compare the legal description and parties in the recorded document with the assessment record.
Resolve Any Difference Between Records
Assessment ownership information and recorded deed information may not update simultaneously. If they differ, identify the most recent relevant conveyance before concluding that either record is incorrect.
Which Lackawanna County Records Should You Search?
| What You Need to Know | Document Type | Details to Review |
|---|---|---|
| Who received an interest in the property? | Deed or other conveyance | Grantor, grantee, legal description and recording date |
| Was the property used as loan collateral? | Mortgage | Mortgagor, mortgagee, amount and property description |
| Was a mortgage released? | Mortgage satisfaction | Original mortgage reference and satisfaction details |
| Was a mortgage transferred between lenders? | Mortgage assignment | Assignor, assignee and referenced mortgage |
| Does another party hold recorded access rights? | Easement | Property descriptions, beneficiaries and scope of rights |
| What are the recorded subdivision details? | Subdivision or land development plan | Municipal approval, plan details and recording reference |
| Was authority given to sign real-estate documents? | Power of attorney | Principal, agent, powers granted and recording details |
Lackawanna County Recorder of Deeds Fees and Realty Transfer Tax
The Recorder’s fee schedule dated February 19, 2026 is reported to list a standard deed recording fee of $99.75. The county’s currently published fee PDF could not be opened independently during this review, so verify the exact total directly with the Recorder before submitting a document.
| Fee or Charge | Reported Amount | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Standard deed recording | $99.75 | Reported 2026 schedule: up to four pages, four names, one acknowledgment, one parcel, PIN certification and cover page |
| Additional pages | $2 per page | For pages beyond the included four |
| Additional indexed names | $0.50 each | For each name beyond four |
| Additional acknowledgment | $0.50 | When another acknowledgment must be indexed or recorded |
| Additional parcel | $0.50 | Where the additional-parcel charge applies; separately confirm PIN-certification charges |
| Statement of Value | $2 | Reported recording charge when a Statement of Value is filed |
| PA state realty transfer tax | 1% | State transfer tax, unless an exemption applies |
| Local transfer tax | Municipality-specific | Often 1% outside Scranton, but location-specific rates must be checked |
| Scranton combined transfer tax | Reported 3.7% | Includes Pennsylvania state and applicable Scranton/local school components; confirm for the specific property |
Open Pennsylvania Recorder Fee Calculator ↗
The Pennsylvania Recorder of Deeds Association provides a county-based fee-calculator resource. Choose Lackawanna County and the document type, then verify the calculated charge with the local Recorder.
How to Prepare a Document for Recording at the Lackawanna County Recorder Office
The county’s official recording-requirements document sets out specific rules that can cause a deed, mortgage or related instrument to be rejected. The most useful items are summarized below.
Make the Document Legible and Correctly Sized
All submitted documents must be readable and capable of clear reproduction. The county generally accepts pages no larger than 8½ × 14 inches, with separate rules for maps.
Check the Signatures and Execution Date
Use original signatures and initials in dark ink, and make sure the document is dated. The county instructs that the acknowledgment date should not precede the execution date of the person whose signature is acknowledged.
Verify the Formal Notarial Acknowledgment
The official checklist requires an appropriate acknowledgment, including the jurisdiction, date, appearing party, authorized officer and applicable signature, seal and commission information.
Include the Grantee Address and Municipality
The county requires the grantee or mortgagee address and directs that deeds and mortgages identify the municipality, county and state where the real property is located.
Obtain the Certified PIN From the Assessment Office
This is a particularly important Lackawanna County requirement. The Recorder says a parcel identification number must appear on all documents and must be certified by the county Assessment Office before recording.
Documents mailed for recording are forwarded for PIN certification as described in the county’s recording requirements.
Determine Whether a Statement of Value Is Needed
When transfer tax is applicable, the county requires proper payment. A fully completed Statement of Value may be required when the full consideration is not stated on the deed or when claiming a realty transfer-tax exemption.
If the deed shows consideration in words and numbers, the amounts must agree.
Reference Earlier Recorded Documents
Mortgage satisfactions, assignments, corrective instruments and other related filings must properly identify the relevant earlier records using document number, book/page or recording-date references as appropriate.
Check Payment and Return-Envelope Requirements
The county’s recording checklist directs submitters to provide one check payable to the Lackawanna County Recorder of Deeds. If you want an original recorded document returned by mail, include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Submit the Instrument Through the Correct Channel
Documents may be submitted in person or by mail when they meet requirements and include the correct payment. The office also supports electronic recording through participating providers; confirm provider eligibility and submission rules before using that channel.
Retain the Recording Confirmation
Save the document reference and fee receipt after acceptance. If an instrument is rejected, correct the stated problem and seek professional legal help for substantive drafting changes.
How to Get a Copy of a Lackawanna County Deed or Mortgage
You can research the official index first, then use the identified recording reference when requesting an ordinary or certified copy.
If You Have the Document Number
- Save the document number or book/page reference.
- Call (570) 963-6775.
- State whether an ordinary or certified copy is needed.
- Confirm the current copy, certification, payment and delivery charges.
- Follow the office’s instructions for requesting or collecting the document.
If You Do Not Know the Number
- Use Recorder Self-Service to search the indexed parties.
- Try a prior owner if the current owner does not produce the expected deed.
- Compare document dates and available parcel information.
- Save the matching recording reference.
- Contact the Recorder if you need information about in-person access.
Lackawanna County Recorder vs. Assessment Office vs. Clerk of Judicial Records
| Your Question | Correct Office | Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| Where is my recorded deed? | Recorder of Deeds | Use county Recorder Self-Service |
| Do I have a recorded mortgage satisfaction? | Recorder of Deeds | Search the recorded documents |
| Where can I obtain a certified deed? | Recorder of Deeds | Request using document number or book/page |
| What is my parcel identification number? | Assessment Office | Search by parcel, owner or address |
| Who certifies the PIN for recording? | Assessment Office | Follow the county’s certification procedure |
| What is the assessed value? | Assessment Office | Use the assessment database |
| Where is a civil lawsuit or court judgment filed? | Clerk of Judicial Records | Use the appropriate civil court records process |
| Who performs a complete title search? | Title company or qualified attorney | Obtain professional title examination |
Why a Lackawanna County Deed Search Might Not Find the Record
Owner Name Produces No Results
- Check alternative spellings and former surnames.
- Try the previous property owner.
- Search a trust or business entity name, where appropriate.
- Try document-reference criteria if available.
Only Have a Street Address
- Open the official Assessment Database.
- Search by address.
- Save the owner, parcel/PIN and municipality.
- Use that information in the Recorder index.
Looking for Older Documents
- Check historical book/page references.
- Remember that indexes date back to 1878, but digital images may have different coverage.
- Ask about hard-copy or archived records.
- Consider professional historical research for a chain of title.
Record Details Do Not Match
- Compare grantor, grantee and dates.
- Review the full legal description.
- Check whether multiple parcels share a similar address.
- Consider that the assessment roll and Recorder index may update at different times.
Your Next Step With Lackawanna County Recorder Records
If You Found Your Deed
Keep the document number or book/page, recording date and relevant names. Ask whether an ordinary copy is enough or if you need certification for a legal transaction.
If You Need to Record a New Deed
Check the county’s recording requirements, obtain the certified PIN, complete any Statement of Value and verify the full recording fee and transfer tax before submission.
If the Deed Contains an Error
The county’s FAQ explains that some mistakes require a new correction deed. Contact a qualified attorney or title insurance company rather than trying to modify the original recorded document.
If You Need a Title Search
Ask a title professional to review the full chain of ownership and relevant mortgages, liens, easements and other interests. The Recorder’s staff does not perform that research on behalf of visitors.
Lackawanna County Recorder Office, Records Search, Forms and Fees
1. Lackawanna County Recorder of Deeds Office
Official department information, contact details, recording instructions and service links.
- Review the office’s current contact and operating details.
- Look for the current recording fee schedule and any updated notices.
- Call before filing or mailing a document with transaction-specific requirements.
2. Recorder Self-Service Document Search
County-branded Tyler Technologies online document index.
- Read the disclaimer and click I Accept.
- Choose an available record-search method.
- Search multiple name spellings if necessary.
- Save the matching document reference.
3. Official Recording Requirements
County PDF covering signatures, acknowledgments, certified parcel identification, transfer taxes, maps and mailing.
- Review the numbered checklist.
- Confirm certified PIN and municipality details.
- Check whether a Statement of Value is necessary.
- Prepare the complete instrument, fees and return envelope.
4. Lackawanna County Assessment Database
Official search by owner, parcel and address.
- Choose Basic Search.
- Select owner, address or parcel ID.
- Open the correct property account.
- Use the recorded owner and PIN for related deed research.
5. Pennsylvania Recorder of Deeds Association
County recorder directory, recording requirements and fee-calculator resource.
- Find the recording-fee calculator.
- Select Lackawanna County and the relevant document category.
- Review the estimated fees.
- Confirm final charges with the Lackawanna County Recorder before submitting.
Lackawanna County Recorder of Deeds Office FAQs
Where is the Lackawanna County Recorder of Deeds Office?
The current listed address is Lackawanna County Government Center, 123 Wyoming Avenue, Suite 218, Scranton, PA 18503. Call (570) 963-6775 before visiting if you need to confirm a specific service.
What are the Lackawanna County Recorder’s office hours?
Public office hours are listed as Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM. The document-recording cutoff is listed as 3:45 PM, excluding holidays and closures.
How can I search Lackawanna County deeds online?
Use the Lackawanna County Recorder of Deeds Self-Service portal. Accept the search disclaimer and use the available index options. Try alternative spellings of names and save the matching recording reference.
Can I find a deed using only a property address?
Start with the Lackawanna County Assessment Database, which supports owner, parcel and address searches. Find the correct parcel and owner, then use that information to search recorded deeds.
How much does it cost to record a deed in Lackawanna County?
The county’s February 19, 2026 recording schedule is reported to list a standard deed fee of $99.75, including up to four pages and four names. Additional charges and realty transfer tax may apply. Confirm the latest amount directly with the Recorder.
Do I need a parcel identification number before recording?
Yes. The county’s recording requirements say that all documents must include a PIN certified by the Lackawanna County Assessment Office before recording. Mailed documents are forwarded for PIN certification as described in the official checklist.
Can the Recorder search the property’s title history for me?
The county’s Recorder FAQ says staff cannot perform property searches on behalf of callers. Visitors may research records themselves or hire an attorney or professional title searcher.
Can I mail a deed for recording?
The county’s recording checklist allows documents to be mailed if they satisfy recording requirements and include the proper fee. Include the correct check payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want the original returned by mail.
What is the realty transfer tax in Scranton?
Current published secondary references report a combined Scranton realty transfer-tax rate of 3.7%, including applicable state and local components. Other Lackawanna County municipalities can have different rates. Verify the specific property’s municipality and current tax rate before calculating payment.
Is the Recorder Office the same as the Assessment Office?
No. The Recorder maintains recorded legal instruments such as deeds and mortgages. The Assessment Office maintains parcel and assessment information and certifies parcel identification numbers for recording.