Search Lawrence County Ohio Deeds, Historical Land Records and Recorder Office Information
The Lawrence County Recorder’s Office in Ironton, Ohio, records and preserves deeds, mortgages, releases, liens, easements, leases, plats and other legally recordable instruments.
Lawrence County provides separate online resources for current records and historical indexes. Its modern deed index starts in 1982, while its historical grantor and grantee indexes reach back to 1818.
This guide explains which search to use, how to find older deed books, where to request a document copy, how to prepare a deed for recording, and what the Recorder charges.
What Does the Lawrence County Ohio Recorder Do?
The Recorder maintains recorded legal instruments affecting property and certain other public records. It is not the same office as the Auditor, Treasurer or Clerk of Courts.
Recorder: Deeds and Documents
Use the Recorder for warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, survivorship deeds, mortgages, releases, liens, easements, land contracts, plats and other recorded instruments.
Best for: Deed copies, document references, recording instructions and mortgage releases.
Auditor: Parcels and Transfers
Use the Lawrence County Auditor for parcel identification, assessed values, address searches, sale information, conveyance paperwork and property-transfer fee calculations.
Best for: Finding the current owner or parcel before searching the Recorder.
Treasurer and Courts
The Treasurer handles property-tax payments and balances. The Clerk of Courts maintains court-case records, which are separate from the Recorder’s land-document database.
Best for: Tax bills, judgments, lawsuits and court records.
How to Search Lawrence County Ohio Deeds Online
Lawrence County uses a Cott Systems eSearch portal for its current record indexes. Start from the Recorder’s official homepage so you enter the correct system.
Open the Recorder’s official records search
Visit the Lawrence County Recorder website. Select GO TO RECORDS TAB in the Current Index Search section.
Choose a search method
Search by owner, grantor, grantee or other available party-name fields. If you already have a document reference, use book/page or other reference-search options when provided.
Try variations of the name
Search the current owner and prior owner separately. Try middle initials, alternate spellings, business names, trust names and names before marriage when relevant.
The Recorder’s website specifically advises searching possible spelling variations to improve results.
Check the document category and date
Confirm whether the result is a deed, mortgage, assignment, lien, release, lease or another instrument. Narrow the date range when the same name appears repeatedly.
Verify the recorded instrument
Match the parties, recording date, book/page or instrument identifier and legal description. A matching surname does not prove that a record belongs to your property.
Save the reference and obtain a copy
Save the document identifier or book/page reference. If an image is unavailable or a certified copy is needed, contact the Recorder at 740-533-4314.
Lawrence County Historical Deeds: 1818–1984 Indexes and Book Searches
One of Lawrence County’s most useful features is its separate historical index system. Someone researching an 1830s family transfer or an old mortgage may need the historical index and scanned book workflow rather than the modern search screen.
| Historical Record Category | County-Listed Coverage | Recommended Search |
|---|---|---|
| Deed grantor and grantee index | 1818–1984 | Search parties in the historical index, then locate the referenced deed book. |
| Mortgage index | 1834–1988 | Search mortgage parties and check assignments or releases. |
| Mortgage building loans | 1892–1934 | Use the separate historical building-loan index. |
| Plats | 1818–2010 | Search the historical plat index or available plat volumes. |
| Leases | 1864–1981 | Use the lease index or lease-volume reference. |
| Mortgage assignments and releases | 1891–1981 | Check the original mortgage and subsequent release records. |
| Powers of attorney | 1890–1983 | Use the power-of-attorney historical index. |
| Mechanic’s liens | 1926–1958 and 1968–1980 | Check both published index periods. |
How to Find an Older Deed by Book and Page
Use the historical grantor/grantee index
Open the Recorder homepage and select SEARCH INDEX TAB. Search the person or entity involved in the transfer.
Write down the book and page
Historical index entries can provide the deed volume and page needed to find the instrument. Record the exact reference, including the document category.
Open the historical index books
Select SEARCH INDEX BOOKS TAB from the Recorder homepage. Locate the appropriate deed volume and page where the system permits.
Inspect the document
Compare the legal description, adjoining-property references, party names and dates. For older documents, spelling and name formats may differ significantly from modern property records.
Find a Lawrence County Deed Using a Property Address
The Recorder’s index is most useful once you have the correct owner or recording reference. The Lawrence County Auditor provides an advanced property search that can identify the parcel first.
Search the Auditor’s Property Database
- Open the Lawrence County Auditor Advanced Search.
- Use House #, Direction, Street Name and Street Type for address searching.
- Alternatively, search by Owner Name or Parcel Number.
- Confirm the municipality, parcel and ownership details.
- Return to the Recorder’s system with the owner and transfer clues.
Useful Extra Search Fields
The Auditor’s advanced search also provides sale-date ranges, buyer and seller names, tax districts, townships, municipalities, acreage and residential-property criteria.
These are particularly useful when several properties have similar street names or a previous owner held multiple parcels.
Remember: A parcel record is not the recorded deed itself.
Lawrence County Recorder Ohio: Address, Phone, Hours and Google Map
Lawrence County Recorder’s Office
Recorder: Lori A. Morris
Location:
Lawrence County Courthouse
111 South 4th Street, Suite 21
Ironton, OH 45638
Telephone:
740-533-4314
Fax: 740-533-4411
Email:
recorder@lawrencecountyohiorecorder.org
Hours:
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
How to Record a Deed in Lawrence County, Ohio
Recording a deed can involve legal drafting, county conveyance review and Ohio document-format rules. The Recorder preserves the accepted instrument but does not decide which deed form is appropriate for your circumstances.
Prepare the legally appropriate deed
Confirm the grantor, grantee, full legal description, signatures, acknowledgment and other required details. For trusts, estates, survivorship interests, family transfers or correction deeds, seek qualified legal or title assistance.
Verify the parcel and conveyance requirements
Use the Lawrence County Auditor’s property records and conveyance standards to confirm parcel numbers, transfer requirements and whether the County Engineer must review a legal description or land division.
Complete the applicable Ohio conveyance form
The Auditor provides DTE 100 for the Real Property Conveyance Fee Statement of Value and Receipt and DTE 100EX when a valid conveyance-fee exemption is claimed.
Other forms, including DTE 101 for homestead property and DTE 102 for Current Agricultural Use Valuation property, may be relevant to particular transfers.
Check the recording format
Most documents prepared after June 30, 2009 must satisfy Ohio Revised Code 317.114 standards, including paper size, font size, ink color and page margins.
Calculate recording and transfer costs separately
The Recorder’s standard fee starts at $39 for the first two pages and increases by $8 for each additional page. Marginal reference and nonstandard-document charges may apply.
Auditor conveyance and parcel-transfer charges are separate.
Submit the document and verify recording
Contact the Recorder about acceptable payment methods, return-envelope requirements and whether an electronic-recording option is appropriate for your submission.
After recording, search the official index to confirm the document appears with the expected parties and recording reference.
Lawrence County Auditor Forms and Conveyance Costs
The Auditor maintains a dedicated set of conveyance and survey-related forms. The appropriate form depends on whether the transfer is taxable, qualifies for an exemption or involves specialized property treatment.
| Form or Resource | When It May Be Needed | Where to Get It |
|---|---|---|
| DTE 100 | Real-property conveyance with a statement of value and receipt. | Auditor Forms → Conveyance. |
| DTE 100EX | Transfer claiming an authorized exemption from the real-property conveyance fee. | Auditor Forms → Conveyance. |
| DTE 101 | Applicable conveyance of homestead property. | Auditor Forms → Conveyance. |
| DTE 102 | Applicable conveyance involving Current Agricultural Use Valuation property. | Auditor Forms → Conveyance. |
| Conveyance Standards | Deed transfers, legal-description review, parcel splits and related transfer requirements. | Auditor Forms → Conveyance Standards. |
| Surveyor’s Certificate / Property Division Resources | New or changed property divisions and descriptions when county review is required. | Auditor Forms → Real Estate Transfer & Surveyor Info. |
Lawrence County Ohio Recorder Fees for 2026
The Lawrence County Recorder’s fee notice lists a standard recording charge of $39 for the first two pages and $8 for each additional page, effective January 1, 2025. The notice explains that a $5 preservation surcharge was added following Ohio Senate Bill 94.
| Number of Pages / Item | Published Charge | Practical Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 pages | $39.00 | Standard starting fee for covered documents. |
| 3 pages | $47.00 | One page beyond the base allowance. |
| 4 pages | $55.00 | Two additional pages. |
| 5 pages | $63.00 | Three additional pages. |
| 6 pages | $71.00 | Four additional pages. |
| 7 pages | $79.00 | Five additional pages. |
| 8 pages | $87.00 | Six additional pages. |
| 9 pages | $95.00 | Seven additional pages. |
| 10 pages | $103.00 | Eight additional pages. |
| Marginal reference | $4.00 per applicable reference | Can apply to releases or other documents referencing previously recorded instruments. |
| Nonstandard-document charge | Additional $20.00 | May apply when the document fails Ohio recording-format requirements and is not exempt. |
Calculate a Lawrence County Standard Recording Fee
Enter the page count, applicable marginal references and whether a nonstandard charge applies. This calculator covers standard page-based recording only.
Excludes Auditor conveyance costs and special filings
Formula: $39 for the first two pages, plus $8 for each additional page, plus $4 for each applicable reference and $20 when a nonstandard-document fee applies. Confirm the final amount with the Recorder.
Avoid Lawrence County Recording Problems and Extra Fees
Lawrence County directs users to Ohio Revised Code 317.114 for recording standards. Its standardization page says covered documents prepared after June 30, 2009 may incur an additional $20 recording fee if they do not conform.
Formatting Checklist
- Computer font size of at least 10 points.
- Paper at least 8½ × 11 inches.
- Maximum paper size of 8½ × 14 inches.
- Black or blue ink only.
- No highlighting.
- One-inch margins on the left, right and bottom.
- Three-inch blank top margin on the first page.
- One-and-a-half-inch top margin on later pages.
Additional Filing Checks
- Correct grantor and grantee names.
- Complete legal description when required.
- Proper signatures and acknowledgments.
- Required prior-document references.
- Applicable Auditor or Engineer approval.
- Correct page count and recording fee.
- Appropriate return instructions.
- Correct document type and filing category.
Common Lawrence County Recorder Documents and What They Mean
Lawrence County publishes a detailed list of recordable instruments. Its records include several types that ordinary property-search websites may overlook.
| Document Type | What It Usually Shows | Important Follow-Up |
|---|---|---|
| Warranty or Quitclaim Deed | A recorded conveyance of an interest in real property. | Check parties, legal description and later transfers. |
| Survivorship Deed | A deed containing survivorship-related ownership provisions. | Review the exact language and any later affidavits or conveyances. |
| Transfer on Death Designation | An instrument concerning a designated beneficiary under applicable Ohio law. | Check later revocations, confirmations or changes. |
| Mortgage | A recorded security interest in real estate. | Search later assignments, releases and satisfactions. |
| Easement or Right of Way | Rights concerning access, utilities or land use. | Read the legal description and any modifications. |
| Land Contract | A real-estate installment or contractual arrangement. | Look for later completion or termination instruments. |
| Plats and Surveys | Recorded subdivision or land-description information. | Compare the current parcel record and obtain a professional survey when needed. |
| Tax or Mechanic’s Lien | A recorded claim involving property or a party. | Check related releases and other court or agency records. |
How to Request a Lawrence County Recorded Deed Copy
Ordinary Research Copy
If the recorded image is available in the official search system, follow the portal’s displayed viewing or printing instructions.
Keep the document identifier, parties and recording date so you can locate the record again.
Certified Copy
If a lender, court, government agency or title professional requires a certified copy, contact the Recorder before ordering.
Ask for the current certification fee, accepted request method and any mailing charges.
Does Lawrence County Ohio Support E-Recording?
The Recorder’s website includes a dedicated E-Recordings section. Electronic recording may be useful for title companies, lenders and professional document submitters.
Before opening a vendor account or submitting a document electronically, confirm the county’s currently accepted providers, eligible instrument types, processing requirements and any vendor service charges.
Lawrence County Property Check and Suspicious Deed Activity
The Recorder’s website includes a Property Check information page with a property-protection flyer. Property owners can use the office’s guidance to learn how to watch for unfamiliar recorded activity.
If You Find an Unfamiliar Deed
- Save the document reference and recording date.
- Compare the names and legal description.
- Contact the Recorder to confirm what was recorded.
- Seek legal or title assistance if you suspect an unauthorized transfer.
What a Recorder Search Cannot Do
A public search does not block forged documents, provide title insurance, resolve a lien dispute or cancel a fraudulent deed.
Ask the Recorder directly about currently available Property Check or notification options before assuming any automated alert has been activated.
Official Lawrence County Ohio Recorder and Property Resources
Use these official government resources before paying for third-party deed searches, submitting a document or relying on recording fees from an outdated website.
1. Lawrence County Recorder — Official Homepage
Open the Official Lawrence County Recorder Website ↗
Best starting point for current indexes, historical searches, the Recorder’s services and office information.
- Select GO TO RECORDS TAB for the modern index.
- Use SEARCH INDEX TAB for historical name indexes.
- Use SEARCH INDEX BOOKS TAB for older recorded book references.
- Open Contact Us if you need office assistance or a certified copy.
2. Official Recording Fee Notice
View Lawrence County Recording Fees ↗
Lists the January 2025 preservation surcharge and standard recording fees.
- Confirm the first-two-pages charge of $39.
- Count additional pages at $8 each.
- Check whether $4 marginal reference fees apply.
- Review standardization charges before preparing payment.
3. Lawrence County Recorder Standardization Guidelines
Open Official Document-Formatting Requirements ↗
Explains the font, ink, paper-size, margin and additional $20 nonstandard-document rules.
- Review font size, paper size and permitted ink colors.
- Check the three-inch first-page top margin.
- Check margins on later pages.
- Read the exceptions before deciding whether an extra charge applies.
4. Lawrence County Auditor Property Search
Search Lawrence County Parcels and Owners ↗
Useful for finding the parcel and correct owner name before searching recorded deeds.
- Choose Owner, Parcel or Address Search.
- For owners, follow the Last First format.
- For addresses, enter house number and street fields separately.
- Save the matching parcel, owner and sale details.
- Use that information in the Recorder’s document search.
5. Lawrence County Auditor Conveyance Forms
Open Auditor Forms and Conveyance Standards ↗
Contains DTE 100, DTE 100EX, DTE 101, DTE 102 and conveyance/survey-related documents.
- Find the Conveyance category.
- Choose the transaction-specific form.
- Review the county Conveyance Standards.
- If the legal description or parcel division changes, check the Real Estate Transfer & Surveyor Info section.
6. Lawrence County Auditor Conveyance Fee Calculator
Open the Official Conveyance Calculator ↗
Estimates Auditor transfer-related charges using parcel count and sale price.
- Enter the number of parcels.
- Enter the sale price.
- Select Compute.
- Review the estimated conveyance and parcel-transfer amounts.
- Calculate Recorder fees separately.
7. Lawrence County Recorder Property Check
Open the Recorder’s Property Check Page ↗
Official property-protection information provided by the Recorder.
- Review the property-protection flyer.
- Contact the Recorder about available monitoring options.
- Search recent documents affecting your name when concerned.
- Seek legal assistance if a suspicious recording appears.
8. Ohio Revised Code — Recording Laws
Ohio Revised Code 317.114 — Recording Standards ↗
Ohio Revised Code 317.32 — Recorder Fees ↗
- Review the statutory formatting requirements in Section 317.114.
- Check the recorder-fee authority in Section 317.32.
- Compare statewide provisions with Lawrence County’s current fee notice.
- Ask the Recorder or a qualified professional about a document-specific exception.
Why a Lawrence County Deed Search May Not Find the Record
| Problem | What to Do |
|---|---|
| The deed predates 1982. | Use the historical grantor/grantee indexes covering 1818–1984. |
| You know only the address. | Find the owner and parcel through the Lawrence County Auditor first. |
| The owner’s name produces no result. | Search prior owners, surname variations, trust names and businesses. |
| You found an older index entry but not the document. | Record the book/page, then check the historical index books or contact the Recorder. |
| A mortgage still appears after payoff. | Search for a later satisfaction, release or assignment; seek title assistance when necessary. |
| The document is not appearing after filing. | Ask the office for the recording date and instrument reference; public search updates may lag. |
| The deed was not accepted for recording. | Check the stated rejection reason, required Auditor review, document formatting, signatures, legal description and fees. |
Lawrence County Recorder Ohio FAQs
Where is the Lawrence County Ohio Recorder’s Office?
The Lawrence County Recorder’s Office is located in the Lawrence County Courthouse at 111 South 4th Street, Suite 21, Ironton, OH 45638.
Who is the Lawrence County Ohio Recorder?
Lori A. Morris is the Lawrence County Recorder. The county’s historical officeholder list identifies her as serving from 2025 onward.
What is the Lawrence County Recorder phone number?
The Recorder’s phone number is 740-533-4314. The office also lists fax 740-533-4411 and email recorder@lawrencecountyohiorecorder.org.
What are the Lawrence County Recorder office hours?
The official office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Confirm holiday closures before visiting.
How do I search Lawrence County deeds online?
Open the official Lawrence County Recorder homepage and select GO TO RECORDS TAB for the current index. Search by party names or available recording references, and verify the matching document details.
How far back do Lawrence County deed records go?
The Recorder lists the current deed index from 1982 to present, historical deed grantor/grantee indexes from 1818 to 1984, and deed index books in Volumes 1 through 475.
Can I search Lawrence County deeds by property address?
Start with the Lawrence County Auditor’s property search when you only know the address. Find the owner and parcel information, then use those clues in the Recorder’s deed search.
How much does Lawrence County charge to record a deed?
The Recorder’s published standard fee is $39 for the first two pages and $8 per additional page, effective January 1, 2025. Applicable marginal reference and nonstandard-document fees may increase the cost.
What is the extra $20 recording charge in Lawrence County?
The Recorder’s standardization guidelines provide for an additional $20 fee when an applicable document fails Ohio Revised Code 317.114 formatting standards. Statutory exceptions apply to certain document categories.
Can the Lawrence County Recorder prepare my deed or guarantee clear title?
No. The Recorder records and preserves eligible instruments but does not provide legal deed preparation or guarantee clear title. Use a qualified Ohio attorney or title professional for ownership and title questions.