Mercer County Recorder of Deeds: Search Land Records, Record a Deed, Fees, UPI Rules & Office Guide
The Mercer County Recorder of Deeds in Pennsylvania records and preserves real estate documents for property in Mercer County, including deeds, mortgages, easements, rights of way, subdivision plans, oil and gas leases, financing statements, notary bonds and other documents affecting real estate.
This guide explains how to search Mercer County deed records, use the official online index, record a deed, understand 2026 UPI certification, calculate common recording fees, order copies, use e-recording, register for PropertyCheck alerts, and contact the Recorder’s Office at the Mercer County Courthouse.
Where Do You Search or Record Mercer County PA Deeds?
Use the Mercer County Recorder of Deeds Office for deeds, mortgages, easements, rights of way, leases, UCC/financing statements affecting real estate, subdivision plans, notary bonds, veteran discharge recording, document copies and recording-fee questions. The office is in Suite 109 of the Mercer County Courthouse at 125 S. Diamond Street in Mercer, Pennsylvania.
Use Recorder of Deeds For
Deeds, corrective deeds, mortgages, mortgage satisfactions, releases of lien, easements, rights of way, oil and gas leases, subdivision plans, financing statements affecting real estate and certified copies.
Best starting point: Recorder Index Search or Recorder eSearch.
Use Tax Assessment For
Parcel records, UPI certification, parcel-number questions, tax maps, assessment property records, Clean and Green questions, and new parcel ID requests before certain documents are recorded.
New 2026 rule: UPI certification is required before recording many real estate documents.
Use Tax Claim / Treasurer For
Delinquent real estate taxes, tax claim questions, payment issues and tax sale matters are separate from recording. A recorded deed does not prove that taxes are paid.
Simple rule: deed = Recorder, parcel/UPI = Assessment, delinquent tax = Tax Claim.
Recorder vs Tax Assessment vs Tax Claim vs Court Offices
Deed questions often involve more than one Mercer County office. Use this table before mailing a document, ordering copies, paying a fee or assuming a recorded paper changes your tax account automatically.
| Question | Correct Office | Why | Practical Next Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| I need to search a deed, mortgage, satisfaction, lien, easement, lease or right of way. | Recorder of Deeds | The Recorder maintains Mercer County land records and related public recordings. | Use the official index/search system by name, instrument number, book/page, date, town, lot/block or legal description where available. |
| I need to record a new deed or transfer document. | Recorder of Deeds + Tax Assessment for UPI | Many real estate instruments now require certified Uniform Parcel Identifier review before the Recorder records the document. | Prepare the original document, check certificate of residence, Statement of Value, transfer tax and UPI certification before submission. |
| I only know the parcel number or need the correct tax map number. | Mercer County Tax Assessment | The Tax Assessment Office maintains county tax maps and certifies UPI numbers. | Use Tax Assessment property records or contact upi@mercercountypa.gov for UPI issues. |
| I need to know if property taxes are delinquent or involved in a tax sale. | Mercer County Tax Claim Bureau | Tax Claim handles delinquent real estate tax collection, not deed recording. | Search or contact the Tax Claim office separately before buying, transferring or recording. |
| I need a court order, probate record or lawsuit document. | Prothonotary, Clerk of Courts, Register of Wills or issuing court | Court records and estate files are not the same as recorded land records, even when a court order may later be recorded. | Obtain a proper court-certified document first, then ask the Recorder whether it is recordable. |
| I want to add, remove or change a name on a deed. | Attorney / title company first, then Recorder | The Recorder cannot change a deed or create a new legal instrument. | Have a new deed prepared properly, then record it with the required forms, taxes and fees. |
How to Search Mercer County Recorder of Deeds Records Online
Mercer County provides online search access for recorded documents, including a public search interface and an eSearch account portal. The online system is useful for identifying instrument numbers, book/page references, parties, document types, recording dates, legal-description details and available document images.
Open the Official Recorder Search
Start from the Mercer County Recorder of Deeds page, then choose Search Records or Recorder Index Search. This reduces the risk of paying a private deed-copy site before checking the official county-linked system.
Choose the Best Search Field
The public search interface supports several paths, including party name, document type, recording date range, instrument number, book/page, town, lot/block, board or commission name, consideration amount and legal-description text.
Search Names in the Correct Format
For a person, use last name followed by first name or a partial first name. For a company, trust, estate or bank, search the entity name without extra punctuation. Try old owners, spouse names and business abbreviations if the first search fails.
Use Town and Legal Description for Local Filtering
Mercer County includes municipalities such as Mercer, Hermitage, Sharon, Farrell, Greenville, Grove City, Sharpsville, Stoneboro and surrounding townships. If a party-name search is too broad, add town, lot/block, date range or legal-description words.
Check Flags, Replaced Records and Linked Documents
The public search interface shows document details such as type, instrument number, date/time, book/page, pages, consideration, legal description, parties and linked documents. It also flags replaced or correction records, so review document details before relying on a result.
Use Official Copies for Legal Use
Online copies are useful for research, but Mercer County’s eSearch notice says official copies are available only from the Recorder’s Office. Order a certified or official copy when a court, lender, agency, title company or attorney requires one.
How to Record a Deed in Mercer County, Pennsylvania
Mercer County accepts recordable documents through in-person, mail and e-recording channels. For real estate transfers, 2026 UPI certification is a major step to check before recording because documents subject to the UPI ordinance will not be recorded without prior approval.
Accepted Filing Paths
- In person at 125 S. Diamond Street, Suite 109, Mercer, PA 16137.
- By mail with correct fee, check payment and self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Electronically through approved e-recording vendors such as Simplifile, CSC and ePN.
- Through an attorney, title company or closing professional for transactions needing legal review.
Recorder Staff Cannot Do These
- Prepare your deed or mortgage.
- Choose the correct deed type.
- Add, remove or change a name on title without a new recordable document.
- Give legal advice or conduct title searches for you.
- Notarize your document or supply deed forms for legal drafting.
Confirm the Property Is in Mercer County, Pennsylvania
A real estate document should be recorded in the county where the land is located. Confirm the municipality, county, state, tax parcel number, prior deed, title report or assessment record before preparing payment.
Prepare a Complete Original Document
Deeds and mortgages should clearly identify the municipality, county and state. Make sure the document is legible, signed, acknowledged where required, and prepared with all needed parties, capacities, legal descriptions and return information.
Add Certificate of Residence
Mercer County’s document standards state that a completed and signed Certificate of Residence is required on deeds, mortgages, agreements and assignments. Check this before submitting the recording.
Handle UPI Certification Before Recording
Effective January 5, 2026, the Uniform Parcel Identifier number must be certified by Mercer County Tax Assessment before many documents affecting real estate can be recorded. The UPI fee is separate from the Recorder fee.
Attach Statement of Value When Required
Transfers may require Pennsylvania Realty Transfer Tax handling and a Statement of Value. Mercer County’s fee schedule notes that the Statement of Value is not included in the four-page base fee and is always an additional $2 item.
Calculate Recording Fees, Extra Pages and Extra Names
Many common real estate recordings have a base fee that includes four pages, four names and one parcel. Add $2 for each additional page and $0.50 for each additional parcel or name where the fee schedule applies.
Submit With Correct Payment and Return Envelope
The office accepts cash or check for recording fees. Checks should be payable to Mercer County Recorder of Deeds and should include the account holder’s current address and phone number. Include a stamped self-addressed envelope for return of documents.
Track Return of Original Documents
Mercer County’s FAQ says original documents are returned, in most cases, within two to three weeks after recording. The office retains originals while images, indexes and records are proofed and backed up.
Mercer County UPI Certification: The New Step Deed Filers Must Check
Mercer County’s Uniform Parcel Identifier process became effective January 5, 2026. The UPI number is the Mercer County Tax Parcel Number already assigned to each parcel, and certification is handled by the Mercer County Tax Assessment Office before applicable documents are recorded.
What UPI Means
UPI stands for Uniform Parcel Identifier. Mercer County uses it to connect a recorded document with the correct county tax-map parcel.
Separate Fee
The UPI certification fee is $20 per UPI and must be a separate fee payable to Mercer County Tax Assessment, not bundled into the Recorder check.
Certification Timing
County UPI guidance says certification should normally occur promptly when the request and supporting documents are in proper order.
No UPI, No Recording
Applicable deeds and other documents affecting real estate will not be recorded unless the required UPI has been properly certified.
Mercer County Recorder of Deeds Fees for Deeds, Mortgages, Releases, Plans and Copies
Recording costs depend on document type, page count, name count, parcel count, Statement of Value, UPI certification, local realty transfer tax and whether copies or certification are needed. Always check the current fee schedule before mailing payment.
| Item | Published Amount / Rule | When It Matters | Practical Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deed / corrective deed / deed of distribution / real estate court order category | $71.25 | Common deed and real-property transfer recordings. | Base fee commonly includes 4 pages, 4 names and 1 parcel. |
| Mortgage / amendment / modification / subordination category | $71.25 | Mortgage and related mortgage-document recordings. | Mortgage satisfaction or release may fall under a different lower category. |
| Mortgage assignment / release / extension / postponement / satisfaction / marital release | $59.75 | Used for many mortgage-release and satisfaction recordings. | Search for “satisfaction” after mortgage payoff, not a new deed. |
| Additional page | $2.00 | Added when the document exceeds the included page count. | Attachments and legal descriptions can increase page count. |
| Additional parcel or name | $0.50 each | Added when the document exceeds the included parcel/name count. | Count parties and parcels before preparing payment. |
| Statement of Value | $2.00 | Required for many transfer-tax or exemption situations. | Mercer County notes this is not included in the 4-page base fee. |
| UPI certification | $20 per UPI | Required before recording applicable documents affecting real estate. | Separate payment payable to Mercer County Tax Assessment. |
| Copies made by staff | $0.50 per page | Used for office copy requests. | Online eSearch copy purchases may show a different per-page portal price. |
| Certification fee | $1.50 | Used when an official certified copy is required. | Official copies are available only from the Recorder’s Office. |
| Returned-document fee | $5 first return, $10 second return, $20 third and later returns | Applies when a document is returned until acceptable. | Avoid by checking standards, fees, UPI and tax forms before filing. |
Mercer County Recording Fee and Realty Transfer Tax Estimator
This tool is for planning only. It estimates common recording fees and possible realty transfer tax, but it does not replace the official Mercer County fee schedule, Tax Assessment UPI review, Pennsylvania Department of Revenue guidance or legal advice.
This estimator assumes deed-style base fees include 4 pages, 4 names and 1 parcel, then adds $2 per extra page and $0.50 per extra name or parcel. UPI is estimated separately at $20 per UPI and is payable to Mercer County Tax Assessment.
Mercer County Document Standards and Return-Proof Checklist
A returned recording can delay a closing, mortgage satisfaction, estate transfer, subdivision, lease, easement or title correction. Mercer County’s standards are practical: make the document legible, complete, correctly paid and ready for indexing.
Common Problems
- Incorrect recording fee after the 2025/2026 fee updates.
- Missing or uncertified UPI for documents subject to the UPI ordinance.
- UPI fee included in the Recorder check instead of separate Tax Assessment payment.
- Missing Certificate of Residence on deeds, mortgages, agreements or assignments.
- Missing Statement of Value for a transfer that requires it.
- Transfer tax not divided properly when more than one municipality is involved.
- Highlighted text, poor image quality or illegible signatures.
- No self-addressed stamped envelope for mailed return.
- Missing current address and phone number on a check.
- Expecting the Recorder to fix legal wording or choose a form.
Better Submission Checklist
- Confirm property municipality, county and state on deeds and mortgages.
- Confirm parcel/UPI information with Tax Assessment before recording.
- Leave a 2-inch margin at the top right for recording information.
- Use the current Statement of Value form when required.
- Use no highlighting on documents to be recorded.
- Clearly mark order of recording when multiple documents are part of one transaction.
- Make Recorder checks payable to Mercer County Recorder of Deeds.
- Make UPI checks separately payable to Mercer County Tax Assessment.
- Include a stamped self-addressed envelope for mailed recordings.
- Keep copies of the document, check, UPI materials and mailing receipt.
eRecording, PropertyCheck, eSearch and Assessment Tools
Mercer County offers several online tools, but each has a different purpose. Use eSearch for research, eRecording for eligible document submission, PropertyCheck for alerts, and Tax Assessment for parcel/UPI questions.
| Tool | What It Does | Best For | Important Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recorder Public Search | Searches indexed records by party name, document type, date range, instrument number, book/page, town, lot/block and legal description fields. | Finding deed or mortgage recording references before ordering copies. | Search results are not a title opinion and may require office verification. |
| Recorder eSearch | Account-based search system with index and image access, including paid 30-day access and copy purchase options. | Frequent researchers, title searchers and users needing images. | Official copies are available only from the Recorder’s Office. |
| eRecording | Lets eligible users submit recordable documents electronically through vendors such as Simplifile, CSC and ePN. | Title companies, attorneys, lenders and professional submitters. | Mercer County lists e-recording hours and does not accept e-recordings after the posted cutoff. |
| PropertyCheck | Free 24/7 alert service that notifies residents of recordings involving the monitored owner name. | Property and mortgage fraud monitoring. | It alerts after a matching recording; it does not block or undo a recording. |
| Tax Assessment Property Records | Helps with assessment and parcel information. | Finding parcel details before searching or recording. | Assessment records are not the same as the recorded deed image. |
| UPI Email Review | Tax Assessment handles UPI inquiries and submissions before recording. | New parcel IDs, portion transfers, consolidated parcels and UPI certification questions. | Emailing UPI materials does not replace recording the actual document with the Recorder. |
How to Get a Copy of a Mercer County Deed or Mortgage
You can research and print documents online where available, mail a request, include an email address for electronic delivery, or visit the Recorder’s Office in person. For legal use, request an official or certified copy from the Recorder’s Office.
Find the Record Reference
Search by party name, instrument number, book/page, recording date, town, lot/block or legal description. Write down the document number, page count, document type and parties before requesting copies.
Choose Research Copy or Official Copy
A research copy may be enough for personal review. A certified copy may be required by a court, lender, title company, government agency or attorney.
Calculate Copy and Certification Fees
The Recorder’s fee schedule lists staff-made copies at $0.50 per page and certification at $1.50. The eSearch portal also notes document copies can be purchased online at $0.25 per page, while official copies are available only from the office.
Mail or Visit With Enough Detail
For mailed copy requests, include document numbers if known, payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope for mailed return. The FAQ also notes that you may include an email address with your request and check if you want copies emailed.
Mercer County Recorder of Deeds Office Address, Phone, Hours and Map
For deed recording, mortgage records, real estate document copies, certified copies, recording fees, eRecording questions, notary bonds, veteran discharge recording and PropertyCheck help, start with the Recorder of Deeds Office in the Mercer County Courthouse.
Mercer County Recorder of Deeds
Recorder of Deeds: Dee Dee Zickar
Office address:
125 S. Diamond Street, Suite 109
Mercer, PA 16137
Phone: 724-662-3800
Fax: 724-662-2096
Public hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding county holidays.
Recording cutoff: No walked-in documents are accepted for recording after 4:00 p.m.
eRecording cutoff: Effective January 5, 2026, e-recording hours are posted as 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Open Recorder Map ↗Official Mercer County Recorder of Deeds Links
Use these official resources for live searches, current fees, UPI certification, document standards, eRecording, PropertyCheck and final verification. Each link includes what to do after opening it.
Mercer County Recorder of Deeds Main Page
Official Recorder page for notices, search links, eRecording hours, document cutoff rules, UPI links and office contact details.
- Confirm you are on the official mercercountypa.gov website.
- Read current notices before recording, especially UPI and realty transfer tax notices.
- Use the links for Search Records, Electronic Recording, Forms, PropertyCheck and UPI.
- Verify office hours and cutoff times before visiting or eRecording.
Mercer County Public Records Search
Official public search interface for indexed Mercer County records by name, document type, instrument number, book/page, town and legal-description fields.
- Choose party name, instrument number, book/page, document type, town, lot/block or legal-description search.
- Enter names as last name then first name, without commas.
- Use date filters to narrow large result sets.
- Review instrument number, book/page, parties, legal description, page count and linked documents.
Recorder eSearch Account Portal
Official Recorder eSearch portal for account access, image viewing, paid access options and document-copy purchases.
- Create an account or log in if you need account-based index and image access.
- Check the Good Thru Dates utility before relying on recent recordings.
- Use the portal copy purchase option for research copies when available.
- Request official copies directly from the Recorder’s Office when certification or official status is needed.
Mercer County Recorder Fee Schedule
Official fee schedule for deeds, mortgages, releases, pages, names, parcels, Statement of Value, copies, certification, plans and returned-document fees.
- Find your exact document category before preparing payment.
- Count pages, names and parcels.
- Add Statement of Value, copy, certification or returned-document fees if applicable.
- Check whether UPI certification must be paid separately to Tax Assessment.
Document Standards
Official Mercer County document standards for recording quality, Certificate of Residence, payment, return envelope, highlighting, transfer tax and Statement of Value.
- Check municipality, county and state on deeds and mortgages.
- Confirm Certificate of Residence is completed where required.
- Do not use highlighting on recordable documents.
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for returned documents or requested copies.
UPI Certification Page
Official Tax Assessment page for Uniform Parcel Identifier certification, fee details, UPI forms and contact information.
- Confirm whether your document is subject to UPI certification.
- Download the memorandum, FAQ or new parcel ID request form if needed.
- Prepare the separate $20 per UPI payment payable to Mercer County Tax Assessment.
- Email UPI questions or prior-review submissions to upi@mercercountypa.gov.
Recorder Forms and Information
Official Recorder forms page for forms, certificates and reference materials tied to recording and office services.
- Open the forms page before preparing a recording packet.
- Download the current Statement of Value or recording-related form if required.
- Check whether the form must be signed, notarized or submitted in duplicate.
- Use an attorney or title company when legal drafting is involved.
Mercer County eRecording
Official eRecording page listing vendors and explaining electronic recording access.
- Review the official vendor list: Simplifile, CSC and ePN.
- Contact the vendor to confirm account eligibility and document types.
- Check Mercer County’s current eRecording cutoff time before submitting.
- Confirm the document appears in the Recorder search after processing.
PropertyCheck Recording Alerts
Free 24/7 service from the Recorder for alerts about recordings involving a monitored property owner name.
- Open the PropertyCheck page and follow the sign-up link.
- Select text or email notifications.
- Enter the owner name exactly as it appears on official documents.
- Add name variations when appropriate and investigate unexpected alerts quickly.
Mercer County Recorder of Deeds Mistakes to Avoid
Mistakes That Waste Time
- Using Mercer County, New Jersey or Ohio instructions for a Pennsylvania property.
- Searching only one name spelling or ignoring trust, estate and business-name variations.
- Mailing a deed without UPI certification after January 5, 2026.
- Putting the UPI fee in the Recorder of Deeds check.
- Forgetting Statement of Value or Certificate of Residence when required.
- Using outdated fees before the Act 45 fee update.
- Assuming the Recorder can prepare or correct legal documents.
- Trying to use a phone call as a full title search.
Better Local Workflow
- Start from the official Mercer County Recorder page.
- Use Tax Assessment for parcel and UPI questions.
- Search the Recorder index before ordering copies.
- Call before mailing unusual recordings, plans or multi-parcel transfers.
- Use the current fee schedule and current forms.
- Use separate payments when UPI certification applies.
- Register for PropertyCheck alerts after recording or buying property.
- Use a Pennsylvania attorney or title company for legal title questions.
What Should You Do Next?
| Your Situation | Best Next Step | Correct Office / Resource |
|---|---|---|
| You need to find a deed, mortgage, easement, release or right of way. | Search the official Recorder public search or eSearch portal by party name, instrument number, book/page, town or legal description. | Mercer County Recorder Search |
| You need to record a new deed. | Prepare the deed, confirm Certificate of Residence, Statement of Value, realty transfer tax and UPI certification, then record with correct payment. | Recorder of Deeds + Tax Assessment |
| You need UPI certification or a new parcel ID. | Contact Tax Assessment, review the UPI page, and send prior-review questions to upi@mercercountypa.gov. | Mercer County Tax Assessment |
| You need an official or certified copy. | Identify the document number and page count, then request an official copy from the Recorder’s Office. | Recorder of Deeds Office |
| You paid off your mortgage. | Search for a mortgage satisfaction or release, or contact your lender if no satisfaction appears. | Recorder Search + Lender |
| You are worried about deed or mortgage fraud. | Register for PropertyCheck alerts and search your owner name for unexpected recordings. | PropertyCheck + Recorder Search |
Mercer County Recorder of Deeds FAQs
Which Mercer County Recorder of Deeds does this article cover?
This article covers the Mercer County Recorder of Deeds in Mercer County, Pennsylvania. Mercer County, New Jersey and Mercer County, Ohio use different offices, search systems, fee schedules and recording rules.
Where is the Mercer County Recorder of Deeds Office?
The Mercer County Recorder of Deeds Office is at 125 S. Diamond Street, Suite 109, Mercer, PA 16137. The office phone number is 724-662-3800.
What are Mercer County Recorder office hours?
The office lists public hours as Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding county holidays. Walked-in documents are not accepted for recording after 4:00 p.m.
How far back do Mercer County deed records go?
Mercer County Recorder guidance says land records date back to 1803. The current fee page references index and images back to 1972, plus historical records, while some older work may require office or historical-record research.
How do I search Mercer County deeds online?
Use the official Recorder public search or eSearch portal. Search by party name, instrument number, book/page, document type, date range, town, lot/block, legal-description text or other available fields. For person names, use last name then first name without commas.
How much does it cost to record a deed in Mercer County PA?
The fee schedule lists many deed-related recordings at $71.25. Common add-ons can include $2 for each additional page, $0.50 for each additional parcel or name, $2 for Statement of Value, realty transfer tax, and $20 per UPI certification payable separately to Mercer County Tax Assessment.
What is Mercer County UPI certification?
UPI means Uniform Parcel Identifier. Effective January 5, 2026, applicable documents affecting real estate must have the UPI certified by Mercer County Tax Assessment before recording. The fee is $20 per UPI and is paid separately to Mercer County Tax Assessment.
Can the Recorder add or remove a name from my deed?
No. The Recorder cannot change or create documents. A new deed or other legal instrument must be prepared and then recorded. The office recommends consulting a real estate attorney or title company for preparation of a new deed.
Does Mercer County offer eRecording?
Yes. Mercer County accepts electronic recording through vendor channels and lists Simplifile, CSC and ePN as e-recording options. Eligible submitters should contact a vendor to set up an account and check current county eRecording cutoff times.
Can anyone look at my deed or mortgage?
Yes. Mercer County states that all documents recorded in the Recorder’s Office are public record except military discharge records, also known as DD214 records. Do not include Social Security numbers or dates of birth in documents that will be recorded unless legally required.
Independent Educational Guide
County-Appraisal-District.org is an independent informational website. It is not affiliated with Mercer County Government, the Mercer County Recorder of Deeds, Mercer County Tax Assessment, Mercer County Tax Claim Bureau, the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, any court, title company, eRecording vendor or law firm.
Recording acceptance, document sufficiency, UPI certification, Statement of Value requirements, realty transfer tax, copy certification, assessment records, delinquent tax status and legal title outcomes are determined by official agencies, statutes, courts and qualified professionals. This article is not legal, tax, title or financial advice.
Public property and recorded-document information 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.