New Castle County Recorder of Deeds: Search Records, Fees, Transfer Tax, AlertMe & Office Guide
The New Castle County Recorder of Deeds is the official county office for land transaction records, corporate filings and financing statements in New Castle County, Delaware. If you need to search a deed, mortgage, satisfaction, assignment, easement, federal tax lien, plot plan, deed restriction or financing statement, start with the official Recorder of Deeds Document Search.
This guide explains how to use the online document search, when to use Parcel Search first, what the occasional-user and subscription options mean, how recording fees and transfer taxes work, what Delaware recording requirements can cause rejection, and how AlertMe can help monitor possible deed fraud.
What Does the New Castle County Recorder of Deeds Do?
The New Castle County Recorder of Deeds receives, records, processes and delivers land transaction documents and related public records. The office is the local record repository for deeds, deed restrictions, easements, federal tax liens, mortgages, partial releases, satisfactions, assignments, plot plans, corporate filings and financing statements.
Use Recorder of Deeds For
- Deeds, deed restrictions and easements.
- Mortgages, assignments, releases and satisfactions.
- Federal tax liens and financing statements.
- Plot plans and recorded land transaction records.
- Certified copies and AlertMe document notifications.
Use Parcel Search / Assessment For
- Owner, tax information and sales history.
- Parcel number and tax assessment map clues.
- Property address research before deed search.
- Assessment and tax exemption questions.
- Mapping, tract boundary and record-plan references.
Use Finance / Tax For
- County property tax bills and payment status.
- Tax and sewer bill payment questions.
- Billing address changes.
- Pre-payment coupons and payment plans.
- Tax-payment lockbox and receipt issues.
How to Search New Castle County Recorder of Deeds Records Online
New Castle County provides an online Document Search for recorded deeds and documents. Occasional users can search documents at no charge, but the county lists a $1 per page fee to view documents. Frequent users can use a monthly subscription search option listed at $100 per month for unlimited document access.
Open the Official Document Search Page
Start from the New Castle County Document Search page, not a search-engine ad or third-party deed site. The county notes that the Occasional User document search link changed to https://NewCastle.dts-de.com/PAXWorld, so old bookmarks may no longer work.
Decide Occasional User or Subscription Search
Occasional users are best for one-time deed, mortgage or release searches. Monthly subscription search is better for title companies, attorneys, lenders, investors, researchers or frequent users who need unlimited access.
Search by Name, Document Clue or Recording Details
For a deed, search grantor and grantee names. For a mortgage, search borrower, lender, assignment or satisfaction names. For a lien, search the taxpayer, debtor, business or creditor name. When available, use recording date, instrument type, book/page or document number to narrow results.
Use Parcel Search if You Only Have an Address
New Castle County’s Document Search page points users to Parcel Search for property information, including owner, tax information and sales history. Use that parcel information to identify the names and dates you need for the Recorder search.
Read the Disclaimer Before Relying on Results
New Castle County’s search disclaimer says the county and information suppliers make no warranties about accuracy, completeness, reliability or suitability of the data. Use the system as a public-record research tool, not as a legal title opinion.
Request Certified Copies When Needed
A viewed online image may be useful for research, but a court, lender, title company, agency or closing file may require a certified copy. Use the Recorder’s office or official copy workflow when certification matters.
Documents You Can Research Through the New Castle County Recorder of Deeds
The Recorder’s official responsibilities include land transaction records, corporate filings and financing statements. The document categories below cover the most common user searches for homeowners, title searchers, attorneys, lenders, associations and real estate professionals.
Ownership and Land Transfers
- Deeds
- Quitclaim-related recordings
- Deed restrictions
- Easements
- Affidavit and transfer-related documents
Mortgage and Financing Records
- Mortgages
- Partial releases
- Satisfactions of mortgages
- Assignments
- Financing statements
Liens and Notices
- Federal tax liens
- Lien releases
- Discharge or subordination notices
- Community or association filings
- Other recordable notices
Plans and Related Records
- Plot plans
- Subdivision plans
- Record plans
- Common interest community records
- Tax assessment map references
How to Record a Deed or Document in New Castle County
Recording a deed in New Castle County is not just dropping off a signed paper. Delaware law and county rules can require a prepared-by statement, parcel identification number, affidavit or transfer-tax form, readable formatting, notarial information and the correct payment.
Prepare the Document Before Recording
The Recorder records documents; it does not draft deeds, decide ownership language or give legal advice. For adding someone to a deed, removing a deceased owner, transferring to a trust, correcting a legal description or preparing a mortgage satisfaction, use a Delaware attorney, settlement agent or title professional.
Put “Prepared By” on the First Page
Delaware Code says a deed or other instrument affecting real property cannot be accepted for recordation unless it contains the words “prepared by” followed by the name and address of the person who drafted or prepared it. This information must appear on the first page.
Include the County Tax Parcel Identification Number
Delaware Code also requires a deed or real-property instrument to contain the county tax assessment parcel identification number for the affected parcel or parcels in a conspicuous place. If the parcel was just created by subdivision or combination, identify the prior parcel and new parcel information as available.
Complete Transfer Tax and Affidavit Requirements
Deeds conveying Delaware real estate may require state, county and municipal transfer tax forms, including the State of Delaware Realty Transfer Tax Return and the New Castle County Realty Tax Affidavit. The Recorder’s Transfer Tax page says the New Castle County affidavit must be filled out for all New Castle County properties, including parcels starting with 06 through 15.
Calculate Recording Fees Before Submitting
Common deed or mortgage recording cost includes county per-page fees, parcel-description fees when applicable, a technology fee and a state document fee. Transfer tax, municipal tax and special document fees may be much larger than the basic recording charge.
Submit Before the Recording Window Closes
The Recorder’s office is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with recording windows closing at 3:45 p.m. On Friday, the office is open 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with recording windows closing at 12:45 p.m.
Verify the Recorded Result
After recording, check the online document record and save the recording reference. Then use Parcel Search if you need to confirm owner, tax information or sales history after the transfer has been processed.
New Castle County Recorder of Deeds Fees and Transfer Tax Basics
New Castle County recording fees are not the same as Delaware realty transfer tax. Recording fees are paid for recording and indexing the document. Transfer tax is a separate tax that may apply to the real estate transaction and can involve state, county and municipal forms.
| Cost Item | Published Amount / Rule | When It Applies | Confirm With |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deed recording | $13 per page, plus $3 for each parcel description listed in the deed. | Recording deeds and similar land transaction documents. | Recorder of Deeds |
| Mortgage recording | $13 per page. | Recording mortgages and related mortgage instruments. | Recorder of Deeds |
| Mortgage assignment, modification, subordination or release | $13 per page; assignment can also include $5 for each additional assignment mentioned. | Mortgage-related follow-up instruments. | Recorder of Deeds |
| Mortgage satisfaction | $20 first page, plus $13 for each additional page. | Satisfaction piece, court order to satisfy or attorney’s affidavit. | Recorder of Deeds |
| Technology fee | $5 per recorded document. | Applied to each document recorded with the Recorder of Deeds. | Recorder of Deeds / County Code |
| State document fee | $30 per document. | Applied to all documents recorded with the Recorder of Deeds under the county fee ordinance. | Recorder of Deeds / County Code |
| Online occasional-user document viewing | $1 per page to view documents; search itself is listed as no charge. | Online Document Search for occasional users. | Document Search support |
| Monthly subscription search | $100 per month for unlimited document access. | Frequent users such as title, legal, lending or research users. | Document Search support |
| Certified copies | $3 per page if copies are furnished to the Recorder’s office; $6 per page if furnished by the Recorder’s office; $1 per certificate. | When a certified public record copy is needed. | Recorder of Deeds |
| Realty transfer tax | State, county and municipal transfer taxes may apply. The county Transfer Tax page says state, county and applicable municipal forms must be handled with recording. | Real estate conveyances and other taxable transfers. | Recorder of Deeds / Delaware Division of Revenue / settlement professional |
New Castle County Recording Fee and Transfer Tax Estimator
This calculator is for planning only. It estimates common recording charges and an optional transfer-tax estimate. It does not replace the official fee schedule, settlement statement, municipal transfer-tax review, title company quote or Recorder staff review.
Formula used: common deed/mortgage/miscellaneous document estimate includes $30 state document fee, $5 technology fee, $13 per page, and $3 per parcel description for deeds. Mortgage satisfaction estimate uses $20 first page plus $13 additional pages, then adds state document and technology fees. Certified copy estimate adds the selected per-page cost and $1 certificate. Transfer tax is optional and must be verified.
New Castle County Recorder of Deeds Office Address, Hours, Phone and Map
The Recorder of Deeds is located at the City/County building address in Wilmington. Do not confuse this with the New Castle County Government Center at 87 Reads Way, which is used for many county tax, land use and assessment services.
New Castle County Recorder of Deeds
Recorder: Hon. Michael E. Kozikowski, Sr.
Physical address:
800 N. French St.
Fourth Floor
Wilmington, DE 19801
Phone: 302-395-7700
Fax: 302-395-7732
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; recording windows close 3:45 p.m. Friday, 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.; recording windows close 12:45 p.m.
Open Recorder Map ↗Document Search Support
Use this contact when the online Document Search portal, viewing fee, subscription login, account history or online access is the issue.
Phone: 302-395-7792
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 8:00 a.m.–3:45 p.m.; Friday, 8:00 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
Office of Assessment
Use Assessment for property assessment, tax assessment maps, parcel identification and assessment-related property questions.
Address: 87 Reads Way, New Castle, DE 19720
Phone: 302-395-5520
Office of Finance / Taxes
Use Finance for tax bills, payment status, billing questions, pre-payment coupons, payment plans, overpayment refunds and lockbox payment questions.
Address: 87 Reads Way, New Castle, DE 19720
Phone: 302-395-5340
New Castle County AlertMe: Free Recorded Document Notification
AlertMe is a voluntary alert system used by the New Castle County Recorder of Deeds to notify subscribers when a document containing their name has been recorded or recently corrected through the Recorder’s Office. It is useful for homeowners, landlords, heirs, business owners and anyone monitoring possible deed fraud.
What AlertMe Can Help With
- Notify you after a matching name appears in a recorded document.
- Help spot unexpected deeds, liens, mortgages, satisfactions or corrections.
- Monitor owner names, business names, trusts or family-name variations.
- Prompt faster action if a suspicious document appears.
What AlertMe Cannot Do
- It does not block a document from being recorded.
- It does not prove a recorded document is fraudulent.
- It does not guarantee the truthfulness of a recorded document.
- It does not replace a title search, police report, attorney or court action.
New Castle County Deed Recording: Transfer Tax Forms to Know
Deeds that convey Delaware real estate often require more than a recording fee. The Recorder’s Transfer Tax page links state, county and municipal forms and says the State of Delaware Realty Transfer Tax Return must be filled out for all properties.
| Form / Issue | Why It Matters | What to Check Before Recording |
|---|---|---|
| State of Delaware Realty Transfer Tax Return | Used for Delaware realty transfer tax reporting and payment. | Confirm current form name, rate, exemptions, signatures and whether a first-time buyer credit applies. |
| New Castle County Realty Tax Affidavit | The county Transfer Tax page says it must be filled out for all New Castle County properties, including parcels starting with 06 through 15. | Use the correct parcel number and property details before submitting the deed. |
| Wilmington Realty Transfer Tax Exemption Affidavit | Required when claiming an exemption from City of Wilmington realty transfer tax. | Confirm whether the property is within Wilmington and whether the exemption is legally available. |
| First-Time Home Buyer Credit | Delaware Division of Revenue explains a buyer-side reduction for eligible first-time home buyers. | Confirm eligibility, current form, closing requirements and refund process when missed at closing. |
| Nonresident seller / residence and gain requirements | Delaware Code can require an affidavit of residence and gain or tax-related documentation before recordation. | Confirm seller residency, entity type and estimated income tax reporting with a settlement professional. |
Why a New Castle County Recorder Search May Not Find a Deed
A no-result search does not always mean a deed, mortgage or lien was never recorded. Use these local troubleshooting steps before paying a third-party website or assuming the record is missing.
| Problem | Likely Reason | What to Try |
|---|---|---|
| No result by street address. | Recorder searches are document and party-index searches, while address research is usually easier in Parcel Search. | Use Parcel Search for owner, tax information and sales history, then search Recorder records by name or date. |
| Name search returns too many results. | Common names, business names, trusts and lenders can create broad results. | Add first name, date range, document type, municipality or recording clue. |
| Name search returns no results. | Spelling, initials, marital names, entity names or trust names may differ. | Try last name only, business keyword, trust name, prior owner, grantee, grantor or lender name. |
| Old bookmark does not work. | The county says the Occasional User link recently changed to the DTS PAXWorld URL. | Start again from the official Document Search page and update your bookmark. |
| Parcel owner and deed record do not match yet. | Recorded documents and tax/assessment records can update on different workflows. | Save the recording reference and contact Assessment or Finance if the tax record still needs review. |
| Document image is not accepted by another office. | The other party may require a certified copy rather than an ordinary online image. | Request a certified copy directly from the Recorder of Deeds. |
Official New Castle County Recorder Links and What to Do After Opening Them
Use these official sources for live records, recording instructions, fee confirmation, AlertMe registration, transfer tax forms, parcel information and tax-payment support. Each link includes a short action guide.
New Castle County Recorder of Deeds — Official Page
Main county page for Recorder responsibilities, eRecording documents, fee schedule, recording specifications, transfer tax documents, office address, hours and contact information.
- Read the Recorder Responsibilities section to confirm your document type belongs here.
- Open Fee Schedule before writing a check or money order.
- Open Recording Specifications before printing or mailing the document.
- Check the office hours and recording-window closing times before visiting.
New Castle County Document Search
Official page explaining occasional-user search, subscription search, document viewing fees, parcel search, disclaimer and support phone.
- Decide whether you are an occasional user or need a subscription.
- Use the updated Occasional User link if your bookmark is old.
- Read the disclaimer before relying on search results.
- Call 302-395-7792 if the search portal or payment access does not work.
Occasional User Recorded Documents Search
County-linked DTS public access portal for searching New Castle County recorded deeds and documents.
- Search by party name, business name, grantor, grantee, lender or other available clue.
- Use date range or document type filters to narrow broad results.
- Remember that document viewing is charged per page for occasional users.
- Save the recording reference if you need a certified copy or follow-up call.
Subscription Search
Frequent-user option for unlimited access to documents through a monthly subscription.
- Use this option if you regularly need document images.
- Confirm the current monthly charge before creating an account.
- Compare subscription cost against occasional-user per-page viewing.
- Save login details and document references for future research.
AlertMe — Property Recording Notification
Official Recorder page for the voluntary AlertMe system that notifies subscribers when a document containing their name is recorded or corrected.
- Read the legal disclaimer and limits of the alert service.
- Click Sign Up For AlertMe.
- Register name variations, trust names, spouse names or business names where appropriate.
- If an alert looks suspicious, contact the Recorder and Delaware Attorney General Consumer Fraud Department.
New Castle County Transfer Tax
Official Recorder page for state, county and municipal transfer-tax forms and transfer-tax instructions.
- Open the State of Delaware Realty Transfer Tax Return form.
- Open the New Castle County Realty Tax Affidavit.
- Check municipal requirements if the property is in Wilmington, Newark, Middletown, Delaware City, New Castle City or another municipality.
- Verify first-time homebuyer credit and exemption forms before closing or recording.
New Castle County Parcel Search
Official parcel search for owner, tax information and sales history before deeper Recorder research.
- Search by address, parcel number or owner information.
- Open the correct parcel and review owner, tax and sales history.
- Copy the tax parcel number and recent sale clues.
- Return to Document Search to locate the recorded deed or mortgage.
New Castle County Tax Information & Forms
Official page for property tax payment status, billing questions, payment address, billing address changes and payment support.
- Use Parcel Search to check tax payment status and printable bills.
- Use the billing address change form if mailing information is wrong.
- Send tax payments to the county’s listed lockbox address, not the Recorder office.
- Call 302-395-5340 for tax billing questions.
Delaware Code — Recorder of Deeds Requirements
Official Delaware Code chapter covering recordation requirements, prepared-by language, parcel identification, notarial information and recorder duties.
- Review § 9605 for affidavit, parcel ID, formatting and prepared-by requirements.
- Review § 9606 for recorder duties after lodging and fee payment.
- Review § 9611 if the document contains a notarial act.
- Use legal counsel if you are unsure how the statute applies to your deed.
New Castle County Fee Ordinance
County Code section listing Recorder of Deeds fees such as deed page fees, parcel description fees, technology fees and state document fees.
- Find Sec. 2.03.004 – Fees for Recorder of Deeds.
- Review the fee for your specific document type.
- Add state document and technology fees where applicable.
- Compare the ordinance with the Recorder’s current fee schedule before filing.
Common New Castle County Recorder of Deeds Mistakes
Mistakes That Delay Searches or Recording
- Searching the Recorder by address before checking Parcel Search.
- Forgetting the first-page “prepared by” name and address requirement.
- Leaving out the county tax assessment parcel identification number.
- Ignoring transfer-tax forms when a deed conveys real estate.
- Arriving after the recording window has closed.
- Using public deed or property records for tenant, credit, employment or insurance screening.
Better Local Workflow
- Start with the official Recorder or Document Search page.
- Use Parcel Search when you only know an address.
- Save recording references before ordering copies.
- Confirm recording fees, transfer taxes and municipal forms before filing.
- Use AlertMe for ongoing name-based recorded-document monitoring.
- Use legal or title help for deed drafting, title and ownership questions.
What Should You Do Next?
| Your Situation | Best Next Step | Correct Office / Tool |
|---|---|---|
| You need a deed, mortgage, satisfaction, assignment or lien record. | Open Document Search and search by party name, document type, date or recording reference. | Recorder of Deeds Document Search |
| You only know the property address. | Use Parcel Search first to find owner, tax information, sales history and parcel number. | Parcel Search / Assessment |
| You need to record a deed. | Prepare the deed, add “prepared by,” add parcel ID, complete transfer-tax forms and submit before the recording window closes. | Recorder of Deeds |
| You need certified copies. | Use the Recorder’s official copy process and confirm whether copies are furnished by you or by the office. | Recorder of Deeds |
| Your issue is tax bill or payment status. | Use Tax Information & Forms or Parcel Search; include your parcel number when contacting Finance. | Office of Finance / Parcel Search |
| You are worried about deed fraud. | Register for AlertMe, monitor name variations and contact official offices quickly if a suspicious document appears. | AlertMe + Recorder + Delaware AG if needed |
New Castle County Recorder of Deeds FAQs
What is the New Castle County Recorder of Deeds?
The New Castle County Recorder of Deeds is the county office that maintains land transaction records, corporate filings and financing statements. The office receives, records, processes and delivers documents such as deeds, deed restrictions, easements, federal tax liens, mortgages, releases, satisfactions, assignments and plot plans.
Where is the New Castle County Recorder of Deeds located?
The Recorder of Deeds is located at 800 N. French St., Fourth Floor, Wilmington, DE 19801. The public phone number is 302-395-7700, and the fax number is 302-395-7732.
What are the New Castle County Recorder of Deeds hours?
The office is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with recording windows closing at 3:45 p.m. Friday hours are 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with recording windows closing at 12:45 p.m.
Can I search New Castle County deeds online?
Yes. New Castle County provides a Document Search for recorded deeds and documents. Occasional users can search at no charge, but the county lists a $1 per page fee to view documents. Frequent users can use the subscription search option.
How much is the New Castle County Recorder subscription search?
The county Document Search page lists the unlimited-use monthly subscription at $100 per month. This option is usually best for frequent users who need ongoing access to many document images.
What if I only know the property address?
Use New Castle County Parcel Search first. The county points users to Parcel Search for owner, tax information and sales history. After you find the owner, parcel number or sale date, return to the Recorder search to find the recorded deed or mortgage.
How much does it cost to record a deed in New Castle County?
The county fee ordinance lists deeds at $13 per page plus $3 for each parcel description in the deed. A $30 state document fee and $5 technology fee apply per recorded document. Transfer taxes and municipal charges may also apply to real estate conveyances.
What must be on a Delaware deed before recording?
Delaware recording law can require the first page to include “prepared by” followed by the name and address of the preparer. Real-property instruments must also include the county tax assessment parcel identification number in a conspicuous place, and transfer-tax or affidavit requirements may apply.
What does New Castle County AlertMe do?
AlertMe is a voluntary notification system used by the Recorder of Deeds to notify subscribers when a document containing their name has been recorded or recently corrected. It is an alert tool only and does not prevent recording or prove fraud.
Which office handles New Castle County property tax payments?
The Office of Finance handles county property-tax bills, payment status, billing questions, payment plans and tax payment support. Use the Recorder of Deeds for recorded documents and Parcel Search or Assessment for parcel, ownership and assessment information.
Independent Educational Guide
CountyCADPropertySearch.org is an independent informational resource. It is not the New Castle County Recorder of Deeds, New Castle County Government, New Castle County Office of Finance, New Castle County Office of Assessment, Delaware Division of Revenue, Delaware Attorney General, Delaware Secretary of State or any title company.
Recorded documents, recording acceptance, deed validity, certified copies, transfer tax, property ownership, parcel assessment, tax bills, title status and legal ownership questions are controlled by official public offices, statutes, courts and qualified professionals. This article is not legal, title, lending, tax or financial advice.
Public property and deed records 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.