Sangamon County Recorder of Deeds: Search & Office

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Sangamon County, Illinois recorder resources reviewed September 2026

Sangamon County Recorder of Deeds: Search Deeds, Land Records, Copies & Springfield Office

The Sangamon County Recorder of Deeds is the official land-records office for Springfield and the rest of Sangamon County, Illinois. Use the Recorder for deeds, mortgages, releases, assignments, easements, liens, subdivision plats, surveys and other recorded instruments.

Sangamon County has an unusually useful mix of record-access options: a free data-only search, paid Tapestry image searching for occasional users, Laredo for frequent researchers, public terminals in the Recorder’s office, deed books scanned back to 1901, and selected older deed indexes online.

Search Deeds Record a Deed Office & Map
✓ Free vs paid search routes explained ✓ 1901+ historical record path ✓ PTAX-203 / MyDec guidance ✓ Current fee schedule ✓ Free Property Fraud Alert
Fast Answer

What Does the Sangamon County Recorder of Deeds Handle?

The Recorder preserves the chain of recorded documents affecting real property. The office is different from the Supervisor of Assessments, which maintains assessment and tax-roll ownership information, and from the Treasurer, which handles property-tax bills and payments.

Recorder of Deeds

Use for deeds, mortgages, releases, assignments, liens, plats, surveys, easements and recorded-document copies.

Recorder: Frank J. Lesko

Phone: 217-535-3150

Supervisor of Assessments

Use for current tax-roll ownership, assessed value, exemptions, property characteristics, assessment complaints and parcel information.

Phone: 217-753-6805

County Treasurer

Use for current property-tax bills, payment status, due dates, delinquent taxes and tax-payment questions.

Ownership-update timing: Sangamon County’s Supervisor of Assessments says deeds recorded by the Recorder are transmitted electronically to its office, but the average delay before the assessment ownership record changes is about 4–6 weeks. A recently recorded deed can therefore exist before the tax-roll owner name is updated.
Historical Record Coverage

How Far Back Do Sangamon County Deed Records Go?

1982 to Present

The Recorder’s current Land Records Search page says online data and document images are available from 1982 to present.

1950–1969 Deeds

The county says deed records for 1950 through 1969 have been indexed and are available to view.

1901 Deed Books

Deed books have been scanned back to February 16, 1901. If you already know the document number or book/page, documents may be viewed back to this period.

Before 1982 without a reference: Sangamon County says historical research generally requires an in-person visit. Records can be viewed on microfiche and microfilm, and the office states that it does not perform historical title research for the public.
If You Only Know the Address

Find the Parcel Before Searching the Recorder

If you do not know the grantor, grantee or document number, start with Sangamon County’s property-tax or assessment system. This can give you the current owner name, parcel number and property location needed to narrow Recorder research.

Supervisor of Assessments

The office maintains current tax-roll ownership, site address, mailing address, legal description, sales information and assessment values.

Open Sangamon Property Search ↗

Then Search Recorder Records

  • Save the parcel number.
  • Write down the current owner.
  • Check recent sale/transfer information.
  • Search grantor/grantee names.
  • Confirm the legal description.
Farm-ground search: the Recorder’s FAQ specifically notes that farm ground requires a parcel number for owner assistance. If you do not know it, contact the Supervisor of Assessments at 217-753-6805.
Result Decoder

What Sangamon County Recorder Search Fields Mean

Document Number The Recorder’s unique reference for the recorded instrument. Save it for copy requests and later research.
Grantor The party transferring, releasing or granting an interest. For a deed this is commonly the seller.
Grantee The party receiving the property interest or benefit. For a deed this is commonly the buyer.
Recording Date The date the Recorder accepted the instrument. This can differ from the signing or closing date.
Document Type Indicates whether the record is a deed, mortgage, release, lien, easement, assignment, lease, plat or another instrument.
Legal Description The land description affected by the instrument. Compare it with the parcel and deed—not just the street address.
Consideration Search systems may display consideration or transfer data associated with the transaction. Do not assume it always equals current market value.
Recording Workflow

How to Record a Deed in Sangamon County

A deed must be legally prepared, signed, notarized where required and submitted with the correct recording fee and transfer-tax documentation. Recorder staff can explain recording requirements but cannot give legal advice or complete your deed for you.

1

Prepare the Correct Deed

Sangamon County provides courtesy forms for common instruments, including Quit Claim Deed and Warranty Deed (Joint Tenancy), but expressly recommends legal assistance for document selection and preparation.

2

Include the Required Recording Information

The current fee page says documents should contain the preparer’s name/address, a return-to name/address, tax-bill-to information when applicable, Tax ID number and common address.

3

Use Standard Paper and Recorder Space

The $64 standard real-property fee applies to qualifying 8.5 × 11-inch documents with at least a 3 × 5-inch blank space in the upper-right corner. Black ink is required by the Recorder’s published guidance.

4

Complete PTAX-203 / MyDec When Required

Illinois requires PTAX-203 for real-estate transfers unless the transaction qualifies for an applicable exemption. Sangamon County links to MyDec and PTAX-203 resources from its Recorder forms page.

5

Address Transfer Tax or an Exemption

The Sangamon fee schedule currently lists transfer-tax stamps of $0.50 per $500 for the State of Illinois plus $0.25 per $500 for the county when tax applies.

6

Submit the Original Document

Submit in person, by mail, or through an approved eRecording vendor when your document is eligible. For mail recording, include the exact fee and return instructions.

Mail recording address:
Sangamon County Recorder
200 South 9th Street, First Floor
Springfield, IL 62701
Illinois Transfer Declaration

When Sangamon County Deeds Need PTAX-203 or MyDec

Illinois Department of Revenue instructions require either a PTAX-203 declaration with the deed or an applicable exemption notation for qualifying exempt transfers. Sangamon County’s own FAQ gives a practical local rule for ordinary sales.

Sale for $100 or More

Sangamon County says that when ownership is transferred through a sale for $100 or more, a PTAX-203 must accompany the deed for recording so transfer tax can be determined.

Gift or Exempt Transfer

A gift can be exempt from transfer tax, but the deed must contain the appropriate exemption paragraph. Other transfers can also qualify for statutory exemptions.

Open Illinois MyDec ↗

After opening MyDec: create or access the transfer declaration, enter property, sale, seller, buyer and legal-description information, obtain the required approvals/signatures, and make sure the declaration matches the deed being presented for recording.
Current Fee Planning

Sangamon County Recorder Fees

Sangamon County uses a predictable fee schedule. Standard and non-standard documents are priced differently, and some instruments are exempt from the Rental Housing Support surcharge.

Service Current Published Fee What It Means
Standard real-property recording $64 For qualifying standard 8.5 × 11-inch real-property documents with the required 3 × 5-inch blank recording area.
Non-standard real-property recording $84 Published non-standard amount for documents that do not meet standardization requirements and are subject to the surcharge.
Standard surcharge-exempt document $45 Applies to listed document categories exempt from the Rental Housing Support surcharge.
Non-standard surcharge-exempt document $65 Published amount when an exempt document does not meet standardization requirements.
Certified copy $26 Current Recorder fee for certified copies of documents other than plats.
Non-certified copy $2 first 2 pages Additional pages are $0.25 each.
Email copy request $5 up to 4 pages Payment in advance or an escrow account is required; additional pages are $0.25 each.
Genealogical search $25 Separate from ordinary copy charges.

Open Current Fee Schedule ↗

After opening: find your exact document type, determine whether it is standard or non-standard, check whether the Rental Housing Support surcharge applies, then verify transfer stamps separately before writing a check.
Deed Copies

How to Get a Copy or Certified Copy of a Sangamon County Deed

In Person

Visit the Recorder’s Research Department and request the specific recorded document.

By Mail

Identify the document and include payment for the correct copy type and page count.

Phone / Pickup

The Recorder FAQ says copies can be requested by phone for pickup through the Research Department at 217-535-3150.

Open Official Copy Request ↗

Before ordering: identify the exact deed or document number first when possible. A regular copy costs much less than the current $26 certified-copy charge, so only buy certification when a lender, court, attorney or government process specifically requires it.
Free Fraud Monitoring

Sangamon County Property Fraud Alert

Sangamon County offers a free Property Fraud Alert that monitors names in newly recorded documents and can send a notification when a matching name appears.

What the Alert Does

  • Monitors your registered name.
  • Can notify by email or phone.
  • Provides early notice of an unexpected recording.
  • Costs nothing to register.

What It Does Not Do

  • It does not prevent a fraudulent document from being recorded.
  • It does not prove a matching document is fraudulent.
  • It does not replace legal or law-enforcement action.
  • Legitimate mortgage or deed activity can also trigger alerts.

Register for Property Fraud Alert ↗

After opening: select Continue, enter your contact information and name to monitor, choose the available notification method, submit the registration, and investigate any unfamiliar future alert by checking the Recorder’s actual document.
Electronic Recording

Can Sangamon County Documents Be E-Recorded?

Yes. The Recorder publishes several third-party eRecording vendors for title companies, law firms, financial institutions and other users who submit recordable documents electronically.

Available Vendor Routes

The county currently identifies providers including EPN, Hopdox, CSC, Indecomm and Simplifile.

Why Use eRecording?

Electronic submission can reduce mailing time and return documents electronically after county review.

Vendor Fees Are Separate

Third-party vendor charges can be separate from Recorder statutory fees. Verify both before submission.

Open Sangamon County eRecording Guide ↗

After opening: select an approved vendor, create the vendor account, confirm your document type is accepted electronically, complete PTAX/MyDec and transfer-tax requirements where applicable, and retain the electronic recording confirmation.
Springfield Office & Map

Sangamon County Recorder of Deeds Address, Phone and Hours

Sangamon County Recorder

Recorder: Frank J. Lesko

Office:
Sangamon County Building
First Floor
200 South Ninth Street
Springfield, IL 62701

Phone: 217-535-3150

Hours:
Monday–Friday
8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. CST

County holiday closures can change. Check the official website before a time-sensitive visit with an original deed.

Arrival tip: the Recorder is on the first floor of the Sangamon County Building. If you are doing historical research, allow more time than for a simple copy pickup because pre-1982 work can require microfilm, microfiche or manual index research.
Office Role Decoder

Recorder vs Supervisor of Assessments vs Treasurer

Your Task Correct Office Why
I need a recorded deed. Recorder The Recorder maintains recorded real-property instruments.
I need to record a new deed. Recorder Use the Recorder after the deed, PTAX/MyDec and transfer-tax requirements are prepared.
I only know the address. Supervisor of Assessments / tax search Find the owner and parcel number first, then return to Recorder records.
My assessment or exemption is wrong. Supervisor of Assessments That office handles assessments, exemptions and Board of Review support.
My property-tax bill is wrong or unpaid. Treasurer The Treasurer handles tax collection and payment status.
I need a guaranteed title search. Title company / attorney The Recorder says it cannot perform or guarantee full title searches.
Common Local Mistakes

Sangamon County Recorder Mistakes to Avoid

  • Paying for Tapestry before trying the free data search.
  • Assuming every pre-1982 deed can be searched remotely by owner name.
  • Calling the Recorder and expecting a full title search.
  • Confusing the tax-roll owner with a complete legal-title determination.
  • Recording a taxable deed without PTAX-203 / MyDec requirements.
  • Submitting non-standard pages and assuming the $64 standard fee still applies.
  • Using the Recorder to dispute assessed value or tax bills.
  • Find the parcel number and owner before difficult deed searches.
  • Use grantor/grantee names and date ranges.
  • Save the document number once found.
  • Verify transfer-tax treatment before recording.
  • Use certification only when actually required.
  • Register for the free Property Fraud Alert.
  • Keep mailed/eRecording submission confirmations.
What to Do Next

Choose the Right Sangamon County Record Path

I need the latest deed Find the current owner/parcel → search grantor/grantee records → verify document type and recording date → order a copy only after matching the property.
I only need index data Use the free data-only Recorder search before paying for an image search.
I need the deed image remotely Use Tapestry for occasional paid image research or Laredo if you are a frequent professional user.
I need a pre-1982 deed Check whether the deed falls within indexed/scanned historical coverage; otherwise plan an in-office microfilm/microfiche search.
I need to transfer ownership Prepare and notarize the correct deed → complete PTAX/MyDec or exemption notation → calculate transfer stamps → submit the recordable original.
My property owner name has not updated If the deed was recently recorded, remember the Supervisor of Assessments says tax-roll ownership changes average about 4–6 weeks after recording.
I think a deed or lien is fraudulent Retrieve the actual recorded document, contact the Recorder and obtain qualified legal or law-enforcement assistance when appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions

Sangamon County Recorder of Deeds FAQs

Where is the Sangamon County Recorder of Deeds office?

The Recorder is on the first floor of the Sangamon County Building at 200 South Ninth Street, Springfield, IL 62701. The main phone is 217-535-3150.

Who is the current Sangamon County Recorder?

Sangamon County currently lists Frank J. Lesko as Recorder of Deeds, serving the 2024–2028 term.

Can I search Sangamon County deeds online for free?

Yes. The Recorder offers a free data-only search without images. If you need document images remotely, Tapestry is the pay-per-search option and Laredo is designed for regular subscription users.

How far back do Sangamon County online land records go?

The current Recorder search page states that online data and document images are available from 1982 to present. Deed books have been scanned back to February 16, 1901, and deed records from 1950 through 1969 have been indexed and made available to view.

How much does it cost to search Sangamon County records through Tapestry?

The current county Tapestry page lists an index/image search at $8.75 per search and printed copies at $1 per page. Viewing images is included in the search fee.

How much does it cost to record a deed in Sangamon County?

The current Recorder fee schedule lists $64 for qualifying standard real-property documents and $84 for non-standard documents subject to the Rental Housing Support surcharge. Transfer tax and document-specific charges may also apply.

How much is a copy or certified copy of a Sangamon County deed?

The Recorder currently lists non-certified copies at $2 for the first two pages plus $0.25 for each additional page. Certified copies of documents other than plats are currently listed at $26.

Do I need PTAX-203 to record a deed in Sangamon County?

For many taxable real-estate transfers, yes. Sangamon County says a sale for $100 or more requires PTAX-203 to accompany the deed. Illinois also recognizes statutory exemptions where an exemption notation may apply instead.

Can the Sangamon County Recorder perform a title search for me?

No. The Recorder can help you locate information in the grantor/grantee records, but the office says it cannot perform or guarantee a full title search. A title company or qualified attorney can handle that work.

Why has my new ownership not appeared on the Sangamon County tax record yet?

The Supervisor of Assessments says recorded deeds are transmitted electronically from the Recorder, but the average delay before its ownership record is updated is about four to six weeks.

Independent Records Guide

This website is an independent informational resource and is not affiliated with the Sangamon County Recorder, Sangamon County Supervisor of Assessments, Sangamon County Treasurer, Illinois Department of Revenue or any other government agency.

Recording acceptance, transfer-tax exemptions, PTAX/MyDec requirements, title consequences, document validity and copy certification are determined by applicable law and the responsible government office. Recorder staff cannot provide private legal advice.

Public deed and property 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.

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