Show All Answers

1. What are the hours of the office?

The office is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM. Our recording hours are 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. We recommend notaries that are recording their commission arrive no later than 3:30 PM to allow time to go to the Prothonotary's Office in the Courthouse to register their signature.

2. Where is the office located?

The office is located at 425 Swede Street, Third Floor, Suite 303 in Norristown directly across the street from the Montgomery County Courthouse.

Click here for a Google Map.

3. How far back do your records go?

Our records go back to September 10, 1784.

4. What are your fees for recording documents?

View our fee schedule on our website: montcopa.org/rod.

See Our Fee Schedule Here

5. How do I obtain my original deed?

You should have received your original deed at settlement. We do not keep original documents in our office. You can obtain a copy of your deed through our online Public Access System, at our office in Norristown or by mail. See our website for details: https://www.montcopa.org/1682/How-Do-I-Obtain-Copies

6. Can I obtain information over the telephone?

General information may be obtained by telephone. Staff are not permitted to conduct searches.  For information regarding previously recorded documents you may come into the office, logon to our online deed databases on our website www.montcopa.org/rod or hire a title searcher or real estate attorney to conduct a search.

7. How do I obtain plain or certified copies of documents?

Visit our website for more information: https://www.montcopa.org/1682/How-Do-I-Get-Copies.

8. Can anyone look at my deed and mortgage?

All documents recorded in our office, with the exception of military discharge papers, are public information.  This means that anyone can come in to our office and view your deed, mortgage, satisfaction or other recorded documents. Copies of recorded documents (again with the exception of military discharge papers) can also be purchased by anyone in our office or through online databases.

9. How do I change/add/remove a name on my deed?

To change/add/remove a name on a deed, a new deed will need to be drawn up and recorded reflecting the change. Many people think they can come into the office and change the present recorded deed, but that is not the case. We recommend you consult a real estate attorney or title company to have a new deed prepared and recorded. 

See our website for more information: https://www.montcopa.org/2906/How-Do-I-ChangeAddRemove-A-Name-On-A-Dee

10. Is it necessary to remove a deceased spouse's name from my deed?

No, if husband and wife held the property jointly as tenants by entireties.  If/when the survivor sells or mortgages the property, he/she simply explains in the new deed or mortgage that the other spouse is deceased.  A special instance due to a particular legal situation could occur where the name should be removed, therefore, we recommend consulting an attorney, title company or realtor for specific advice.

11. How do I replace a lost deed?

The easiest way to obtain a copy of your deed is through our online database. Certified copies of recorded documents are available from our “Public Access System.” Our records date back to 1784, and you are welcome to search our Public Access System for current and historical documents, including: deeds, mortgages, and satisfactions.  You can access this system from your home or office computer. While our Public Access System works on a tablet or mobile phone, it is most functional on a computer.  

You are also welcome to come into our office and use our public search computers.  

You can request that a copy or certified copy be mailed to you.

See our website for more information about obtaining copies of documents: https://www.montcopa.org/1682/How-Do-I-Get-Copies.

12. If I find a mistake in my deed how do I correct it?

Usually, the same way you change a name, by recording a new deed.  This is known as a Deed of Correction. We recommend you consult a title company or real estate attorney.

13. Does your office record cemetery plots?

No.  A deed to a cemetery lot only gives you permission to use the ground.  The cemetery still retains title to the ground.  Such “Deeds” or “Titles” are maintained in the office of the cemetery company.

14. Does your office record mobile home park lots?

No. A ground lease for a mobile home would give you ownership of the mobile home, not ownership of the land. Titles to mobile homes are issued and recorded with the Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles. “Deeds” or “Titles” to the land are maintained in the office of the mobile home development/company.  A mobile home situated on a private lot would be handled as any other deed.

15. How do I check for liens against my property?

The only liens recorded at our office are mortgages on property.

Most liens (Federal/State Tax Liens) are filed in the County Prothonotary’s office: www.montcopa.org/prothonotary.

Search the County Tax Claim Bureau to find any delinquent taxes on property: https://webapp02.montcopa.org/taxclaim/

For information about county property assessment, contact the County Board of Assessment Appeals: https://www.montcopa.org/464/Board-of-Assessment-Appeals

16. How can I determine the owner of a property?

Our records are indexed by name, not location.  Our records will list all the ground owned by an individual or company/organization. You can search our current and historical deed databases on our website: montcopa.org/rod.  To find out who owns a certain lot address, you can search the Board of Assessment Appeals property records online or locate the lot address on the tax map in their office. The Board of Assessment will then be able to tell you who the owner is as well as the book and page number for reference.