lorain county recorder
recorder
Mike Doran
Recording the Future, Protecting the Past
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About the recorder's office
The Lorain County Recorder safeguards the legal history of every parcel of land in our county. When property is bought, sold, refinanced, or transferred, the documents that protect those rights are recorded, indexed, and preserved here. Accurate public records make clear ownership possible - and protect both homeowners and lenders alike.
The Recorder’s Office has deep roots in American law, tracing back to early land registration systems that ensured property rights were documented and defensible; our oldest record dates back to 1824. In Ohio, county recorders have served this essential role since statehood. In Lorain County, that responsibility continues with a commitment to transparency, accuracy, and public trust.
Our office maintains and indexes deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and other real estate documents, so that residents, attorneys, historians, and title professionals can confidently establish a property’s chain of title. Careful indexing and modern technology ensure these records remain current, accessible, and secure.
While some Ohio counties once operated under the Torrens land registration system, Lorain County abolished it in 1995 in accordance with state law. Today, all property records are maintained under Ohio’s standard recording system.
The Lorain County Recorder is an active member of the Ohio Recorders’ Association, working alongside all 88 county recorders to strengthen standards, adapt to technological change, and serve the citizens of Ohio with integrity and professionalism.
the recorder
MIKE DORAN
Mike Doran has long been passionate about public service and real estate, making his role as Lorain County Recorder a natural fit. His diverse professional background includes work as an IT consultant, auto and diesel technician, and even a roughneck in the Wyoming oilfields. He's no stranger to hard work. These experiences equipped him with a practical, solutions-oriented skill set that he brought to the Recorder’s office.
He co-founded the local PRIA chapter, Lake Erie PRIA, to strengthen collaboration among professionals in the real estate and records management fields. Through this organization, he worked to improve communication and service to the broader community. He also pursued steps toward obtaining his real estate license to deepen his understanding of the real estate process from start to finish.
Doran has lived in Lorain County with his family for more than two decades. After relocating to Elyria, the family settled in the Eastern Heights neighborhood, where they became active members of the community.
Doran's focus has been on modernizing operations and enhancing services to ensure records are managed effectively and securely. His efforts in his capacity as Recorder provide transparent, reliable, and accessible recordkeeping for the residents of Lorain County.
chief deputy recorder
jeff bearer
Jeff Bearer was born and raised in Lorain, where he graduated from Lorain High School before proudly serving his country in the United States Marine Corps. Following completion of boot camp, combat training, and advanced military schooling in maintenance management, Jeff received orders assigning him as the Maintenance Management Chief for the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit Command Element based out of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.
Jeff joined the 15th MEU at the conclusion of the 1994 WestPac deployment and went on to complete two additional WestPac deployments from 1995 through 1997. In 1998, he returned home to Lorain, Ohio, bringing with him valuable leadership experience, operational expertise, and a strong commitment to service.
After his military career, Jeff worked in the steel mills, continuing to build hands-on experience in operations, management, and workforce coordination. In 2021, he became Chief Deputy Recorder, where he applies his extensive background in management, computer systems, and budget oversight. His leadership and organizational skills have played a key role in supporting the Recorder and ensuring the office operates efficiently and effectively for the community he proudly calls home.
