recorder
Mike Doran
Recording the Future, Protecting the Past


How Can We Help You?
search property Records
Veteran services
AlertME
Property Alerts
Recorder Fees 2026
Documents & Forms
faq

FAQ
Clear the REcord
So what does the Recorder actually do? If you've ever wondered this, you're not alone! Sometimes our office is mistaken for other departments in the Lorain County government - but don't worry, we have compiled a list of the most common questions and misconceptions.
Here's what we do:
The Lorain County Recorder maintains and preserves the official public records for real estate transactions within the county, as well as veteran discharges. These documents establish property ownership within Lorain County. By law, the Recorder ensures these records are accurately filed, indexed, and made accessible to the public.
The Lorain County Recorder does not provide blank forms, or assist with filling out forms. We also cannot alter a document. For these services, we recommend you consult an attorney.

No. we are not licensed/trained to search for that information on your behalf. Relying on our search may cause legal consequences for you.
The Recorder cannot alter your deed. For this service, we recommend consulting with an attorney.
Federal Tax Liens, Other Federal Liens:
$5.00
Releases or Partial Releases: $3.00
Personal Property Tax Liens: No Fee
Releases: $4.00
Bureau of Workers Compensation Liens: No Fee
Certificates of Premium Due, Related Filings, Releases: No Fee
Recognizance Liens/Releases: No Fee
Unemployment Compensation (OBES): No Fee
Bond - Motor Vehicle Responsibility:
$10.00No. The Recorder’s office records documents but does not resolve disputes or determine ownership rights. Property disputes must be handled through the courts or with the assistance of an attorney.
Federal Tax Liens, Other Federal Liens:
$5.00
Releases or Partial Releases: $3.00
Personal Property Tax Liens: No Fee
Releases: $4.00
Bureau of Workers Compensation Liens: No Fee
Certificates of Premium Due, Related Filings, Releases: No Fee
Recognizance Liens/Releases: No Fee
Unemployment Compensation (OBES): No Fee
Bond - Motor Vehicle Responsibility:
$10.00No. Property taxes are handled by the Lorain County Treasurer and County Auditor.
The Recorder’s role is limited to maintaining the documents that establish ownership and land rights.
Federal Tax Liens, Other Federal Liens:
$5.00
Releases or Partial Releases: $3.00
Personal Property Tax Liens: No Fee
Releases: $4.00
Bureau of Workers Compensation Liens: No Fee
Certificates of Premium Due, Related Filings, Releases: No Fee
Recognizance Liens/Releases: No Fee
Unemployment Compensation (OBES): No Fee
Bond - Motor Vehicle Responsibility:
$10.00No. Those records are handled by the Lorain County Probate Court.
The Recorder focuses strictly on documents related to land and property.
Federal Tax Liens, Other Federal Liens:
$5.00
Releases or Partial Releases: $3.00
Personal Property Tax Liens: No Fee
Releases: $4.00
Bureau of Workers Compensation Liens: No Fee
Certificates of Premium Due, Related Filings, Releases: No Fee
Recognizance Liens/Releases: No Fee
Unemployment Compensation (OBES): No Fee
Bond - Motor Vehicle Responsibility:
$10.00Veterans can record their DD-214 or NGB-22 with the Recorder’s office to ensure a secure copy is available if the original is lost. These records are protected and only accessible to the veteran or authorized individuals.
Federal Tax Liens, Other Federal Liens:
$5.00
Releases or Partial Releases: $3.00
Personal Property Tax Liens: No Fee
Releases: $4.00
Bureau of Workers Compensation Liens: No Fee
Certificates of Premium Due, Related Filings, Releases: No Fee
Recognizance Liens/Releases: No Fee
Unemployment Compensation (OBES): No Fee
Bond - Motor Vehicle Responsibility:
$10.00Property fraud occurs when criminals attempt to transfer ownership of property without the owner’s knowledge. Homeowners should:
-
Monitor their property records
-
Be cautious of unsolicited deed offers
-
Sign up for property alert services if available
The Recorder’s office works to protect the integrity of property records but cannot prevent fraud entirely.
-
Federal Tax Liens, Other Federal Liens:
$5.00
Releases or Partial Releases: $3.00
Personal Property Tax Liens: No Fee
Releases: $4.00
Bureau of Workers Compensation Liens: No Fee
Certificates of Premium Due, Related Filings, Releases: No Fee
Recognizance Liens/Releases: No Fee
Unemployment Compensation (OBES): No Fee
Bond - Motor Vehicle Responsibility:
$10.00Federal Tax Liens, Other Federal Liens:
$5.00
Releases or Partial Releases: $3.00
Personal Property Tax Liens: No Fee
Releases: $4.00
Bureau of Workers Compensation Liens: No Fee
Certificates of Premium Due, Related Filings, Releases: No Fee
Recognizance Liens/Releases: No Fee
Unemployment Compensation (OBES): No Fee
Bond - Motor Vehicle Responsibility:
$10.00
That's not the recorder...
THIS is the recorder
FAQ
THIS is the recorder
Issues marriage licenses
Sets property taxes
Determines property values
Settles property disputes
Runs elections
That's not the recorder...
THIS is the recorder
Maintains property ownership records
Protects land record history
Provides public access to documents
Records real estate transactions
Records and protects veteran discharges
Issues marriage licenses
Sets property taxes
Determines property values
Settles property disputes
Runs elections
Maintains land ownership records
Protects land record history
Provides public access to documents
Records real estate transactions
Records and protects veteran discharges
Questions
Answers
Can you tell me if there are liens/easements on my property?
No. we are not licensed/trained to search for that information on your behalf. Relying on our search may cause legal consequences for you.
How do I make changes to my deed?
The Recorder cannot alter your deed. For this service, we recommend consulting with an attorney.
Can the Recorder help with property disputes?
No. The Recorder’s office records documents but does not resolve disputes or determine ownership rights. Property disputes must be handled through the courts or with the assistance of an attorney.
Does the Recorder handle property taxes?
No. Property taxes are handled by the Lorain County Treasurer and County Auditor.
The Recorder’s role is limited to maintaining the documents that establish ownership and land rights.
Does the Recorder handle marriage licenses or birth certificates?
No. Those records are handled by the Lorain County Probate Court.
The Recorder focuses strictly on documents related to land and real estate, and recording military discharges.
What is a military discharge record (DD-214, NGB-22), and why should it be recorded?
Veterans can record their DD-214 or NGB-22 with the Recorder’s office to ensure a secure copy is available if the original is lost. These records are protected and only accessible to the veteran or authorized individuals.
What is a deed scam or property fraud?
Property fraud occurs when criminals attempt to transfer ownership of property without the owner’s knowledge. Homeowners should:
Monitor their property records
Be cautious of unsolicited deed offers
Sign up for property alert services if available
The Recorder’s office works to protect the integrity of property records but cannot prevent fraud entirely.









