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Lorain County Recorder Header Logo

recorder
Mike Doran

Recording the Future, Protecting the Past

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How Can We Help You?

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Recorder Fees 2026

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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.

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  • No. we are not licensed/trained to search for that information on your behalf. Relying on our search may cause legal consequences for you.
  • According to Ohio Revised Code Section 317.08, common recorded documents include:
     
    • Property deeds
    • Mortgages and mortgage releases
    • Easements
    • Liens
    • Powers of attorney related to land and real estate
    • Military discharge records (DD-214, NGB-22)
    Read Ohio Revised Code Section 317.08
  • The Recorder cannot alter your deed. For this service, we recommend consulting with an attorney.

  • Obtaining a copy of your deed is easy! Use our online Property Search to locate and download your FREE copy. Need it certified? Visit us!

  • 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:
    $10.00

    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.

  • 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:
    $10.00

    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.

  • 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:
    $10.00

    No. 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:
    $10.00

    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.

  • 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:
    $10.00

    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.

    Sign Up for FREE Property Alerts
  • 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:
    $10.00

    Recording fees are set by Ohio law and vary depending on the type of document.

    2026 Recorder Fees
  • 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:
    $10.00

    Lorain County property records date all the way back to 1824, and are preserved through both physical archives and digital records. We continuously work to digitize historic records to improve public access.

    Our History

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.
What types of documents are recorded?
According to Ohio Revised Code Section 317.08, common recorded documents include:
  • Property deeds
  • Mortgages and mortgage releases
  • Easements
  • Liens
  • Powers of attorney related to land/real estate
  • Military discharge records (DD-214, NGB-22)
Read Ohio Revised Code Section 317.08
How do I get a copy of my deed?

Obtaining a copy of your deed is easy! Use our online Property Search to locate and download your FREE copy. Need it certified? Visit us!

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.

Sign Up for FREE Property Alerts
What fees does the Recorder charge?

Recording fees are set by Ohio law and vary depending on the type of document.

2026 Recorder Fees
How far back do the records go?

Lorain County property records date all the way back to 1824, and are preserved through both physical archives and digital records. We continuously work to digitize historic records to improve public access.

Our History
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