How do I prepare a document to be recorded?

The Scioto County Recorder's Office strongly recommends that you seek professional advice from attorneys or licensed title agencies before preparing any document to be recorded. Our employees cannot offer legal advice. For more information on document recording, visit our Recording Information page.

​

Can the Recorder's Office help me draft my own real estate documents?

The Scioto County Recorder’s Office is dedicated to maintaining and safeguarding records related to real estate. However, we are unable to assist in drafting documents. It is strongly recommended that you seek legal counsel for such transactions. While 'fill-in-the-blank' forms may seem straightforward, determining the appropriate answers to specific questions is crucial and constitutes 'legal advice,' which we are not authorized to provide. For more information on document recording, visit our Recording Information page.

​

Can I do my own title search?

Technically, the answer is yes. However, practically speaking, the answer is more likely no.While the records in the Recorder’s office are accessible to the public, deciphering them without knowledge of real estate record organization, including 'Grantor/Grantee' and 'Tract Index' searches, can be overwhelming. Furthermore, there may be pertinent documents housed in other county offices impacting your prospective property. Based on our experience, the value of a professional title searcher's expertise surpasses the expense, especially given the importance of your impending transaction.

​

Can the Recorder tell me if I have good and clear title?

No. The Recorder’s Office is not authorized to render opinions regarding the status of title. Professional title examiners or abstractors use the records in our office as well as searching records in other county offices to determine if the title is good and clear.​

 

How do I change my deed so that it reflects my current name?
Changing your name on a property deed typically involves a legal process, and the exact steps may vary depending on your situation.  It is best to seek the help of an attorney to draft a deed that will accomplish your goals.

​

I am considering buying a piece of real estate. How do I find out what liens, if any, have been filed against it?

If you're obtaining a loan from a financial institution, they generally conduct a title search prior to closing to identify any outstanding liens.

​

I paid off my federal income tax lien, but it is still showing on my credit report. Why?

While Federal Income Tax Liens are indeed recorded in the Recorder’s Office, it's important to note that we have no authority over the lien itself or any release documentation once the lien has been satisfied. We are only able to record a Release if one is presented to us. The IRS has modified its procedures in recent years, considering their liens to be "self-releasing" after a specific period. Consequently, they no longer record Release of Lien documents as they once did. Based on our observations, credit-reporting agencies typically rely solely on the index and may not review the actual documents that reflect the self-releasing language. However, if you contact the IRS, their staff may prepare a Certificate of Release that you can submit for recording.

​

What happens to an original document once it has been recorded?

The originals are returned based on the instructions given to us at the time of recording. Typically those instructions are to return the documents to the financial institution or title company that is completing the recording of the document(s). Individuals must provide a self-addressed stamped envelope when submitting their documents for their return.

​

I just paid off my loan. Where is my new deed?

Typically a new deed is only issued when a property is transferred (e.g. bought/sold). When a mortgage is satisfied, a release of mortgage (REMO) is prepared and filed by the lender.

​

Where can I get a survey of my property?

Surveys are not typically filed in the Recorder's Office. Contact your lender or title company for this information. If your home is in a subdivision, a plat map will typically be available. A plat map is a drawing showing dimensions of a lot with streets, alleys, building lines, etc. drawn to scale. You can search our records for plat maps by using a subdivision name. A plat map will not show any buildings or blueprints.

​

Are UCC filings recorded in the Recorder's Office?

Uniform Commercial Code financing statements are recorded in this office if they relate to real estate.

​

Do you have the deed to my mobile home?

No. Mobile home titles in Scioto County are registered with the Scioto County Auditor.

​

A credit agency is showing I have a lien in Scioto County. Is my lien filed in the Recorder's Office?

Certain real property liens are filed with the Recorder's Office, but this office does not remove or release any liens. Documents recorded in our office are public record and are accessible for search by any interested parties, including credit-reporting agencies. Certain property tax liens are handled by the Scioto County Treasurer, others are the result of filings with the Scioto County Clerk of Courts. Other liens (e.g. unpaid State of Ohio Income Tax Liens) may require you to contact another agency.

​

I need to have certified copies. Can I print out documents at home and then have them certified?

No. Certified Copies contain a stamp of authenticity from our office which is required for many legal processes. We would need to print and stamp them as part of our process. You can come to our office where we will certify on the spot or you can send in a request through the mail to order certified copies. Individuals must provide a self-addressed stamped envelope when submitting their documents for their return.

​

What is a marginal notation?

A marginal notation is a reference to a previously recorded document. Historically, documents such as mortgages and liens were assigned and/or released by placing a stamp in the margins of the official record book. Many documents require a prior reference for recording and indexing. There is an additional charge per reference for documents that are recorded with our office containing marginal notations.

​

Where can I get a copy of a birth or death certificate?

The Recorder's Office holds records of real estate transactions. For birth or death certificates, you can reach out to the Scioto County Health Department for assistance.

​

Where can I get a copy of my divorce record?

The Scioto County Clerk of Courts manages divorce records. To obtain copies of your divorce decree, please reach out to the Clerk of Courts office.

​

Where can I get a copy of my marriage record?

County probate courts handle the issuance and upkeep of marriage records. To obtain copies or information, it's best to reach out to the Scioto County Probate Court.​​

​

​

Not finding what you're looking for? Visit our Resources page for information on additional services provided by other government and community entities.