About Document Standards

Certain document standards are requested by all recorders who are members of the Pennsylvania Recorder of Deeds Association. (can we link to their website here?) The following is a list of standards that will help reduce the number of documents returned:”

• Documents presented for recording must be original documents.

• Acknowledgment date cannot predate document date.

• Please allow for a 2-inch margin at the top of every page to be reserved for Recorder’s Office use.

• Deeds and mortgages should indicate the property’s municipality, county, and state.

• A completed and signed certificate of residence is required on all deeds, mortgages, articles of agreement and assignments.

• Paper documents and e-recorded document images should be legible for recording, indexing, and copying.

• We accept cash or checks only. All checks must include account holder’s current address and phone number.

• Please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope of sufficient size to accommodate the return of your documents or requested copies.

• No use of highlighting.

• Deed with transfer tax in more than one municipality must stipulate division of transfer tax or percentage paid.

• When recording multiple documents constituting one transaction, please clearly indicate on each document the order of recording.

• Transfer taxes and/or a PA Realty Transfer Tax Statement of Value form must accompany all transfers. PA Department of Revenue requires the Statement of Value form to be fully completed. Instructions can be found on the SOV form. (click here to access the form). You must use the current form.