Property Records in Centre County Pennsylvania
Centre County property records are maintained at the county offices in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. The county assessor and Recorder of Deeds both provide access to property-related documents including deeds, mortgages, tax assessment data, and GIS maps. Centre County offers an online property search with GIS mapping that allows users to find parcel boundaries, ownership details, and assessment values. You can access Centre County property records online through both local and statewide portals, or visit the Willowbank County Office Building in Bellefonte during business hours.
Centre County Quick Facts
Centre County Assessor and Recorder of Deeds
Centre County property records are managed through offices at the Willowbank County Office Building, 420 Holmes Street, Bellefonte. The assessor provides tax assessment data and ownership information for all real property in Centre County. The Recorder of Deeds maintains recorded instruments including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and subdivision plans. Both offices are open to the public during regular business hours.
Centre County was formed in 1800 from parts of Lycoming, Mifflin, and Northumberland counties. The county is home to Penn State University and has grown significantly over the decades. Property records in Centre County reflect both rural land holdings and the expanding suburban and commercial development around State College. The Willowbank building houses multiple county offices and is the primary location for property records access in Bellefonte.
The Centre County government website at centrecountypa.gov provides links to assessor data, GIS maps, and recorder services. The image below shows the county's online portal for property information.
The Centre County portal connects users to interactive GIS maps, assessment data, and property search tools covering all parcels in the county.
| Office | Centre County Assessor / Recorder of Deeds |
|---|---|
| Address | Willowbank County Office Building, 420 Holmes Street, Bellefonte, PA 16823 |
| Phone | (814) 355-6721 |
| Hours | Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | centrecountypa.gov |
Note: The Willowbank building is the main county office location, but some departments may be at other addresses. Call ahead to confirm the exact office for the records you need.
Searching Centre County Property Records Online
Centre County offers an online GIS and property search system through its county website. You can search by address or parcel number, view property boundaries on an interactive map, and access assessment information. This tool is free to use and gives a detailed view of Centre County parcels including aerial photography and zoning overlays.
The statewide land records portal covers recorded deed and mortgage instruments for Centre County. Visit pa.uslandrecords.com to search by owner name, document type, or date range for Centre County recorded documents. The image below shows how the state portal handles Centre County land records searches.
PA Land Records gives access to Centre County deed and mortgage images recorded with the county Recorder of Deeds over the years.
For historical land research in Centre County, the Pennsylvania State Archives holds early warrant records and survey returns. Tax lien data is available through the PA Department of Revenue online. Court judgment records that may attach to Centre County real property can be searched through the Unified Judicial System portal.
Types of Property Records in Centre County
Centre County maintains a full range of property documents. Knowing each type helps you locate the right record for your purpose.
Deeds are the primary documents for property transfers. Centre County deed records identify the grantor and grantee, describe the property, state the consideration, and give the recording date. Mortgages show financial claims against real property. When paid off, a mortgage satisfaction is recorded to clear the title. Liens from unpaid taxes, contractor work, or court judgments can also attach to Centre County property and appear in recorder records.
Other Centre County property records include easements that grant use rights across parcels, subdivision plans showing how land is divided for development, and UCC filings for commercial transactions. UCC documents are also filed with the Pennsylvania Department of State. Court records involving Centre County properties are accessible through the UJS portal.
The assessor maintains property record cards that show:
- Owner name and mailing address
- Parcel identification number
- Land and building values
- Property characteristics (size, use, construction type)
- Sales history and transfer dates
Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law and Access Rights
Under 65 P.S. § 67.301, all Pennsylvania county agencies are required to make public records available to anyone who requests them. Centre County property records including deeds, mortgages, and assessment data are public records accessible during normal office hours. You do not need a special reason or identity to access most property records in Centre County.
If access is denied, you may appeal to the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records. The OOR handles statewide appeals under the Right-to-Know Law. Most denials are reversed or modified when appealed properly. The process is free and accessible to all Pennsylvania residents. The PA Local Government Commission also publishes guides on how counties must comply with RTKL obligations.
Centre County offices are required to designate an open records officer. This person manages formal RTKL requests when they are submitted in writing. For property records that are routinely available on the county website or in person, a formal request is usually not needed.
Centre County GIS Maps and Property Assessment
Centre County provides a robust online GIS mapping portal. This interactive tool lets users search for properties by address, parcel number, or map-based selection. You can view parcel boundaries, aerial photography, and assessment data all in one place. The GIS system is a powerful resource for property research in Centre County.
The GIS portal supports layer controls that let you toggle different map features on and off. You can view zoning overlays, floodplain boundaries, and road networks alongside property parcels. Clicking on a parcel shows key data including owner name, assessed value, and parcel ID. This level of detail makes the Centre County GIS one of the more useful county mapping tools in Pennsylvania.
The Centre County Assessor uses GIS data to maintain accurate parcel records and assessment values. Assessment rolls are updated regularly to reflect changes in ownership and improvements. If you believe your Centre County assessment is incorrect, the Board of Assessment Appeals accepts formal challenges during the annual appeal period. The Pennsylvania Land Title Association can connect you with title professionals who use GIS and assessment data as part of Centre County title searches.
Note: GIS data is updated periodically and may not reflect the most recent recordings or ownership changes. Always verify current ownership with the Centre County Recorder of Deeds for legally binding information.
How to Get Copies of Centre County Property Records
There are several ways to obtain copies of Centre County property records. Each method works for different situations. Choose the one that best fits your needs and timeline.
In-person access is available at the Willowbank County Office Building, 420 Holmes Street, Bellefonte. Bring the parcel number, owner name, or document book and page reference. Staff at the Recorder of Deeds and assessor office can help locate and print the records you need. Copy fees apply for recorder documents.
Online downloads are available through pa.uslandrecords.com for recorded deed and mortgage images. The county GIS portal provides free access to assessment data. Mail requests may also be submitted to the Centre County Recorder of Deeds, 420 Holmes Street, Bellefonte, PA 16823. Include specific document details and payment for applicable fees. Call (814) 355-6721 to confirm current fees before mailing. For professional title searches covering Centre County, the Pennsylvania Land Title Association maintains a directory of licensed title companies.
Nearby Counties
Centre County is surrounded by several Pennsylvania counties that also provide online property records and assessor search tools.