Lancaster County Property Records Online

Lancaster County property records date back to 1729 and cover more than 195,000 parcels across one of Pennsylvania's most active real estate markets. The Lancaster County Recorder of Deeds maintains a comprehensive online system at lancasterdeeds.com where you can search deeds, mortgages, liens, and other recorded instruments by owner name, parcel number, address, or book and page. Free grantor/grantee index access is available with a registered account. Whether you are researching current ownership or tracing historical title, Lancaster County offers some of the most detailed property record access in the state.

Lancaster County Recorder of Deeds

The Lancaster County Recorder of Deeds is located at 50 North Queen Street, Suite 310, 3rd Floor, Lancaster, PA 17608. This office is the official keeper of all recorded land documents in Lancaster County, with records stretching back to the county's formation in 1729. The office records new documents Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:45 PM, and general office hours run from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

Lancaster County maintains 195,283 total parcels, of which 179,307 are residential and 7,794 are commercial. This makes it one of the largest property records systems in Pennsylvania. The recorder's office handles a wide range of instruments, including deeds, mortgages, mortgage satisfactions, mortgage assignments, powers of attorney, leases, real estate agreements, UCC filings, charters of non-profit corporations, notary commissions, elected official commissions, and veterans' discharge documents.

Note: Documents submitted for recording after 3:45 PM will be processed the next business day. Call (717) 299-8238 to confirm specific recording requirements.

Searching Lancaster County Property Records Online

Lancaster County provides one of the most comprehensive online property record systems in Pennsylvania. The official recorder website at lancasterdeeds.com gives access to the full index of recorded instruments. The site offers a free Official Grantor/Grantee Index, but users must register for an account to access it. Registration is free and straightforward. Once registered, you can search by owner name and retrieve deed records tied to that person or entity.

The Lancaster County property search system at lancasterpa.devnetwedge.com allows searches by Property ID (parcel number), address, owner name, book and page, or instrument number. Search results include current ownership information, property address, parcel number, assessment values, tax information, deed references, mortgage information, and document images where available. This is a full-featured tool that covers most common property research needs for Lancaster County.

The Pennsylvania statewide portal at pa.uslandrecords.com also provides access to Lancaster County recorded instruments. This is a useful backup or cross-reference tool. The online index covers records from 1997 to the present. For records before 1997, researchers can visit the courthouse in person to search microfilm and historical index books that cover the county back to 1729.

FamilySearch has digitized many older Lancaster County deed records, making historical research easier for genealogists and title researchers. The Pennsylvania State Archives land records guide explains how to locate original land warrants and surveys dating to the colonial period. Lancaster County's records span nearly three centuries, making it one of the most historically rich property record systems in the commonwealth.

Note: The free Grantor/Grantee Index at lancasterdeeds.com requires a free account registration. Document image downloads may carry a separate fee beyond the free index access.

Property Documents Available in Lancaster County

Lancaster County holds a wide variety of recorded land and legal documents. The recorder's office processes thousands of new instruments each year given the county's active real estate market. Each document type serves a specific legal purpose within the property records system.

Deeds are the most searched records in Lancaster County. A deed transfers real property from seller to buyer and is the primary proof of ownership. Lancaster County deed records contain the grantor and grantee names, property description, consideration paid, and recording date. The county's deed index goes back to 1729, providing an unbroken chain of title for historical research. Mortgages, mortgage assignments, and mortgage satisfactions are also heavily searched. These records show the lending history of a property and confirm whether existing loans have been paid off.

Other Lancaster County recorded documents include:

• Powers of attorney affecting real property
• Leases and real estate agreements
• UCC financing statements
• Charters of non-profit corporations
• Notary public commissions
• Veterans' discharge documents (DD-214)

Judgment liens from court cases appear in the Unified Judicial System portal. State-level UCC searches are available through the Pennsylvania Department of State. Property tax data is maintained by the PA Department of Revenue.

Lancaster County Copy Fees and Recording Costs

Lancaster County maintains a published fee schedule for document copies and related services. Copy fees are $0.25 per page. Certification of a document costs $5.00. There is also a $5.00 service charge for certain transactions. These fees are among the most straightforward in Pennsylvania and reflect the county's commitment to accessible records.

Document recording fees follow the state schedule and depend on the number of pages and names indexed. If you plan to record a deed or mortgage, contact the recorder's office at (717) 299-8238 before submitting to confirm current recording fees and required transfer tax forms. The office also accepts electronic recordings through approved eRecording vendors, which can speed up the filing process for attorneys and title companies.

Note: Fee schedules may change. Confirm current costs with the Lancaster County Recorder of Deeds before submitting a request or mailing payment.

Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law and Property Records

Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law at 65 P.S. § 67.301 establishes public access to government records, including Lancaster County property records. Deeds, mortgages, and assessment data are presumed public and do not require a formal written request for routine access. Any resident can view these records during normal office hours.

If a county office denies access to a record you believe is public, you may appeal to the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records. The OOR handles appeals statewide. Most Lancaster County property record requests are routine and handled at the counter or through the online system. The Pennsylvania Local Government Commission offers guidance on how county offices must respond to public record requests.

Lancaster County Parcel Data and Assessment Records

Lancaster County covers 195,283 parcels with a median home value of approximately $265,500 and a median property tax rate of 1.53%. The county assessor maintains valuation records for all taxable real property. These records form the basis for annual tax bills from the county, school district, and municipality. The property search portal at lancasterpa.devnetwedge.com includes assessment values alongside deed and mortgage data, making it a one-stop resource for Lancaster County property research.

Assessment data includes land value, building value, total assessed value, and ownership details. GIS mapping tools are available to view parcel boundaries on an interactive map of Lancaster County. The map tools link to assessment and deed records, letting you identify and research properties visually. This is particularly useful in Lancaster County's dense residential areas and the large agricultural parcels common throughout the county.

The Pennsylvania Land Title Association can refer you to licensed title professionals who perform full searches of Lancaster County records. These searches are typically required for real estate sales and mortgage transactions and cover the full chain of title back through the county's long history.

Getting Copies of Lancaster County Property Records

Lancaster County offers several ways to get copies of property records. Online access through lancasterdeeds.com and lancasterpa.devnetwedge.com is the fastest and most convenient option for most users. Registered users can view document images and download copies for the applicable fee. The statewide portal at pa.uslandrecords.com also provides downloadable images for instruments recorded in Lancaster County.

In-person visits to 50 North Queen Street, Suite 310, Lancaster are available during office hours. Bring the book and page number, instrument number, or property address to speed up the search. Staff can print copies at $0.25 per page and provide certified copies for $5.00. Recording staff handle in-person requests daily and are experienced in locating records across the county's extensive index.

Mail requests are accepted. Include document details, your return address, and a check for the applicable fees. Call (717) 299-8238 to confirm the exact amount before mailing. For pre-1997 records, in-person or mail requests are often the only option since older documents are not fully indexed online.

Nearby Counties

Lancaster County borders several other Pennsylvania counties, each with property records systems of their own.

View All 67 Counties