Sangamon County Recorder: Deeds, Records & Search
The Sangamon County Recorder is the county office to use when you need a recorded deed, mortgage, release, lien, subdivision plat, survey or other document affecting real estate in Sangamon County, Illinois.
The quickest path depends on what you actually need. A deed search belongs with the Recorder. Property ownership, parcel values and assessment details may be easier to locate through the county property-tax system. Tax bills belong with the Treasurer, while court judgments and lawsuits belong with the Circuit Clerk.
Frank J. Lesko
200 S. Ninth St., Springfield, IL 62701
217-535-3150
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM Central
Published county fee: $64 when standard requirements are met
What are you actually trying to find?
Recorder searches become much easier once you identify the record type. Use the routing below before paying for a search or visiting the courthouse.
Use the Recorder’s land-record index to locate the instrument, then obtain the image or request a copy.
Search deed recordsUse the property-tax search first to identify the owner and parcel number, then move to Recorder records.
Start with an addressSearch the Recorder’s index for the mortgage and any later release, satisfaction or related instrument.
Check mortgage recordsRecord availability varies by year. Older material may require a document number, book/page reference or an in-person search.
See historical coverageCheck document formatting, transfer requirements and the current predictable fee before submitting the original document.
Recording checklistRecorded liens can be researched through Recorder records, but determining whether a lien remains legally effective may require professional advice.
Research liensHow to search Sangamon County Recorder land records
Sangamon County provides several ways to search recorded documents. The best option depends on whether you need only index data, a document image, occasional paid access or frequent professional access.
Open Sangamon County Land Records Search
Open Free Data Search
Open Tapestry
Review Laredo access
How to find a Sangamon County deed from an address
A street address is often a better starting point in the county property-tax system than in a grantor/grantee Recorder index. The practical workflow is to identify the parcel first and then search the recorded ownership documents.
Search Sangamon County parcels
How far back do Sangamon County land records go?
The Recorder’s office maintains land records dating to the early history of Sangamon County, but not every historical document is searchable online in the same way.
| Record period | What the county says is available | Best approach |
|---|---|---|
| 1982-present | Online data and document images are listed as available. | Start with free index data; use an image-access option when necessary. |
| 1950-1969 deeds | The county says these deed records have been indexed and are available to view. | Search by parties and available index information. |
| 1901 and later deed books | Deed books have been scanned back to February 16, 1901. | A document number or book/page reference can make retrieval much easier. |
| Earlier / unindexed research | Historical material may require microfilm, microfiche or office research. | Visit the Recorder’s office or consider a professional title researcher. |
How to get a copy of a Sangamon County deed
If you already know the deed or document you need, you do not have to perform a full title search. Identify the instrument and request the appropriate copy from the Recorder.
The current county fee schedule lists $2 for the first two pages and $0.25 for each additional page.
The current fee schedule lists $26 for certified copies of recorded documents other than plats.
Micro step-by-step: request the correct deed
Open official Copy Requests page
Before you submit a deed to the Sangamon County Recorder
Recording is not simply uploading a property description. The Recorder reviews a submitted instrument for statutory recording requirements and the applicable fee, assigns recording information, scans and indexes the document and preserves it as part of the public record.
Basic document preparation checklist
Recording a property transfer
Sangamon County’s Recorder FAQ explains that when ownership is transferred by sale or gift, a new deed must be prepared, signed, notarized and recorded. For a sale of real estate for $100 or more, the county states that a PTAX-203 transfer declaration must accompany the deed for transfer-tax purposes. Transactions qualifying for an exemption require the appropriate exemption treatment.
Can you mail a document for recording?
Yes. The Recorder’s FAQ says an original document may be mailed for recording. Include the correct fee and clear instructions showing where the original document should be returned after recording.
Mail / deliver to:Sangamon County Recorder
200 South Ninth Street
First Floor
Springfield, IL 62701
Because fees and recording requirements can change, verify the current fee schedule before mailing a check rather than relying on an older deed, closing statement or third-party fee calculator.
Sangamon County Recorder fees
The amounts below reflect the Recorder’s published fee schedule available during this guide’s review. Always check the official fee page immediately before recording because Illinois statutory surcharges and county fees can change.
| Service / document | Published fee | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Standard real-property recording | $64 | Standard 8.5 × 11 inch paper with required blank area and standardization requirements. |
| Non-standard real-property recording | $84 | Applies when the document does not meet the published standardization requirements and includes the applicable surcharge. |
| Standard surcharge-exempt document | $45 | Only for document classes qualifying for the exemption. |
| Non-standard surcharge-exempt document | $65 | For qualifying exempt documents that do not meet standardization requirements. |
| Certified copy | $26 | Published rate for documents other than plats. |
| Non-certified copy | $2 first 2 pages | $0.25 for each additional page. |
| Real-estate UCC filing | $34 | Termination is listed separately at $14. |
| Subdivision / condo / annexation plat | $96 | Published rate with four copies; additional charge applies without the four copies. |
How to check a mortgage or release
Recorded mortgage records can help you identify when a mortgage was filed and whether a later release or satisfaction appears in the Recorder’s index. Do not assume that finding the original mortgage alone tells you the current loan balance or legal status.
How to search for recorded liens in Sangamon County
The Recorder records many instruments that can affect real estate, including property liens, releases and certain federal, state and local lien documents. A search should usually include both the current owner’s name and relevant prior names.
Search the Recorder’s land records by the person’s or entity’s name and review document type and legal description.
The Recorder’s land-record page links separately to the Illinois Department of Revenue lien registry for state tax liens and releases.
A court case or judgment may require research through the Sangamon County Circuit Clerk in addition to land records.
Sign up for Sangamon County Property Fraud Alert
The Recorder offers a free notification service that monitors a registered name and alerts the subscriber when that name appears on a newly recorded document. The service does not prevent a fraudulent filing, but it can provide an early warning that lets a property owner investigate an unfamiliar document quickly.
Open official fraud-alert information
Register for Sangamon County alerts
Recorder vs. Assessor vs. Treasurer vs. Circuit Clerk
| Your question | Correct office or system | Typical record |
|---|---|---|
| Who received title in a recorded deed? | Recorder | Deed / conveyance instrument |
| What is the parcel number or assessed value? | Supervisor of Assessments / tax system | Parcel and assessment record |
| How much property tax is due? | Treasurer / property-tax system | Tax bill, balance and payment status |
| Is there a mortgage or recorded release? | Recorder | Mortgage, assignment or release |
| Is there a court case or judgment? | Circuit Clerk | Court docket / case record |
| Where is the parcel on a map? | County GIS | Parcel map / GIS layer |
Sangamon County Recorder office address, phone and hours
First Floor
200 South Ninth Street
Springfield, IL 62701
Phone: 217-535-3150
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM Central
- Researching records not conveniently indexed online.
- Using free public search terminals.
- Reviewing microfilm or microfiche for historical documents.
- Confirming the page count before ordering a copy.
- Researching recorded liens when online results are incomplete.
Sangamon County Recorder FAQs
Where can I search Sangamon County Recorder records online?
Start with the official Sangamon County Land Records Search page. It routes users to the free data-only search, Tapestry and Laredo.
Is the Sangamon County Recorder search free?
The county provides a free land-record data search without document images. Tapestry is a paid remote search service, while Laredo is designed for subscription users who search records regularly.
How far back can I search Sangamon County deeds online?
The Recorder’s current Land Records Search page states that online data and images are available from 1982 to present. Deed books have been scanned back to February 16, 1901, and deed records from 1950 through 1969 have been indexed for viewing. Older or unindexed research may require an office visit.
How do I get a copy of my deed?
Locate the recorded deed first, then use the Recorder’s copy-request process or contact the Research Department at 217-535-3150. The published fee is $2 for the first two pages of a non-certified copy plus $0.25 per additional page. Certified copies of most documents are listed at $26.
How much does it cost to record a deed in Sangamon County?
The Recorder’s published fee schedule currently lists $64 for a standard real-property document that meets the county’s formatting and standardization requirements. A non-standard document is listed at $84. Verify the current fee schedule before submitting a document.
Can I mail a deed for recording?
Yes. The Recorder says original documents can be mailed with the exact recording fee and a return address. Mail documents to Sangamon County Recorder, 200 South Ninth Street, First Floor, Springfield, IL 62701.
Can the Recorder tell me whether a property has clear title?
No. The Recorder provides access to recorded instruments but does not perform or guarantee title searches. A title company or attorney may be appropriate when you need a complete chain-of-title examination or legal conclusion.
How can I find a deed if I only know the street address?
Start with the county parcel search to identify the owner and parcel number. Then use the owner name in the Recorder’s grantor/grantee index to locate the recorded conveyance.
Where can I find Sangamon County property tax bills?
Property-tax bills and payment information are handled through Sangamon County’s property-tax system, not the Recorder. Use the county parcel search to open the correct tax account and available tax actions.
Does Sangamon County offer deed or property fraud alerts?
Yes. The Recorder promotes a free Property Fraud Alert service that notifies a subscriber when a document containing a monitored name is recorded. An alert is a notification tool, not proof that the filing is fraudulent.
The fastest way to use Sangamon County Recorder records
If you are looking for a Sangamon County deed, mortgage, release, lien, plat or other recorded land document, begin with the official Recorder’s Land Records Search page. Use the free data search to identify the instrument whenever possible, then move to Tapestry, Laredo or the Recorder’s copy-request process only when you actually need an image or official copy.
If your starting information is only a property address, first identify the parcel and current owner through Sangamon County’s property-tax system. That gives you stronger identifiers for the Recorder’s grantor/grantee index and can prevent paying for the wrong document.
For document recording, always verify the current Recorder fee schedule and form requirements immediately before filing. Property transfers can create legal and tax consequences, and Recorder staff cannot choose or prepare a legal instrument for you.