Mercer County Recorder of Deeds: Search Records, Copies, Fees & Office
Use the Mercer County Recorder of Deeds when you need a recorded deed, mortgage, mortgage satisfaction, easement, right-of-way, agreement, subdivision plan, oil and gas lease or another instrument affecting real estate in Mercer County, Pennsylvania.
The fastest route depends on what you actually need. You can search the official index online for a document reference, pay for online image access when an image is available, contact the Recorder for an official copy, or submit a document for recording after satisfying current county recording and Uniform Parcel Identifier requirements.
Dee Dee Zickar.
125 S. Diamond Street, Suite 109, Mercer, PA 16137.
Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., except holidays.
Documents are not accepted for recording after 4:00 p.m.
What do you need from the Mercer County Recorder of Deeds?
Most visitors do not need to read every page on the county website. Choose the task that matches your reason for searching.
Use the official eSearch index to identify the recorded instrument, parties and recording information.
Follow the search stepsUse paid image access for research or request an official/certified copy from the Recorder when needed.
Compare copy optionsCheck document standards, fees, transfer-tax documents and the 2026 UPI certification requirement.
Prepare a recordingThe Recorder cannot edit an existing deed. A properly prepared new deed may be required.
Understand the processHow to search Mercer County deed records online
Mercer County uses an official Recorder of Deeds eSearch system. You do not need to buy an image subscription simply to check whether a deed, mortgage, release or other indexed document exists.
Open official Recorder eSearch
What records can you find?
Deeds, corrective deeds, decrees affecting real estate and other conveyance documents.
Mortgages, assignments, releases, satisfactions and other mortgage-related instruments.
Easements, rights-of-way, agreements, leases, oil and gas instruments and subdivision plans.
How to fix a Mercer County Recorder search that returns no result
| Problem | Why it happens | What to try next |
|---|---|---|
| Full owner name finds nothing | The document may use an initial, former surname, business name, trust name or different spelling. | Search the surname with fewer restrictions, then verify each plausible result. |
| Too many results | A common surname may appear on hundreds of instruments. | Narrow by first name/initial, date range, document type or other available advanced criteria. |
| Current owner is not the grantor on an older deed | Ownership may have changed through later conveyances, estates, trusts or court orders. | Work backward from a known current document and follow prior references or party names. |
| You know the instrument number | A name search adds unnecessary uncertainty. | Use the instrument/file-number search for a direct match. |
| You need a very old deed | Historical records may be organized differently from modern electronic indexes. | Use the portal’s Historical Online Indexes or contact the Recorder’s Office for guidance. |
| You need legal boundary proof | A deed description and a parcel/GIS view are not the same as an on-the-ground boundary survey. | Use the recorded deed/plan as source material and consult a licensed surveyor when boundary location matters. |
How to get a copy of a Mercer County deed or mortgage
The right copy method depends on whether you simply want to read the document or need an official copy for a lender, court, title matter, government filing or other formal purpose.
| Option | Best for | Current published cost / rule |
|---|---|---|
| Guest eSearch | Finding index information before ordering anything | Free index access; images cannot be viewed as a guest. |
| 1-day image subscription | Occasional research | $5 per day for index and image viewing. |
| 30-day image subscription | Short research projects | $40. |
| 6-month image subscription | Frequent professional research | $225. |
| 1-year image subscription | High-volume ongoing access | $400. |
| Online document copy | Downloading a research copy through the portal | Portal states copies may be purchased for $0.25 per page. |
| Staff-made copy | Office or mailed requests | Current Recorder fee schedule lists $0.50 per page. |
| Certification | When an official certified copy is required | Current fee schedule lists a $1.50 certification fee in addition to applicable copy charges. |
Requesting a copy directly from the office
Check the official current fee schedule
How to record a deed or other land document in Mercer County
Recording is different from searching. The Recorder preserves and indexes a document that already meets applicable legal and county requirements. The office does not create deeds or give legal advice.
Paper recording standards that prevent common rejections
Mercer County’s published document standards state that an acknowledgment date cannot predate the document date; deeds and mortgages should identify the property’s municipality, county and state; and documents should be legible. The county also requests clear top margin space for recording information.
A completed and signed certificate of residence is required on deeds, mortgages, articles of agreement and assignments. If multiple documents make up one transaction, clearly show the intended recording order.
Payment and return of paper documents
The Recorder’s published guidance says the office accepts cash or check for recording fees. Checks should be payable to Mercer County Recorder of Deeds and should include the account holder’s current address and phone number.
For mailed recordings, include the correct fee and a self-addressed stamped envelope large enough for the returned document.
Mercer County Recorder of Deeds recording fees
Mercer County’s fee schedule was revised in 2026 after a statewide surcharge change took effect December 1, 2025. Always recheck the official fee schedule immediately before recording because an underpaid document can be rejected.
| Document or service | Published fee | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Deed | $71.25 | Base generally includes 4 pages, 4 names and 1 parcel. |
| Mortgage | $71.25 | Additional pages/names/parcels may increase the charge. |
| Mortgage assignment / release / satisfaction | $59.75 | Confirm the exact instrument classification before submitting. |
| Power of attorney | $18.50 | Subject to document-specific requirements. |
| Additional page | $2.00 | Added beyond the pages included in the applicable base fee. |
| Additional parcel or name | $0.50 each | Added beyond the parcel/name count included in the base fee. |
| PA Realty Transfer Tax Statement of Value | $2.00 | Recorder notes that it is not included in the deed’s four-page base count. |
| UPI certification | $20 per UPI | Separate payment to Mercer County Tax Assessment, not part of the Recorder’s base deed fee. |
Mercer County UPI certification before recording
Effective January 5, 2026, Mercer County requires Uniform Parcel Identifier certification for a broad group of documents affecting real estate. The UPI is the county tax parcel number assigned to a parcel.
Covered documents include deeds and quitclaim deeds, many mortgages and mortgage-related instruments, easements and rights-of-way, leases, powers of attorney affecting specific real estate, certain court orders, financing statements and other instruments relating to title or real property.
Open the official Mercer County UPI page
Realty transfer tax when recording a Mercer County deed
A deed-recording fee and realty transfer tax are not the same charge. Pennsylvania imposes a state realty transfer tax, and local municipalities/school districts also impose transfer tax. The Recorder acts as a collection agent when a taxable transfer is recorded.
Mercer County’s current published notices show that local rates are not identical everywhere in the county. For example, the county lists increased rates for Greenville, Hermitage and Sharon. Therefore, do not calculate transfer tax only from the Recorder’s base filing fee.
| Location | Commonwealth portion | Published local portion | Total shown by current county guidance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical municipality without a special higher local rate | 1% | Often 1% | Often 2%, but verify for the exact property. |
| Greenville | 1% | 2% | 3% |
| Hermitage | 1% | 2.5% | 3.5% effective January 1, 2026. |
| Sharon | 1% | 2.5% | 3.5% effective February 1, 2026. |
Some transfers qualify for an exemption, but the exemption must be supported correctly. The Recorder’s FAQ gives examples such as certain transfers between spouses and specified family members while also noting that other exemptions are governed by Pennsylvania Department of Revenue rules.
Electronic recording in Mercer County
Mercer County accepts electronic recording through authorized third-party e-recording vendors. This option is commonly used by title companies, law offices, lenders and other frequent submitters.
One of the e-recording vendors listed by the Mercer County Recorder.
Listed by the county as an electronic recording provider.
Also listed as an available e-recording provider.
The Recorder’s current homepage notice states that, effective January 5, 2026, the county’s e-recording window is 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding county-observed holidays.
How do I add or remove a name from a Mercer County deed?
The Recorder’s Office cannot simply edit a recorded deed, replace an owner’s name in the index or prepare a new deed for you.
Mercer County’s FAQ states that changing, adding or removing a name generally requires preparation and recording of a new deed. The office recommends consulting a real estate attorney or title company for document preparation.
A new conveyance document may be necessary. The legal effect, transfer-tax treatment and ownership language can depend on the circumstances.
Do not assume the deed must automatically be rewritten. The answer depends on how title was held and what later transaction is being completed.
Sign up for Mercer County PropertyCheck alerts
Mercer County offers PropertyCheck, a free notification service intended to alert users when documents are recorded under a monitored owner name or property information.
Mercer County Recorder of Deeds office address, hours & contact
Recorder of Deeds vs. Tax Assessment vs. other Mercer County offices
| Your task | Best starting office | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Find a recorded deed or mortgage | Recorder of Deeds | Maintains the recorded land-document index and images. |
| Get a certified deed copy | Recorder of Deeds | Official recorded copy comes from the recording office. |
| Record a new deed | Recorder of Deeds | Records qualifying real-estate instruments after requirements are satisfied. |
| Certify the parcel UPI before recording | Mercer County Tax Assessment | Assessment certifies the UPI under the 2026 county ordinance. |
| Locate physical boundary lines | Licensed surveyor / recorded plans as source material | A deed or county map alone does not physically establish boundary markers on the ground. |
| Prepare a deed or receive legal advice | Attorney or qualified title professional | The Recorder does not prepare deeds or give legal advice. |
Mercer County Recorder of Deeds FAQs
How do I search Mercer County PA deeds online?
Open the official Mercer County Recorder eSearch portal, choose guest access if you only need the public index, and search by the strongest information you have—usually party name or instrument number. Verify the document type, parties and recording details before purchasing an image or ordering a copy.
Is the Mercer County Recorder of Deeds search free?
The public index can be searched through free guest access. The guest level does not allow document-image viewing. The official portal lists paid subscription options for users who need available scanned images.
How much does it cost to record a deed in Mercer County?
The Recorder’s current fee schedule lists a base deed fee of $71.25. The base includes four pages, four names and one parcel. Extra pages, names or parcels, the Statement of Value, realty transfer tax and the separate $20-per-UPI Tax Assessment certification fee can increase the total.
Can I get a copy of my deed without visiting the courthouse?
Yes. You can search online and use paid online image access when available. The Recorder’s FAQ also allows mailed copy requests. When you need an official or certified copy, obtain it through the Recorder’s Office rather than treating an ordinary browser image as certified.
Can the Recorder add my spouse or child to my existing deed?
No. The Recorder does not edit an existing recorded deed. The county explains that adding, changing or removing a name generally requires a newly prepared deed to be recorded. Because that can affect legal ownership and taxes, the county recommends working with a real estate attorney or title company.
What is a UPI and why do I need it?
UPI means Uniform Parcel Identifier. In Mercer County it is based on the county tax parcel number. Beginning January 5, 2026, many instruments affecting real estate require Tax Assessment certification of the applicable UPI before the Recorder can record them.
Can I mail a deed to the Mercer County Recorder?
Yes, the Recorder accepts mailed documents, but the document must meet recording requirements and include the correct fees. The county asks mailed submitters to include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return of the recorded document.
How far back do Mercer County Recorder records go?
The Recorder’s Office states that its land records date back to 1803. Modern online searching is supplemented by historical indexes. For a very old deed that is difficult to locate online, contact the office for help identifying the correct historical index.
Are Mercer County deeds and mortgages public records?
Recorded land instruments are generally public records. Mercer County notes that military discharge records are treated as confidential. The county also warns against placing Social Security numbers or dates of birth in documents that will become part of the public land-record system.
How do I know whether my paid-off mortgage was released?
Search the Recorder’s index for a mortgage satisfaction or release associated with the borrower/lender and property transaction. Mercer County explains that after a mortgage is paid, the lending institution should prepare the satisfaction and send it for recording. If you cannot locate it, contact the lender and Recorder’s Office rather than assuming the mortgage was automatically removed from the public record.
Use the Mercer County Recorder record that matches your purpose
If you only need to identify a deed, start with the free guest index. If you need to read the recorded instrument, decide whether a paid online image is sufficient. If an agency, lender, court or title professional requires an official copy, order it directly from the Recorder.
If you are recording a new deed, do not stop after checking the $71.25 base recording fee. Review the document standards, transfer-tax requirements and the Mercer County UPI certification rules that took effect January 5, 2026. Those additional requirements are now an important part of getting a Mercer County real-estate document accepted for recording.