Washington County Recorder of Deeds: Search & Office

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Washington County, Pennsylvania · Recorded land documents

Washington County Recorder of Deeds: Search & Office

Use the Washington County Recorder of Deeds when you need a recorded deed, mortgage, subdivision plan, easement, satisfaction, assignment or another permanent land record for Washington County, Pennsylvania. The county directs online deed researchers to Landex and states that deeds from 1781 to the present are available remotely.

This guide takes you from a street address or owner name to the correct recorded document, explains how to verify a deed before paying for a copy, shows the Recorder’s office location and recording cutoff, and routes assessment, property-tax and delinquent-tax questions to the correct county office.

Open official Recorder page Search deeds with Landex Office & hours
Make sure you are searching Washington County, Pennsylvania. Many states have a Washington County. This page covers the Pennsylvania Recorder of Deeds located at 95 W. Beau Street in Washington, PA and the county’s Landex deed-search system.
1781–present County says deeds in this range are available online through Landex.
95 W. Beau St. Recorder office, Suite 520, Washington, PA 15301.
9:00–4:30 Listed Recorder office hours.
4:00 p.m. Document-recording cutoff listed by the county.
724-228-6806 Recorder phone for recording and fee questions.

Washington County deed-search guide

Choose the task that brought you here rather than reading every section in order.

Start with the office function

What does the Washington County Recorder of Deeds do?

The Washington County Recorder of Deeds records, indexes, verifies, scans and permanently preserves documents that Pennsylvania law treats as important public land records. The county specifically identifies deeds, mortgages and subdivisions among the documents handled by the office.

Think of the Recorder as the recorded-document office. If you want the legal document showing a conveyance, mortgage, easement or other recorded interest, this is usually where the search begins. If you want an assessed value, parcel map, current tax payment or delinquent-tax status, another county department may control that information.

Recorded land records

Deeds, mortgages, subdivisions and other documents accepted for permanent recording.

Indexes & copies

Search recording references, inspect records and obtain ordinary or certified copies when needed.

Recording services

Submit eligible documents with required fees, taxes and supporting material for recording.

Do not treat the Recorder’s index as a legal title opinion. An index can identify recorded documents, but complicated ownership, lien priority, inheritance, mineral-right, boundary or corrective-deed questions may require review by a Pennsylvania attorney or title professional.
When all you have is a street address

How to find a Washington County deed from a property address

Recorder systems are document indexes, not necessarily simple address-search databases. If your starting information is only a house address, first identify the current owner, parcel identification number and municipality through Washington County Tax Revenue’s property-record tools, then carry those clues into the deed search.

Open Washington County Tax Revenue Use the official Tax Revenue page and its Property Records Public Access Site or Parcel Viewer.
Open Washington County Tax Revenue →
Search the property Enter the street address or use the available parcel-search tools. Record the owner spelling, PIN/parcel identifier, municipality and any recent transfer information displayed.
Return to Landex Search the owner name as a grantee and compare the likely deed dates or recording references with the property record.
Match the legal property clues Confirm that the deed’s municipality, parcel reference and legal description fit the parcel you intended to research.
An assessment owner field and a recorded deed are not interchangeable. Assessment records are useful for finding the parcel and owner spelling, but the recorded document should be reviewed when you need the actual conveyance language, legal description, reservations or recording reference.
Record decoder

How to read a Washington County deed-search result

Common deed-search fields and what to verify
Field What it generally means How to use it
Grantor Person or entity transferring an interest. Useful when tracing the seller, prior owner or party releasing an interest.
Grantee Person or entity receiving the recorded interest. Useful for locating the deed by which a current owner acquired property.
Recording date Date the document entered the Recorder’s records. Do not confuse it with settlement, execution or possession date.
Instrument / document reference Unique reference assigned to a recorded document. One of the strongest identifiers for requesting or citing a copy.
Book / page Traditional document-location reference. Especially useful for older deeds and title-history research.
Document type Deed, mortgage, satisfaction, assignment, easement or other category. Prevents confusing an ownership deed with another instrument involving the same names.
PIN / parcel reference Property identifier associated with county parcel records when available. Compare it with Washington County Tax Revenue property data.
Legal description Formal property description contained in the recorded document. Review when street-address information alone is not precise enough.

A deed search may also reveal mortgages, assignments, satisfactions, rights-of-way and other instruments tied to the same people or parcel. Do not assume that the newest document containing an owner’s name is automatically the deed conveying title.

Copies and document proof

How to get a Washington County deed copy

Start by deciding whether you merely need to read a recorded deed or whether another organization specifically requires a certified copy. For personal research, an ordinary record image may be enough. Courts, government agencies, lenders or other formal processes may require certification.

Remote copy

Search through Landex, verify the correct document and follow the platform’s current copy-purchase process.

Open Landex →
Recorder-office copy

Use the Recorder when you need office assistance, an official certified copy or help identifying an older recording reference.

Recorder contact information →

Information to have before requesting a copy

Grantor and grantee names
Approximate recording date
Document or instrument number
Book and page when known
Property municipality
PIN or parcel reference
Do not buy the first result with a matching surname. Verify both parties, date, document type and property clues first. A small amount of verification can prevent purchasing the wrong deed, mortgage or satisfaction.
Preparing a document for recording

How to record a deed or other land document in Washington County

Recording a prepared deed is different from searching for an existing one. Before delivering or mailing a deed, confirm that the document is legally complete, properly acknowledged, formatted according to current county rules, accompanied by the correct recording fee and supported by any required Pennsylvania realty-transfer-tax material.

Identify the exact document type Determine whether you are recording a deed, mortgage, assignment, satisfaction, easement, right-of-way, subdivision plan or another instrument. Fees and supporting requirements can differ.
Review the Recorder’s current notices Washington County currently states that legal-size pages are no longer accepted electronically. It also says letter-size pages must use at least 12-size font and legal-size pages at least 14-size font.
Check current county recording notices →
Count pages, indexed names and parcel PINs The Recorder says its listed base recorded-document fees include four pages, four indexed names and one PIN. Extra pages, names and PINs create additional charges.
Determine whether realty transfer tax applies Pennsylvania imposes a 1% state realty transfer tax on taxable transfers, and local realty transfer tax may also apply. Do not calculate a transaction solely from the Recorder’s filing fee.
Read Pennsylvania Realty Transfer Tax guidance →
Check whether a Statement of Value is required Pennsylvania Form REV-183 is used in situations such as certain transfers where full consideration is not stated, a deed is without consideration or an exemption is claimed. Review the current form instructions for your transaction.
Open PA transfer-tax forms and guidance →
Confirm the exact amount before paying Fee schedules and statutory surcharges can change. Washington County specifically posted an increase to the CJEA-related surcharge and advises users to confirm costs when uncertain. Call 724-228-6806 before mailing a check when the total is unclear.
Submit before the recording cutoff The Recorder lists public hours of 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., but document recording stops at 4:00 p.m.. Arrive earlier when multiple documents, transfer-tax questions or corrections may require staff review.
The Recorder records documents; it does not create your deed for you or decide whether the transfer accomplishes your legal goal. Adding or removing an owner, correcting a deed, transferring property into a trust, dealing with an estate or reserving mineral rights can have legal and tax consequences. Use appropriate professional advice before recording.
Fee planning

Washington County Recorder of Deeds fees

The official Recorder page directs users to its current fee schedule and warns that a statutory surcharge increase changed recorded-document costs. Because recording totals depend on document type and can include transfer taxes, use the numbers below as a planning framework and verify the final amount on the county’s current schedule before writing checks.

Washington County PA recording-cost items to check
Cost item Current county guidance What to do
Base recording fee Depends on the document category; county publishes a current fee schedule. Open the official Recorder page and use the newest posted fee schedule.
Additional page $2.00 for each page beyond the four included in the listed base fee. Count the final document after all exhibits and attachments are assembled.
Additional indexed name $0.50 for each indexed name beyond the four included. Multiple grantors, grantees, companies and trusts may increase the count.
Additional PIN $10.00 for each PIN beyond the first included PIN. Multi-parcel documents can cost substantially more.
State realty transfer tax Pennsylvania state rate is generally 1% on taxable real-estate transfers. Review PA Department of Revenue guidance and exemptions.
Local transfer tax A separate local tax may apply in addition to the state tax. Confirm the property’s municipality and current local rate before settlement or recording.
Why not rely on an old fee screenshot? The Recorder’s website notes that the CJEA fee increased and that its fee schedule was being amended to reflect the statutory change. For mailed recordings, an incorrect check can delay the filing, so the official Recorder page and office phone should control the final amount.
Avoid preventable recording problems

Washington County document checks before you submit a deed

A recording can be delayed even when the underlying transaction is legitimate. Use this checklist before presenting or mailing a prepared document.

Recording-preparation checklist
Check Why it matters Practical action
Correct county Documents must be recorded in the county where the affected real estate is located. Confirm the parcel is in Washington County, Pennsylvania.
Page size County currently says legal-size pages are not accepted electronically. Review the Recorder’s electronic-recording notice before submission.
Font size Recorder currently states minimum 12-size font for letter pages and 14-size for legal pages. Check the entire document, including exhibits prepared for recording.
Names Names affect indexing and may affect the recording fee. Confirm spelling, entity names and signing capacity.
Notary / acknowledgment Applicable documents generally need a legally sufficient acknowledgment. Check dates, signatures, notarial information and capacity before submission.
Parcel / PIN Parcel identification helps route and index real-estate documents. Compare parcel information with Washington County property records.
Transfer-tax documents A taxable or exempt transfer may require tax payment or supporting paperwork. Review Pennsylvania transfer-tax rules and REV-183 requirements.
Recording fee Fees depend on document type, pages, indexed names, PINs and current surcharges. Verify the latest total with the official county schedule.

Subdivision plans have additional requirements

Washington County’s Recorder page says subdivisions are submitted in paper or mylar form and identifies required approvals that can include the Washington County Planning Commission, local planning commission where applicable, the Board of Supervisors or Borough Council, and owners of the subdivided real estate. The county also states that the engineer’s seal must be applied and that subdivisions must be recorded within 90 days of local governing-body approval.

If you are recording a subdivision rather than an ordinary deed, review the current county instructions before appearing at the Recorder’s office. Do not assume normal deed preparation rules are sufficient for a plan.
Office information

Washington County Recorder of Deeds office address, hours and phone

Washington County Recorder of Deeds
95 W. Beau Street
Suite 520
Washington, PA 15301

Phone 724-228-6806

Recorder Carrie Perrell

Before you visit

Office hours: 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Recording cutoff: 4:00 p.m.

Bring the exact book/page or instrument reference when requesting an older copy. For recording, verify the fee and supporting tax documents before arrival.

Check official office notices
Searching in person: Washington County says public computers are available in the Recorder of Deeds office for recorded-document searches. This can be useful for historical records, difficult name variations or research that is cumbersome through remote access.
Use the correct department

Recorder of Deeds vs Assessment, Treasurer and Tax Claim

A major source of wasted time is asking the Recorder to solve a question controlled by another office. Use this table before calling or visiting.

Where to go for common Washington County property tasks
Your task Best office / resource Why
Find a recorded deed Recorder of Deeds / Landex The Recorder maintains the recorded land-document history.
Get a mortgage or satisfaction Recorder of Deeds / Landex These are recorded-document searches.
Find current owner or PIN from an address Tax Revenue / Assessments Assessment maintains parcel and property-record information.
Check assessed value Tax Revenue / Assessments The Recorder does not set property assessments.
Pay or ask about county real-estate taxes Washington County Treasurer The Treasurer handles county real-estate tax collection and payment inquiries.
Research delinquent taxes or tax sale Tax Claim Bureau Tax Claim handles delinquent-tax information and tax-sale processes.
Resolve a title or ownership dispute Attorney / title professional The Recorder preserves documents but does not decide private legal ownership disputes.
Common search problems

No deed result? Try these fixes before assuming the record is missing

Name search problems
  • Search surname with fewer given-name terms.
  • Try middle initials and full middle names separately.
  • Search maiden or former names when appropriate.
  • Try a trust, corporation or LLC name exactly as recorded.
  • Search the person as both grantor and grantee.
Property search problems
  • Confirm the municipality, not just the mailing city.
  • Use Tax Revenue property records to identify the PIN.
  • Search the prior owner shown in assessment or transaction information.
  • Use book/page or instrument number whenever available.
  • Check whether you are searching Washington County, Pennsylvania.
Older-record strategy: Historical deed research may require following a chain of names from one deed to the prior deed. If remote indexing becomes difficult, use the Recorder’s public computer room or call Landex support for platform assistance.
Privacy and special records

Are Washington County recorded documents public?

Washington County states that recorded documents are public records with an important exception: military discharges (DD-214) are not treated as ordinary public records. The county encourages veterans to file discharge papers for safekeeping and explains that the retained copy can be used to provide a certified copy for purposes such as employment or veteran benefits.

For ordinary deeds, mortgages and other public recorded documents, remember that public availability does not mean every online service is the official county source. Start with the Recorder’s page and the Landex service identified by Washington County.

Decision guide

What should you do next?

Fast next step by search intent
If you need… Do this first
A copy of your deed Search Landex, verify the document reference, then obtain the appropriate copy.
A deed but only know the address Find the owner/PIN through Washington County Tax Revenue, then search Landex.
To record a new deed Review current county formatting, fee and transfer-tax requirements before submission.
To add or remove a name Determine the legally appropriate deed or instrument with qualified professional help before recording anything.
A current property value Use Washington County Assessments rather than the Recorder.
A property-tax payment or receipt Use the Treasurer / Tax Revenue system.
Delinquent-tax or tax-sale information Use Washington County Tax Claim.
Proof of legal ownership for a dispute Collect the recorded documents, then obtain legal/title advice rather than relying on an index alone.
Frequently asked questions

Washington County Recorder of Deeds FAQs

Which Washington County Recorder of Deeds does this page cover?

Washington County, Pennsylvania. The Recorder of Deeds office is at 95 W. Beau Street, Suite 520, Washington, PA 15301.

Where can I search Washington County PA deeds online?

Washington County directs users to Landex for remote deed access. The county says deeds from 1781 to the present are available online through that service.

How far back do Washington County Pennsylvania deeds go online?

The official Recorder page states that deeds dating from 1781 to the present are available online and remotely through Landex.

Can I search deeds in person?

Yes. Washington County says public computers are available in the Recorder of Deeds office for recorded-document searching.

What is the Washington County Recorder of Deeds phone number?

The listed office phone number is 724-228-6806. Use it for county recording, fee and office questions. For Landex website or copy-purchase assistance, the county points users to Landex support at 1-800-370-2836, Option 4.

What time does the Recorder of Deeds stop accepting documents?

The Recorder lists office hours of 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., but states that recording of documents stops at 4:00 p.m.

How much does Washington County charge for additional pages, names and PINs?

The Recorder says its listed document base fees include four pages, four indexed names and one PIN. It lists $2.00 for each additional page, $0.50 for each additional indexed name and $10.00 for each additional PIN. Check the current fee schedule for the base document fee and any current surcharge.

Does the Recorder of Deeds collect property taxes?

The Recorder collects recording-related fees and applicable transfer taxes connected with documents, but ordinary county real-estate tax payment questions belong with Washington County’s Treasurer and Tax Revenue offices. Delinquent-tax matters are handled through Tax Claim and the Treasurer.

Can the Recorder tell me who legally owns a disputed property?

The Recorder can provide the recorded documents and index information, but the office is not a court or title insurer. Competing deeds, inheritance issues, liens, boundary disputes and other title questions may require professional legal or title analysis.

Is a deed search the same as a property assessment search?

No. The Recorder’s records show recorded documents. Washington County Assessments maintains parcel records, assessed values, mapping and related assessment information. The two systems are often used together but answer different questions.

Conclusion

The fastest way to use Washington County land records

For most people searching the Washington County Recorder of Deeds, the most efficient path is simple: identify the correct Pennsylvania parcel and owner, use Landex to locate the recorded document, verify the grantor, grantee and recording reference before obtaining a copy, and use the Recorder’s office when you need certified records or local recording help.

If your question is actually about assessed value, parcel mapping, current real-estate taxes or delinquent taxes, move to Washington County Tax Revenue, Assessments, the Treasurer or Tax Claim instead of trying to make the Recorder’s deed index answer a different question.

Before recording a new document, always review the official Washington County Recorder page for the newest fee schedule, surcharge notice and document-format requirements. Those current county instructions should control over an older saved fee sheet or third-party summary.

Official Recorder of Deeds Search Landex
Independent information guide:

AppraisalDistrict.org is not Washington County government, the Washington County Recorder of Deeds, Landex, the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, a title company or a law firm. Official county and state links are provided so readers can complete searches and filings directly with the responsible agencies. Recording requirements, taxes and fees can change; verify transaction-specific requirements before submitting a document or payment.

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