Philadelphia public records property deeds are official documents that show who owns real estate in the city. These records include every property transaction from 1974 to today, with details like sale dates, buyer and seller names, legal descriptions of land, and unique document IDs. Anyone can search these records online through the city’s official portal. You can view basic info for free, but downloading or printing full documents requires a paid pass. For older records before 1974, you must request certified copies by mail or visit the Recorder’s Office in person. This system helps homeowners, buyers, lawyers, and researchers verify ownership, check liens, and confirm legal rights to property.
How to Search Philadelphia Property Deeds Online
The easiest way to find Philadelphia public records property deeds is through the city’s online database. Start by going to the official Department of Records website. The search tool lets you look up deeds using an address, parcel number, owner name, or document ID. Every record from 1974 onward appears instantly with key details: recording date, grantor (seller), grantee (buyer), legal description, and DOC ID. You can view this info without paying. To download a watermarked PDF or print a copy, you need a subscription. A one-day pass costs $15, a seven-day pass is $60, and a thirty-day unlimited access pass is $150. These fees help maintain the system and keep records secure and up to date.
Accessing Older Deeds Before 1974
Property deeds recorded before 1974 are not available online. To get these older Philadelphia public records property deeds, you must request them through the Department of Records. You can order a certified copy by mail, and it will be shipped within five business days. Or, you can visit the Recorder’s Office at 200 S. Independence Mall West in person. Bring a valid ID and the property address or parcel number. Staff will help you locate the correct deed book and volume. Many pre-1974 records are on microfilm or stored in climate-controlled archives at City Hall. This ensures long-term preservation and public access for historical research or legal needs.
Recording a New Deed in Philadelphia
If you need to record a new deed—like after buying a house or transferring property—you must file it with the Department of Records. Submit the original signed deed, a completed Form DR-1 cover sheet, and the filing fee. The fee is $10 for the first page and $2 for each additional page. You can mail documents to 601 Market Street, Room 203, or drop them off in person Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. Once received, staff index the deed by parcel number and make it searchable online within 24 hours. Attorneys and title companies can use e-recording for faster processing—under two hours in most cases.
Using the Property App for Real-Time Ownership Data
The Property App at property.phila.gov gives instant access to current ownership, sales history, and assessed values for every taxable parcel in Philadelphia. Enter an address or click on the map to see who owns a property, when it was last sold, its market value, square footage, year built, and zoning type. Each listing links directly to the recorded deed PDF, tax bills, and any code violations. You can also draw custom areas on the map and export data as a CSV file. This tool is free and updated daily, making it ideal for real estate agents, appraisers, and neighborhood planners.
Find Property Information Tool: All-in-One Lookup
The Find Property Information service combines data from the Property App, Office of Property Assessment, and Department of Licenses. Just type in an address, block number, or OPA/BRT account number to get a full property profile. Results show current assessed value, recent sale price, building size, and a complete list of all recorded deeds since 1800. You’ll also see zoning overlays, flood zone status, and historic district boundaries. This helps developers and buyers understand rules before starting projects. The tool is free and available 24/7 on the city’s services page.
Philadelphia County Recorder of Deeds: Contact & Hours
The Philadelphia County Recorder of Deeds is located inside City Hall at 1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd, Suite 111. The office handles all deed recordings, certified copies, and public record requests. Phone: 215-686-2260. Fax: 215-686-2273. Public hours are Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4 pm. There’s an after-hours drop box for submitting documents after 5 pm. Certified copies cost extra and take 1–2 business days. The office also maintains microfilm archives from 1850 to 1955 for historical research.
Department of Records: Leadership & Mission
The Department of Records is led by Commissioner James P. Leonard, a lifelong Philadelphian with over 25 years in public service. His team preserves over 3 million pages of historic documents, including 17th-century land grants and modern permits. The department digitizes old records, offers online access, and maintains a climate-controlled archive on the 4th floor of City Hall. Researchers can schedule visits to view original parchment deeds and rare maps. Contact the commissioner at (215) 686-2262 or james.leonard@phila.gov.
Citywide Property Transaction Dataset: 2000–2018
In 2018, the city released a public dataset with 18 years of property transactions—over 2.3 million records from January 2000 to December 2018. It includes every deed, mortgage, and sheriff’s sale, plus realty transfer tax amounts and parcel IDs. Metadata explains column definitions and data sources. Developers use this for GIS mapping, market analysis, and academic studies. The file updates quarterly with new recordings. Download it free from the city’s open data portal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Property Deeds
The Department of Records FAQ page answers common questions about Philadelphia public records property deeds. It explains how to get copies of 19th-century plats, correct errors in recorded deeds, and obtain “no-record” letters for vacant lots. You can also learn how to estimate a home’s construction date using tax records and old maps. Building permits before 1889 no longer exist; the oldest surviving permit is from 1890. For post-1955 properties, visit the Reference Room in City Hall, Room 154. Call 215-686-2292 to schedule.
Land Records Search Through County Office
Philadelphia land records include deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements dating back to 1800. The County Office portal lets you search by parcel number, owner name, or filing year. Documents after 1970 are available as PDFs; older ones are scanned images. You can request certified copies by mail or in person. The system also offers an API for bulk data downloads used in research and planning projects.
Grants for Digitizing Historic Property Records
The Department of Records has won several grants to preserve and digitize historic collections. In 2021, a National Endowment for the Humanities grant funded an augmented-reality project to overlay 18th-century property maps on modern GIS systems. In 2022, the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission supported disaster planning with off-site backups. In 2023, a joint NEH-IMLS grant helped digitize 500,000 pages of property tax rolls for public download. These efforts ensure long-term access and protect Philadelphia’s legal and cultural heritage.
Property Records Search: Assessments, Deeds, Mortgages
Philadelphia County’s property records database covers assessments, deeds, mortgages, and tax liens since 1800. Search by parcel ID (like PA 001-123-456), owner name, or date range. Each entry links to a PDF of the original document, value history, and any encumbrances. The API allows developers to pull large datasets for analysis, such as tracking gentrification trends in South Philadelphia. This resource supports transparency, research, and informed decision-making.
Contact Information & Office Location
For help with Philadelphia public records property deeds, contact the Department of Records at 601 Market Street, Room 203, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Phone: (215) 686-2262. Email: james.leonard@phila.gov. Office hours: Monday–Friday, 8 am–5 pm. The Recorder of Deeds is at City Hall, 1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd, Suite 111, open 9 am–4 pm. Certified copies and in-person requests are handled here. An after-hours drop box is available for submissions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about how to use Philadelphia public records property deeds, what information is available, and how to get official copies. Below are the most common questions with clear, direct answers based on current city policies and procedures.
How do I get a certified copy of a property deed in Philadelphia?
To get a certified copy of a property deed, visit the Recorder of Deeds office at City Hall, 1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd, Suite 111, or mail your request to 601 Market Street, Room 203. Include the property address, parcel number, and your contact info. Certified copies cost extra and take 1–2 business days. For deeds before 1974, you must request them in person or by mail—they are not online. Bring ID and payment. The office issues only official certified copies with a raised seal, which are accepted by banks, courts, and government agencies.
Can I search Philadelphia property deeds for free?
Yes, you can search basic deed information for free on the city’s online portal. You’ll see recording dates, buyer and seller names, legal descriptions, and DOC IDs. However, downloading PDFs or printing full documents requires a paid pass: $15 for one day, $60 for seven days, or $150 for thirty days. This fee supports system maintenance and security. Free searches are enough for casual checks, but serious research or legal work usually needs the full document.
What if I need a deed from before 1974?
Deeds recorded before 1974 are not digitized. You must request them through the Department of Records by mail or in person at 200 S. Independence Mall West. Mail requests take up to five business days. In-person visits allow same-day access to microfilm and archive materials. Staff will help locate the correct volume and page. Some older records date back to 1683 and are stored in climate-controlled vaults at City Hall for preservation.
How fast are new deeds processed and searchable?
Newly recorded deeds appear in the online database within 24 hours. If you file by mail or in person, staff index the document by parcel number the next business day. E-recorded deeds by attorneys or title companies are processed in under two hours. This quick turnaround helps buyers, lenders, and insurers verify ownership fast. Always check the DOC ID to confirm recording.
Is there a way to see all deeds for one property over time?
Yes. Use the Find Property Information tool or the Property App. Enter the address or OPA number to view a complete history of all recorded deeds since 1800. Each entry shows the date, parties involved, and links to the PDF. This helps track ownership changes, liens, or easements. It’s useful for title searches, estate planning, or neighborhood research.
Can I correct a mistake on a recorded deed?
Yes, but you must file a corrective deed or affidavit with the Department of Records. Submit the original error, the correct information, and a completed Form DR-1. There is a filing fee. The correction becomes part of the public record and links to the original deed. For serious errors, consult a real estate attorney. The FAQ page has step-by-step instructions.
Are property tax records included with deed information?
Yes. The Property App and Find Property Information tool show current assessed value, tax bills, and payment status. Each property page links to recorded tax liens and delinquency notices. This helps buyers check for unpaid taxes before purchasing. Tax data comes from the Office of Property Assessment and updates monthly.