Recorder

The Franklin County Recorder's Office plays a crucial role in maintaining and safeguarding the records of real property transactions within the county. Whether you're a property owner, business, or legal professional, understanding the scope of the services provided by the Recorder's office is essential for navigating property matters. This article delves into the various services offered, the role of the Recorder, and how you can access important documents related to property transactions in Franklin County, Ohio.

What Does the Franklin County Recorder Do?

The Franklin County Recorder is responsible for recording and preserving various documents related to real property. These documents include deeds, mortgages, plats, and other legal instruments. By ensuring that these records are properly stored and accessible, the Recorder helps protect property rights and interests, serving both residents and businesses throughout the county.

The mission of the Franklin County Recorder’s office is to safeguard property records and provide public access to those records. This is achieved through efficient filing, imaging, and retrieval processes, ensuring that anyone seeking property-related information can find it quickly and accurately.

Key Services Provided by the Franklin County Recorder's Office

Real Estate Filings

Real estate transactions, whether they involve buying, selling, or refinancing property, require the recording of documents like deeds, mortgages, and liens. These documents must meet the requirements outlined by the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) in order to be accepted for recording by the Franklin County Recorder’s office.

The Recorder’s office also accepts documents for e-recording, making it easier and faster to file certain documents electronically. Through partnerships with e-recording services like Simplifile and CSC Global, real estate professionals can file documents without physically visiting the Recorder’s office. However, it’s important to note that documents transferring real estate must first be approved by the Franklin County Auditor before they are submitted to the Recorder’s office.

Public Records Search

The Franklin County Recorder offers a public records search tool that allows individuals to access recorded documents online. This tool is a vital resource for anyone seeking to search for documents such as deeds, mortgages, or any other property-related filings. The Recorder's office provides two main search options: a cloud-based search engine and a legacy search platform. Both options allow users to search by a variety of criteria, such as name, document type, and instrument number.

To perform a search, you can visit the official Public Records Search site. Users can also create accounts for additional features like saving searches or managing escrow accounts.

Certified Copies

Certified copies of recorded documents are available for those who require an official copy of a property-related document. To request a certified copy, individuals can visit the Recorder's office, mail in a request, or use the online form. The cost for certified copies is $2.00 per page, with an additional $1.00 certification fee per document. Payments can be made via cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card. However, a 3% convenience fee applies for credit/debit card payments.

Property Alert Service

The Property Alert service is a tool designed to help property owners monitor their property for potential fraudulent activity. By signing up for Property Alert, individuals can receive notifications whenever a document is filed in the Recorder’s office that includes their name or business name. This service can help prevent identity theft or property fraud by alerting users to any suspicious filings related to their property.

Veteran Services

The Franklin County Recorder’s office provides a unique set of services for veterans, including the option to record military discharge documents for safekeeping. Veterans can also access resources related to veterans' discounts and services provided by the county. For more information, veterans can visit the Veteran Services page.

Living Wills and Other Legal Documents

The Recorder’s office also accepts and records Living Wills, ensuring they are safely stored and easily accessible for medical personnel or loved ones in case of an emergency. Additionally, the Recorder’s office provides a variety of other services, including the recording of Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings related to real property and the recording of plats for subdivisions and land surveys.

How to Record Your Real Estate Documents in Franklin County

If you need to record a document, there are several options available. The process typically involves submitting your document in person or by mail. If submitting by mail, remember to include a self-addressed stamped envelope so the original document can be returned. The office accepts payment via cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card.

To ensure that your document is accepted for recording, it must meet the requirements set by the Ohio Revised Code. These include the proper format, signatures, and relevant notations. The Real Estate Recording Guide provides detailed information on document standards and the requirements for recording.

E-Recording for Real Estate Documents

E-recording is an efficient and convenient way to submit real estate documents. The Franklin County Recorder’s office accepts e-recordings for eligible documents, including deeds and mortgages. To use this service, individuals or businesses must partner with a certified e-recording provider such as Simplifile or CSC Global. While e-recording is faster, it is important to understand that real estate transfer documents must first be approved by the Franklin County Auditor before submission to the Recorder.

Fees for Recording Documents

The Franklin County Recorder’s office charges fees for recording documents, which vary based on the type of document being filed. For example, the standard fee for a deed or mortgage is $28 for the first page and $8 for each additional page. Other documents may incur different fees. To determine the exact fees for recording, refer to the Fees page.

Addressing Fraudulent Filings: Protect Your Property

One of the primary concerns for property owners is the potential for fraudulent filings. To combat this, the Franklin County Recorder offers the Property Alert service, which notifies users when a document is filed in their name. This service is free of charge and can help protect homeowners from fraudulent claims or transactions that could negatively affect their property ownership.

Visiting the Franklin County Recorder’s Office

The Franklin County Recorder’s office is located at:

Address: 373 S. High St., 18th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215

Phone: (614) 525-3930

Fax: (614) 525-4299

Email: recorder@franklincountyohio.gov

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (documents are not accepted after 3:45 PM)

Contact Information for Other Related Offices

Franklin County Clerk of Courts

Address: 373 S. High St., 23rd Floor, Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: (614) 525-3600
Website: clerk.franklincountyohio.gov

Franklin County Probate Court

Address: 373 S. High St., 22nd Floor, Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: (614) 525-3894
Website: probate.franklincountyohio.gov

Franklin County Municipal Court

Address: 375 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: (614) 645-8214
Website: franklincountymunicourt.org

Franklin County Court of Common Pleas

Address: 345 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: (614) 525-3453
Website: fccourts.org

Franklin County Recorder FAQs

How Can I Record a Document with the Franklin County Recorder's Office?

To record a document in Franklin County, it must meet the legal requirements set by the Ohio Revised Code (ORC). You can submit your document either in person at the Recorder's office or by mail. If mailing, ensure to include a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return of the original document. The office accepts payments via cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card, with a 3% convenience fee for card payments. For detailed guidelines on document standards, consult the Real Estate Recording Guide provided by the Recorder's office.

How Do I Search Property Records in Franklin County?

Franklin County provides two main methods to search public records: a cloud-based search engine and a legacy search platform. The cloud-based search is accessible through the Public Records Search website. Users can search by various criteria, including name, document type, or instrument number. You may also register for an account to save searches and manage your escrow account. For legacy records, access the Legacy Search platform for detailed property information.

What Are Certified Copies, and How Do I Request Them?

Certified copies are official duplicates of recorded documents, stamped by the Franklin County Recorder's office to verify authenticity. To request a certified copy, you can either visit the office, send a request via mail, or use the online form. The cost is $2 per page, plus a $1 certification fee per document. For a detailed request process, check the Certified Copy Request page.

How Does the Property Alert Service Work?

The Property Alert service helps property owners monitor their property for potential fraudulent activity. Users can create profiles for their personal or business name and receive notifications via email whenever a document is recorded under that name. This free service is designed to detect fraudulent claims that could affect property ownership.