Columbiana County, Ohio • Official land records guide • Reviewed October 17, 2026
Columbiana County Recorder: Deeds, Records Search & Lisbon Office
The Columbiana County Recorder maintains public land records for properties in Columbiana County, Ohio. These include deeds, mortgages, easements, liens, plats and other recorded instruments.
You can search many records online for free. If you need to record a new deed, the county uses a separate Map Office, Auditor and Recorder process.
The Recorder’s Office is at 105 South Market Street, Lisbon, OH 44432. Public hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., but recording submissions stop at 3:30 p.m.
Start here
Columbiana County Recorder Quick Facts
Listed on the official Recorder website.
Lisbon, Ohio 44432.
Recorder records, copies and filing questions.
Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
Documents are not accepted for recording after this time.
Available images can be viewed and printed online.
Recorder-produced copies of recorded documents.
A 2025 county update changed electronic-conveyance availability.
The Recorder preserves recorded instruments. The Auditor handles ownership-transfer and tax records. The County Engineer’s Map Office reviews descriptions and parcel-map requirements.
Online records portal
How to Search Columbiana County Deeds Online
The county links to a Cott Systems RecordRoom portal through the Search Index menu on its official Recorder website.
The county FAQ confirms that Simple Search accepts a person’s name or a book and page reference. Images are organized by document type and year.
- Open the official search index.
Use the Recorder’s linked public access service.
Open Columbiana RecordRoom search - Enter the name or recording reference.
Use the Simple Search field for a grantor, grantee or known book-and-page reference.
- Review matching records.
Check the document type, recording year, parties and identifying reference before opening a result.
- Open the document image.
The county instructs users to click the small magnifying-glass icon to view and print available images.
- Save a reference for later.
Write down the book/page or instrument number if you need an official paper or certified copy.
Searching when you only know the property address
Recorder records are indexed primarily around recorded instruments and parties. For an address or parcel-based ownership search, begin with the Columbiana County Auditor’s property records.
Once you identify the relevant owner or parcel, return to the Recorder’s index to locate the deed or mortgage.
An Auditor owner listing is useful for identifying a parcel. A deed image shows recorded language, but neither a single deed nor a tax record independently proves that title is clear of every interest or defect.
Local deed transfer workflow
How to Record a Deed in Columbiana County
The county requires deed filers to bring the current deed along with the new deed. The normal local sequence is the County Map Office → County Auditor → County Recorder.
- Have the deed prepared correctly.
Verify grantor and grantee names, the legal description, parcel number, signatures and required acknowledgments.
- Take the current and proposed deeds to the Map Office.
Columbiana’s conveyance standards require review of the legal description. Supply the prior deed and any survey material required for the transfer.
- Complete the Auditor’s conveyance process.
Submit the correct transfer statement or exemption form, obtain the Auditor’s endorsement and pay any applicable conveyance charges.
- Present the endorsed deed to the Recorder.
Confirm page count, references, document standards and exact fees before filing.
- Check the final recording.
Retain the recorded instrument reference and verify that the recorded document and subsequent ownership listing are accurate.
Columbiana County description requirements
The county’s conveyance standards require the prior deed for review. Existing legal descriptions normally must be carried forward accurately, and the Auditor’s permanent parcel number must appear in the description.
A materially different or inadequate description may require survey work. Platted lots must identify the official subdivision and relevant plat reference.
Read Columbiana County Conveyance Standards (PDF)
Ohio Revised Code §317.22 — recording prerequisites
The county expressly says it has no blank deed forms to complete and cannot give advice about adding or removing names. Consult a qualified Ohio real-estate attorney or title professional for drafting and title questions.
Recording expenses
Columbiana County Recorder Fees and Copies
Ohio Revised Code §317.32 sets statutory recording charges. Columbiana’s FAQ describes the state base recording charges and a local preservation fee.
The figures below are a planning guide, not a guaranteed checkout total. Check the Recorder’s current fee schedule before submitting a document.
Example: recording a four-page deed
$34 for the first two pages + $16 for two additional pages + $5 listed preservation charge = $55 estimated recording total.
Assumes one standard four-page instrument, no separate reference fees, no nonstandard fee and no Auditor conveyance charges.
Open the Columbiana Recorder’s Documents & Fees page
Payment and submission timing
The Recorder lists cash, checks and credit cards as accepted payments. Office hours run to 4:00 p.m., but recording intake ends at 3:30 p.m.
If you are routing a deed through the Map Office and Auditor first, arrive earlier. The county does not publish one guaranteed same-day turnaround for every transfer.
Lost deeds and certified records
How to Get a Deed Copy in Columbiana County
You normally receive a deed when you buy the property, not after making the final mortgage payment. Paying off a mortgage is different from recording a deed.
Free online copy
Use Search Index to locate the deed and print an available image. This is useful for routine personal reference.
Office-produced copy
The Recorder charges $2 per page for paper copies it provides. Ask about certification if an institution requires it.
Requesting a copy by mail
Send your name or document reference, book/page or instrument number, a self-addressed stamped envelope and the required copy fee.
Mail to: Columbiana County Recorder, 105 South Market Street, Lisbon, OH 44432.
Read official copy-request and mailing instructions
The county also offers historic plat and map copies in various sizes. Its announcement lists approximately $2–$5 depending on the paper type.
Important local update
Does Columbiana County Allow Electronic Deed Recording?
The Recorder’s homepage announces that it began accepting electronic conveyances effective June 25, 2025.
However, the county FAQ still contains older wording saying deeds, mineral deeds, easements, rights-of-way and land contracts cannot be e-recorded and must be handled in person.
The dated 2025 homepage update indicates a change in availability, but the older FAQ has not been fully reconciled. Call the Recorder for current document-type eligibility and vendor instructions.
Open the Recorder’s current eRecording announcement
Lisbon courthouse visit
Columbiana County Recorder Office, Contact Details and Google Map
James Armeni Sr.
Columbiana County Recorder
105 South Market Street
Lisbon, OH 44432
Phone: 330-424-9517
Email: JArmeni@ccclerk.org
Public hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Recording cutoff: 3:30 p.m.
Plan your visit
The county describes the Recorder as located at the historic courthouse in Lisbon.
For deed transfers, bring the current deed and proposed deed. Map and Auditor review may be needed before you reach the Recorder.
Call ahead to confirm government-holiday closures, accessibility, parking and the time needed for multi-office conveyances.
Do not assume parking or a drop box is available without confirming it.
Verify Recorder contact details and hours
Choose the correct government office
Recorder vs. Auditor, Map Office and Courts
- Need the deed, mortgage, easement or recorded lien? Start with the Recorder and its online Search Index.
- Need a property’s current tax parcel, owner listing or valuation? Start with the Columbiana County Auditor’s property records.
- Transferring real property? Check County Engineer Map Office review and Auditor conveyance requirements before recording.
- Need to pay real-estate taxes? Contact the County Treasurer, not the Recorder.
- Need a divorce decree, probate order or court judgment? Contact the court or Clerk of Courts that maintains the underlying case record.
- Need a deed changed because of a divorce, death or trust? Ask a qualified Ohio attorney or title professional which instrument and procedure are legally appropriate.
Ownership updates can involve two records
A recorded deed documents an instrument filed with the Recorder. The Auditor’s parcel account is a separate administrative property-tax record.
After a transfer, confirm the instrument is recorded and check that the Auditor’s account reflects the correct owner and mailing details.
Fix the common problems
Record Search and Deed Filing Troubleshooting
- No deed in the search? Try a prior owner’s name, alternate spelling or the known book/page. Historical indexing may differ from modern records.
- Search results but no image? Record the instrument reference and contact the Recorder for copy availability.
- Mortgage paid but lien still appears? Ask the lender about its satisfaction or release recording; paying off the loan does not create a new deed.
- Deed rejected for legal description? Check the prior deed and the Map Office’s conveyance standards before revising it.
- Recording fee seems wrong? Verify pages, reference charges, preservation charges and standardization requirements before resubmitting.
- Someone offers to sell you a costly deed copy? Compare the offer with the Recorder’s free online images and official paper-copy fee.
Privacy and public-record use
Military Discharges, Sensitive Records and FCRA Caution
Military discharge records have special access restrictions. The Recorder’s FAQ says a recorded military discharge is not publicly accessible for 75 years after recording.
Qualified individuals may request access under Ohio Revised Code §317.24 with appropriate identification and authority.
Ordinary property records should not be used to evaluate people for employment, housing, credit, insurance or other decisions governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
This page is not operated by Columbiana County or the Ohio government. It is not legal advice, a title opinion or an official record certification.
Quick answers
Columbiana County Recorder FAQs
Where is the Columbiana County Recorder located?
The office is at 105 South Market Street, Lisbon, Ohio 44432. Its main phone number is 330-424-9517.
Who is the Columbiana County Recorder?
James Armeni Sr. is listed as the Recorder on the official Columbiana County Recorder website.
What time does the Recorder stop accepting documents?
The Recorder’s public hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Recording submissions stop at 3:30 p.m.
Can I search Columbiana County deeds online for free?
Yes. The Recorder links to a Cott Systems Search Index where users can search documents and view available images without an office visit.
How do I search for an old deed?
Open Search Index and use Simple Search with a person’s name or a book-and-page reference. Select the magnifying-glass icon to view a matching image.
What does it cost to record a document?
The statutory base is $34 for the first two pages and $8 for each additional page. The county also lists a preservation fee and other charges when applicable. Confirm the total before filing.
Does a new deed require Auditor approval?
Ohio Revised Code §317.22 requires the appropriate Auditor endorsement for covered deeds. Columbiana County also directs filers through the Map Office before the Auditor and Recorder.
How do I get a copy of my deed?
Available images can be printed free from Search Index. Recorder-produced paper copies cost $2 per page, and certified copies require confirmation of the applicable fee.
Can I e-record a deed in Columbiana County?
The Recorder’s homepage announces acceptance of electronic conveyances beginning June 25, 2025. Because its FAQ still describes older restrictions, confirm current document eligibility and vendor instructions with the office.
Can the Recorder remove or add a name to my deed?
The Recorder records eligible completed documents but cannot prepare deeds or provide legal advice. Consult an Ohio real-estate attorney or title company about the correct instrument.
Official sources and verification
Columbiana County Recorder Resources
Office services, eRecording update, plat-copy announcement and official portal navigation.
Recorder, Lisbon street address, weekday hours and telephone.
Names, documents, recording references and available public images.
Search instructions, deed routing, copy costs, cutoff time and limitations.
Current Recorder fee reference and Ohio recording rules.
Copy-request procedures, public inspection and office copy charges.
Tax Map review, legal descriptions, prior deeds and survey requirements.
Auditor endorsement and requirements before deed recording.
Recording fees, page fees and preservation surcharge authority.
Statutory execution, acknowledgments and conveyance provisions.
Review date: October 17, 2026. Fees, office policies and electronic-conveyance rules should be reconfirmed before filing. This page is independent of the government agencies listed above.