Fayette County, Ohio • Deeds & Land Records • October 2026
Fayette County Recorder: Deeds, Property Records Search, Fees & Office
The Fayette County Recorder records and preserves deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, plats and other land records in Fayette County, Ohio.
Need to find a property deed, review an old mortgage, request a certified copy or record a new document?
You can start with the county’s official online records search or contact the Recorder’s Office in Washington Court House.
This guide covers Fayette County, Ohio. Fayette counties in Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Georgia and other states use different offices and recording systems.
Start here
Fayette County Recorder Quick Facts
Effective June 22, 2026, Fayette County began offering electronic recording through Simplifile.
The county now supports qualifying conveyance and non-conveyance documents through that provider.
The Recorder’s Office maintains public land-record instruments and military discharge recordings.
Its official website also provides recording fees, staff contacts and links to Ohio recording requirements.
Choose the correct government office
Recorder vs. Auditor vs. Tax Map Office
Fayette County has separate offices for recorded documents, property assessments and tax-map information.
Understanding these responsibilities can save a trip when you are researching or transferring property.
County Recorder
Recorded deeds, mortgages, liens, releases, plats and certified recorded-document copies.
Recorder: Kim Coil-Butler
Phone: 740-335-1770
County Auditor
Property assessment, parcel information, ownership tax records and conveyance forms.
Auditor: Brenda Mossbarger
Address: 133 S. Main Street, Suite 303
Phone: 740-335-6461
Tax Map Office
Parcel mapping, property descriptions and deed-related map questions.
Phone: 740-335-2334
Ask this office whether a new legal description requires review.
County Treasurer
Real-estate tax payments, tax-account information and collection questions.
Treasurer: Penny J. Patton
Phone: 740-335-4961
Need the recorded deed? Use the Recorder.
Need the current owner, parcel or assessed value? Start with the Auditor.
Need to pay the property tax bill? Contact the Treasurer.
Official land-record lookup
How to Search Fayette County Deeds Online
Fayette County offers an official searchable database for recorded deeds, mortgages, liens and other instruments.
The search interface includes Quick Search and Advanced Search options.
Open Fayette County Official Record Search ↗-
Open the official records search.
Visit the Fayette County Recorder public-search website.
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Choose Quick Search.
Start with a name, subdivision, document type or document number.
Use Advanced Search when you need more detailed filtering.
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Enter the recorded party’s name.
Try the grantor’s or grantee’s name.
For business-owned property, search the company or trust name appearing on the document.
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Filter the recording date.
The portal allows you to narrow documents by recorded-date ranges.
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Review matching documents.
Compare the document type, parties, date and recording reference.
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Save the recording details.
Note the instrument or document number before requesting copies.
Index-only search vs. full-text search
Search Index Only
Searches indexed information, such as recorded parties and document details.
Best for ordinary deed, mortgage and lien searches.
Search Index & Full Text
Searches document text recognized through OCR where available.
Useful when searching for a distinctive phrase that may appear inside a recorded instrument.
Several people may have similar names. A deed can also show a historical transfer rather than the property’s present owner.
For a title decision, review subsequent instruments and obtain professional title research.
County Fusion Records
The Recorder’s official website also links to the County Fusion records service.
If you need additional public records, older document access or recording-related resources, use the official county website to open the available portal.
Open County Fusion Through Recorder Website ↗Select the County Fusion Records link.
Follow the portal instructions for searching, viewing or obtaining the available documents.
Property-address research
How to Find a Fayette County Property Owner or Parcel
A property address is not always the best starting point for searching recorded documents.
If you only know the street address, begin with the Fayette County Auditor’s property records.
Step 1: Open the Auditor’s official website.
Step 2: Use the available property-search tool to find the parcel.
Step 3: Note the owner’s name and parcel identification.
Step 4: Return to the Recorder’s document search.
Step 5: Compare the deed’s legal description with the parcel information.
Use the property’s address, owner name or parcel identifier in the available search fields.
If a parcel is missing or its information looks incorrect, contact the Auditor at 740-335-6461.
A newly recorded deed may not appear immediately in every assessment or tax system.
If ownership information differs between systems, confirm the recorded deed and contact the appropriate office.
Recording a new instrument
How to Record a Deed in Fayette County, Ohio
The Recorder records eligible instruments submitted under Ohio law.
For a property ownership transfer, deed preparation and Auditor conveyance requirements must also be considered.
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Prepare the correct deed.
Include the legally correct grantor, grantee, signatures and property description.
Seek legal assistance if the transfer involves an estate, trust, divorce, business or survivorship issue.
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Check the legal description.
Confirm that the parcel and legal description agree with applicable county records.
Contact the Tax Map Office when a description or parcel configuration requires review.
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Complete the conveyance paperwork.
Ohio deed transfers may require DTE 100, DTE 100EX or another applicable Auditor form.
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Complete Auditor review.
Arrange required conveyance processing and fees with the Auditor before recording the deed.
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Check the Recorder’s fees.
Fayette County charges $39 for a standard document of one or two pages.
Additional pages and special requirements can change the total.
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Submit the deed before the daily cutoff.
The Recorder’s public hours end at 4 PM, but documents received after 3:30 PM will be recorded the next business day.
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Verify the completed recording.
Keep the document reference and confirm the instrument through the official search.
The Recorder provides recording services and public records.
Staff cannot choose the legally appropriate deed for you or resolve a disputed ownership issue.
What documents should you prepare?
Original deed or other recordable instrument.
Complete and accurate legal description.
Required signatures and acknowledgment.
Applicable Auditor conveyance forms.
Tax Map or other required approvals, when applicable.
Correct cash or check payment.
Self-addressed stamped envelope if the recorded document must be returned by mail.
2026 recording costs
Fayette County Recorder Fees
Fayette County increased its standard recording fees effective January 1, 2025, following changes to Ohio law.
The county’s published schedule includes the document-preservation surcharge.
The Recorder notes that a $4 marginal reference fee still applies when relevant.
Certain nonstandard documents, multiple references or special instruments may require additional charges.
Simple recording example
First two pages: $39.
Two additional pages at $8 each: $16.
Estimated Recorder fee: $55.
Any applicable marginal references, conveyance fees or other charges are separate.
Accepted payment methods
Fayette County Recorder accepts cash or check.
The official website states that credit and debit cards are not accepted.
Include the correct payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope if you need the completed document returned.
Call the Recorder before mailing when you are unsure about the total.
Review the page-count fee table and the linked schedule for larger documents.
Check the preservation surcharge, marginal fees and accepted payment methods before filing.
Certified documents
How to Request Fayette County Deed and Mortgage Copies
The Recorder maintains copies of recorded deeds, mortgages, releases and other instruments.
Start by locating the document in the official records search.
Request a regular document copy
Search for the recorded instrument and check whether the portal provides a printable or downloadable image.
If you cannot access the document, contact the Recorder with its identifying details.
Request a certified copy
A certified copy includes official Recorder certification.
Courts, title companies, lenders and government agencies may request certification.
Provide: grantor or grantee name.
Document type: deed, mortgage, lien, release or another instrument.
Reference: instrument number, recording date or book/page details.
Copy type: regular or certified.
Delivery method: ask about office pickup or mail.
The Recorder’s published recording-fee table does not establish a complete copy-and-certification quote for every request.
Call 740-335-1770 before sending payment for certified copies.
New county service
Fayette County eRecording Through Simplifile
Fayette County introduced electronic recording through Simplifile on June 22, 2026.
This is an important change for attorneys, title companies, lenders and settlement professionals who submit recorded documents regularly.
Conveyance documents
The county’s updated notice says Simplifile supports qualifying conveyance filings.
Applicable Auditor processing and transfer requirements must still be satisfied.
Non-conveyance documents
The county also accepts qualifying non-conveyance recordings through Simplifile.
Examples may include eligible mortgages, releases and related instruments.
Review the electronic recording service and account requirements.
Confirm that Fayette County, Ohio, accepts the document type you intend to submit.
Ask the Recorder about any county-specific approvals before sending a conveyance.
Documents must still comply with Ohio recording law and applicable county requirements.
Local contact information
Fayette County Recorder Address, Phone, Hours & Google Map
Recorder Office
Fayette County Recorder133 South Main Street
Suite 305
Washington Court House, OH 43160
Recorder: Kim Coil-Butler
Phone: 740-335-1770
Fax: 740-333-3521
Hours & Filing Cutoff
Office hours:
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Same-day recording cutoff:
3:30 PM
Documents received after 3:30 PM are held for recording on the next business day.
County holidays and special closures may change these hours.
Before visiting
Check whether the document needs Auditor processing.
Confirm any Tax Map requirements.
Prepare the complete deed and required signatures.
Bring cash or check, not a credit card.
Arrive well before 3:30 PM for same-day recording.
Bring a return envelope when mailing documents that must be returned.
Protecting property records
Fayette County FraudSleuth Recording Alerts
Fayette County has promoted FraudSleuth, a property-record monitoring service connected with its public records platform.
FraudSleuth allows users to monitor certain recorded documents and receive notifications when new filings match their saved information.
This can help property owners notice unexpected activity involving their name.
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Open the Recorder’s official website.
Follow the County Fusion Records link.
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Look for FraudSleuth.
The county’s published instructions refer to a FraudSleuth option on the public-search login page.
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Complete registration.
Follow the current portal instructions to create an alert profile.
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Monitor recorded activity.
Investigate unfamiliar recording alerts promptly.
Fayette County’s previously published FraudSleuth instructions were linked to County Fusion.
Check the current registration process directly with the Recorder before relying on email alerts.
Monitoring provides information. It cannot prevent a recordable instrument from being submitted.
If you discover a suspicious deed or lien, contact the Recorder, a qualified attorney and law enforcement as appropriate.
Types of documents
What Records Does the Fayette County Recorder Maintain?
The Recorder’s official website identifies several real-estate and personal-property document categories.
Deeds: instruments recording transfers of interests in land.
Mortgages: recorded security interests associated with real estate.
Mortgage releases: instruments that document satisfaction or release of a recorded mortgage.
IRS and other tax liens: qualifying recorded government tax claims.
Mechanic’s liens: certain claims associated with unpaid construction work or materials.
Land contracts: recorded contracts concerning real-property transactions.
Plats: subdivision or land-description mapping documents.
Zoning resolutions: qualifying recorded zoning-related instruments.
Military discharge records: qualifying veteran service-discharge filings, subject to Ohio access rules.
Can a recorded lien be removed?
A lien may require a legally sufficient release, satisfaction or court order.
The Recorder does not independently decide whether a lien is valid or whether a debt has been paid.
Contact the lienholder or a qualified attorney when a lien appears incorrect or should have been released.
Older documents
Historical Deeds and the Fayette County Records & Archives Center
Some historical property research requires more than a modern online deed search.
Fayette County has a separate Records & Archives Center for historical county records.
Recorder’s Office
Start here for recorded real-property documents, recording references and current public-search access.
Phone: 740-335-1770
Records & Archives Center
201 South Fayette Street
Washington Court House, OH 43160
Phone: 740-333-3510
Email: FayArchive@fayette-co-oh.com
Hours: Monday–Friday, 10 AM–2 PM
For very old deeds, contact the Recorder first to confirm where the particular recording series is held.
If the record requires historical research, the Archives Center may be able to direct you to the relevant collection.
Open Official Fayette County Government Website ↗Avoid common mistakes
Fayette County Deed Search and Recording Problems
Wrong Fayette County: This guide is for Ohio. Search systems in Pennsylvania, Georgia and Kentucky are different.
No name match: Try spelling variations, previous owners, trusts or company names.
Only have an address: Start with the Auditor’s property records to find the parcel and owner.
Document delivered after 3:30 PM: The county records it the next business day.
Credit-card payment planned: The Recorder’s Office accepts cash or check, not credit or debit cards.
Wrong recording total: Include the preservation surcharge, extra pages and applicable marginal-reference charges.
Return envelope missing: Mailed documents requiring return must include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Need a legal title conclusion: Online records are research tools. A professional title examination may be necessary.
Frequently asked questions
Fayette County Recorder FAQs
Where is the Fayette County Recorder’s Office in Ohio?
The office is at 133 South Main Street, Suite 305, Washington Court House, OH 43160.
Who is the Fayette County Recorder?
Kim Coil-Butler is the Fayette County Recorder.
How do I search Fayette County deeds online?
Open fayette.oh.publicsearch.us and use Quick Search or Advanced Search to locate recorded instruments.
Can I search by property address?
Start with the Fayette County Auditor’s property records to identify the owner and parcel, then search the Recorder’s documents.
What is the Fayette County Recorder phone number?
Call 740-335-1770.
What are Fayette County Recorder office hours?
The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding closures.
What is the daily recording cutoff?
Documents received after 3:30 PM are recorded the following business day.
How much does it cost to record a deed?
A standard one- or two-page document costs $39. Each additional page costs $8. Other charges may apply.
Does Fayette County accept credit cards?
No. The Recorder’s official website states that payment is accepted by cash or check.
Does Fayette County accept eRecording?
Yes. Effective June 22, 2026, Fayette County began offering electronic recording through Simplifile for qualifying conveyance and non-conveyance documents.
Can I request a certified deed copy?
Yes. Contact the Recorder with the instrument details to confirm the current certification fee and ordering procedure.
What is FraudSleuth?
FraudSleuth is a property-record monitoring service promoted by the county to help identify newly recorded documents matching a saved name or other monitoring criteria.
Can the Recorder prepare a deed for me?
No. For deed drafting or legal title questions, consult a qualified attorney or title professional.
Government resources
Official Fayette County and Ohio Recorder Resources
Use the following primary sources to verify office information, public records, fees and recording requirements.
Editorial review: October 2026. Government records, fees, available services and office schedules may change. Confirm requirements directly with the relevant agency before filing.