Adams County, Pennsylvania • Deeds & Land Records • October 2026
Adams County Recorder of Deeds: Online Search, Office Address, Fees & Records
The Adams County Recorder of Deeds in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, maintains official property records, including deeds, mortgages, easements, liens and subdivision plans.
You can search land records through the county’s eSearch portal, request document copies or visit the courthouse to research recorded property documents.
The Recorder’s Office is at 117 Baltimore Street, Room 102, Gettysburg, PA 17325. Public recording acceptance ends at 4:00 PM, before the office closes at 4:30 PM.
This guide covers Adams County, Pennsylvania, not Adams County in Ohio, Colorado, Mississippi or another state.
Adams County Recorder of Deeds: Key Office Facts
The Recorder preserves property-related documents and makes public land records available for research.
Adams County also uses the Recorder’s Office to collect Pennsylvania Realty Transfer Tax and applicable local transfer taxes.
Online eSearch requires a paid subscription. Searches are name-based, not address-based.
The county’s published FAQ also states that it does not currently accept electronic recording.
What Do You Need From the Adams County Recorder?
How to Search Adams County Recorder of Deeds Records Online
Adams County provides an online land-record system called eSearch.
It is operated for the county’s Register of Wills and Recorder of Deeds and provides subscription access to estate and recorded land documents.
The search system requires a person’s or business’s name. It does not support searching land records directly by property address or parcel number.
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Open Adams County eSearch.
Use the county’s official land-record and estate-record portal.
Open Adams County Public Records Search -
Create an account or sign in.
Select the Sign In or account registration option.
Review the available subscription periods before paying.
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Choose the land-record search.
Search for the grantor, grantee or other party named in the document.
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Check document details.
Review the document type, recording date, parties and book/page or instrument reference.
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View and save available images.
Open the matching document and use the system’s authorized viewing or printing functions.
Adams County eSearch subscription costs
The county’s eSearch login page publishes the following access options.
These are the prices published in the county’s eSearch subscription information. Confirm current prices before purchasing.
The $10 daily subscription may be enough for a one-time online search.
If you prefer not to subscribe, you can use public terminals at the courthouse or request a copy from the Recorder.
Search results marked “Incomplete” or “Not Verified”
Adams County uses a Certified Dates feature to show how far recording, indexing and verification have progressed.
A document marked Incomplete or Not Verified may still be moving through the office’s recording process.
If a recently recorded document is missing, check Certified Dates before assuming it was not submitted.
How Far Back Do Adams County Pennsylvania Land Records Go?
Adams County has land records dating to its early history around Gettysburg.
The eSearch system distinguishes its modern computerized index from older index books.
Older index books are not the same as a complete online document-image collection.
The county specifically notes that historical mortgage index books for 1800–1936 provide index information only.
Searching for property records before 1800
Adams County was established in 1800 from part of York County.
For property history before Adams County existed, you may need to research surviving York County or Pennsylvania historical records.
Start with a family surname and approximate transaction year.
Older deeds may refer to previous owners, adjoining landowners, acreage and legal descriptions rather than modern street addresses.
Adams County Recorder of Deeds Address, Phone, Email & Hours
Recorder of Deeds Office
Recorder:
Karen R. Heflin
Address:
Adams County Courthouse Complex
117 Baltimore Street
Room 102, First Floor
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Telephone:
717-337-9826
Fax:
717-334-1758
Office Hours & Visit Information
Open:
Monday through Friday
Office hours:
8:00 AM–4:30 PM
Recording cutoff:
4:00 PM
Appointments:
Preferred but not mandatory.
Public search terminals:
Courthouse lobby
Document drop-off:
Secure outside drop-off box during working hours.
After opening: review the Recorder’s official contact profile for the phone number, room number and office location.
Google Map to Adams County Recorder of Deeds
The Recorder’s Office is inside the Adams County Courthouse Complex in downtown Gettysburg.
Use 117 Baltimore Street as the destination. The Recorder is in Room 102 on the first floor.
After opening: select Directions, confirm 117 Baltimore Street, and allow time for courthouse entry procedures.
Can you search records at the courthouse?
Yes. Public search terminals are available in the courthouse lobby.
The county states that public terminals are not located inside the Recorder’s Office.
The county also prohibits photographing records shown in books, on computers or on microfilm.
If you need to submit a deed on the same day, aim to arrive well before the 4:00 PM recording cutoff.
For special circumstances or a large recording package, call ahead.
How to Get an Adams County Deed Copy or Certified Record
The Recorder can provide copies of available deeds, mortgages and other recorded land documents.
You can request copies through the office or use the paid eSearch service.
Information to prepare before requesting a copy
- Grantor or grantee name.
- Document type, such as deed or mortgage.
- Approximate recording date.
- Book and page or instrument number, if available.
- Whether certification is required.
- Mailing address for the return of requested records.
What do recorded document copies cost?
The county’s newer recording fee materials list $2 per page for copies and $28 for certification.
However, the county’s general FAQ still displays an older copy price of $0.25 per page.
Because those county materials conflict, confirm the charge with the Recorder before mailing payment.
A regular copy may be enough for personal reference.
If a bank, court or government agency requires certification, request an officially certified copy.
After opening: select “Fee Schedule Effective December 1, 2025,” review the copy and certification charges, and call 717-337-9826 to confirm your order.
Does the Recorder return your original deed?
Yes. The county states that recorded originals are generally mailed back approximately two weeks after recording.
If you submit by mail, include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Adams County Recorder of Deeds Fees for 2026
Adams County’s current published Recorder fee schedule became effective December 1, 2025.
The standard fee for recording a deed or mortgage is $71.25 before applicable additional-page, additional-name or transfer-tax charges.
Published county fee-schedule amounts. Transfer taxes and specialized document charges are additional where applicable.
Example: Recording a six-page deed
A standard deed with six pages and no additional-name charge would have a base recording cost of $79.25.
First four pages: $71.25
Fifth page: $4.00
Sixth page: $4.00
Example recording total: $79.25
This does not include Realty Transfer Tax or any other document-specific charge.
Why the exact payment amount matters
Adams County warns that recording checks must be accurate.
The office may retain overpayments of up to $10. A check more than $10 over the required fee can cause the documents to be returned unrecorded.
Open Official December 2025 Fee ScheduleAfter opening: identify your document category, check the four-page and four-name thresholds, and confirm whether a separate tax payment is required.
How to Record a Deed in Adams County, Pennsylvania
Recording a deed makes the document part of Adams County’s official land records.
The Recorder checks recording requirements but does not guarantee the deed transfers the intended legal rights.
Adams County recording checklist
Original signatures: documents must contain the required original, properly notarized signatures.
Document date: the document must be dated on or before the notary acknowledgment.
Paper size: letter and legal sizes are accepted.
Margins: the Recorder states that Adams County has no special margin requirements.
Certificate of Residence: required on deeds, mortgages and assignments of mortgage.
Municipality: the township or borough must be clearly identified.
Payment: use the required payment method for recording charges and any transfer tax.
Return envelope: provide a self-addressed stamped envelope or arrange to retrieve the recorded original.
Does Adams County require a parcel ID on the deed?
No. The Recorder specifically states that Adams County does not use the Uniform Parcel Identifier (UPI) system for recording.
The county also says parcel numbers and physical street addresses are not required on documents submitted for recording.
A full and accurate legal description remains important, even though Adams County does not require a parcel number or street address for recording.
Can you record a deed electronically?
The Adams County Recorder’s published FAQ states that the county does not currently accept eRecording.
The county instead publishes walk-in, drop-off and mail-in recording options.
Open Official Recording RequirementsAfter opening: check signatures, notarization, Certificate of Residence, municipality, page size and payment instructions before submitting.
Adams County Realty Transfer Tax and Statement of Value
Pennsylvania imposes a state Realty Transfer Tax when qualifying interests in real estate are transferred.
The state rate is 1% of the taxable value. Local realty transfer taxes may also apply.
In Adams County, the Recorder collects applicable state and local transfer taxes when deeds are presented for recording.
When do you need a Statement of Value?
Adams County requires a Realty Transfer Tax Statement of Value when a transfer is exempt or only part of the transfer is taxable.
It may also be needed when the transaction’s taxable value must be established under state rules.
How many checks are required?
For a deed transfer, easement or taxable lease involving Realty Transfer Tax, the county requires three separate checks.
Check 1: state Realty Transfer Tax.
Check 2: applicable local Realty Transfer Tax.
Check 3: Recorder’s recording fee.
The county does not accept cash for Realty Transfer Tax payments.
What if a parcel crosses two municipalities?
The Recorder requires the relevant municipality information and a tax-allocation form when local transfer taxes are divided between two municipalities.
The county’s document center provides a “Taxes Between Two Municipalities” form.
Some Pennsylvania transfers between qualifying family members or other exempt parties may receive transfer-tax relief.
Eligibility depends on the specific relationship and transaction. Verify the exemption before recording.
After opening: find “Statement of Value” or “Taxes Between Two Municipalities” under Forms and Documents.
Pennsylvania Department of Revenue Realty Transfer Tax GuidanceHow to Submit Recording Documents in Adams County
Adams County offers several physical recording options.
You do not need to make an appointment for an ordinary walk-in, although appointments are encouraged.
Walk-in Recording
Bring the completed document and correct payment to Room 102 at the courthouse.
Recording acceptance ends at 4:00 PM.
Secure Drop-Off
The county describes a secure box outside the courthouse entrance, under the roofed area.
It is available during working hours.
Mail-In Recording
The office accepts mailed recording packages through USPS, UPS and FedEx.
Include an organized package and a self-addressed stamped return envelope.
Scheduled Appointment
Call 717-337-9826 if you have a large number of documents or a special recording circumstance.
Appointments are preferred, not generally required.
How should mailed documents be packaged?
The county recommends using binder clips, paper clips or envelopes to keep documents organized in the order they should be recorded.
Originals are generally returned about two weeks after recording.
View Official Recording Submission OptionsAfter opening: review the walk-in, drop-off and mail-in rules, public terminal location, and document-return instructions.
How to Find an Adams County Property Owner or Parcel
The Recorder’s eSearch system cannot search land records directly by street address or parcel ID.
If you only know the address, use Adams County Tax Services or the GIS Parcel Viewer first.
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Open the county’s mapping resources.
Start from Adams County Tax Mapping or the official GIS Hub.
Open Adams County Tax Mapping -
Find the correct parcel.
Use the available parcel, location, owner or deed-reference search tools.
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Record the owner or deed reference.
Save the parcel information shown in the county system.
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Return to Recorder eSearch.
Search by the current or previous owner’s name to locate the recorded deed.
Adams County Tax Services
Tax Services manages parcel mapping, assessed values, property ownership data, tax appeals and delinquent tax matters.
The office is at 117 Baltimore Street, Room 202, Gettysburg, PA 17325.
Phone: 717-337-9837
Property tax lookup
Adams County also provides an online tax-and-revenue system.
It supports searching property-tax records by parcel, address and other available fields.
Open Adams County Property Tax SearchAfter opening: use Property Tax Search and enter the location address, street name, parcel number or available owner information.
Tax Services can help identify a parcel and the owner shown for tax purposes.
The Recorder’s deed records are the source for researching recorded conveyances and ownership history.
Adams County PropertyCheck: Free Property Fraud Alerts
Adams County offers PropertyCheck, a free service for monitoring new recordings that may affect a property.
Registered users can receive notices by email or text when relevant documents are recorded.
How to register
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Open the Recorder’s PropertyCheck information.
Read the county’s explanation of the alert service.
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Go to the online public records portal.
Look for PropertyCheck near the top of the eSearch page.
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Create a PropertyCheck account.
Follow the registration instructions and account security steps.
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Choose what to monitor.
The county describes alerts based on an owner’s name or property address.
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Activate your notifications.
Select an available email or text notification method.
After opening: review the county’s account setup instructions, then follow its public-record search link to register.
The system cannot prevent someone from presenting a document for recording.
If you receive an unexpected alert, verify the recording with the Recorder and obtain legal guidance if fraud is suspected.
Veteran DD214 Records, Notary Filings and Subdivision Plans
Military discharge records
The Recorder accepts military discharge documents, commonly known as DD214 forms, for safekeeping.
The county does not charge a fee to record military discharge papers.
These records are confidential. The county states that only the veteran may inspect them.
Open Military Discharge Recording InformationNotary public oath and bond
Pennsylvania notaries record their official oath, bond and commission-related documents through the Recorder.
Adams County lists a $33.50 fee for the notary commission and bond filing.
Applicants should bring the completed bond and power-of-attorney documents required by the county.
Subdivision plans
Adams County requires subdivision plans submitted for recording to be on 18-by-24-inch paper.
Plans must have the applicable municipal and county planning approvals.
The county also states that subdivision plans must be recorded within 90 days of approval.
Assignments and easements
Assignments of mortgage must reference the original mortgage’s book and page.
Easements generally require a Statement of Value unless an applicable public-utility exception applies.
Check Special Recording RequirementsAfter opening: review the separate sections for subdivisions, easements, assignments, notary filings and Statement of Value.
Common Adams County Deed Search and Recording Problems
The eSearch system will not search my property address
Adams County eSearch requires a name for land-record searches.
Use Tax Services or the Parcel Viewer to identify the owner, then search the Recorder by name.
I cannot find a recently recorded deed
Review the Certified Dates information in eSearch.
Documents marked Incomplete or Not Verified may still be undergoing indexing and verification.
I want to add or remove someone from my deed
The county says a new deed is generally required.
Contact an attorney or title professional to determine which document is appropriate.
My mortgage is paid off, but I still see it online
Search for a mortgage satisfaction document.
If no satisfaction appears, contact the lender or mortgage servicer to confirm that it was recorded.
I received a deed-copy solicitation
You can request copies directly from Adams County.
Compare the county’s official fee schedule before paying a third-party company for a copy.
My deed has the wrong legal description
An inaccurate legal description can affect ownership and title rights.
Obtain legal advice about whether a corrective deed or another instrument is appropriate.
I want to record a deed electronically
The county’s FAQ states that it does not accept eRecording.
Use the available physical submission options and verify current policy with the Recorder.
I need a complete title search
The Recorder provides recorded land-document access but does not guarantee clear title.
A title company or real estate attorney can examine ownership history, mortgages, liens, easements and related records.
Adams County Recorder of Deeds FAQs
Where is the Adams County Recorder of Deeds office?
The Recorder is at 117 Baltimore Street, Room 102, Gettysburg, PA 17325, on the first floor of the courthouse complex.
Who is the Adams County Recorder of Deeds?
Karen R. Heflin is the Adams County, Pennsylvania Recorder of Deeds.
What is the Recorder’s phone number?
Call 717-337-9826. The office email is registerrecorder@adamscountypa.gov.
What are the Recorder office hours?
The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Recording acceptance ends at 4:00 PM.
Can I search Adams County deeds online?
Yes. Adams County provides subscription-based online land-record access through its eSearch portal.
Can I search by property address?
Not in the Recorder’s eSearch system. The county states that online land-record searches require a name.
How much does Adams County eSearch cost?
The portal lists $10 for one day, $45 for 30 days, $230 for six months and $415 for one year. Confirm current prices before subscribing.
How much does it cost to record a deed?
The December 1, 2025 fee schedule lists $71.25 for a standard deed, with additional charges for pages over four, names over four and applicable transfer taxes.
Does Adams County accept eRecording?
The Recorder’s published FAQ states that electronic recording is not currently available.
How do I get a deed copy?
Request a copy from the Recorder or use online eSearch. The county’s newer fee schedule and older FAQ show different copy prices, so confirm the charge directly.
How far back do Adams County deed records go?
The county’s online historical deed index books begin in 1800. The general computerized land-record index begins in 1937.
Can the Recorder prepare a new deed for me?
The Recorder does not provide legal advice or determine which deed is appropriate. Use an attorney or qualified title professional.
Does Adams County offer property fraud alerts?
Yes. The county offers PropertyCheck, a free email or text alert service for relevant new property recordings.
When will my original recorded deed be returned?
Adams County says recorded originals are generally returned approximately two weeks after the recording date.
Adams County Pennsylvania Recorder and Government Resources
Use these official websites to confirm recording rules, fees, office details and property information.
Important Information
This article is an independent informational guide. It is not affiliated with the Adams County Recorder of Deeds, Adams County government or the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Recording fees, online subscriptions, office hours, submission methods and tax rules can change. Confirm all current requirements directly with the relevant government office.
This article is not legal advice. For deed preparation, inheritance, trusts, liens, title disputes, mortgage satisfactions or ownership changes, consult a qualified Pennsylvania attorney or title professional.
Public property records are not consumer reports. Do not use them for employment screening, tenant screening, credit eligibility, insurance underwriting or other purposes regulated by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).