Adams County, Ohio • Recorder deed and land-record guide • Reviewed September 19, 2026
Adams County Recorder: Deeds & Records
This guide covers the Adams County Recorder in West Union, Ohio, not Adams County offices in Pennsylvania, Colorado, Illinois or other states.
Use the Recorder when you need recorded real-estate documents, deed and mortgage records, lien filings, releases, plats, powers of attorney, trust-related instruments, copy questions or the official DTS Public Access search.
The Recorder does not set property values, collect taxes or decide legal ownership disputes. Those questions usually belong to the Auditor, Treasurer, courts or a qualified attorney.
Start here
Adams County Recorder Quick Facts
County office for recording and preserving land-related public documents.
The county website lists Chris Moore as the Adams County Recorder contact.
West Union, OH 45693.
The county also lists 937-544-2513 for the Recorder office.
Verify holiday closures before visiting.
Use Adams County Recorder Public Access for online deed and recorded-document searching.
People searching “Adams County Recorder” usually want to find a deed, verify whether a document was recorded, trace a chain of title, get a copy, record a new instrument or sign up for property recording alerts.
Local office
Adams County Recorder Office Address, Contact and Map
Adams County Recorder
Main contact: Chris Moore
Address: 110 West Main Street, Room #133, West Union, OH 45693
Phone: 937-544-5051 or 937-544-2513
Email: chris.moore@adamscountyoh.gov
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Open official Recorder pageArrival tip: Bring the exact document name, parcel address, owner name, book/page or instrument number if you have it. Call before visiting if you need certified copies, large searches or help with recording requirements.
Official deed search
How to Search Adams County Deeds and Recorded Documents Online
Adams County uses the DTS Public Access system for Recorder records. The public-access page says registration is not required, but an account is recommended because it can save search settings, search history and documents in a cart.
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Open the official DTS Public Access site.
Use the Adams County Recorder Public Access portal, not a third-party people-search site.
Open Adams County Recorder Public AccessAfter opening: read the usage agreement, confirm that the page says Adams County Recorder’s Office, then continue to the search area. -
Choose the search method that matches what you know.
Start with owner or party name if you do not know the document number.
Use document number, book/page or date range if you already have recording details from a deed, mortgage, title work or prior search.
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Search names carefully.
Try last name only, then first-name variations. For businesses, try the main business name without punctuation such as commas, periods or “LLC.”
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Open the matching recorded document.
Check the document type, recording date, party names and legal description before assuming it belongs to your property.
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Save the instrument number.
The instrument number or book/page reference is usually the fastest way to request a copy, verify recording or cite the document in later research.
The DTS page warns that online information is for public information purposes and may not reflect the most current data on file at the Recorder’s office. Call the Recorder if the recording status is time-sensitive.
Record result decoder
What You May See in a Recorded Document Search Result
Grantor and grantee
The grantor is usually the person or entity giving or transferring an interest. The grantee is usually the person or entity receiving it.
Instrument or document number
This is the recorded-document identifier. Save it before calling the office or requesting a copy.
Recording date
This is when the Recorder accepted and indexed the document. It is not always the same as the signing date or closing date.
Document type
Examples can include deed, mortgage, release, assignment, lien, easement, plat, power of attorney or other recordable instrument.
Legal description
The legal description is more precise than a street address. Review it carefully when matching a deed to a parcel.
Book/page reference
Older records may be located by volume, book or page rather than only by modern instrument number.
A Recorder search helps you locate documents in the public record. It does not prove clear title, remove liens, interpret deed language or replace a title company or attorney.
Recording workflow
How to Record a Deed or Other Document in Adams County
Ohio recorders record instruments authorized by Ohio law. Ohio Revised Code Section 317.08 lists many recordable instruments, including deeds, mortgages, plats, liens, leases, powers of attorney and other land-related documents.
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Confirm the document is recordable.
Do not assume every private agreement can be recorded. Ohio law controls what the Recorder may accept.
Open Ohio Revised Code 317.08After opening: review the categories of instruments that county recorders are required to record. Ask the Recorder or an attorney if your document does not clearly fit. -
Check Ohio formatting standards.
Ohio recording standards include legible print, paper size limits, black or blue ink, no highlighting and required margins.
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Handle Auditor approval when required.
Many conveyance documents need the Auditor’s transfer or conveyance review before recording. Do not mail a deed directly to the Recorder without confirming whether the Auditor must process it first.
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Calculate recording fees.
State law sets the base recording fees, but document type, page count, references and local preservation surcharge can affect the final amount.
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Submit the document to the Recorder.
Call the office before mailing if you are unsure about payment, attachments, return envelope or whether the document needs Auditor review first.
Recorder staff can explain office procedure, but they cannot draft a deed, choose deed language, decide ownership rights or give legal advice.
Recording costs
Adams County Recorder Fees and Ohio Recording Standards
Ohio Revised Code Section 317.32 sets county recorder fees. The current statute lists a $34 fee for the first two pages for many instruments, plus $8 for each additional page, and also allows a county document-preservation surcharge of up to $5.
Because the final amount can depend on document type, page count, references, plats, certifications and local surcharge, call the Adams County Recorder before mailing documents or checks.
For many recordable instruments under current Ohio law.
For each page or fraction of a page after the first two, where applicable.
Ohio law allows a document-preservation surcharge determined at the county level.
Copies and verification
How to Get a Copy of a Deed or Recorded Document
Start with the DTS Public Access search. If you can locate the document online, save the instrument number, document type and recording date.
If you need an official or certified copy, contact the Recorder’s office. Online images and search results may be useful for research, but certified copies should come from the Recorder when an official copy is required.
Before calling, collect: owner name, property address, document type, approximate recording year, instrument number if known and your mailing or email contact information.
For title or closing use: ask whether you need a certified copy rather than a regular copy.
For old records: try book/page, grantor/grantee names and date range searches.
Owner alert
Adams County Recorder AlertMe / Property Recording Notifications
Adams County’s DTS system includes an AlertMe notification login. This type of service can help owners monitor whether a document is recorded under a name or property-related search profile.
A recording alert does not prevent fraud, stop a filing or prove whether a document is valid. It is an early-warning tool so you can review a new recording and contact the proper office quickly.
Open Adams County AlertMeAvoid the wrong office
Recorder vs Auditor vs Treasurer vs Court Offices
Recorder
Records deeds, mortgages, releases, liens, plats and other recordable instruments.
Use the Recorder for deed searches, recorded-document copies and recording questions.
Auditor
Handles real-property valuation, manufactured home assessment, tax-list preparation and many parcel data questions.
Use the Auditor for value, parcel and conveyance-related questions.
Open Adams County AuditorTreasurer
Handles property-tax payments and current due-date information.
Use the Treasurer for taxes owed, receipts and payment questions.
Open Adams County TreasurerCourts or attorney
Use the court system or a qualified attorney for ownership disputes, quiet title, probate issues, foreclosure disputes and deed validity questions.
The Recorder records documents but does not decide legal disputes.
Search troubleshooting
Why You May Not Find a Deed or Record Online
Name variation: try last name only, maiden name, business name without punctuation or the previous owner’s name.
Wrong county: confirm the property is in Adams County, Ohio, not a neighboring county or another Adams County in a different state.
Old record: older records may require book/page, date range or in-office assistance.
Recent recording: online data may lag behind the office record. Call the Recorder if timing matters.
Address mismatch: deeds are indexed by party names and legal descriptions, not always by street address.
Mobile home issue: manufactured-home ownership may involve title or Auditor records, not only deed records.
Avoid delays
Common Adams County Recorder Mistakes
Mailing an incomplete deed: missing signatures, acknowledgments, Auditor steps or payment can delay recording.
Using a street address only: deed research often needs grantor, grantee, legal description, date range or instrument number.
Expecting legal advice: Recorder staff cannot draft documents or decide which deed type to use.
Skipping certified copies: a screenshot or online image may not be accepted where a certified copy is required.
Confusing tax and deed offices: the Recorder handles recorded instruments; the Treasurer handles payments; the Auditor handles parcel values.
Ignoring recording alerts: sign up for alerts if you want notice of future recordings that may affect your name or property.
Decision path
What to Do Next
If you need to find a deed
Start with DTS Public Access. Search by party name first, then narrow by date range or document type.
If you need a certified copy
Save the document number and call the Recorder to confirm copy fees, certification and delivery options.
If you need to record a new deed
Confirm formatting, Auditor steps, recording fee, transfer forms and legal requirements before submitting.
If the property value or taxes look wrong
Use the Auditor for valuation or parcel issues and the Treasurer for tax payment questions.
Important notice
Independent Information, Legal Caution and Property-Records Notice
This page is independent informational content. It is not the official website of Adams County, the Adams County Recorder, the Auditor, the Treasurer, the courts or any Ohio government agency.
It is not legal advice, title advice, tax advice or a substitute for a title search, title insurance, attorney review or certified public record.
Verify current office hours, fees, recording rules and copy procedures directly with the Adams County Recorder before mailing documents or relying on an online result.
Property records should not be used for employment screening, tenant screening, credit eligibility, insurance underwriting or any other FCRA-regulated purpose. This website is not a Consumer Reporting Agency.
FAQs
Adams County Recorder FAQs
Which Adams County does this recorder guide cover?
This guide covers the Adams County Recorder in Adams County, Ohio. The office is located at 110 West Main Street, Room #133, West Union, OH 45693.
Who is the Adams County Ohio Recorder?
The Adams County government website lists Chris Moore as the Recorder contact.
How do I search Adams County Ohio deeds online?
Use the official Adams County Recorder DTS Public Access system. Search by party name, document number, book/page or date range when available.
Do I need an account to use Adams County Public Access?
The public-access page says an account is not required, but registration is recommended because it can save search settings, search history and documents in a cart.
What documents does the Adams County Recorder handle?
The Recorder handles recordable instruments such as deeds, mortgages, releases, liens, plats, easements, powers of attorney and other documents authorized by Ohio law.
Does the Recorder decide who legally owns a property?
No. The Recorder records documents in the public record. Legal ownership disputes, title defects and deed interpretation should be reviewed by a title professional or attorney.
What is the Adams County Recorder phone number?
The county website lists 937-544-5051 and 937-544-2513 for the Recorder office.
How much does it cost to record a deed in Adams County?
Ohio law sets a common recording fee structure of $34 for the first two pages and $8 for each additional page for many instruments, with a possible county preservation surcharge. Call the Recorder for the exact total before mailing payment.
Can I get property tax information from the Recorder?
The Recorder handles recorded documents. Use the Adams County Treasurer for tax payment questions and the Adams County Auditor for parcel value and assessment questions.
Does Adams County offer recording alerts?
Yes. Adams County’s DTS system includes an AlertMe notification login. Alerts can help you monitor new recordings, but they do not prevent fraud or prove whether a filing is legally valid.
Official resources