CAPE MAY COUNTY, NEW JERSEY • DEEDS & PUBLIC LAND RECORDS
Cape May County Recorder of Deeds: Search, Office, Fees & Property Records
Looking for a deed, mortgage, lien or other recorded property document in Cape May County?
The Cape May County Recorder of Deeds function is handled by the Cape May County Clerk. The Clerk records, preserves and provides access to official land records throughout the county.
You can search recorded deeds online for free, find property records by address and request certified copies without using a private records company.
This guide explains the correct search system, recording costs, deed requirements, office location and useful local services.
START HERE
Cape May County Recorder of Deeds Quick Facts
The County Clerk acts as the county’s recorder of deeds and mortgages.
For recorded land documents, use the Clerk’s Official Records system rather than searching for a separate Recorder department.
Which documents can you find?
The Clerk records more than 165 types of documents, most involving real property transactions.
These include deeds, mortgages, mortgage discharges, assignments, easements, restrictions, master deeds, subdivision maps and other recorded instruments.
The office also maintains certain business registrations, veterans’ records and additional documents authorized by New Jersey law.
MAIN SEARCH TOOL
How to Search Cape May County Deeds and Land Records Online
The County Clerk provides a free Land Records Public Search system.
The database includes recorded deeds and mortgages dating back to January 1, 1996. Other digitized record series generally begin in August 2000.
Open Official Cape May County Land Records Search ↗- Open the County Clerk’s Public Search page.
- Use the basic search or the available advanced search interface.
- Choose a search method based on the information you have.
- Enter the party name, document number, book/page or other available criteria.
- Review the matching recorded documents.
- Open the document details and available image.
- Save the file number or book/page reference for future use.
Search by name, document type or recording reference
Search an owner, seller, buyer, mortgage party, business or trust named in the instrument.
Find deeds, mortgages and other indexed documents using an available type filter.
Use the recorded file number when it appears on a previous deed or title document.
Enter a known recording reference to locate a specific document.
Use a date range to narrow a search involving common names or several transactions.
Use municipal and parcel details when supported by the selected search interface.
How should you enter a person’s name?
The county’s browser-based search gives an example of entering a party name in last-name-first-name order.
For example, a person named John Smith may be searched as Smith John.
Search alternative spellings, initials and previous names when you do not find a match.
A very narrow search can miss a record because of a name variation, missing parcel information or a different document type.
Start with a name or known file reference, then add date or document filters if too many results appear.
Basic search vs. advanced search
The Clerk offers a basic public search and an advanced search system with additional functionality.
The advanced system has browser and extension requirements. For ordinary property research, the browser-based search is often the simpler choice.
Open Browser-Based Public Search ↗What information appears in a record?
Document type: deed, mortgage, discharge or another recorded instrument.
File number: the county’s identifying number for the recorded document.
Recording date: when the instrument entered the official county records.
Book/page: a recorded reference used to retrieve the instrument.
Parties: names associated with the document.
Municipality: a Cape May County town linked to the record where indexed.
Document image: an electronic representation of the instrument when access is available.
PROPERTY LOCATION SEARCH
How to Find a Cape May County Deed by Address
If you only know a street address, Cape May County has a particularly useful search system called PRESS.
PRESS stands for Public Records Electronic Search System. It combines current tax parcel information, owner details, recorded deed references and Google Maps.
The service is provided through a collaboration between the County Clerk and Cape May County Board of Taxation.
Open Cape May County PRESS Property Search ↗- Choose the By Address search option.
- Select the municipality where the property is located.
- Enter the street name or part of it.
- Review the matching property results.
- Open the relevant parcel information.
- Review the current owner and deed information.
- Follow an available recorded-document reference to research the deed.
A useful local search trick
The county recommends starting an address search with only the street name.
For example, instead of entering a full street address, try the distinctive part of the street name first.
This helps when addresses contain abbreviations such as ST, AVE or BLVD.
Search by block and lot
PRESS also supports searches by municipality, block, lot and qualifier.
This can be more precise than a street-address search, especially for condominium units or properties without a straightforward mailing address.
Try searching the municipality, block and lot first without the qualifier.
Then use the condominium qualifier to identify the correct unit when multiple results appear.
PRESS vs. the full Land Records Search
Use PRESS when you have:
A street address, current owner’s name, municipality or block/lot.
It is designed to connect current property information with relevant recorded documents.
Use Land Records Search when you need:
Older instruments, prior owners, mortgages, liens, document-type searches or a complete recorded-document search.
It is the broader Official Records research tool.
PRESS is useful for finding a starting point. A complete title search may require additional records, including older documents and court filings.
LOCAL OFFICE INFORMATION
Cape May County Recorder Office Address, Phone and Hours
Cape May County Clerk’s Office
County Clerk: Rita M. Rothberg
Deputy County Clerk: Patricia B. Mabry
Physical address:
7 North Main Street
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
Mailing address:
P.O. Box 5000
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210-5000
Main phone: 609-465-1010
Public Records: 609-465-1023
Fax: 609-465-8625
Email: coclerk@co.cape-may.nj.us
Office hours:
Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM, excluding holidays
Public Records and research assistance
The Clerk’s Public Records team can assist with land-record research questions.
The county lists Dawn Sheeks as Public Records Manager.
For a research appointment requiring staff assistance, call 609-465-1023.
You can also contact: dawn.sheeks@co.cape-may.nj.us.
The Clerk’s land-record research room is in the Hall of Records at the rear of the County Clerk’s Office.
HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS
Searching Cape May County Deeds Recorded Before 1996 or 2000
Not every older Cape May County document is available as an online image.
The County Clerk maintains physical records that can be researched in its Record Room and Archives.
Can you visit without an appointment?
Yes. The Record Room is open to researchers who do not need staff assistance.
The published research hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding holidays.
Research requiring staff assistance needs an appointment.
What should you bring?
Party names: former owners, grantors or grantees.
Approximate recording year: helpful for historical research.
Book/page reference: useful if found in a newer deed.
Municipality and property description: helps narrow the research.
Relevant older documents: title commitments or prior deed references can provide useful clues.
One deed may identify a previous book/page reference. That earlier document may then point to another transaction.
A complete chain-of-title investigation is different from finding a single deed.
DOCUMENT SUBMISSION
How to Record a Deed in Cape May County, New Jersey
Recording a deed creates an official public record of the instrument.
It does not mean the County Clerk has verified ownership or determined that the transaction is legally valid.
The county recommends consulting a licensed New Jersey attorney before recording a document affecting real-property ownership.
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Prepare the correct deed.
Identify the grantor, grantee and property. Include the proper legal description and execution information.
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Review signatures and acknowledgment.
Make sure the deed meets applicable New Jersey acknowledgment and recording requirements.
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Prepare the recording cover sheet.
Paper land-record submissions generally need a cover sheet under N.J.S.A. 46:26A-5.
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Prepare transfer-tax documents.
Deed recordings may require Realty Transfer Fee information and New Jersey Gross Income Tax forms.
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Calculate recording costs.
Include page charges, applicable county fees, taxes and additional fees for the specific instrument.
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Submit the document.
Use the Clerk’s walk-in recording service, mail or an available eRecording provider.
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Verify the completed recording.
Retain the recording reference and check the final instrument in the Official Records search.
Recording cover sheet requirement
New Jersey requires a cover sheet or electronic synopsis with land documents submitted for recording.
Cape May County says the requirement became effective May 1, 2017.
The County Clerk charges an additional $20 indexing fee when a required cover sheet or electronic synopsis is missing.
A paper recording submitted with a check may be returned unrecorded if the cover sheet or additional payment is missing.
Does the cover sheet count as a page?
Yes. The Clerk’s published fee schedule says a cover sheet attached to a hard-copy recording generally counts toward the recorded page total.
Special rules apply to certain flat-fee or filed instruments.
Open Cape May Document Recording Requirements ↗Other document requirements
New Jersey recording rules differ depending on whether the instrument is a deed, mortgage, mortgage discharge, easement or another document.
The Clerk publishes specific document-recording requirements for many instrument types.
Open Document Recording Requirements by Type ↗RECORDING COSTS
Cape May County Recorder of Deeds Fees
Cape May County’s published Clerk fee schedule lists a base recording fee of $30 for the first page and $10 for each additional recorded page.
These are base charges. A deed usually requires additional fees, and Realty Transfer Fees are calculated separately.
The amounts above follow the Clerk’s published February 20, 2025 fee schedule. Verify the current total with the Clerk before submitting a 2026 recording.
Example: recording a deed with a cover sheet
Assume a deed contains three document pages plus one required cover sheet.
First page: $30
Three additional pages: $30
Homelessness Trust Fund: $5
Deed abstracting fee: $10
Illustrative subtotal: $75
This example assumes no additional-name, noting or special charges. It excludes Realty Transfer Fees and other taxes.
The Clerk’s page fee is only one part of the cost of recording a deed.
New Jersey Realty Transfer Fees and applicable state tax forms may materially change the total payment.
NEW JERSEY TRANSFER RULES
Realty Transfer Fees, Seller Forms and 2025 Law Changes
New Jersey imposes a Realty Transfer Fee on many transfers of real property.
The amount depends on the transaction, consideration, exemptions and other legal factors.
Cape May County collects applicable transfer fees when a deed is recorded.
Realty Transfer Fee
The state’s Realty Transfer Fee rules include different calculations depending on the value and type of conveyance.
Some sellers may qualify for reduced rates or exemptions.
Transfers over $2 million
New Jersey enacted legislation on June 30, 2025 changing certain fees and taxes on high-value property transfers.
The legislation also changed which party is responsible for certain additional fees.
If your property transaction exceeds $2 million, use current New Jersey tax guidance rather than an outdated mansion-tax calculator.
New Jersey Gross Income Tax forms
New Jersey also requires Gross Income Tax documentation with certain deed recordings.
Nonresident sellers may need an estimated-tax payment or a qualifying waiver or exemption form.
The recording fee, Realty Transfer Fee and Gross Income Tax obligations are different charges or requirements.
A New Jersey attorney, title company or settlement agent can determine the applicable forms and payment amounts.
DOCUMENT COPIES
How to Get a Cape May County Deed Copy or Certified Copy
Many people only need to view or save a recorded deed for personal reference.
Others need a certified copy for legal, banking, estate or government purposes.
Regular copy
Search the Clerk’s free public land-record system and use the available document image.
For in-person research, self-service letter-size copies in the Record Room cost $0.05 per page.
Certified copy
The Clerk’s published policy lists $1 per document page plus $10 for certification.
The office certifies complete documents. It does not issue certified partial-document copies.
Certified-copy cost example
A four-page deed would cost $14 under the published certified-copy formula.
That consists of $4 for the document pages and $10 for certification.
How do you request certification?
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Locate the deed.
Use the public search to find its book/page or file number.
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Confirm the document.
Review the owner names, date and document type.
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Contact Public Records.
Call 609-465-1023 with the recording reference.
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Request the complete certified document.
Confirm the current fee, payment method and delivery options.
ELECTRONIC RECORDING
Does Cape May County Accept eRecording?
Yes. Cape May County accepts eligible land documents through electronic-recording services.
Professional submitters can use the New Jersey Recording Portal or participating recording-service vendors.
Available submission options
Supports electronic document submission for registered recording customers.
A third-party electronic-recording provider used by title and real-estate professionals.
Another vendor through which eligible electronic recordings may be submitted.
Is a separate cover sheet needed for eRecording?
The county explains that electronic-recording submissions include an electronic synopsis.
Therefore, a separate paper cover sheet is not required for an otherwise compliant eRecording submission.
Vendor charges may be separate from statutory county recording fees.
Open Cape May eRecording Instructions ↗PROPERTY PROTECTION
Cape May County Property Fraud Alert Service
The Cape May County Clerk offers a free Property Alert Service.
It sends email notifications when newly recorded documents match a registered name or property identifier.
How to register
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Open the Property Alert portal.
Use the official County Clerk service.
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Create your account.
Enter your email and registration information.
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Confirm your email address.
Open the confirmation message and complete activation.
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Add monitored names.
Register your name and useful variations, including middle initials.
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Consider property information.
Add municipality, block and lot if appropriate.
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Review future alerts.
Check the referenced document in the Official Records system.
How quickly are alerts sent?
The county explains that recorded documents go through a verification process before becoming available in public search.
That process typically takes 5–7 business days. An alert is sent after verification is complete.
Why are party names important?
Not every recorded document contains complete parcel information.
The Clerk recommends registering party names as the primary monitoring method, with parcel data as a secondary option.
It helps you identify a suspicious recording after the document has been processed.
If you suspect a fraudulent filing, the Clerk directs users to law enforcement.
Suspected fraud: Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office — 609-465-1135.
Technical assistance: 609-465-1014 or 609-465-1018.
NEW JERSEY PRIVACY LAW
Daniel’s Law and Sealed Land Record Pages
Some Cape May County document images show a “Sealed Page” notice instead of the ordinary image.
This can happen when information is protected under New Jersey’s Daniel’s Law.
The law protects certain personal information of covered individuals.
What if you need a sealed document for a title search?
The County Clerk publishes a process for requesting access to information needed for qualifying title or lien research.
Such searches must be completed in person by appointment.
Call 609-465-1023 and ask about the covered-person release procedure.
Access is subject to the applicable legal requirements. A sealed online image should not be treated as a missing deed.
SEARCH AND FILING PROBLEMS
Common Cape May County Recorder Problems and Fixes
I know the property address but cannot find the deed.
Start with PRESS. Choose the municipality and enter only part of the street name. Open the parcel and use its available deed references.
The property is a condominium.
Try searching with the municipality, block and lot before adding the qualifier. Then identify the correct condominium unit.
I cannot find the owner’s name.
Try alternate name spellings, initials, previous owners, trusts and business entities. A single unsuccessful name search does not prove a recording is absent.
The document is older than the online database.
Use the Clerk’s Record Room for historical materials. Research requiring staff assistance must be arranged by appointment.
The recorded image says Sealed Page.
The record may contain information protected under Daniel’s Law. Contact the Clerk about access procedures for eligible research.
My paper recording was returned.
Check the required cover sheet, recording fees, execution requirements and document-specific forms. Contact the Recording Office for the stated rejection reason.
I need a certified copy rather than an online printout.
Contact Public Records at 609-465-1023 with the deed’s file number or book/page. Ask for a complete certified copy.
My mortgage has been paid off but still appears as a lien.
Search for a recorded mortgage discharge or cancellation. Contact the lender or settlement professional if the required discharge was not recorded.
I received a suspicious property alert.
Review the actual recorded document. If fraud is suspected, contact the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office and seek qualified legal assistance.
CHOOSE YOUR NEXT ACTION
What Should You Do Next?
Find a recorded deed: use the free Land Records Public Search.
Only have an address: use PRESS and search by municipality and street.
Need older records: visit the Clerk’s Record Room or schedule research assistance.
Record a new deed: review the cover sheet, transfer-tax forms and document-specific requirements.
Request a certified copy: contact Public Records at 609-465-1023.
Monitor property fraud: register for the free Property Alert Service.
Question about assessed value: contact the appropriate municipal assessor.
Need legal title advice: consult a licensed New Jersey real-estate attorney or title professional.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Cape May County Recorder of Deeds FAQs
Who is the Cape May County Recorder of Deeds?
The Cape May County Clerk performs the Recorder of Deeds function. Rita M. Rothberg is the County Clerk.
Where is the Cape May County Recorder’s Office?
The County Clerk’s Office is at 7 North Main Street, Cape May Court House, New Jersey 08210.
What is the Cape May County Clerk’s phone number?
The main office phone is 609-465-1010. Public Records staff can be reached at 609-465-1023.
How do I search Cape May County deeds online?
Use the County Clerk’s free Land Records Public Search. You can search party names, file numbers, book/page references and other available record criteria.
Can I search Cape May County deeds by address?
Yes. Use the county’s PRESS system, which connects current owner and parcel information with recorded land records.
Are Cape May County deed searches free?
The Clerk provides free public online land-record searches. Charges apply to some office-prepared copies and certifications.
How far back do online Cape May County deed records go?
Online deed and mortgage records generally extend back to January 1, 1996. Other digitized series generally begin in August 2000.
How much does it cost to record a deed?
The Clerk’s published fee schedule lists $30 for the first page and $10 for each additional recorded page. Additional deed fees and transfer taxes can apply.
Is a recording cover sheet required?
Yes. Paper land-record submissions generally require a cover sheet. The county charges an additional $20 when the required cover sheet or electronic synopsis is missing.
How much is a certified deed copy?
The published County Clerk copy policy lists $1 per document page plus $10 for certification. Only complete documents are certified.
Does Cape May County accept eRecording?
Yes. Eligible documents may be recorded electronically using supported recording portals and providers.
Does Cape May County offer property fraud alerts?
Yes. The Clerk offers a free Property Alert Service for monitoring selected names and property identifiers.
What does Sealed Page mean in the document search?
The record may contain information protected by Daniel’s Law. Access to protected information is subject to specific legal procedures.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Independent Website, Public Records and Legal Disclaimer
This article is independently published for informational purposes. It is not an official website of Cape May County, the County Clerk or the State of New Jersey.
The information does not constitute legal advice, tax advice, a title examination or a government-certified property record.
Recording requirements, fees, property-transfer taxes, office procedures and available services may change.
Confirm important requirements directly with the County Clerk or a licensed New Jersey attorney before recording a document.
Public property records should not be used for employment screening, tenant screening, credit eligibility, insurance underwriting or other decisions regulated by the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
This website is not a consumer reporting agency.
OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT LINKS
Cape May County Recorder Resources and New Jersey Forms
The following official resources support the search procedures, county contacts, fees and recording requirements in this guide.