Franklin County OH Recorder: Deeds & Records

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Franklin County, Ohio • Recorder deeds and public records guide • reviewed September 13, 2026

Franklin County OH Recorder: Deeds & Records

The Franklin County Recorder records, preserves and provides access to deeds, mortgages, liens, plats and other real estate records for Franklin County, Ohio.

If you want to find an old deed, check a mortgage release, request a certified copy, record a transfer document or set up property fraud alerts, this is the office to start with.

For ownership transfer review, parcel values and conveyance stamping, the Franklin County Auditor is also important. For tax bills and payments, use the Franklin County Treasurer.

Search Recorder Records Check Recording Fees Set Property Alert
01

Fast answer

Franklin County Recorder Quick Facts

Official office Franklin County Recorder

Records and retrieves real estate, personal property and other authorized public records.

Current recorder Daniel J. O’Connor Jr.

The county site identifies him as Franklin County Recorder.

Main phone 614-525-3930

Use this number for recording, search and customer-service questions.

Office location 373 S. High St., 18th Floor

Franklin County Government Tower, Columbus, Ohio 43215.

Public hours Monday–Friday, 8 AM–4 PM

The office stops accepting documents for recording after 3:45 PM.

Online search Cloud Search

No account is required, but registration unlocks extra search features.

Most common user need:

Search Recorder records for the deed or recording document, then use the Auditor site for parcel value and the Treasurer site for tax bills.

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Local office

Franklin County Recorder Office Address, Phone, Email and Map

Franklin County Recorder

Recorder: Daniel J. O’Connor Jr.

Address: 373 S. High St., 18th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215

Phone: 614-525-3930

Fax: 614-525-4299

Email: recorder@franklincountyohio.gov

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM

Recording cutoff: documents are not accepted for recording after 3:45 PM.

When to contact this office

Use the Recorder for recorded deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, leases, releases, assignments and certified copies.

Recorder staff can help you search public records, but the office says employees cannot perform a title search for you.

For legal document preparation, contact a title company or a qualified Ohio real estate attorney.

Franklin County Government Tower

Recorder: 18th Floor

Auditor Transfer & Conveyance: 19th Floor

Treasurer: 17th Floor

Nearby county parking options include the 399 South Front Street Parking Garage and the 34 East Fulton Street Parking Garage.

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Office role decoder

Recorder vs. Auditor vs. Treasurer vs. Court Offices

Recorder

Use for recorded deeds, mortgages, releases, liens, plats, leases, assignments, partnerships and certified copies.

The Recorder preserves documents after they are accepted for recording.

Auditor

Use for parcel numbers, property values, transfer and conveyance review, legal description issues and homestead tax-relief questions.

Many deeds that transfer real estate must start with the Auditor before recording.

Treasurer

Use for property-tax bills, tax payments, due dates, penalties, tax balances and Treasurer property search.

The Treasurer does not record deeds.

Probate / Clerk / Law Library

Use these offices for estate filings, court records, probate records, title-office questions and legal-form resources.

Do not treat a recorded deed search as legal advice about title.

05

Recording workflow

How to Record a Deed in Franklin County, Ohio

A deed that transfers real estate is not just dropped off at the Recorder in every situation.

Franklin County explains that transfer documents should start with the Auditor when the transfer process is required.

Prepare deedAttorney, title company or approved legal form
Auditor reviewTransfer and conveyance when required
Engineer reviewLegal description if needed
Recorder filingFinal recording and indexing
  1. Prepare the correct legal document.

    Use a title company or real estate attorney if you are adding a person, removing a person, transferring to a trust or correcting ownership.

  2. Check whether Auditor transfer review is required.

    Land contracts, easements and covenants may need Auditor presentation and stamping before recording.

  3. Use Simplifile if eRecording applies.

    Franklin County says deeds that transfer real property are accepted for eRecording by the Auditor, Engineer and Recorder only through Simplifile at this time.

  4. Mail or bring paper documents if eRecording is not possible.

    Use the Government Tower address and arrive before the 3:45 PM recording cutoff.

  5. Include the right fees and return envelope.

    Use a separate check for taxes when needed and include a self-addressed stamped envelope to avoid the document return fee.

Official Real Estate Recording page

Open Real Estate Recording
After opening: review recording methods, eRecording notes, e-notarization guidance, escrow account forms and redaction request instructions before sending documents.
06

Document standards

Franklin County Recording Standards That Can Prevent Rejection

Legible document: use clear text and enough blank space for official stamps.

Typed names: include typed names and titles below signatures.

Notary: make sure acknowledgments and jurats are complete and readable.

Legal description: include the complete legal description when required.

References: include prior instrument numbers, book/page numbers or recording dates when recording related documents.

Preparer and return address: include both, plus a phone number for minor correctable issues.

Paper and margins: use 8.5 x 11 or 8.5 x 14 paper, one-inch side and bottom margins, three-inch top margin on the first page and one-and-one-half-inch top margin on later pages.

Extra fee risk: nonstandard documents may still record, but Franklin County lists an additional $20 standardization fee.

Official Recording Standards

Open Recording Standards
After opening: compare every page of your document with the checklist, especially the first-page top margin, legal description, return address and prior recording references.
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Recording costs

Franklin County Recorder Fees for Deeds and Documents

Franklin County states that recording fees are set under Ohio Revised Code § 317.32.

The most common real estate recording fee structure is simple, but references, nonstandard pages and return handling can change the total.

First two pages $34

Typical fee for the first two pages of many recordable documents.

Additional pages $8 each

Each additional page adds a per-page fee.

Nonstandard document +$20

Applies when the document does not meet standardization requirements.

Marginal reference +$4 each

Added for each indexed marginal reference.

Debit / credit card 3%

Convenience fee for accepted card payments.

No return envelope +$1

Document return fee if no self-addressed stamped envelope is provided.

Open simple recording fee estimator

Estimated recording fee: $34.00

This is educational only. It does not include conveyance fees, transfer taxes, escrow handling, special filings, waived-fee exceptions, copy charges or card convenience fees.

Official Recording Fees page

Open Franklin County Recording Fees
After opening: check the fee list, use the official fee calculator, confirm acceptable payment methods and make checks payable to Franklin County Recorder.
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Copies and certified copies

How to Request a Franklin County Deed Copy or Certified Copy

Use the online Recorder search first if you only need to view a recorded document.

If you need an endorsed certified copy, Franklin County provides certified-copy request options by mail, in person or online.

Regular view Online search

Use Cloud Search to locate and view record details.

Official copy Certified copy

Use when a document needs Recorder certification as a true copy.

Before ordering Save the instrument number

This helps the office locate the exact deed, mortgage or release.

Official Certified Copy Request

Open Certified Copy Request
After opening: choose online, mail or in-person request, enter the instrument number if you have it, confirm the copy fee and submit the request through the official Recorder process.
09

Fraud monitoring

Franklin County Property Alert and Auditor Property eAlerts

Franklin County Recorder Property Alert monitors newly recorded documents that match a name profile.

The alert email can include the matched name, instrument number and recording date. It only covers documents recorded in the Franklin County Recorder’s Office.

The Recorder page also recommends using the Auditor’s Property eAlerts because the Auditor and Recorder monitor different record systems.

Recorder Property Alert

Best for names appearing on recorded documents such as deeds, mortgages, releases and liens.

Open Recorder Property Alert
After opening: create an account, add your name profiles, include common name variations and watch for emails with instrument numbers.

Auditor Property eAlerts

Best for property-record changes such as owner, owner address or value changes on the Auditor record.

Open Auditor Property eAlerts
After opening: register for alerts tied to your property record, then keep both Recorder and Auditor alerts active for broader monitoring.
If you receive a suspicious alert:

Do not ignore it. Contact the Recorder, compare the document in Cloud Search, contact your title company or attorney and consider law-enforcement guidance if fraud is suspected.

10

Transfer and parcel data

When the Franklin County Auditor Is Part of the Deed Process

The Auditor manages legal ownership and description information for real property and manufactured homes.

Franklin County’s Auditor FAQ says a new deed or legal document may be needed to add or remove a person, trust or entity on a property.

Transfer and conveyance

Use the Auditor for conveyance review, parcel-number assignment, transfer documentation and exemption form questions.

Auditor Transfer & Conveyance/Homestead public counter hours are listed as 9 AM–12 PM and 1 PM–4 PM, Monday–Friday.

After deed processing

The Auditor FAQ says website updates after a deed is processed can take approximately 1–2 business days.

Tax bills may not consolidate until a later tax year after parcel combinations or splits.

Franklin County Auditor Transfer & Conveyance FAQ

Open Transfer & Conveyance FAQ
After opening: review whether your deed must be presented to the Auditor first, then check conveyance standards, exemption forms and parcel-number requirements before recording.
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Tax bill connection

Deed Records vs. Property Tax Records in Franklin County

Recording a deed does not always mean the tax bill instantly changes.

The Recorder records documents. The Auditor updates parcel and value data. The Treasurer bills and collects property taxes.

Deed image Recorder

Use for recorded ownership documents and instrument numbers.

Parcel record Auditor

Use for owner display, parcel ID, value, legal description and transfer history.

Tax bill Treasurer

Use for tax balance, payment history, due date, penalty and bill mailing issues.

Franklin County Treasurer Property Search

Open Treasurer Property Search
After opening: search by name, address or parcel ID, open the property, then review tax years, balances, payments and current mailing information.
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Estate planning records

Transfer on Death, Survivorship Deeds and Franklin County Good Deeds

Franklin County’s Good Deeds resources explain ways to make some property transfers easier after death.

These topics can involve deeds, probate, vehicle titles and legal choices. The Recorder records documents, but does not give legal advice.

Transfer on death designation affidavit: Ohio law says the county recorder records these in the same manner as deeds.

Survivorship deed: can affect what happens after an owner dies, but legal drafting matters.

Probate issue: if a decedent had a will or probate estate, the Probate Court may be involved.

Legal help: use a licensed Ohio attorney for deed language, title questions or estate-transfer planning.

Franklin County Good Deeds Program

Open Good Deeds
After opening: review the Recorder, Probate Court and Clerk resources, then decide whether your question is about real estate, probate, vehicle title or another asset.
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Ohio law basis

Ohio Recorder Law Behind Franklin County Deed Records

ORC § 317.08

Lists many instruments county recorders keep in official records, including deeds, mortgages, plats, liens and other documents.

Open § 317.08

ORC § 317.32

Sets recording-fee authority, including the $34 first-two-pages and $8 subsequent-page structure for many instruments.

Open § 317.32

ORC § 317.114

Sets standard formatting rules such as font, paper size, ink, margins and first-page top space.

Open § 317.114
After opening these law links: use them to understand the legal basis, but use Franklin County’s current Recorder pages for local filing instructions, local forms, current fees and office workflow.
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Avoid delays

Common Franklin County Recorder Mistakes

Searching the wrong office: Recorder records are not the same as Auditor parcel records or Treasurer tax bills.

Expecting Recorder staff to do a title search: the office can help with record access, but it cannot perform title searches.

Skipping Auditor transfer review: some transfer documents must be presented to the Auditor before recording.

Arriving too late: the Recorder stops accepting recording documents after 3:45 PM.

Forgetting a return envelope: no self-addressed stamped envelope can add a return fee.

Using nonstandard formatting: margins, font, paper size and first-page space can trigger extra cost or rejection risk.

Not checking fraud alerts: set up both Recorder Property Alert and Auditor Property eAlerts for broader monitoring.

Using paid mailers blindly: search the official Recorder website before paying a third party for a deed copy.

15

Decision path

What Should You Do Next?

If you need a deed image: search the Recorder Cloud Search site first.

If you need a certified deed copy: use the Recorder certified-copy request page.

If you are transferring ownership: start with a title company or attorney, then check Auditor transfer requirements before recording.

If your Auditor owner record is wrong: compare the recorded deed with the Auditor property record and contact the Auditor.

If your tax bill is wrong: use the Treasurer property search and contact the Treasurer, not the Recorder.

If fraud is suspected: save the instrument number, contact the Recorder, and speak with a title professional or attorney.

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Important caution

Independent Information, Legal Caution and Public-Records Notice

This page is independent informational content. It is not the official website of the Franklin County Recorder, Auditor, Treasurer, Clerk of Courts, Probate Court or any government agency.

It is not legal advice, title advice, tax advice, an official title search, an ownership guarantee, a deed-preparation service or a certified record.

Recorder records can show recorded documents, but they do not by themselves prove that title is free of defects, liens, fraud or competing interests.

Verify current fees, office hours, recording rules and document requirements directly with the responsible official office before recording or relying on a document.

Do not use public property records for employment screening, tenant screening, credit eligibility, insurance underwriting or any purpose regulated by the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

17

FAQs

Franklin County Recorder FAQs

What does the Franklin County Recorder do?

The Franklin County Recorder records, preserves and retrieves real estate, personal property and other records that Ohio law authorizes for recording.

Common records include deeds, mortgages, releases, liens, plats, leases and assignments.

How do I search Franklin County deed records online?

Use the Franklin County Recorder Cloud Search site. You can search without an account, although registration may provide extra features.

Try name variations, instrument numbers, recording dates and document types when available.

Can I search Franklin County Recorder records by property address?

Recorder records usually work best by name, instrument number or document details.

For parcel ID, property address, owner display and value information, use the Franklin County Auditor property search.

Where is the Franklin County Recorder located?

The Franklin County Recorder is located at 373 S. High St., 18th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215.

The office is in the Franklin County Government Tower.

What are the Franklin County Recorder hours?

The office lists public hours as Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

The Recorder stops accepting documents for recording after 3:45 PM.

How much does it cost to record a deed in Franklin County?

The typical fee is $34 for the first two pages and $8 for each additional page.

Extra charges can apply for nonstandard documents, marginal references, card payments or missing return envelopes.

Can I eRecord a deed in Franklin County?

Franklin County says deeds that transfer real property are accepted for eRecording by the Auditor, Engineer and Recorder only through Simplifile at this time.

Transfer documents should start the transfer process with the Franklin County Auditor when required.

Does the Recorder prepare deeds or perform title searches?

No. The Recorder can help you access public records, but staff cannot prepare legal documents or perform a title search.

Use a title company or Ohio real estate attorney for legal document preparation and title questions.

How do I get a certified copy of a Franklin County deed?

Use the Recorder’s certified copy request process online, by mail or in person.

Have the instrument number, recording date or party names ready so the office can locate the correct document.

How can I monitor Franklin County property-record fraud?

Sign up for the Recorder Property Alert to receive email alerts when a recorded document matches your name profile.

Also consider the Auditor Property eAlerts tool because it monitors Auditor property-record changes.

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Official resources

Official Franklin County and Ohio Sources

Franklin County Recorder

Open Recorder homepage

After opening: use the quick links for Search Our Records, Property Alert and Calculate Recording Fees.

Recorder Public Records Search

Open public search page

After opening: choose Cloud Search first, then use legacy search only if the newer system does not locate the record.

Cloud Search

Open Cloud Search

After opening: search by name, instrument number or date, then save the document type and recording information.

Real Estate Recording

Open recording page

After opening: review eRecording, e-notarization, mail and in-person options before submitting a deed.

Recording Standards

Open recording standards

After opening: check margins, paper size, font, legal description, preparer address and return address.

Recording Fees

Open fee page

After opening: use the fee calculator and verify any extra reference, return, nonstandard or card charges.

Certified Copy Request

Open copy request

After opening: choose online, mail or in-person request and identify the exact recorded document.

Property Alert

Open property alert

After opening: create profiles for name variations and monitor emails for instrument numbers.

Franklin County Auditor Transfer & Conveyance

Open Auditor FAQ

After opening: confirm whether your deed needs Auditor review or conveyance stamping before recording.

Franklin County Treasurer Property Search

Open Treasurer search

After opening: search by owner, address or parcel ID to review tax balances and payments.

Franklin County Office Tower

Open building page

After opening: confirm building address, Recorder floor, nearby parking and current building details.

Ohio Revised Code Chapter 317

Open Ohio recorder law

After opening: review statutory recorder duties, record categories, fees and formatting rules.

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