Kent County Recorder of Deeds: Search Property Records, Fees & Dover Office
The Kent County Recorder of Deeds in Dover, Delaware, records and maintains deeds, mortgages, satisfactions, assignments, liens, plats and other authorized land records.
You can search the county’s digital records index online, review available document images and request copies. The office also provides electronic recording and a free property fraud alert service.
The Recorder’s Office is located at 555 Bay Road, Dover, DE 19901. It is open weekdays from 8 AM to 5 PM, but its recording counter closes at 3 PM.
Kent County Delaware Recorder of Deeds at a Glance
Honorable Kent County Recorder of Deeds.
Deputy Recorder listed by the county.
555 Bay Road, Dover, DE 19901.
Recorder customer service.
Monday through Friday.
Weekdays; earlier than office closing.
Kent County, Michigan, has a separate Register of Deeds in Grand Rapids. For property in Dover, Smyrna, Milford or other Kent County, Delaware communities, use the Delaware Recorder described here.
Kent County Recorder of Deeds Address, Phone, Email & Google Map
Kent County Recorder of Deeds
Recorder: Hon. Eugenia Thornton
Deputy: Darin Dell
Address: 555 Bay Road, Dover, DE 19901
Phone: 302-744-2314
Email: Recorder@kentcountyde.gov
Office hours: 8 AM–5 PM, weekdays
Recording hours: 8 AM–3 PM, weekdays
Before You Visit
The Recorder is located at the Kent County Levy Court Administrative Complex on Bay Road in Dover.
The building has an exterior drop box for Recorder materials.
Bring the document reference if requesting a copy, or the properly prepared instrument and payment if recording.
Arrive before 3 PM for recording transactions. The rest of the office remains open until 5 PM on normal weekdays.
Open the official Recorder of Deeds office page
How to Search Kent County Delaware Deeds Online
Kent County provides a searchable public land-records database with quick search, advanced search and recorded-document filtering.
You can use names, document numbers, document types and date ranges to locate recorded instruments.
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Open the official county search portal.
Start with Kent County’s public record search rather than an unrelated private lookup website.
Open Kent County Official Record SearchAfter opening: Choose Quick Search or Advanced Search. Select Land Records if that department option is displayed. -
Enter the recorded party’s name.
Try the grantor, grantee, current owner, previous owner or a business name.
Use alternate spellings if the first query does not find the instrument.
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Use the known document details.
A document number, subdivision name, document type or recording date can narrow the results.
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Choose an appropriate search scope.
The newer public search provides indexed-field searching and a full-text OCR option.
OCR results may contain recognition errors. Verify the actual document before relying on a result.
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Review the matching recording.
Compare names, document type, recording date, legal description and document reference.
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Save the document information.
Keep the document number or available book/page reference if you need a copy or further title research.
A recorded deed is an important legal record, but an online search does not establish clear title or guarantee that every lien, mortgage or competing interest has been identified.
Older Kent County Deed Search System
Kent County also maintains access to a US Land Records / 20/20 Perfect Vision public search interface.
This older system includes party-name, document-type and recording-date options.
If you encounter a link to the older portal, make sure it identifies Kent County, Delaware, and its Recorder before entering payment details.
Open Kent County US Land Records
Can You Search Records by Street Address?
Recorded-document searches are most reliable when you have the party name or document reference.
If you only know a street address, find the parcel or owner information through Kent County’s property assessment and mapping resources first.
Then search the Recorder using the owner and any known recording details.
Historical Kent County Deeds and Online Document Images
Kent County’s deed history extends back before Delaware became a state.
The office maintains historic record books, public-access research facilities and digitized document records.
Online searches may locate older documents, but the availability and quality of images can differ by recording period.
What If You Cannot Find an Older Deed?
- Search previous owners rather than only the present owner.
- Try common name variations and middle initials.
- Use any existing book, page or document number.
- Review recorded mortgages or deeds that reference earlier conveyances.
- Contact the Recorder about historic books and research-room access.
If you need a complete ownership history for buying, selling, refinancing or litigation, consult a Delaware title professional.
How to Record a Deed in Kent County, Delaware
The Recorder accepts real-property instruments that meet Delaware’s recording and payment requirements.
The office checks recordable form and applicable charges. It does not guarantee the legal validity or accuracy of the transaction.
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Prepare the appropriate deed.
Choose the correct legal document for the transfer. Seek legal assistance if ownership, inheritance or trust issues are involved.
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Verify the property description.
Include the correct Kent County property and legal description.
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Complete the execution requirements.
Review signatures, acknowledgment, notary information and the county’s document formatting standards.
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Prepare applicable recording forms.
A deed transfer may require the Realty Transfer Tax Return and Affidavit of Gain and Value, along with other transaction-specific forms.
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Determine the correct realty transfer tax.
Delaware’s general transfer tax system includes state and local portions. The county’s rate sheet distinguishes municipalities and exemption categories.
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Calculate Recorder charges.
Include the document fee, page charge, parcel charge and any other applicable fees.
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Submit the recording package.
Deliver it during the 8 AM–3 PM recording hours, use approved eRecording, or follow the county’s mailing or drop-box procedures.
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Keep the final recording reference.
Once accepted, save the document number and confirmation.
Open official Kent County Recording Forms
Kent County’s fee schedule allows a $40 nonconforming-document fee or a $20 rejection charge. Check the forms and instructions before recording.
Kent County Recorder of Deeds Fees in 2026
Kent County’s current code and published fee schedule specify a $36 document fee and a $10 per-page recording charge for ordinary recorded instruments.
Deeds also have a $5 charge for each tax parcel number.
Basic Kent County Deed Recording Fee Calculator
Estimate the recording charge using the number of pages and affected tax parcels.
This does not include realty transfer taxes, notations or special fees.
Formula: $36 document fee + $10 per page + $5 per tax parcel. Other charges and taxes are excluded.
Check the county’s current fee schedule
What Is Different About Satisfactions and Releases?
A mortgage satisfaction has its document and page charges plus a satisfaction fee.
A release or assignment may also require notation charges for the referenced mortgage.
If you are filing a release or assignment, do not use the deed-only calculator above.
Kent County Realty Transfer Tax: Rates, Towns and Exemptions
Delaware generally applies a 4% realty transfer tax system to taxable property transfers, with state and local components.
The Kent County Recorder’s published rate chart distinguishes county and municipal jurisdictions, including Dover, Smyrna, Milford and other communities.
Common County-Administered Rate
Total: 4% for qualifying taxable transfers.
State component: Commonly 2.5%.
County or town component: Commonly 1.5%.
Some municipalities or transactions have different rate allocations or exemptions.
First-Time Home Buyer Relief
Delaware provides qualifying first-time buyers with a state transfer-tax benefit.
The county’s published rate sheet also identifies municipality-specific first-time buyer provisions.
Eligibility should be confirmed before applying reduced rates or exemptions.
Example: $300,000 Taxable Property Transfer
Applying an illustrative 4% combined rate to a $300,000 taxable transfer produces $12,000 in total transfer tax.
This is not necessarily the amount paid by one party. Allocation between buyer and seller can depend on applicable law and the transaction agreement.
The legal tax base can also differ from the stated sale price in certain situations.
Dover, Felton, Milford and other municipalities can have special first-time buyer rules or a different state/local rate allocation. Verify the exact municipality and current county schedule.
Open Kent County Realty Transfer Tax Rates
Read Delaware Realty Transfer Tax Law
For questions about state realty transfer tax interpretation, the Recorder’s form page refers users to the Delaware Division of Revenue Tax Conferee at 302-577-8651.
How to Get a Kent County Deed Copy or Certified Copy
You can search and review available documents online without ordering a certified copy.
The fee depends on whether you use online printing, the county’s public research room or an official certified-copy request.
For ordinary letter/legal copies under the county schedule.
Official certified-document copy rate.
Historical US Land Records guidance describes $2/page for casual users.
Request a Certified Copy
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Find the recorded deed.
Search the public index using names or document information.
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Save the reference.
Record the document number, parties and date.
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Contact the Recorder.
Call 302-744-2314 or email the office for ordering instructions.
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Specify the type of copy.
Request certification only when the receiving organization requires it.
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Pay the applicable charge.
Verify page count, certification fees and postage before mailing payment.
The county’s historical US Land Records instructions describe charges for downloads and subscriptions. Check the live search provider’s current checkout price before purchasing an online image.
Does Kent County Accept eRecording?
Yes. The Kent County Recorder accepts documents through approved electronic recording arrangements.
The county requires an Electronic Filing Agreement or Memorandum of Understanding to be completed and approved before using a technology partner.
Participating vendors and submission rules are identified in the agreement.
How to Start eRecording
- Open the Recording Forms page.
Locate the Electronic Filing Agreement/MOU.
- Review eligibility and providers.
Check the listed third-party vendors and account requirements.
- Complete the agreement.
Submit it for county approval as instructed.
- Submit an eligible document.
Follow the approved vendor’s recording and payment workflow.
- Verify acceptance.
Save the recorded document reference after processing.
Kent County Transfer on Death Deeds: Important 2025 Law Change
Delaware introduced Transfer on Death Deeds in 2025.
This provides an estate-planning option for some real estate owners who want property to pass to a named beneficiary after death.
The Kent County Recorder provides educational resources and forms related to this process.
What Owners Should Know
- The recorded deed must comply with Delaware’s applicable transfer-on-death law.
- It is different from an ordinary present-day sale or gift deed.
- The owner’s death triggers the intended future transfer mechanism.
- Proper execution, recording and beneficiary information matter.
- Existing mortgages, family circumstances and estate issues can affect the result.
- Legal review is advisable before recording.
Open Kent County Transfer on Death Deed resources
Transfer-on-death requirements vary by state. Use Delaware-specific documents rather than copying a form designed for Missouri, Ohio or another jurisdiction.
Kent County Property Fraud Alert: How to Register
The Recorder offers a free Property Fraud Alert program.
It emails registered property owners when a new document matching an enrolled name is recorded.
Alerts can cover legitimate transactions such as mortgage satisfactions and unexpected transactions that warrant further review.
How to Register Correctly
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Search your existing recorded name.
Open the deeds search and check exactly how your name, business or trust appears.
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Open the fraud alert registration.
Use the county’s official Property Fraud page.
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Register the matching name.
Use the recorded spelling and appropriate name variations.
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Confirm the notification email.
Follow any confirmation instructions and maintain access to the enrolled email address.
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Review future alerts.
Check the document before assuming an alert indicates fraud.
Open the official Kent County Property Fraud program
The Recorder checks document format, forms and fees. It does not verify every transaction’s legal accuracy. A suspected fraudulent deed may require law enforcement and legal action.
Recorder of Deeds vs. Tax Office vs. Register of Wills
Different Kent County departments handle recorded property documents, property tax accounts and estates.
Contact the Recorder of Deeds at 302-744-2314.
Contact the Kent County Finance–Tax Section at 302-744-2341.
Contact Kent County GIS/Mapping at 302-744-2416.
Contact the Kent County Register of Wills at 302-744-2330.
Contact the Delaware Division of Revenue Tax Conferee at 302-577-8651.
Contact a licensed Delaware title company or qualified real estate attorney.
Kent County Deed Search and Recording Troubleshooting
I cannot find a deed by the current owner
Search previous owners, spouses, trustees, business names and alternate spellings. Check the available document dates and filters.
The search result does not show the expected deed image
Some documents may be redacted or restricted. Contact the Recorder with the document reference to ask about lawful access or obtaining a copy.
I am unsure whether my property is in Kent County, Delaware
Check the county property and tax records. Deeds must be recorded in the jurisdiction responsible for the real property.
My mortgage still appears after payoff
Search for a separate recorded satisfaction or release. The original mortgage usually remains in the historical land records.
I want to change a name on a recorded deed
Deeds are not simply edited after recording. The office explains that a new, properly prepared deed may be required to establish the updated chain of title.
My deed was rejected
Review recording standards, required forms, payment and transfer taxes. The fee schedule identifies possible rejection and nonconforming charges.
I received a private letter charging a high price for a deed
Compare the offer with the Recorder’s official copy fees. You generally do not need to buy an overpriced private deed-copy package.
I need a deed for a family member who died
The process depends on the existing deed, estate documents and any valid transfer-on-death arrangement. Contact the Register of Wills or a Delaware attorney before filing.
Kent County Delaware Deed Recording Checklist
- Confirm the property is located in Kent County, Delaware.
- Prepare the correct legal deed or instrument.
- Check grantor and grantee names.
- Include the accurate legal description.
- Check signatures and acknowledgment.
- Review current county recording standards.
- Complete required Realty Transfer Tax forms.
- Check first-time buyer or other exemption eligibility.
- Identify the correct municipality and transfer tax rates.
- Include the parcel number and any required owner form.
- Calculate the $36 document fee and $10 per-page charge.
- Add the $5 fee for each deed tax parcel.
- Check for notations and special charges.
- Prepare separate tax and recording payments if instructed.
- Use the Recorder’s office, drop box or approved eRecording.
- Confirm recording acceptance and retain the document number.
Kent County Recorder of Deeds FAQs
1. Where is the Kent County Recorder of Deeds Office?
The Kent County, Delaware Recorder of Deeds is located at 555 Bay Road, Dover, DE 19901.
2. Who is the Kent County Delaware Recorder?
Honorable Eugenia Thornton is the Recorder of Deeds. Darin Dell is the Deputy Recorder.
3. What is the Kent County Recorder phone number?
The office phone number is 302-744-2314. The email address is Recorder@kentcountyde.gov.
4. What are the office and recording hours?
The office is open weekdays from 8 AM to 5 PM. The recording counter accepts documents from 8 AM to 3 PM, excluding applicable holidays.
5. Can I search Kent County deeds online?
Yes. Kent County provides online document searches by names, document information and recorded dates through its public land-records systems.
6. How much does it cost to record a deed?
The published schedule lists a $36 document charge, $10 per page and $5 for each tax parcel on deeds, with other fees and transfer taxes when applicable.
7. How much does a certified deed copy cost?
Kent County’s published certified document copy rate is $7 per page. Ordinary letter/legal copies are listed at $1 per page.
8. Does Kent County accept electronic recording?
Yes. The Recorder accepts eRecording using approved technology partners and requires an approved Electronic Filing Agreement/MOU.
9. Does Kent County offer property fraud alerts?
Yes. Property owners can enroll in a free email alert service that notifies them after new recorded documents match their registered names.
10. Can I record a Transfer on Death Deed in Kent County?
Delaware introduced Transfer on Death Deeds in 2025. Kent County provides forms and education about recording this type of estate-planning instrument.
Official Kent County Delaware Deeds and Recording Sources
- Kent County Recorder of Deeds — official office, staff, hours and services.
- Official Record Search — public land records search.
- US Land Records — county-linked historical deed search interface.
- Recording Forms and Fees — standards, transfer tax forms and electronic filing agreement.
- Realty Transfer Tax Rates — state, county and municipality rates.
- Kent County Code §128-44 — Recorder fee ordinance.
- Property Fraud Alert — free alert registration and fraud information.
- Deeds and Property Records — public search, chain-of-title and transfer-on-death resources.
- Delaware Realty Transfer Tax Statutes — state transfer tax requirements.
- Kent County Levy Court — additional county offices and services.
Fee schedules, taxes, municipal rules and public-record systems can change. Check the Recorder’s current official instructions before paying or recording.
Legal, Privacy and Public Records Notice
This is an independent informational guide. It is not operated, maintained or endorsed by Kent County Levy Court, the Recorder of Deeds or another Delaware government agency.
The information is not legal advice, a professional title examination, a certified document or proof of ownership. Recording does not guarantee that an instrument is legally valid or that the property is free of liens.
Public property records must 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.