Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania • Recorder of Deeds guide • Updated September 2026
Westmoreland County Recorder of Deeds: Search Records, Office, Fees, Deeds & Recording Steps
The Westmoreland County Recorder of Deeds is the county office for recorded land records, deeds, mortgages, satisfactions, plans, easements and other real-estate documents.
Use the Recorder when you need to search a recorded deed, record a document, request copies, review fees, use e-recording or sign up for property-record alerts.
Do not confuse this office with the Assessment Office or Tax Claim Bureau. The Recorder keeps recorded documents; it does not set assessed value, calculate property tax or decide ownership disputes.
Fast answer
What the Westmoreland County Recorder of Deeds Does
Records and indexes deeds, mortgages, releases, easements, plans and other land records.
Search recorded documents online through the county’s official public access system.
The county site lists Frank Schiefer as Westmoreland County Recorder of Deeds.
Main Recorder listing: Suite 420, Greensburg, PA 15601.
Use this number for recording, copies, research appointments and fee questions.
The county lists fifth-floor research hours as Tuesday and Thursday by appointment only.
If you only need to find a deed or mortgage, start with the official record search. If you need to record a new document, review the fee schedule and recording requirements before mailing, e-recording or visiting.
Office details
Westmoreland County Recorder of Deeds Office, Address, Phone and Map
Recorder of Deeds
Official: Frank Schiefer, Recorder of Deeds
Main address: 40 N Pennsylvania Ave, Ste 420, Greensburg, PA 15601
Phone: 724-830-3518
Fax: 724-853-4647
Questions: use the county inquiry form or call the office.
Open official Recorder pageHours and appointment notes
Fourth Floor Extension hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:00 PM.
Fifth Floor Research hours: Tuesday and Thursday by appointment only.
Appointment tip: call 724-830-3518 before making a research trip.
Mailing tip: include exact payment, phone number and stamped return envelope when mailing documents.
Map: Recorder of Deeds office
The main Recorder listing points users to 40 N Pennsylvania Ave in Greensburg. If you need a specific floor or research appointment, call before visiting.
Record search
How to Search Westmoreland County Recorder of Deeds Records
The county’s search page opens the public access land-record system. The portal may show a login screen, account options and public access tools.
The county’s search instructions say records can be searched by last and first name or by organization name. The search system also supports more advanced/legal search options.
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Open the official search page.
Use the county’s Recorder search link rather than a third-party people-search site.
Open Search Our RecordsAfter opening: wait for the DTS/Public Access page. If the page asks for an account, create or sign in as needed for the features you want to use. -
Search by person or organization.
Try the owner’s last name first, then first name if the system separates name fields.
For companies, search the organization name and try shortened versions if the exact name fails.
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Open the matching result carefully.
Check the grantor, grantee, recording date, document type, instrument number, book/page and legal description when available.
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Use the document image tools.
The county search guidance says images can be opened in a separate window and may be printed, emailed or saved using options on the image toolbar.
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Save the recording reference.
Keep the instrument number, book/page, recording date and document type. You may need them for title work, copies, a satisfaction search or future recording.
Try fewer words, remove punctuation, search only the surname, search the prior owner, search the organization name without punctuation, or use a parcel/tax map clue from county assessment records.
Result decoder
What You May See in a Recorder Search Result
Grantor: the person or entity giving, selling, mortgaging or releasing an interest.
Grantee: the person or entity receiving the recorded interest or release.
Instrument number: a key reference used to identify a recorded document.
Book and page: older or indexed reference fields that may appear on many records.
Document type: deed, mortgage, satisfaction, assignment, easement, plan, power of attorney or another recorded instrument.
Recording date: the date the Recorder accepted and recorded the document.
Legal description or parcel clue: useful for confirming that the record matches the right property.
Image: the scanned document image, when available, is the best place to verify names, signatures and legal description.
Recorder records are public recorded documents. They are not the same as a title opinion, title insurance commitment or legal determination of ownership. Use a qualified title professional or attorney for title questions.
Recording checklist
How to Prepare a Document for Recording in Westmoreland County
Recording requirements are strict. The county warns that missing information can lead to rejected documents or re-recording costs.
Original signatures: documents presented for recording must have all original signatures.
Notary details: acknowledgment must include county, state, date, names/titles, notary signature, seal and expiration when required.
Document date: acknowledgment date cannot predate the document date.
Property location: deeds and mortgages should show the municipality, county and state.
Numbers must match: written and numerical amounts on deeds and mortgages should match.
PIN required: Westmoreland County requires a 10-digit parcel identifier number on all documents.
Transfer tax / REV-183: transfers need tax or a completed Statement of Value unless the exemption is clearly stated where accepted.
Return envelope: include a stamped self-addressed envelope for returned documents and receipts.
Phone number: include a phone number with mailed correspondence.
Fees
Westmoreland County Recorder of Deeds Fees: What to Check Before Recording
The county fee schedule says exact payment must be included with documents sent for recording. Fees can change, so verify the schedule before submitting.
Listed on the county fee schedule for a standard deed.
Listed on the county fee schedule for a standard mortgage.
Listed for mortgage release and mortgage satisfaction.
Additional plan pages are listed at $20 each.
Use this when extra UPI entries are required.
Common additional-item charge listed by the Recorder.
Transfer tax
REV-183 Statement of Value, Realty Transfer Tax and CLR Factors
Pennsylvania deed recordings may require realty transfer tax information. Westmoreland County’s fee page says deeds must show true consideration or include two copies of the Affidavit / Statement of Value when required.
The Pennsylvania REV-183 instructions say to file the form in duplicate with the Recorder of Deeds when the full value is not set forth, the deed is without consideration or by gift, or an exemption is claimed.
REV-183: used for Pennsylvania Realty Transfer Tax Statement of Value.
County assessed value: REV-183 asks for the assessed value from county assessment records.
Common Level Ratio factor: Pennsylvania publishes CLR factors for use with REV-183 and REV-1728.
Exemption support: some exemptions require a trust, prior deed, mortgage, note, resolution or other supporting document.
E-recording
Westmoreland County E-Recording: SimpliFile and CSC
Westmoreland County says it offers e-recording through SimpliFile and CSC. This is commonly used by title companies, law offices, lenders and high-volume submitters.
The county explains that e-recorded documents are first routed to the Westmoreland County UPI/GIS Tax Mapping department for review, then forwarded to the Recorder for official recording after certification.
The county also notes an important exception: if a document includes an attachment to the Statement of Value, it must be submitted by mail or in person.
Open e-recording servicesFraud awareness
AlertMe Property Recording Alerts
Westmoreland County’s AlertMe tool is a courtesy notification system. It can notify a registered user when a document containing the referenced name is recorded or corrected in the Recorder’s office.
The county’s disclaimer says AlertMe helps with safeguarding property and locating documents, but it does not replace due diligence or legal advice.
If you suspect fraudulent recording activity, the county says to contact local law enforcement as soon as possible.
Open AlertMe disclaimerMilitary records
Military Discharge Records and Veteran ID Card Services
Westmoreland County allows veterans to record discharge documents with the Recorder of Deeds. The county’s veterans page says this service is free.
If a DD-214 was recorded with the Westmoreland County Recorder of Deeds, a certified replacement copy may be available at no cost.
The county has also described a Veterans’ Identification Discount Card program for Westmoreland County veterans.
Right office
Recorder of Deeds vs. Assessment Office vs. Tax Office
Recorder of Deeds
Use for deeds, mortgages, satisfactions, plans, easements, recorded document copies, e-recording and recording fees.
Assessment Office
Use for parcel assessment, property value, tax map / parcel details and assessment records.
Tax Claim / Tax Office
Use for delinquent taxes, tax payments or tax-claim questions. The Recorder does not collect property-tax bills.
Attorney or title company
Use for title opinions, deed drafting, ownership disputes, inheritance transfers and legal advice.
Avoid rejection
Common Westmoreland County Deed and Records Mistakes
Searching the wrong office: civil court records, property assessment records and recorded land records are separate systems.
Using too much search text: search by a shorter name version when an exact owner or organization name fails.
Missing the 10-digit PIN: Westmoreland County requires a parcel identifier number on all documents.
Wrong payment: exact payment is required for mailed recording submissions.
No return envelope: mailed documents need a stamped, self-addressed return envelope.
Statement of Value issue: REV-183 may be required when consideration is not fully stated, a gift/no-consideration transfer occurs, or an exemption is claimed.
Assuming AlertMe proves fraud: AlertMe is only a notification tool. Investigate and contact law enforcement when needed.
Treating recorded documents as legal advice: recorded documents should be reviewed by a qualified professional for title or ownership questions.
Decision path
What Should You Do Next?
I need a deed copy: search the Recorder records first, then request a copy using the recording reference if needed.
I need to record a deed: review recording requirements, confirm fees, check REV-183 needs and prepare exact payment.
I need to record electronically: review the e-recording page and choose SimpliFile or CSC if you are eligible.
I think a fraudulent document was recorded: sign up for AlertMe, independently review the document and contact law enforcement if fraud is suspected.
I need assessed value or parcel details: use the assessment office, not the Recorder, for assessment values and tax-map details.
I need ownership/legal advice: contact a title company or Pennsylvania real-estate attorney.
Important notice
Independent Information, Legal Caution and Property-Records Notice
This page is independent informational content. It is not the official website of Westmoreland County, the Recorder of Deeds, the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue or any government agency.
It is not legal advice, title advice, tax advice or an official recording decision. Recording fees, office hours, access rules and document requirements can change.
Public land records should be used for deed, recording, title-reference and property-research purposes. Do not use property-record data for employment, tenant screening, credit, insurance or other FCRA-regulated decisions.
FAQs
Westmoreland County Recorder of Deeds FAQs
Where is the Westmoreland County Recorder of Deeds office?
The main Recorder listing shows 40 N Pennsylvania Ave, Suite 420, Greensburg, PA 15601. Call 724-830-3518 before visiting if you need research access or a specific floor.
How do I search Westmoreland County deeds online?
Use the county’s official Search Our Records link. Search by person name, organization name or available advanced/legal search options, then verify the document image before relying on the result.
Can I search by owner name?
Yes. The county’s search guidance says records can be searched by last and first name or by organization name.
What does the Recorder of Deeds record?
The office records and maintains land records and related documents such as deeds, mortgages, satisfactions, easements, plans, powers of attorney, some civil documents and military discharge records.
How much does it cost to record a deed in Westmoreland County?
The county fee schedule lists a standard deed at $110.25, but fees can change and extra names, pages, tax map numbers or UPI entries may add charges. Verify the official fee schedule before submitting.
What is the 10-digit PIN requirement?
Westmoreland County’s recording requirements state that all documents must include the county’s 10-digit parcel identifier number.
When is REV-183 required?
REV-183 may be required when full value is not set forth, the deed is without consideration or by gift, or a realty transfer tax exemption is claimed. The form is filed with the Recorder of Deeds when required.
Does Westmoreland County allow e-recording?
Yes. The county says it offers e-recording through SimpliFile and CSC. Documents with an attachment to the Statement of Value must be submitted by mail or in person.
What is AlertMe?
AlertMe is a courtesy notification tool that can alert a registered user when a document containing the referenced name is recorded or corrected in the Recorder’s office.
Are recorded deeds proof of clear title?
No. Recorded documents are public records, but they do not replace title insurance, a title search, a legal opinion or advice from a qualified attorney.
Official resources