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The County Recorder is required to record and maintain accurate land records that are current, legible, and easily accessible. An important aspect of the Recorder's work is to index each document so it may be readily located. Accurate indexing makes it possible for persons searching land records to find the documents necessary to establish a "chain of title" (history of ownership) and ensures that any debts or encumbrances against the property are evident. These invaluable records are utilized by the general public, attorneys, historians, genealogists, and land title examiners.
In some counties, certain property is registered under the Torrens Act. This "registered land" has boundaries certified to be correct; title is guaranteed by a state insurance fund. Torrenized land records are the responsibility of the County Recorder.
Property Record Search
The Hancock County Recorder's Office work to provide accurate indexed documents for an easy land search. The online search currently has documents recorded and imaged from January 1, 1985 to present. Our staff are working diligently to add earlier dated documents to the online index.
Perform a real estate property search.
Searching Tip
When searching via the online search, please note that names should be entered the last name first (i.e. Doe John). Businesses/Corporations can be searched by their names as normal (i.e. ABC Company LLC).
- How do I get a copy of my deed or mortgage?
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There are few ways you can get a copy of your deed, mortgage or other document types on file in the Recorder’s office. Come in and see us. We will use your name and address to locate your documents. Give us a call. You may request a copy via phone. You will need to provide your name and address. Search our website. Documents recorded from January 1, 1985 to Present are available online.
- How do I record a document?
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The Recorder’s office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm; daily recordings stop at 4:00 pm. Just bring the document(s) and the appropriate recording fee along with a self-addressed stamped envelope (if mailing bank) in and we will get it recorded. Mail-in documents are accepted too. Just mail all items needed to be recorded, including payment, self-addressed envelope, Conveyance forms (if document needs transferred), and recording instructions if needed. We work hand-in-hand with the Hancock County Auditor’s office to make sure all documents are transferred and recorded correctly.
- Can I file my documents through e-recording?
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The Hancock County Recorder’s office does accept electronic documents. At this time, we do only accept documents that do not require conveyance or required to be seen by the County Auditor’s office (i.e. Deeds). There are four services that we use to accept electronic documents:
- What type of payments do you accept for recordings and copies?
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We accept cash or check only. Checks can be made payable to the Hancock County Recorder. Please include separate checks for the Auditor’s & Recorder’s office payments. The Recorder’s office does not currently accept credit cards.
- How do I search for my property?
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To search for real estate documents that have been recorded since 1985, visit our online search. You will need the name of the property owner and address. A search cannot be done with a parcel number in the Recorder’s office. If you do not know who owns the property or the property’s legal description, you may want to start your search on the Hancock County Auditor’s page to gather that information.
- I paid off my house, when will I get my deed?
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Your original deed is not held by the Recorder’s office or the bank until you pay off your mortgage. You should receive the original deed back shortly after closing. We suggest contacting the lawyer or title office you worked with for the original documents. If you did not receive it or misplaced it, we can always make a copy for you.
- How do I change or add a name to my deed?
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In order to add or remove an individual to your deed or change a name, you will need to have a new deed prepared. The Recorder’s office does not prepare documents, we only record them. We always suggest that you contact an attorney or title office to have a new deed prepared.
- Can I get document forms from your office?
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The Hancock County Recorder’s Office does not provide blank legal forms for deeds, mortgages, liens or other real property documents. We suggest you contact an attorney or title office to have these documents prepared.
- Does your county have tract (geographical) indexing?
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Yes, the Hancock County Recorder’s office have January 1, 1985 to present indexed alphabetically online only. Any records prior to 1985 would need to be searched in office.
- What is the County Auditor’s conveyance and transfer fees?
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The current County Auditor’s conveyance fee is $3.00 per thousand. The current County Auditor’s transfer fee is $0.50 per parcel.