What is the role of the register of deeds?

Answer 1

Generally, the duties of the Register of Deeds are to record and index any instruments, documents or surveys that affect the ownership of real estate. A Register of Deeds may also have other powers and duties depending on the various state laws such as swearing in Notaries Public or issuing marriage licenses. However, their primary role is to maintain the public records regarding land ownership.

Answer 2

Land records offices generally have public official who is in charge of recording documents that affect real property. Register of Deeds is the most common form. The first Register of Deeds was appointed in Scotland in 1615.

There are many terms used to describe the public official who is in charge of recording land documents:

• Register of Deeds
• Registrar of Deeds
• Recorder of Deeds
• County Recorder
• Recorder-Clerk
• Register of Titles
• Registrar of Titles