Clinton County Deed Records

Clinton County deed records are held at the recorder's office in Wilmington. Whether you need a warranty deed, a mortgage document, or a property lien record, the recorder's office is where those files live. You can search for deeds by owner name, parcel number, or legal description. The office recently moved to a new location at the Clinton County Administrative Campus on Davids Drive, so keep that in mind if you plan to visit in person. Clinton County also has an archives division that stores historical deed books going back to the late 1700s. Staff can help you track down both current and old property records.

Clinton County Recorder's Office

The Clinton County Recorder is the official custodian of all land records in the county. The office has moved to a new spot at the Clinton County Administrative Campus, 1850 Davids Drive, Suite 305, Wilmington, OH 45177. The current recorder is Tanya K. Day. You can reach the office by phone at 937-382-2067 or by email. Under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 317, the recorder must store every document in the official records series and index it by grantor and grantee name.

Clinton County offers both a Property Fraud Alert and an online public records search. These tools let you check deed filings from home. The office accepts documents for recording during regular business hours. If you plan to mail in a deed, include a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return. Electronic recording may be available through approved vendors as well.

The Clinton County Recorder's website shows the recorder's office details and how to submit documents for filing.

Check the recorder's page for hours, phone numbers, and directions to the new location on Davids Drive.

Clinton County Historical Deed Records

Clinton County has some of the oldest deed records in this part of Ohio. The Clinton County Archives holds deed books from about 1798 to 1856, labeled Volumes A through Z. These are the earliest property transfers in the county. If you need deeds from after 1856, contact the recorder's office directly at 937-382-2067.

The archives also hold tax records from 1820 to 1907, marriage records from 1810 to 1928, and wills from 1810 to 1979. You can request records by phone, email, mail, fax, or by filling out the online request form. The office takes cash and checks as payment. These old deed books are a great tool for genealogical research or for tracing the chain of title on a piece of land that has been in the same family for generations.

The archives division preserves early deed books and other historical documents for Clinton County.

Clinton County Deed Recording Fees

Clinton County follows the state fee schedule for recording. The cost is $34 for the first two pages and $8 for each extra page. Documents that fail to meet format rules under Section 317.114 get hit with an added $20 charge. Those rules cover font size, paper size, ink color, margins, and more. The first page needs a three-inch top margin. All other margins must be at least one inch. Use black or blue ink only, and do not use highlighting.

The county auditor collects a conveyance fee of $1 per $1,000 of the sale price when property changes hands. A $0.50 transfer fee per parcel also applies. Copies of recorded documents cost about $2 per page. Certified copies with the recorder's seal cost more and are needed for court filings or title insurance claims.

Deed Records Filed in Clinton County

The Clinton County Recorder accepts many types of land documents. Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds are the most common. But the office also records mortgages, mortgage releases, assignments, liens, leases, and powers of attorney. Under ORC Section 5301.25, all deeds must be recorded in the county where the land sits. An unrecorded deed can be challenged by a later buyer who acts in good faith. That makes recording a key step in any property sale in Clinton County.

Every deed must be signed by the grantor and notarized. The preparer's name must appear on any deed that conveys title per Section 317.111. Social Security Numbers are banned from recorded documents unless the law says otherwise, as set by Section 317.082. The Ohio Recorders' Association has more on these rules and links to each county recorder across the state.

Protect Your Clinton County Property

Property fraud can hit any county. Clinton County offers a Property Fraud Alert service through its recorder's office. Sign up to get an email each time a document is filed under your name. This is a free tool. You can also verify any notary through the Ohio Secretary of State's search portal.

Be wary of letters from companies that charge $83 to $89 for deed copies. The recorder's office provides copies for about $2 per page. Those companies are not part of the county government. If you suspect someone has filed a fraudulent deed against your property, the Ohio State Bar Association can connect you with a real estate lawyer who can help.

Nearby Ohio Counties

Clinton County shares borders with several other Ohio counties. If a property sits near the county line, the deed may be recorded in the adjacent county. Each county in Ohio keeps its own separate deed records.