Putnam County Deed Records
Putnam County deed records are maintained by the county recorder in Ottawa. The office stores deeds, mortgages, liens, and other land documents for all real property in the county. Records in Putnam County date back to the mid 1800s, and the recorder keeps them safe through modern scanning and microfilm methods. If you need to trace ownership of a parcel or get a copy of a recorded deed, the Putnam County Recorder's Office is where to go. An online records search is also available through the recorder's website, which lets you look up documents from home at any time.
Putnam County Overview
Putnam County Recorder's Office
Putnam County Recorder Sherri Britsch oversees the office that stores all land records in the county. The recorder is charged with the accuracy and safekeeping of public records related to real property. Under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 317, the recorder must accept and index every document that meets state format rules. All submitted documents are scanned and microfilmed by modern methods for safekeeping and replication. This means even if something happens to the paper copies, there are backup records available.
Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Recording hours end at 4:15 PM. You can call the office at 419-523-6490 or use the toll-free line at 888-638-0042. The fax number is 419-523-4403. Putnam County currently charges an extra $5.00 preservation surcharge on recorded documents in addition to the standard state fees. The base recording fee is $34 for the first two pages and $8 for each extra page. Documents that do not meet Ohio format rules per Section 317.114 face an added $20 non-compliant charge.
Visit the Putnam County Recorder's website to access the online records search or find office contact details.
The recorder's website gives you direct access to the online search tool and office contact info.
Search Putnam County Land Records Online
Putnam County offers online records search through the recorder's website. You can look up recorded documents from home without a trip to the courthouse. The search tool lets you find deeds, mortgages, and other instruments by grantor name, grantee name, or document type. This is a big help for title companies, attorneys, and members of the public who need quick access to Putnam County deed records.
The Putnam County Recorder About page explains how the office handles records preservation. All documents are scanned and stored digitally in addition to microfilm backup. The Putnam County Government portal provides links to other county departments, including property info and related services that can help with your deed research.
The recorder preserves Putnam County land records dating back to the mid 1800s through both digital scanning and microfilm.
Note: Recording hours end at 4:15 PM, fifteen minutes before the general office closes. Plan your visit accordingly if you need to file a document.
Deed Records Filed in Putnam County
Putnam County deed records include warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, fiduciary deeds, and survivorship deeds. The recorder also files mortgages, mortgage releases, assignments, easements, and federal tax liens. Under ORC Section 5301.25, all deeds must be recorded in the county where the property is located. An unrecorded deed can be treated as fraudulent against a later good-faith buyer who records first. This makes recording a critical step.
Section 5301.01 requires the grantor to sign the deed and have it acknowledged before a notary, judge, or clerk of court. Signatures that are hard to read must have the name printed or typed below per Section 317.11. No Social Security Numbers can appear on recorded documents unless the law specifically requires it. The $5.00 preservation surcharge that Putnam County adds to each recording helps fund the ongoing care of these records so they stay readable and available for the public.
Get Copies of Putnam County Deed Records
Deed records in Putnam County are public. Anyone can request copies. You do not have to be named on the deed or give a reason for your request. Visit the recorder's office during business hours and ask staff to pull the documents you need. Copies are $2 per page. Certified copies with the recorder's seal cost more and may be needed for court filings or title claims.
Mail requests work too. Send a letter to the Putnam County Recorder with property details and a check or money order for the fees. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. The state conveyance fee of $1 per $1,000 of value and the $0.50 per-parcel transfer fee apply when property changes hands. These are collected by the auditor at closing, not the recorder.
The county government portal links to all Putnam County offices that handle property records and related services.
Putnam County Property Fraud Prevention
Property fraud affects rural and urban counties alike. Owners in Putnam County should review recorded documents tied to their name or property on a regular basis. The Ohio Recorders' Association provides resources on property fraud alerts. Some Ohio counties offer free email alerts when new documents are recorded under your name. Ask the Putnam County Recorder if this service is available.
Verify any notary through the Ohio Secretary of State's records portal. Be cautious of companies mailing letters that offer to sell you a copy of your deed for $80 or more. The recorder's office charges $2 per page. If you suspect fraud on your Putnam County property, contact the Ohio State Bar Association to find a real estate attorney who can help.
Nearby Ohio Counties
Putnam County sits in northwest Ohio. If your property search crosses county lines, check the recorder in the neighboring county. Each county in Ohio keeps its own set of deed records.