Philadelphia Pa. County Recorder Records – Title & Lien Search

Philadelphia County Property Records Overview

Philadelphia County operates as both a city and county, making it unique in Pennsylvania. Property records, deeds, liens, and title information are maintained by several city departments, each serving specific functions in the public record system.

Department of Records: Official Recording Office

The Philadelphia Department of Records serves as the official repository for all recorded documents affecting real estate in Philadelphia County.

Access Methods:

• Online Portal: Philadelphia ATLAS (Access to Land and Survey) at atlas.phila.gov
• Physical Location: City Hall, Room 154, Philadelphia, PA 19107
• Phone: (215) 686-2292

The Department of Records maintains deeds, mortgages, liens, satisfactions, and other instruments affecting property titles dating back to the city’s founding.

Searching Property Deeds Online

Using Philadelphia ATLAS

The ATLAS system provides free access to property information:

1. Navigate to atlas.phila.gov
2. Enter the property address or parcel number
3. Select the “Deeds” tab to view recorded documents
4. View document images and recording information

Document Types Available:

• Warranty deeds
• Quitclaim deeds
• Mortgage documents
• Deed restrictions
• Easements

Lien Searches in Philadelphia

Types of Liens Recorded

Philadelphia County records multiple lien types that affect property titles:

Tax Liens: Municipal, school, and federal tax obligations Mechanic’s Liens: Filed by contractors and suppliers Judgment Liens: Court-ordered financial obligations HOA Liens: Homeowners association assessments

Where to Search for Liens

City Revenue Department

• Real estate tax liens and water/sewer liens
• Online access: phila.gov/revenue
• Payment history and outstanding balances

Court of Common Pleas

• Judgment liens and legal proceedings
• Online docket search available
• Located at: City Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Federal Tax Liens

• U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania
• Located at: 601 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Title Search Process

Conducting a Title Search

A comprehensive title search examines the chain of ownership and identifies any encumbrances on the property. Professional title searches typically review 40-60 years of recorded history.

Key Components:

• Chain of title verification
• Outstanding liens and judgments
• Easements and restrictions
• Mortgage history
• Tax assessment status

Professional Title Search Services

U.S. Title Records provides comprehensive property research services for Philadelphia County, including deed retrieval, lien searches, and title examination. Professional title companies access multiple databases and public records to ensure thorough property research.

Office of Property Assessment

The Office of Property Assessment (OPA) maintains property valuation records and ownership information.

Access Property Data:

• Website: property.phila.gov
• Search by address, owner name, or parcel number
• View assessment history and property characteristics

Information Available:

• Current owner of record
• Property assessments
• Sale history
• Building characteristics
• Zoning information

Register of Wills

For properties involved in estate proceedings, the Register of Wills maintains probate records.

Contact Information:

• Location: City Hall, Room 180, Philadelphia, PA 19107
• Phone: (215) 686-6250
• Website: phila.gov/departments/register-of-wills

Document Copy Costs and Fees

Standard Fee Schedule

Department of Records:

• Deed copies: $5.00 for first page, $2.00 each additional page
• Certified copies: Additional $8.00 certification fee
• Online document downloads: Varies by page count

Office of Property Assessment:

• Property record cards: Free online
• Certified tax status: $5.00

Philadelphia County Quick Reference Links

Essential Resources:

• Department of Records: phila.gov/departments/department-of-records
• ATLAS Property Search: atlas.phila.gov
• Office of Property Assessment: property.phila.gov
• Revenue Department: phila.gov/revenue
• Court of Common Pleas: courts.phila.gov

Tips for Efficient Property Research

Before You Begin

Gather essential information to streamline your search:

• Complete property address
• Parcel number (OPA number)
• Current or previous owner names
• Approximate recording dates

Understanding Philadelphia’s System

Philadelphia uses OPA numbers as primary property identifiers. These nine-digit numbers remain constant regardless of ownership changes, making them the most reliable search method.

Verifying Current Information

Property records may have recording delays of several days to weeks. Recent transactions may not appear immediately in online databases. Contact the Department of Records directly for the most current recording information.

When to Hire a Professional

Complex title searches benefit from professional expertise. Consider hiring a title company or attorney when:

• Purchasing or refinancing property
• Property has multiple previous owners
• Suspected title defects or disputes exist
• Estate or probate situations
• Commercial property transactions

Professional researchers have access to additional resources and understand how to interpret legal documents affecting property rights.