Recording Fee

In depth

Recording fees are charged per page or per document by the county recorder or register of deeds. Typical fees range from $10 to $200 per document depending on jurisdiction. Recording is required to make documents publicly visible and to perfect priority under the recording statute. Misconception: recording fees are not the same as transfer taxes; they pay for clerical filing, not the privilege of transferring property. Practically, in seller-financed deals, multiple documents may need recording: the deed, mortgage or memorandum of contract, and any assignment or modification. Buyers should confirm with the title company or recorder's office whether e-recording is available, which speeds the process and avoids same-day priority risk. Always retain stamped copies of recorded documents.