FAQs
FAQs
You can request a copy from our office in person or by mail. However, if you're mailing, please enclose a check for the correct amount and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
When presented for recording, your document is checked to verify that it complies with state statute and form requirements. If the document conforms to state statutes and is accompanied by the proper recording fee, it will be recorded and placed on record. Our office optically scans your document and keys the pertinent information to create an index so your document can be referred to at any time in the future. Your document will be returned to you at the return address you provide. Documents are usually returned within 30 days.
Most deeds of record will have revenue stamps reflecting the sale price.
You can come to the Recorder's Office, and we will assist you in your search. You need to know the owner's name or the legal description of the property, or be able to identify the parcel on a tax map located in the County Assessor's Office. For further information on property being sold for back taxes, contact the county treasurer at 815-235-8264.
To change ownership a new deed is required. The Recorder's Office suggests the use of an attorney. If you have any questions, please call the Stephenson County Recorder's office or call 815-235-8289.
Your question may be answered by a title company and/or by consulting an attorney. A new deed will be required. See the above question and answer.
Property ownership can be traced in the Recorder's Office. You can come into our office and we can assist you in gathering information. All records in our office are located by searching our grantor (seller)/grantee (buyer) name index. However, we recommend you consider using a title company to perform a title search for you to assure nothing is missed and your title is insured.
Stephenson County has created a website to provide this infomration. You can visit our Website or by calling the County Assessment Office at 815-235-8260.
Once the owner of a parcel has been determined, you can check the records in this office for liens.
This is a legal question and we advise you to consult an attorney, because it can vary with different documents.
Your question may be answered by contacting an attorney. We are not attorneys and are unable to give legal advice.
You can get this information from the subdivision plat, which you can obtain from our office in person or by mail. For unsubdivided land, you can use the tax maps located in our office or the County Assessor's Office. You may also have your property surveyed by a land surveyor.
At this time only the City of Freeport in Stephenson County charges a separate transfer tax.