ATTENTION: FEE INCREASE EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 1, 2025
The Recorder of Deeds office has several state and local mandated functions and responsibilities. The primary duties of the office are to review, record and index documents relating to real estate in Erie County and to provide the public and real estate professionals access to those records.
The Recorder of Deeds acts as a collection agent for Erie County, the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, the Pennsylvania Department of State, and all the municipalities and school districts located within the boundaries of Erie County. The office handles an array of documents, including deeds, mortgages, satisfactions, powers of attorney, leases, Uniform Commercial Code filings and many other types of records.
All the documents recorded in the office are indexed and scanned into a computer system. All the documents can then be viewed and/or copied by members of the public or by individuals or entities involved in the real estate industry.
The office collects Pennsylvania and local realty transfer tax on all realty transfers. The tax is remitted to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and to the local municipality and/or school district. Some realty transfers are exempt from the transfer tax – for example, transactions between husband and wife, parent and child, and between siblings. For more information on Pennsylvania Realty Transfer Tax, see 72 P.S. Section 8101-C et seq. and 61 Pa Code 91.101 et seq. In addition to collecting realty transfer tax, the office collects Erie County recording fees, Pennsylvania writ tax, low-income housing fees and record management fees. All taxes and fees are set by Pennsylvania law or local ordinance.
The Recorder of Deeds office is a very busy place. Between 100 and 400 documents are reviewed, recorded, receipted, indexed, imaged and verified each day. In addition, the office handles numerous inquiries from the public via phone, fax, e-mail or in person.
The Recorder of Deeds office does not depend upon Erie County tax dollars to operate. The Recorder of Deeds office generates annual revenue for Erie County in excess of the annual expenditures of the office.
NOTICE
EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 1, 2025
Pursuant to ACT 45 of 2025 and the Administrative Office of the Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC), the Judicial Computer Project/Access to Justice/Criminal Justice Enhancement/Office of Attorney General (JCP/ATJ/CJEA/OAG) fee has increased by $1.00. We will be implementing this increase EFFECTIVE MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2025.
EFFECTIVE MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2025, THE JCP FEE FOR ALL FILINGS IN THE REGISTER OF WILLS/ CLERK OF THE ORPHANS’ COURT WILL BE $41.25.
Resources
- For access to our online index and images, visit the Infocon County Access System.
- See the Fee Increase and Current Fee Schedule documents recording costs.
- Download the Pennsylvania Realty Transfer Tax Statement of Value form from the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.
- For e-recording information, please visit CSC at erecording.com or Simplifile at simplifile.com.
