Contact us – Property Records connects you with county and city offices that hold ownership, tax, and deed files for real estate across the United States. Each county keeps its own set of property records, and the easiest way to reach the right office is to know which county your property sits in.
This page shows you the fastest ways to contact property records offices, what details you can request, and how to run a property records search from home before you ever pick up the phone.
What Property Records Offices Handle
Property records offices keep three main types of files: ownership records, tax records, and deed records. Ownership records show who legally owns a parcel. Tax records show the assessed value, taxable value, and any exemptions on file. Deed records show the history of sales, transfers, and liens on a property.
Most counties split these duties between two offices. The county assessor or property appraiser handles ownership and value data. The county recorder or clerk of court handles deeds, mortgages, and other recorded documents. Knowing which office you need saves time when you contact them.
How to Find the Right Office for Your Property
Every property sits in one county. Start by looking up the county name for the address you care about. A simple online search with the city and state will tell you the county in seconds. Once you know the county, you can find both the assessor and the recorder online.
Each office runs a public website with a property search tool. The assessor site lets you run a parcel search by address, owner name, or parcel number. The recorder site lets you look up deed records by grantor, grantee, or document number. Both tools are free to use during normal business hours.
Best Ways to Reach a Property Records Office
Property records offices give you four main ways to get in touch. Pick the one that fits your question and how fast you need the answer.
- Phone: Best for quick questions about ownership, tax status, or how to read a record.
- Email: Good for non-urgent questions and for getting a written copy of an answer.
- In person: Needed for certified copies, file reviews, and formal document requests.
- Online chat or contact form: Many offices now offer live chat during business hours.
Phone Contact Tips
Call early in the morning if you want a short hold time. Most offices open at 8 a.m. and get busy after 10 a.m. Have the property address, parcel number, or owner name ready before you dial. This helps the clerk pull the file fast and answer your question on the first call.
Email Contact Tips
Use the office’s general email address for basic questions. Put the property address in the subject line so the email goes to the right person. Allow two to three business days for a reply. If you need a record copy, include the document number and a request for a fee quote.
In-Person Visits
Visit the office only when you need a stamped or certified copy of a record. Bring a photo ID and the parcel number or address. Pay small fees by cash, check, or card depending on the office. In-person visits work well when you need to see the original document or get a notarized copy.
Information You Can Get from Property Records
Property records give you a full snapshot of any parcel. The assessor site shows current ownership, mailing address, legal description, lot size, building size, year built, and assessed value. The recorder site shows deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and any court actions tied to the property.
You can also check sales history. Most assessor sites list the last three to five sales with prices and dates. This data helps you see how a neighborhood has changed over time and what similar homes have sold for. It also helps with property valuation records when you need to estimate a fair price.
Property Records Contact Information by State
Property records are kept at the county level, not the state level. But each state has a main office that points you to the right county. The table below lists the main contact office in each state for property records questions.
| State | Main Office | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Alabama Department of Revenue, Property Tax Division | 334-242-2677 | revenue.alabama.gov |
| Alaska | Alaska Department of Commerce, Division of Banking and Securities | 907-269-4651 | commerce.alaska.gov |
| Arizona | Arizona Department of Revenue | 602-716-6000 | azdor.gov |
| Arkansas | Arkansas Assessment Coordination Department | 501-682-2392 | assessment.ar.gov |
| California | California State Board of Equalization | 916-274-3200 | boe.ca.gov |
| Colorado | Colorado Division of Property Taxation | 303-864-7777 | cdola.colorado.gov |
| Connecticut | Connecticut Office of Policy and Management | 860-418-6300 | portal.ct.gov/OPM |
| Delaware | Delaware Division of Revenue | 302-577-8200 | revenue.delaware.gov |
| Florida | Florida Department of Revenue, Property Tax Oversight | 850-488-5050 | floridarevenue.com |
| Georgia | Georgia Department of Revenue | 404-417-6000 | dor.georgia.gov |
| Hawaii | Hawaii Department of Taxation | 808-587-4242 | tax.hawaii.gov |
| Idaho | Idaho State Tax Commission | 208-334-7736 | tax.idaho.gov |
| Illinois | Illinois Department of Revenue | 217-782-3336 | il.gov/rev |
| Indiana | Indiana Department of Local Government Finance | 317-232-3777 | in.gov/dlgf |
| Iowa | Iowa Department of Revenue | 515-281-5321 | tax.iowa.gov |
| Kansas | Kansas Department of Revenue, Property Valuation Division | 785-296-2365 | ksrevenue.gov |
| Kentucky | Kentucky Department of Revenue, Office of Property Valuation | 502-564-8100 | revenue.ky.gov |
| Louisiana | Louisiana Tax Commission | 225-925-7830 | latax.state.la.us |
| Maine | Maine Revenue Services, Property Tax Division | 207-624-5600 | maine.gov/revenue |
| Maryland | Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation | 410-767-1184 | dat.maryland.gov |
| Massachusetts | Massachusetts Department of Revenue, Division of Local Services | 617-626-2300 | mass.gov/dor |
| Michigan | Michigan Department of Treasury | 517-335-7500 | michigan.gov/treasury |
| Minnesota | Minnesota Department of Revenue, Property Tax Division | 651-556-6000 | revenue.state.mn.us |
| Mississippi | Mississippi Department of Revenue | 601-923-7700 | dor.ms.gov |
| Missouri | Missouri State Tax Commission | 573-751-2414 | stc.mo.gov |
| Montana | Montana Department of Revenue | 406-444-6900 | mtrevenue.gov |
| Nebraska | Nebraska Department of Revenue, Property Assessment Division | 402-471-5960 | revenue.nebraska.gov |
| Nevada | Nevada Department of Taxation | 775-684-2000 | tax.nv.gov |
| New Hampshire | New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration | 603-230-5000 | revenue.nh.gov |
| New Jersey | New Jersey Division of Taxation | 609-292-6400 | nj.gov/treasury/taxation |
| New Mexico | New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, Property Tax Bureau | 505-827-0700 | tax.newmexico.gov |
| New York | New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, Office of Real Property Tax Services | 518-457-1000 | tax.ny.gov |
| North Carolina | North Carolina Department of Revenue | 919-733-7211 | ncdor.gov |
| North Dakota | North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner | 701-328-3127 | nd.gov/tax |
| Ohio | Ohio Department of Taxation | 614-466-2160 | tax.ohio.gov |
| Oklahoma | Oklahoma Tax Commission, Ad Valorem Division | 405-521-3160 | oktax.gov |
| Oregon | Oregon Department of Revenue | 503-378-4988 | oregon.gov/DOR |
| Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, Bureau of County Collections | 717-787-1064 | revenue.pa.gov |
| Rhode Island | Rhode Island Division of Municipal Finance | 401-222-2340 | munifinance.ri.gov |
| South Carolina | South Carolina Department of Revenue | 803-898-5000 | dor.sc.gov |
| South Dakota | South Dakota Department of Revenue | 605-773-3311 | dor.sd.gov |
| Tennessee | Tennessee State Board of Equalization | 615-741-4881 | comptroller.tn.gov |
| Texas | Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts | 512-463-4000 | comptroller.texas.gov |
| Utah | Utah State Tax Commission, Property Tax Division | 801-297-2200 | tax.utah.gov |
| Vermont | Vermont Department of Taxes | 802-828-2505 | tax.vermont.gov |
| Virginia | Virginia Department of Taxation | 804-367-8031 | tax.virginia.gov |
| Washington | Washington State Department of Revenue, Property Tax Division | 360-705-6700 | dor.wa.gov |
| West Virginia | West Virginia State Tax Department | 304-558-3333 | tax.wv.gov |
| Wisconsin | Wisconsin Department of Revenue | 608-266-2486 | revenue.wi.gov |
| Wyoming | Wyoming Department of Revenue, Ad Valorem Division | 307-777-7961 | revenue.wyo.gov |
How to Run a Property Records Search Online
Most people start with a property records search before they call the office. The county assessor site gives you free access to ownership, value, and tax data. The county recorder site gives you free access to deeds and other recorded documents. Both tools work the same way in nearly every county.
Searching by Address
The address search is the easiest method. Type the full street address into the search box. The site returns a list of parcels at that address. Click the parcel number to see the full record. The record shows the owner, lot size, building data, value, and tax status.
Searching by Owner Name
The owner search works when you know the full legal name. Type the last name first, then the first name. The site returns all parcels owned by that person in the county. This method is useful for tax assessor records when you want to see all properties tied to one owner.
Searching by Parcel Number
The parcel number search gives you the most exact results. Each parcel has a unique number tied to its legal description. The parcel number lookup tool is helpful when you have a tax bill, deed, or other document with the number printed on it.
What Details to Have Ready Before You Call
Have these details ready before you contact the office. They help the clerk pull the right file fast.
- Full property address with ZIP code
- Parcel number or tax account number if you have it
- Owner’s full legal name
- Type of record you want (deed, tax record, lien, etc.)
- Date range for the records you need
Most calls take five minutes or less when you have this data ready. Without it, the clerk cannot pull the file and you may need to call back.
Hours and Best Times to Call
Most county property records offices keep public hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Some offices close for lunch between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. A few large counties have Saturday hours once a month. Check the office website for the exact schedule before you visit or call.
Call between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. for the shortest hold times. Mid-morning and early afternoon are the busiest. Mondays and the days after holidays are also busy. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays tend to be quieter.
Fees for Records and Copies
Searching records online is free in nearly every county. Printed or certified copies cost a small fee. The fee for a regular copy is often $1 per page. Certified copies with a stamp or seal cost $2 to $10 per document. Some counties charge a flat fee per certified record regardless of page count.
Pay by cash, check, money order, or card. Many offices now take card payments in person and online. Online orders usually add a small processing fee on top of the copy fee.
Common Reasons People Contact Property Records Offices
People contact these offices for many reasons. Here are the most common ones.
- Checking ownership before buying a home
- Verifying tax payment status
- Getting a copy of a deed for a loan refinance
- Checking for liens or judgments on a property
- Researching property values for an appeal
- Confirming parcel boundaries for a survey
- Applying for a homestead exemption
- Pulling sales history for a real estate report
Each of these tasks can be done online or by phone. The choice depends on how fast you need the answer and whether you need a certified copy.
How GIS Property Search Tools Help
Many counties now use a GIS property search map. GIS stands for Geographic Information System. The map shows parcel lines, lot size, zoning, and ownership all in one view. You can click any parcel on the map to see the full record. This is a fast way to check property boundaries and neighboring parcels at the same time.
GIS maps also show flood zones, school districts, and voting precincts. These layers help buyers, sellers, and researchers get a full picture of a property before they commit to a deal.
Privacy and Public Access Rules
Property records are public records under state law. Any person can view ownership, value, and deed data. The records are not private. This rule helps buyers, sellers, lenders, and researchers make smart choices with real estate.
Some personal data, like Social Security numbers and bank account numbers, is redacted before the public can see it. Owner names, mailing addresses, and legal descriptions stay public. The clerk can tell you which fields are redacted if you have questions.
Property Records Contact Information for Top Metro Areas
Large metro areas have county offices that serve millions of parcels. These offices often run multiple branch locations. Here is contact data for some of the largest counties in the country.
- Los Angeles County, CA: Assessor phone 213-974-3211, website assessor.lacounty.gov
- Cook County, IL (Chicago): Assessor phone 312-443-7550, website cookcountyassessor.com
- Harris County, TX (Houston): Appraisal District phone 713-957-5282, website hcad.org
- Maricopa County, AZ (Phoenix): Assessor phone 602-506-3406, website mcassessor.maricopa.gov
- San Diego County, CA: Assessor phone 619-236-3771, website sdcounty.ca.gov/assessor
- Orange County, CA: Assessor phone 714-834-2727, website ocassessor.gov
- Miami-Dade County, FL: Property Appraiser phone 305-375-4712, website miamidade.gov/pa
- King County, WA (Seattle): Assessor phone 206-296-7300, website kingcounty.gov/assessor
- Dallas County, TX: Appraisal District phone 214-631-0910, website dallascad.org
- Riverside County, CA: Assessor phone 951-955-6200, website rivcoassessor.gov
When to Visit the County Recorder Instead
The county recorder holds deeds, mortgages, liens, and other recorded documents. Visit the recorder when you need a recorded deed, a release of lien, or a copy of a court document tied to a property. The recorder stamps and records each document with a unique number that proves the filing date.
The recorder’s office is the only place you can get a true certified copy of a recorded document. Certified copies are often needed for real estate closings, loan refinances, and court cases. The fee is small but the document carries full legal weight.
Property Tax Bill Questions
Tax bills come from the county tax collector, not the assessor. The assessor sets the value. The tax collector sends the bill and collects payment. If your question is about a tax bill amount, payment plan, or past due balance, contact the tax collector first.
If your question is about the value on the bill or how the assessor computed it, contact the assessor. The assessor can explain the value breakdown and walk you through the appeal process if you think the value is too high.
Homestead Exemption Contact Points
Homestead exemption applications go to the county property appraiser or assessor. Each state has different rules about who can file and what the savings look like. Most states cap the exemption at a fixed dollar amount. Florida, for example, caps homestead at $50,000 in assessed value reductions.
File the exemption by the deadline. In Florida, the deadline is March 1. In many other states, the deadline falls between January and April. Late filings take effect the following year. The appraiser’s office can tell you the deadline and the documents you need to file.
Online Tools Beyond the County Site
Some states run a statewide property search tool. These tools pull data from all counties into one search box. Examples include the Texas Comptroller’s property search and the New York State Office of Real Property Tax Services search. Statewide tools are good for quick checks but county sites have the most up-to-date data.
Third-party sites also sell property data. These sites pull public records and resell them in a packaged format. They are useful for bulk reports but cost more than the free county tools. Most people only need the free county tools for basic lookups.
What to Do if the Office Cannot Help
Some records are not held by the county. Court judgments, federal liens, and tax warrants may be held by other agencies. The county clerk can point you to the right office when a record is not in their files.
Bankruptcy records, for example, are held by the federal court system. Water rights and mineral rights are held by the state. Environmental records are held by the state environmental agency. The county can refer you when the record sits outside their files.
Tips for Faster Service
Follow these tips to get faster service from any property records office.
- Know the county before you call
- Have the address, parcel number, or owner name ready
- Call early in the morning for short hold times
- Use the online search tool first to pull basic data
- Visit in person only when you need a certified copy
- Ask for the document number when you order a copy
- Save the receipt for any fee you pay
These steps cut wait time and help the clerk serve you faster. Most offices handle hundreds of requests a day. A prepared caller makes the process smooth for everyone.
Final Notes on Reaching Property Records
Official Website: www.revenue.state.tx.us (Texas Comptroller example for statewide property data). Phone: 512-463-4000. Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Time. Address: 1711 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701.
For local county data, visit the county assessor’s official site. Most counties post their phone, hours, and address on the home page. Use the table above to find the right state office first, then drill down to the county that holds your property.
Frequently Asked Questions About Property Records
People often have similar questions when they contact a property records office for the first time. The FAQ below covers the most common questions and gives clear, direct answers based on how county offices actually work in 2026.
How do I find out who owns a property?
You can run a property owner search on the county assessor website. Type the address into the search box. The site returns the current owner’s name and mailing address. You can also call the assessor office and ask for the ownership record by phone. The search is free and no account is needed. If you need a printed or certified copy, the office charges a small fee. Most offices can pull the file in under five minutes when you have the address ready.
Are property records free to view?
Yes, property records are free to view online in nearly every county. The county assessor and recorder both run free public search tools. The only costs come when you need a printed or certified copy of a record. Copy fees are set by state law and range from $1 per page for regular copies to $10 per document for certified copies. Some offices also charge a small fee for online document downloads to cover processing.
How long does it take to get a copy of a deed?
Online deed copies are ready right away when you download them from the recorder site. Mailed copies take five to ten business days. In-person certified copies are ready the same day in most counties. The exact turnaround depends on the office and the type of copy you order. Ask the clerk about timing when you place the order so you know what to expect.
Can I remove my information from public property records?
In most cases, no. Property records are public under state law. Owner names, mailing addresses, and legal descriptions stay in the public file. Some states let you seal records for safety reasons, such as for victims of domestic abuse. You can also use a P.O. box as your mailing address on file. The clerk can explain your state rules when you call.
What is the difference between the assessor and the recorder?
The assessor (or property appraiser) handles ownership, value, and tax exemption data. The recorder (or clerk of court) handles deeds, mortgages, liens, and other recorded documents. Both offices keep property records but cover different types of files. You may need to contact both offices for a full title search or property research project.
How do I check if a property has any liens?
Run a deed search on the county recorder site. The site returns all recorded documents tied to the parcel, including deeds, mortgages, liens, and judgments. Look for any document marked as a lien, judgment, or tax warrant. You can also call the recorder office and ask for a lien search. The clerk can tell you what is on file for any parcel in the county.
Can I look up property records from another state?
Yes, but you need to know the county where the property sits. Property records are kept at the county level, so each state has dozens of separate offices. Start by finding the county name for the address, then visit that county’s assessor and recorder websites. Some states also run statewide search tools that pull data from all counties, which can save time for a quick check.
What is a parcel number and where do I find it?
A parcel number is a unique ID for each piece of land. It is also called an APN (Assessor’s Parcel Number) or tax account number. You can find it on a tax bill, deed, or property record. You can also look it up by address on the county assessor site. The parcel number is the fastest way to pull a record because it points to one specific file with no guesswork.