Role of the County Recorder

As the county's recorder, Clerks are responsible for recording, maintaining, protecting, and disseminating official public records including records related to real estate ownership. 

AS COUNTY RECORDER, CLERKS... 

RECORD LAND DEEDS: Clerks maintain a public records library, which includes tax deed applications and sales records. It also deed indexes, mortgages, and descriptions of county property, all of which are recorded by the Clerk.

MAINTAIN PROPERTY DOCUMENTS: Clerks record and maintain court documents related to properties, such as public defender liens and judgments, and record tax liens and claims against estates, agreements, contracts, and more.

PROVIDE PROPERTY ALERTS: Many Clerks’ offices offer free services that notify users when a deed, mortgage, or other land record with their registered name on it has been recorded into the county’s Official Records. This helps users stay informed about their property, safeguarding against potential fraud.

MARRIAGE LICENSE APPLICATIONS AND RECORDS: Clerks of Court issue and maintain records of marriage licenses after a three-day waiting period. Some even perform marriage ceremonies and hold local marriage events. 

MAINTAIN HISTORICAL AND VALUABLE RECORDS: As the official record keeper for the county, Clerks of Court are responsible for securely maintaining and managing access to documents that span multiple functions of government, including official, court, and often historical documents.

PROCESS PASSPORT APPLICATIONS: Many Clerk of Court offices serve as a U.S. Passport Acceptance Facility designated to accept and execute passport application.