Dauphin County Property Records

What Is Dauphin County Property Records

Property records in Dauphin County are official documents that establish and track the legal ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within county boundaries. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property rights and interests throughout the county. Pursuant to Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 21 § 351, all deeds, mortgages, and other instruments affecting real property must be recorded in the county where the property is located.

The primary purposes of Dauphin County property records include:

• Establishing legal ownership and chain of title
• Providing public notice of property interests
• Protecting property rights of owners and lienholders
• Facilitating real estate transactions
• Supporting property tax assessment and collection
• Enabling land use planning and development

The Dauphin County Recorder of Deeds serves as the official custodian of these records, maintaining a comprehensive system for recording, indexing, and preserving documents related to real property transactions. This office ensures the integrity and accessibility of the county's property records in accordance with Pennsylvania law.

Are Property Records Public Information In Dauphin County?

Property records in Dauphin County are public information and accessible to all citizens under Pennsylvania law. The legal basis for this public access is established in the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law and reinforced by specific property recording statutes such as Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 21 § 357, which mandates that recorded instruments be available for public inspection.

The public nature of property records serves several important functions:

• Transparency in land ownership promotes public confidence in property rights
• Public notice of property interests protects potential buyers and creditors
• Open access facilitates real estate market efficiency
• Public records support proper tax assessment and collection
• Historical property data enables community planning and development

Any member of the public may access Dauphin County property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for the request. This open access policy reflects the fundamental principle that property ownership is a matter of public record in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

How To Search Property Records in Dauphin County in 2026

Dauphin County offers multiple methods for searching property records. Members of the public may utilize the following procedures to access these documents:

Online Search Method:

1. Visit the Dauphin County Recorder of Deeds online search portal
2. Select the appropriate search type (name, instrument number, book/page, etc.)
3. Enter the relevant search criteria
4. Review the search results and select the desired record
5. View document information and, if available, digital images of the recorded documents

In-Person Search Method:

1. Visit the Dauphin County Recorder of Deeds office during regular business hours
2. Complete a records request form at the public service counter
3. Provide specific information about the property or document being sought
4. Staff will assist with accessing the appropriate records
5. Review documents on-site and request copies as needed

Written Request Method:

1. Prepare a written request specifying the records being sought
2. Include relevant identifying information (property address, owner name, etc.)
3. Submit the request by mail or email to the Recorder of Deeds office
4. Include appropriate payment for any applicable fees
5. Receive requested records by mail or electronic delivery

Dauphin County Recorder of Deeds
101 Market Street, Room 102
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 780-6560
Dauphin County Recorder of Deeds

How To Find Property Records in Dauphin County Online?

Dauphin County provides comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms. The following step-by-step guide outlines the process for locating property records through the county's online resources:

1. Access the Official Records Search System:

   • Navigate to the Dauphin County Recorder of Deeds online search portal
   • No account creation is required for basic searches
   • Select from available search options including name search, instrument number search, or book/page search

2. Conduct a Property Search by Owner Name:

   • Select "Name Search" from the search options
   • Enter the property owner's last name, followed by first name
   • Use wildcards (%) for partial name searches
   • Click "Search" to generate results
   • Results will display all documents associated with the name entered

3. Search by Property Address or Parcel Number:

   • For property-specific searches, use the Dauphin County GIS Portal
   • Enter the property address or parcel identification number
   • Select the property from the results to view detailed information
   • Follow links to associated deed records when available

4. Access Tax and Assessment Records:

   • Visit the Dauphin County Tax Assessment database
   • Search by owner name, property address, or parcel number
   • View current assessment information, tax status, and property characteristics
   • Note the parcel number for cross-referencing with deed records

5. View and Download Documents:

   • Select the desired record from search results
   • Preview document information and images when available
   • Pay any applicable fees for certified copies or document downloads
   • Save or print electronic copies for personal records

The online search systems are updated regularly to reflect current property records, though there may be a brief processing delay for newly recorded documents.

How To Look Up Dauphin County Property Records for Free?

Dauphin County provides several no-cost options for accessing property records. Members of the public may utilize these free resources to obtain basic property information without incurring fees:

Free Online Resources:

• The Dauphin County Recorder of Deeds website offers free index searches that provide basic document information including parties, recording dates, and document types
• The Dauphin County GIS Open Data Portal provides free access to property maps, boundaries, and basic ownership information
• The Dauphin County Tax Assessment database allows free searches of property assessment information, including owner name, property value, and tax status

Free In-Person Access:

• Visit the Dauphin County Recorder of Deeds office to use public access terminals at no charge
• Public computers are available during regular business hours for conducting searches
• Staff assistance is provided at no cost for basic search guidance

Free Public Library Access:

• Several public libraries throughout Dauphin County offer free access to county property databases
• Library staff can provide assistance with navigating the search systems
• Public computers with internet access enable use of the county's online resources

While basic searches and viewing of index information are free, please note that fees may apply for:

• Printed or electronic copies of documents
• Certified copies of records
• Subscription services for high-volume users
• Document recording services

Dauphin County Recorder of Deeds
101 Market Street, Room 102
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 780-6560
Dauphin County Recorder of Deeds

What's Included in a Dauphin County Property Record?

Dauphin County property records contain comprehensive information about real property within the county. These records are maintained by multiple county offices, primarily the Recorder of Deeds, Tax Assessment Office, and Tax Claim Bureau. In accordance with Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 21 § 356, property records must include specific elements to be legally valid and recordable.

Deed Records Include:

• Names of all parties (grantor/seller and grantee/buyer)
• Legal description of the property
• Consideration amount (purchase price or transfer value)
• Date of transaction
• Signatures of parties and notarization
• Recording information (date, time, book, page, instrument number)
• Transfer tax information
• Property identification number
• Reference to prior deeds in the chain of title

Mortgage Records Include:

• Names of borrower and lender
• Property legal description
• Loan amount and terms
• Maturity date
• Interest rate
• Rights and obligations of parties
• Default provisions
• Recording information

Tax and Assessment Records Include:

• Current owner information
• Property address and location
• Parcel identification number
• Property classification
• Assessed value
• Tax amount and payment status
• Exemption information
• Building characteristics
• Land size and dimensions

Additional Property Documents May Include:

• Easements and rights-of-way
• Liens and judgments
• Subdivision plans
• Condominium declarations
• Restrictive covenants
• Satisfaction of mortgage
• Tax sales and redemptions
• Sheriff's deeds
• Mechanics' liens

These records distinguish between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable assets), with the county maintaining official records only for real property transactions.

How Long Does Dauphin County Keep Property Records?

Dauphin County maintains property records permanently in accordance with Pennsylvania's County Records Act (16 P.S. § 13001-13006) and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission's County Records Manual. This permanent retention policy applies to all recorded instruments affecting real property, ensuring the complete chain of title remains accessible indefinitely.

The retention periods for various property-related documents are as follows:

Permanently Retained Records:

• Deeds and conveyances
• Mortgages and satisfactions
• Easements and rights-of-way
• Subdivision plans
• Condominium declarations
• Restrictive covenants
• Sheriff's deeds
• Tax sale deeds
• Judicial deeds

Long-Term Retention Records:

• Tax assessment records (retained for 7 years after reassessment)
• Building permits (retained for life of structure plus 3 years)
• Zoning variance records (retained for life of variance plus 3 years)
• Property tax payment records (retained for 7 years)

Medium-Term Retention Records:

• Temporary construction easements (retained for term plus 3 years)
• Tax claim notices (retained for 7 years after resolution)
• Property inspection reports (retained for 5 years)

The county has implemented a comprehensive records management program that includes:

• Digital conversion of historical records
• Secure electronic storage systems with redundant backups
• Climate-controlled physical storage for original documents
• Disaster recovery protocols to protect record integrity
• Regular auditing of records management practices

This permanent retention policy ensures that property records remain available for legal, historical, and research purposes in perpetuity, providing security and transparency in property ownership throughout Dauphin County.

How To Find Liens on Property In Dauphin County?

Liens on property in Dauphin County can be identified through several official channels. These encumbrances represent legal claims against property that must be satisfied before title can be transferred clear of such obligations. The following methods are available for conducting lien searches:

Prothonotary's Office Search:

1. Visit or contact the Dauphin County Prothonotary's Office, which maintains records of civil judgments that may become liens on real property
2. Provide the property owner's name for a judgment search
3. Staff will search the judgment index for any entries against the specified individual
4. Review any judgment records identified to determine if they constitute liens against the property

Recorder of Deeds Search:

1. Access the Dauphin County Recorder of Deeds online search system
2. Search by property owner name or property address
3. Review results for recorded liens, including:
   • Mortgage liens
   • Municipal liens
   • Mechanics' liens
   • Federal tax liens
   • State tax liens

Tax Claim Bureau Search:

1. Contact the Dauphin County Tax Claim Bureau
2. Provide the property address or parcel number
3. Request information on any delinquent tax liens
4. Obtain certification of tax status if needed for property transactions

Municipal Lien Search:

1. Contact the specific municipality where the property is located
2. Request a municipal lien letter or certification
3. This will reveal any outstanding:
   • Local tax liens
   • Utility liens (water, sewer, trash)
   • Code enforcement liens
   • Special assessment liens

Comprehensive Title Search:

For the most thorough lien investigation, a professional title search is recommended, which will include:

• Examination of all county records
• Municipal lien verification
• Federal and state tax lien searches
• Utility lien verification
• Homeowners association lien checks

Dauphin County Prothonotary
101 Market Street, Room 101
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 780-6630
Dauphin County Prothonotary

What Is Property Owner Rule In Dauphin County?

The Property Owner Rule in Dauphin County refers to the legal framework governing property ownership rights and responsibilities as established by Pennsylvania state law and county ordinances. This rule encompasses several key principles that affect property owners throughout the county.

Under Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 68 § 250.101-250.510, commonly known as the Landlord and Tenant Act, property owners in Dauphin County must adhere to specific regulations regarding:

• Recording requirements for property ownership
• Disclosure obligations during property transfers
• Maintenance responsibilities and habitability standards
• Tax payment and assessment obligations
• Zoning and land use compliance

Key Elements of the Property Owner Rule:

1. Recording Requirement:

   • All property transfers must be recorded with the Dauphin County Recorder of Deeds
   • Unrecorded deeds may be valid between parties but lack protection against third-party claims
   • Recording establishes constructive notice to the public of ownership interests

2. Ownership Verification:

   • The Real Estate Tax Sale Law (72 P.S. § 5860.101) establishes that:
     • Property tax records create a presumption of ownership
     • The recorded deed holder is presumed to be the legal owner
     • Challenges to ownership require clear and convincing evidence

3. Owner Responsibilities:

   • Property owners must:
     • Pay all applicable property taxes
     • Maintain property in compliance with building codes
     • Address environmental hazards on their property
     • Comply with zoning regulations
     • Maintain sidewalks adjacent to their property

4. Property Tax Liability:

   • The Dauphin County Real Estate Tax system establishes that:
     • Property taxes attach to the land, not the owner personally
     • Current owners are responsible for all unpaid taxes
     • Tax liens have priority over most other claims against the property

5. Adverse Possession:

   • Under Pennsylvania law, property ownership may be acquired through adverse possession after 21 years of:
     • Actual possession that is visible and notorious
     • Exclusive and continuous use
     • Hostile possession (without permission)

Property owners in Dauphin County should familiarize themselves with these rules to ensure compliance with legal requirements and to protect their property rights effectively.

Lookup Property Records in Dauphin County

Dauphin County Recorder of Deeds

Dauphin County Property Records Search

Dauphin County Tax Assessment & Tax Claim

Dauphin County Real Estate Taxes

Dauphin County GIS Open Data Portal