How to Record a Deed

Recording a Deed Through the Mail

1. Mail the deed to the Geauga County Recorder’s Office at
   
   Sharon C. Gingerich
   Geauga County Recorder
   231 Main Street #1C
   Chardon, Ohio 44024
2. Include a brief cover letter explaining exactly what you want done, including a telephone number. 
3. If including more than one deed, please specify if they are to be recorded in a specific order.
4. Include a check made payable to the Geauga County Recorder for the proper recording fee (see table of fees).
5. Include separate checks for Recorder’s fees and Auditor’s fees.
6. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. 
7. The Geauga County Recorder will record your deed and mail the original document back to you when the recording process is complete. Note: Your document must meet Ohio Revised Code standards or it will be returned to you unrecorded.

Recording a Deed in Person

1. Before you come to the Recorder’s Office, take your deed to the Geauga County Auditor’s Office (231 Main Street, Suite 1A). There, you will complete and sign an “Exempt Form” or a "Conveyance Fee Form.” Conveyance fees are $4.00 per $1,000 of valuation and transfer (or Exempt) fees are $0.50 per parcel (Please contact the Auditor to confirm their fee schedule).  The Auditor will stamp the deed and return it to you.  The exception to the rule is a Transfer on Death Deed for which there are no  Auditor’s fees.
2. You will then take the stamped original deed to the Recorder’s Office located to your left at the end of the hall as you leave the Auditor’s Office.  There is a state-mandated fee of $28.00 payable to the Geauga County Recorder for the first two pages and $8.00 for each additional page of each document. The Recorder will keep the deed to complete the processing and once completed, return the original deed.  You must leave a self-addressed stamped envelope, or pick up the deed in person the following day to ensure proper delivery to you.

Please call the office if you have any questions regarding the fees or the process at (440) 279-2020.