Recorder of Deeds - Fee Charges
These are the fees for recording and copying documents at the Recorder of Deeds office. These do not include the extra $5.00 surcharge required ny law.
(a) $150- To record any type of Deed of Trust, Mortage, or Modifications.
(b) $25- To record all other types of documents.
(c) $2.25 per page- To get a copy of a document.
(d) $2.25 per document- To get a certified copy of a document.
Note: The $5.00 surcharge is added to the $150 or $25 fees listed above per DC Official code 42-1211.
General Recording Requirements
The Recorder of Deeds office cannot give legal advice or help you fill out legal forms. If you need help. you should talk to a lawyer or title company.
To record a document, it must follow these rules.
- It must include a full legal description of the property (Lot number, square number, subdivision, and reference information from the Office of the Surveyor).
- If the property has an A&T (Assessment and Taxation) lot number, it must be included.
- The names and signatures of everyone giving or receiving the property (Grantors and Grantees) must printed and signed. All signatures must be notarized.
- A clear "Return to" mailing address must be printed on the document.
- Late Fee: If a deed is recorded more than 30 days after it's signed and notarized, there is a $250 late fee per DC Official code 47-1433(c).
- A completed Tax Form (FP7C) is required for all Deeds, Deeds of Trusts or Mortgages; Modifications to a Deed of Trust; Lease and Lease Assignments for 30 years or more.
- A Security Affidavit is needed for all Residential Deeds of Trust and Modifications.
- Court documents (Like Judgments or Orders) must be certified by the DC Superior Court.
- All notarized documents must include the notary seal, signature, name and expiration date.
- All documents must be clear and easy to read.
- All checks must be for the exact amount and made payable to the DC Treasurer.
The Recoder of Deeds does not check if a document is legally valid. That's usually decided by the DC Superior Court. However, the office can reject documents that clearly don't follow the rules.