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Register of Deeds FAQ

List of frequently asked questions (FAQ) for Register of Deeds.

Can I record documents with the Douglas County Register of Deeds if the property referred to is not located in the county?

No. At least a portion of any property referred to in the document has to be located in Douglas County, Kansas.

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Do you do genealogy research?

While the Register of Deeds office does not directly provide this service, the public is welcome to research our records.

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Will the Register of Deeds do a title search and tell me if I have clear title to my property?

No. Professional title examiners or abstractors search our records as well as other places, such as the courts, to determine if your title is free of encumbrances.
 

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Can I make my own deed?

It is vital that deeds are prepared accurately. You can draw up your own deed but to prevent mistakes that could be costly, we always recommend that you retain an attorney or title company to help ensure that the deed is prepared correctly. Our staff does not prepare deeds nor are we qualified to provide legal advice.

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Does Douglas County accept documents for E-Record?

Yes. Douglas County will accept e-record documents from the following vendors:

Simplifile - http://www.simplifile.com

Mobilis - www.icounty.com

CSC-Corporation Service Company - www.erecording.com

ePN - https://www.goepn.com/

 

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Does the document need to be an original or can I record a copy?

Documents must be an original. The only exceptions are certified copies from the courts.

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Have we been around long?

In America, property ownership is almost taken for granted. But remember, there are countries where owning property is not the norm. The office was often created even before a state became an official part of the United States. The records retained in the Douglas County Register of Deeds office go back to the early 1800's. In eastern states, the records start in the 1700's and before. These records never go away. Research takes you back to the very first transaction between the Native Americans and the U.S. government and everything in between then and now!

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How can I re-file a document?

Documents can be submitted for re-recording in one of two ways:

  • We will accept the original document for re-recording with new signatures of (the original) signers and a new notary acknowledgement for them; or
  • We will accept the original document with an Affidavit of Document Re-File completed and attached to the instrument as the last page.
  • Should you choose to submit the original document with the affidavit attached please note that the affidavit will be charged as a recordable page.
  • Depending upon the type of document being re-recorded, please add an additional $4.00 or $2.00 to your payment to cover the recording fee for the affidavit page.

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How long will it take for a deed or other document to be returned to me?

Documents are processed immediately upon presentation (except some surveys and plats).  Documents that are presented in person will be returned within 5-10 minutes. Documents received by mail will be sent out for return on the following business day.  

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Is Douglas County approved to accept the one-part Real Estate Sales Validation Questionnaire (SVQ) with deed filings?

YES. We can accept the three-part SVQ form or the one-part form.   For SVQ’s older than Revision 8/12 please provide the instruction page due to clause listed on the instruction page.

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What if I lose my deed?

Once recorded, if your deed is lost or misplaced, a copy may be obtained from the Register of Deeds office and certified with an official stamp. There is a fee for the copy and the certification.

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Where can I get the Register of Deeds fee schedule?

You can get the entire fee schedule by visiting the  Register of Deeds Fee Schedule, or by visiting the Register of Deeds Office.

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Why does the Register of Deeds exist?

This office is responsible for keeping a record of who owns what property. When you sell your property, someone checks our records to make sure that you have clear title to the property. If you are the buyer, someone is doing the same. They will need to know if the property is in your name (Deed) and is there are any liens against the property (Mortgage, Federal Tax Liens, State Tax Lien, etc.). The records here are also used to determine where to send the tax bill, where to put utility lines, how to make the best land usage plans and lots more.

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Where is the Register of Deeds office located?

The Register of Deeds office is located at:

  • Douglas County Courthouse
  • 1100 Massachusetts Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66044
  • Phone: 785-832-5282
  • Fax: 785-330-2807
  • Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

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Who is the Register of Deeds?

The Register of Deeds is a county official elected to a four-year term who ensures that documents are recorded properly and also maintains and preserves those records according to Kansas law. The current Register of Deeds is Kay Pesnell.

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Where can I get the legal description for my property?

The legal description can be found on the deed to the property. If you do not have a copy of your deed one can be obtained at the Register of Deeds office.

Please note that the legal description provided on tax statements is not a complete legal description.
 

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