About the Recorder's Office

According to the Ohio Revised Code (ORC), it is the duty of the County Recorder to record all deeds, mortgages, plats or other instruments of writing that are required or authorized by the ORC.

It is important for all real property records to be stored in a central location so there are no questions about ownership rights and land boundaries. Recorded documents related to land and real property are considered public record, and can be viewed at any time using our Public Record Search. Not all public records are authorized for filing with the Recorder's Office.

History

The practice of recording real estate documents goes back to historic land and real property laws established in England. These land laws were brought to the New World by the early American colonists, who designated public land registrars to maintain accurate land records. After the establishment of the Northwest Territory in 1787, recorder’s offices were initiated with the formation of each new county. The office became an elected position in 1829 and a standard four year term was codified in 1936 (Source: Ohio Recorders Association).

The Franklin County Recorder’s Office was created in 1803, when the county itself was established. The first Franklin County Recorder was Lucas Sullivant, who served from 1804 to 1807. Current Recorder, Daniel J. O’Connor, Jr., is the 30^th recorder to serve Franklin County.