A document submitted for recording must be legible so that, after it is imaged, a clear, legible copy can be read without magnification and be reproduced from the image. Documents must be related to property in Lehigh County.
Names at the signature and in the acknowledgment must be exactly the same.
All documents must be signed with original signatures and in dark ink suitable for imaging..
A stamped, self-addressed envelope with the correct postage and of the appropriate size must accompany all documents in order for the documents to be returned.
Maximum paper size accepted for recording is 8 ½ X 14, except for subdivision, condo and highway maps, which must be no wider than thirty-six (36) inches
Margin requirements on all documents, unless they are a State form (Ex. UCC, Notary commissions) are as follows: On the first page, a three (3) inch margin on the top of the page, with the right side of this top margin to be left blank for Recorder’s use only, and one (1) inch margins on the bottom and the sides. Each additional page must have one (1) inch margins on all sides. Documents that do not meet these requirements will be charged an additional $10.00 non-compliance fee.
No seal or stamps shall cover signatures or printed text of the document
The acknowledgement date must not predate the date of execution of the document.
A document must have a proper acknowledgement by a notary public and must include the following: - County
- State
- Date
- Name of person(s) signing (If it is a corporate acknowledgement, also must include the title and the company of the officer signing.)
- Notary signature
- Notary stamp/seal (It must be clear and legible, and in dark ink.)
- Notary expiration date
- If any of the above is missing, the acknowledgement will be considered defective.
All deeds must have a complete certified address of the grantee, clearly written or typed and signed by the grantee or designee.
All assignments must have a complete certified address of the assignee, clearly written or typed and signed by the assignee or designee.
All mortgages must have a complete certified address of the mortgagee, clearly written or typed and signed by the mortgagee or designee.
All deeds and mortgages must indicate the correct municipality, county and state where the property is located.
The consideration written amount must match the numerical amount on all deeds and mortgages..
If a document reads “legal attached” or “Exhibit A attached”, then the appropriate page must be attached
Checks submitted for payment of realty transfer tax and recording fees must be the correct amount and made payable to the Recorder of Deeds. Any overpayment will be considered a forfeit fee.
A separate check must be submitted for the payment of the 1% State realty transfer tax and be made payable to the Recorder of Deeds. The local realty transfer tax and the recording fee may be on one check.
Transfer taxes and/or Statements of Value must accompany all transfers unless the exemption is clearly stated in the deed (for family transfers only). The Department of Revenue requires the Statement of Value to be fully completed. The Statement of Value must be submitted in duplicate.
Multiple documents constituting one transaction must be clearly numbered as to the proper order in which they are to be recorded.
For documents submitted for recording where the property is in more than one municipality and transfer tax is being paid, a signed statement clearly stating the exact amount of the local realty transfer tax to be paid to each municipality must accompany the document.
The book and page number or document ID number of the original mortgage must be stated on all documents that refer back to the original mortgage, i.e., satisfaction piece, modification of mortgage, release of mortgage, assignment of mortgage, subordination of mortgage, amendment of mortgage, etc.
Re-recorded documents must have an explanation stated on the document as to why the document is being re-recorded and must have a new acknowledgment.
Foreign language documents must include a written English translation..
All copies to be certified by the Recorder of Deeds office must be made in the Recorder of Deeds office at the time of the certification. A certified copy constitutes a complete copy of the recorded document.