Your property deed is more than just a piece of paper. It’s the official document that proves you own your home or building. Think of it as your ownership certificate – like a title for your car, but for your property.
At the Philadelphia Department of Records, we help residents get copies of their deeds every day. We know that sometimes you need these documents quickly, and we’re here to help.
When you need your deed
Being a property owner means there are times when you’ll need a copy of your deed. Here are the most common reasons Philadelphia residents come to us:
- Buying or selling property: When you buy or sell a home, banks and title companies need to see your deed. This proves you really own the property and can legally sell it.
- Making a will or settling an estate: Lawyers need deed copies when writing wills or when someone passes away and leaves property to family members.
- Property line disputes: If you and your neighbor disagree about where your property ends and theirs begins, your deed shows the exact boundaries.
- Insurance claims: After damage to your property, insurance companies may ask for your deed to prove you own what was damaged.
- Government programs: Many city, state, and federal programs require proof of property ownership. Your deed helps you qualify for home repair grants, energy assistance programs, senior citizen benefits, and other helpful services.
- Getting a loan: Banks need to see your deed when you apply for home equity loans or want to refinance your mortgage.
We keep more than just deeds
The Department of Records stores many types of important documents. Besides property deeds, we have mortgages, easements, notary records, military discharge papers, and other legal documents. Some of our records go back to the late 1600s!
This helps Philadelphia residents in many ways. Sometimes people need to trace their property’s history back many years. Having all these old records helps solve legal questions and gives people the full story of their property.
How we help you get what you need
We know that people need deed copies at different times and in different ways. That’s why we offer three ways to get your documents:
- Online: Our website called Philadox lets you search for and get copies of documents from 1974 to today. You can use it any time, day or night.
- In person: Come visit us at City Hall if you want to talk to someone face-to-face or if you have questions about older records.
- By mail: If you can’t come during our office hours, you can mail us your request and we’ll send your documents back to you.
How we help Philadelphia grow
Every time we help someone get their deed, we’re helping Philadelphia in bigger ways too. When we help a homeowner get documents for a better mortgage rate, we’re helping them save money. When we help a business owner get property records for a loan, we’re helping create jobs.
Our work also helps prevent legal problems. Clear property records mean fewer arguments between neighbors and faster real estate deals. This helps Philadelphia continue to grow and improve.
Keeping Philadelphia’s history safe
We’re not just helping people today – we’re also protecting Philadelphia’s history for the future. Our records tell the story of how our city grew and changed over hundreds of years. From old colonial land grants to modern building projects, we keep the documents that show Philadelphia’s complete story.
Future generations will be able to use these records to learn about their families and their city’s past.
Getting your deed is easy
Getting a copy of your deed doesn’t have to be hard. Whether you need it for a bank loan or just want it for your records, we’ve made the process simple.
It helps if you know your property address, the names of previous owners, or a document number. For very old records (before 1974), our staff will give you extra help to make sure you get the right documents.
Important warning about new deeds
We help you get copies of deeds that are already recorded. But if you need to create a new deed or change ownership of your property, don’t try to do it yourself. Making mistakes on a new deed can cause serious legal problems that are expensive to fix.
Always work with a lawyer or title company when you need to prepare a new deed. They know how to do it correctly and make sure your property rights are protected.
We’re here to help you
At the Philadelphia Department of Records, we see ourselves as your partners in property ownership. Whether you’re buying your first home, managing several properties, or handling family property after someone passes away, we’re here to help.
Your property deed shows that you have a stake in Philadelphia’s future. We’re proud to help protect that investment by giving you reliable, professional service when you need it most.
Ready to get your deed copy? Visit us online at Philadox for newer records, come see us at City Hall Room 154, or mail us your request. We’re here to serve Philadelphia’s property owners with the help you deserve.
