Frequently Asked Questions

•  How to I research foreclosures?
  
   Learn more about foreclosure research before doing your online research through Clerk's Web Query.  
  
• I have a legal document to sign in the presence of a notary public.  Do you have a notary public in the Clerk's Office?
  
  No.  Our office does not provide notary services.  Please check the yellow pages of your telephone book under Notaries Public.
  
• I want to change the name(s) on my property, what do I do?
  
  A new deed will need to be recorded with our office.  Our office does not carry legal forms.  We are also prohibited in helping you prepare your legal document.   Prior to choosing a legal form we highly recommend you consult with your title company, lender and/or an attorney licensed to practice in Oregon before transferring your property
  
  
• I looked up a document on your website and it says "There was no image found for this document".   How do I get a copy?
  
  Records before May 1999 are all on microfilm.  You will need to come into our office or write to us with appropriate fees for a copy.     Please see the following request for copy information.
  
  
•  How much does it cost for recording a deed? 
  
  $31.00 for the 1st page and $5.00 each additional page for a deed meeting first page requirements.  We now have a Fee Calculator under the Fee Schedule.
  
  
• How do I get a copy of my deed?
  
  Your deed may be available online (May 1999 to present).  If the deed was recorded prior to May 1999 you will need to request it in writing.  Please see the following request for copy information. 
  
  
• Do I need a cover page to record my document?
  
  No, unless your first page does not meet the first page requirements.
  
  
• I need help in understanding your recording numbers.
  
  In the early years this office had a Fee/Instrument Number (e.g. 93-12345) as well as a Book & Page Number (e.g., 456-1234).   Our office now has a system with the year and document number (e.g., 2007-12345).
  
  
• I need to know what liens are against my property.
  
  The Clerk's Web Query website will have this information.  Learn more about lien research. 
  
  
• How do I get copies of CC&R's for a specific subdivision?
  
  We recommend contacting any of the local title companies.  Each title company has ready made copies of CC&Rs.  Alternatively, we recommend reviewing your title report if the CC&Rs cover your property or contact your homeowners association.  As a last resort you may research CC&Rs in our office; however, it is likely to be time consuming.
  
  
• When I payoff my property when will I get my new deed?
  
  You will not receive a new deed as the original deed was issued at the time you purchased your property.  However, you should receive a satisfaction of mortgage or deed of reconveyance from your mortgage company.
  
  
• My spouse has passed away; how do I remove their name from the deed?
  
  An original certified death certificate will need to be recorded in our office.  This removes the name of the decedent from the County's ownership records.  The fee to record is $31.00 for 1st page, $5.00 each additional page.
  
  
• I only have an address; can you tell me who owns the property?
  
  No.  Ownership and other assessment records are kept by the County Assessor. 
  
  
• What is a Deed of Reconveyance?
  
  A Deed of Reconveyance is a document that typically releases a security interest held by a lender (i.e., a loan was paid).  We recommend you always confirm with the lender that an obligation is satisfied.