Adams County Deed Records

Adams County deed records are filed and maintained at the Adams County Recorder's Office in Decatur, Indiana. The office records all property documents, land transfers, and related instruments for real estate located within Adams County.

Adams County Recorder's Office

The Adams County Recorder handles all deed recording and property document management for the county. This office is the primary source for deed records, mortgage filings, and other instruments affecting real property in Adams County. Under IC 36-2-11, the county recorder is responsible for receiving, filing, and indexing all documents presented for recording. Staff can help you search past records, get copies, or find out what you need to record a new document in Adams County.

The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Eastern Standard Time. Walk-in service is available during those hours. You can also reach the office by phone or email if you have questions about Adams County deed records before making the trip to Decatur. The recorder processes documents the same day in most cases, though complex filings may take longer to index and make available for search.

The Adams County Government Center houses the Recorder's Office. The address, phone, and contact details are listed below.

How to Search Adams County Deed Records

You can search Adams County deed records in person at the Recorder's Office in Decatur. Bring the name of the property owner, a parcel number, or a legal description to speed up your search. Staff at the counter can pull records by grantor name, grantee name, or document type. Most searches are free at the counter, though copies carry a per-page fee. In-person searches give you direct access to deed books, mortgage records, and other filed instruments.

Several online tools also let you search Adams County property records from home. Beacon by Schneider Corp provides parcel data, ownership history, and assessed values for Adams County properties. This is a good starting point when you want to trace ownership or find a legal description before requesting a full deed copy. Doxpop is another statewide service used by many Indiana counties that indexes recorded documents. Doxpop offers subscription and pay-per-search options for those who need regular access to deed records across Indiana, including Adams County.

For pay-per-search deed images, Tapestry by Fidlar covers many Indiana recorder offices. Check whether Adams County participates before creating an account. When you need certified copies of recorded deeds or mortgages, you must contact the Adams County Recorder directly. Certified copies require in-person pickup or a written mail request with payment.

Note: Always verify that the document you find online matches the official record at the Adams County Recorder before using it for a legal transaction.

Adams County Deed Recording Requirements

Documents recorded in Adams County must meet state standards set by Indiana law. IC 36-2-11-16.5 sets out the paper and margin rules. Pages must be on white paper, 8.5 by 11 inches or 8.5 by 14 inches. The top margin on the first page must be at least 2 inches to allow the recorder's stamp. Side and bottom margins must be at least 0.5 inches. Print must be at least 8-point type and dark enough to reproduce clearly when scanned.

Every deed presented for recording in Adams County must include a few key items. IC 32-21-2-3 requires that the physical address of each grantee appear in the deed, not just a name. The preparer of the deed must include a statement with their name and address under IC 36-2-11-15. That same statute also requires the recorder to redact Social Security numbers from documents before making them publicly available. If a deed involves a transfer of property, it must first go to the Adams County Auditor for a transfer stamp under IC 36-2-11-14 before the Recorder will accept it for recording.

Notarization is required for deeds and mortgages in Indiana. IC 33-42-10-2 sets the rules for notary acknowledgments. The notary must sign and stamp the document. If parties have the same or similar names on a deed, IC 36-2-11-16 may apply, and extra care must be taken to avoid confusion in the index. Documents that do not meet these standards will be returned unfiled to the submitter.

The Adams County Recorder's Office follows the Indiana Recording Manual published by the Indiana Recorders Association. That manual covers all statewide recording standards and is a useful reference for attorneys and title companies preparing documents for Adams County.

Adams County Recorder Fee Schedule

Recording fees in Adams County follow Indiana's standard schedule. Deeds cost $25.00 to record. Mortgages cost $55.00. Mechanic's liens cost $25.00. UCC filings also cost $25.00. These fees cover the first page and standard-size documents. Oversized pages, meaning those larger than 8.5 by 11 or 8.5 by 14 inches, carry a $5.00 surcharge per page. Pay by cash or check at the counter.

Copies of recorded documents cost $1.00 per page for standard sizes up to 11 by 17 inches. Larger copies cost $5.00 per page. Certified copies require an additional $5.00 certification fee on top of the per-page copy cost. If you request copies by mail, include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check for the correct amount. The office will send the copies once payment clears. Call (260) 724-5303 to confirm current fees before submitting a mail request for Adams County deed records.

Note: The Indiana State Board of Accounts audits county recorder fee schedules to ensure compliance with state law.

Adams County Online Resources

The Adams County government website provides access to recorder information, forms, and contact details for property document searches. Visit the official site to learn more about services available to property owners and title professionals in Adams County.

The Adams County Recorder's page at co.adams.in.us lists current fees, recording requirements, and contact information for the office in Decatur.

Electronic Recording and Related Services

Electronic recording, or e-recording, lets title companies, lenders, and attorneys submit documents to the recorder without coming to the office in person. Several Indiana counties accept e-recording through services like Simplifile (800-460-5657) and CSC eRecording (866-652-0111). Contact the Adams County Recorder at (260) 724-5303 to ask whether e-recording is currently accepted and which platforms are approved for Adams County deed submissions.

Title companies and lenders who record documents regularly in Adams County should also review the Indiana State Land Office resources. That site covers state-owned property deeds, maps, and photos maintained at the state level. For local property tax data linked to deed transfers in Adams County, check Indiana Gateway, which aggregates financial and property data from Indiana counties.

Nearby Counties

Adams County borders several other Indiana counties. Each has its own recorder's office where deed records for property in that county are kept.