Recording Documents
The City Register records and maintains records for
Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens. In Staten Island, the Office of the
County Clerk handles this function.
Division of
Land Records Guide to Document Recording
Download
Brochure
(838k)
ACRIS Online Document Recording
Recording
Property Related Documents
The City Register's real property records
are used to provide land title ownership (by a "title search") and, based on
proven clear title, to provide title insurance. Without such insurance, banks
will not grant mortgages. The personal property records are used to establish
credit worthiness.
Deed
/ Mortgage Recording
The majority of deeds and mortgages showing the ownership of real property (houses,
condominiums, apartment buildings, etc.) must be recorded with the City Register.
These ownership documents serve as the basis for land title searches by banks
and legal institutions for the purposes of granting mortgages, asset searches,
and other legal and financial transactions.
Financing
Statements (UCC)
The City Register records Financing Statements (UCC) that document a security
interest against cooperative apartments, fixture filings, timber to be cut,
or mining rights. These interests are considered to be in "personal property,"
as opposed to "real property" or against "real estate."
Real Property Transfer Tax
(RPTT)
The city’s RPTT is imposed on the sale or transfer of at least a 50% ownership
interest in a corporation, partnership, trust, or other entity whenever the
sale or transfer exceeds $25,000.
Mortgage
Recording Tax
Whenever a mortgage is recorded at the City Register, a tax must be paid.
