Armed Forces Veteran ID Card ​ The Brown County Recorder’s Office is pleased to offer a program benefiting our United States Armed Forces Veterans. This program allows Brown County Veterans to obtain a Photo Identification Card that will display the veterans branch of service, address and honorable discharge date. This card also contains a volume and page and/or document number, so the discharge record can be easily located by this office when needed. ​ In order for a Veteran to receive a card, they will have to file, or have already filed, their original or certified copy of their military discharge (DD214) paperwork with the Brown County Recorder’s Office and show valid photo ID. ​ What to bring: A legible Original or Certified copy of Honorable discharge (DD214) to be recorded, at no charge to the veteran. (DD214 will be returned to veteran by mail after processing. It can also be picked up by the veteran if requested.) A valid identification card. If your Honorable discharge is not legible, it must be followed by a letter from the VA translating the discharge. If your Honorable discharge is already recorded in this office, please let us know and we can look it up. Armed Forces Veteran ID Card can be used: To receive benefits or discounts* at participating retail establishments and restaurants. Proof of military service. To obtain certified copies of your DD214 from the Brown County Recorder's Office. Voter Identification. ​​ *Veteran Discounts (click here); listing provided by The American Legion, this is not a Brown County Recorder document/website or endorsement.

What is your mailing address? 800 Mt. Orab Pike, Suite 151Georgetown, OH 45121 ​ Who do we make checks payable to for recording or copies? Brown County Recorder ​ Do you accept credit cards? Yes, we accept visa and mastercard. A fee will apply. ​ What do you charge for copies made by the public? Ten cents ($0.10) per page. ​ What do you charge for copies made by the Recorder's staff? Two dollars ($2.00) per page if the staff assists in making the copy. ​ Does your County offer online access? Yes. Can I receive a document by email? The Brown County Recorder has the capability to e-mail images of recorded documents so long as the record exists in a digital format. ​ Public records requests not available in digital form, will be provided in a hard copy format at the cost of $2.00 per page as required by the Ohio Revised Code. Such funds must be paid in advance or at the time service is rendered as required by the Ohio Revised Code. ​ How do I obtain the property value, past sale prices, and current real estate taxes assessed? Please contact the Auditors Office directly for assistance with or questions regarding property value, past sale prices, current real estate tax assessments, conveyance and transfer fees. ​ Can you check to see if there are certain issues pertaining to a property? The Recorder's office cannot perform searches for the public; however, all records kept within the Recorder's office are public record. If you have any questions regarding your property, please feel free to come to the office to perform the search yourself. We will be happy to aid you in your search. Also, you can try the Online Document Index Search system to see if the information you need is contained within the document index. ​ My mortgage has been paid off. When will I receive the deed to my property? You should have received your deed when you purchased your property. We do not maintain the original deed, we maintain a copy/image. ​ Where can I get a copy of a marriage license? Marriage licenses are handled by the Brown County Probate Court. ​ Where can I get a copy of a birth/death certificate? Marriage licenses are handled by the Brown County Health Department. ​ How do I add or remove names from my deed? The Recorder's office duties are restricted to the recording of legal documents, and do not include the preparing of such documents. To resolve a deed issues contact an attorney for any legal advice. ​ Does your County supply blank forms for purchase? No. ​ Does your office record Soldier's Discharge Records (DD214)? Yes. ​ Does your office issue Veteran's ID cards and what are the requirements? Yes. You must bring your original, or certified copy of discharge paperwork and a valid photo id to our office to be issued a Veterans ID Card. ​ Where can I get a co[y of a Divorce Decree? The Clerk of Courts located at the Courthouse. ​ Where do I get a Vehicle Title/Mobile Home Title? The Clerk of Courts office located at 740 Mt Orab Pike #3, Georgetown, OH 45121, This is the only building on the right side of the driveway. ​ Where do I pay a speeding ticket? Municipal Court, 770 Mt Orab Pike, Georgetown, OH 45121 ​ Where do I pay my property taxes? Treasurer's Office 800 Mt. Orab Pike, Georgetown, OH 45121 ​ Is there a notary in the building? Yes, there is a notary in the Commissioners Office.

Standard Recording Guidelines per the Ohio Revised Code §317.114* ​ Computer font size of at least 10 pt ​ Minimum paper size - 8 1/2 by 11 inches ​ Maximum paper size - 8 1/2 by 14 inches ​ Black or blue ink ONLY ​ No use of highlighting ​ Margins of 1 inch on each side and bottom of each page ​ 3 inch margin on the top of the first page reserved for Auditors/Recorder stamps ​ 1 1/2 margin on the top of each remaining pages ​ The goal is document standardization, but the County Recorder must accept any document even if it does not conform to the new guidelines. However, the County Recorder will charge a $20.00 penalty fee in addition to the standard fee. This law does not apply to the following: Any documents from any court or taxing authority, Plats, DD214's, Any state or federal document, any documents executed before July 1, 2009. ​ *on July 1, 2009, House Bill 525 went into effect which created standardized guidelines for documents recorded in all State of Ohio Recorder's Offices. ​ ​

The Brown County Recorder’s Office will close at 12:00 p.m. during the week of the Brown County Fair, September 28 through October 3, 2026. We thank you for your understanding and encourage everyone to enjoy the Brown County Fair!

Planning ahead can help families avoid the expense and delays associated with the probate court process. The Good Deeds Program will offer a free presentation focused on practical steps residents can take to prepare. The program will be held Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 6 p.m. at the Southern Hills Career & Technical Center, 9193 Hamer Road, Georgetown, Ohio. The presentation will cover how to designate beneficiaries on vehicles and bank accounts, identify the types of real estate you own, and connect with local attorneys who can prepare a Real Estate Survivorship Deed for a flat fee. The event is free to attend, but RSVP is required. Contact Brown County Recorder Mariah Votel at 937-378-6478 or recorder@browncountyrecorder.org. RSVP information was requested by September 3, 2025.

FUNCTIONS OF THE RECORDER ​ In Ohio it is the County Recorder who has the important and indispensable task of keeping the vital records pertaining to ownership in real estate (land) and to all encumbrances or liens upon it. Without the work of the County Recorder in recording, safekeeping and organizing all documents in a competent and logical manner, it would be nearly impossible to purchase land and be assured of a clear title or to lend money with land as security. ​ Your County Recorder: ​ Makes a complete, accurate and permanent record of every document pertaining to the conveyance and encumbrance of land within the county. Maintains permanent land records, retains them in archival form, and makes them accessible to the public. ​ Enforces more than 1,000 sections of state law in the Ohio Revised Code pertaining to the duties of the Recorder’s Office. ​ Takes great care to ensure that every document received is accurately filed, recorded and indexed. ​ Serves on the county’s RECORDS COMMISSION which authorizes the retention of county records and determines when or how these government records may be disposed. ​ Collects fees for documents filed in the Recorder’s office and pays these moneys into the county’s general fund. ​ Maintains an accurate record of all moneys appropriated to the Recorder’s office for its operation. ​​ Performs all accounting functions necessary to the operation of the Recorder’s office, including preparations of annual budgets and reports, vouchers, purchase orders, etc…, and maintains all payroll records, sick and vacation leave records and other records pertaining to the Recorder’s staff. ​ Files annually an ethics report, inventory of office equipment, affirmative action report, depository agreements for funds and every other report as required by law. ​ Notifies boards of county commissioners and township trustees annually of their duty to file zoning resolutions, maps and amendments.

This is a summary of the Brown County Recorders Public Records Policy. All Public Records as defined by 149.43 of the Ohio Revised Code responsive to the request shall be promptly prepared and made available for inspection to any person at all reasonable times during regular business hours. Records are available Monday – Friday from 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM. There will be a per copy fee charged in accordance with the adopted fee schedule. Advance payment may be required before any copies are prepared. Public Records Requests will be given prompt attention and fulfilled as soon as possible. Public Records Requests can be made in writing, although a written request in not mandatory. ​ Schedules of Records Retention and Disposition for all County offices/agencies can be obtained thru the Records Commission Secretary, located in the Brown County Commissioners office; or directly from the individual office/agency.

The Brown County Recorder's Office strives to make as many records available to you as possible online. We are constantly adding history to our online index and images. ​ To search our records, please visit our Document Search. ​ Please contact the Recorder's Office at 937-378-6478 with any questions or issues.

How to Record a Deed ​ The Brown County Recorder’s office does no document preparation or sale of forms. The Brown County Recorder and Staff cannot offer any legal advice. DEED O.R.C. 317.08 & 5301.01 Definition: Deed is a written document, properly signed and delivered, that conveys title to real property. (Jack P. Friedman, 2008) The following information should be on a deed prior to recording: Approval for transfer by Tax Map Office ( stamp ) Transfer or endorsement by Auditor ( stamp ) Name of Seller Name and address of buyer Original signature and date of seller, legible or typed or printed beneath Notary acknowledgement Legal description, County, Township or Village and size of land Parcel number Preparation statement Recording a Deed through the Mail: Mail the deed to Brown County Recorder’s Office at: ​ Brown County Recorder 800 Mt. Orab Pike Suite 151 Georgetown, OH 45121 Include a brief cover letter or note explaining what you need done, including a telephone number. If including more than one deed, specify if they are to be reordered in a specific order. Include a check made payable to Brown County Recorder for the proper recording fees. (There is a State Regulated fee for deeds of $34.00 for the first two pages and $8.00 for each additional page). Include all Auditor fees and forms. Legal descriptions are to be checked by the Tax Map department, please contact them for requirements. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope to return your recorded documents. Recording a Deed in Person: Start the process in the Recorder’s office. The Recorder’s office will check the document for their recording requirements and fees. After the Recorder’s office you will need to next go the Brown County Auditor’s Office, located next door to the Recorder, in the same building; to complete the conveyance process. After you have completed your transaction with the Auditor, your deed will be picked up by the Brown County Tax Map department, located at the Engineer Building, 25 Veterans Blvd., Georgetown, OH 45121. ​ Once the Tax Map and Auditor review and stamp your deed, or other conveyance document, it will be returned to the Recorder’s office to be recorded and made public record. Since Tax Map will only review documents in the order received. Walking through a document will not be possible; for this reason, you must leave a self-addressed stamped envelope or pick up the original deed in person once it is recorded.

How to Request Copies of Our Public Records The complete index and documents for Brown County land records from 1818-to-present are available in the Recorder’s Office. All public documents on record in the Brown County Recorder’s Office may be viewed free-of-charge in the office during the business hours of 7:30 am – 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday; excluding government holidays. Requests may be made by the following methods: Visit the Brown County Recorder’s Office located at 800 Mt. Orab Pike, Suite 151, and Georgetown, Ohio, 45121 Visit our Online Search Request document copies by phoning 937-378-6478. At the time of your phone request, please have the necessary information for the Recorder’s staff to locate your record Request a document online Request a document by fax Request a document by email All requests by phone, fax, or email are processed in the order received, within a reasonable length of time required for the retrieval process. Pre-payment is required. Document copy fees are outlined in the Brown County Recorder’s public records policy and in compliance with the guidelines set forth in the Ohio Revised Code Section 317.32. Copies Copies made by individuals $0.10 per page Copies made by the reorder’s staff $2.00 per page Certified copies $2.00 per page Add: for certification $1.00 per instrument Please note that the Brown County Recorder and staff are prohibited by law from performing title searches and answering questions that are of a legal nature. Public records will be redacted in accordance with ORC 317.082 to remove: An individual’s social security number An individual’s federal tax identification number An individual’s driver’s license number or state ID number An individual’s checking account, savings account, or credit card number Effective April 7, 2009; ORC 317.24 determined veterans discharge records were no longer to be considered public record.

DEEDS Warranty Deeds, Survivorship Deeds, Quit Claim Deeds, Sheriff’s Deeds, Certificates of Transfer ​ AFFIDAVITS – EASEMENTS – LEASES MORTGAGES Mortgage, Mortgage Releases, Assignments, Assumptions, Subordination, Encumbrances, Waivers of Priority, Amendment of Mortgages LAND CONTRACTS PLATS Drawings showing location of lots and boundaries, usually of subdivided land ​ CONDOMINIUMS Drawings of property where there is individual ownership of portions of a building and joint ownership of common elements ​ ANNEXATIONS – PETITIONS – STATE CENTER-LINE SURVEYS – STREET NAME CHANGES – VACATING OF STREETS AND ALLEYS BILLS OF SALE CORPORATION MERGERS - NAME CHANGES - CANCELLATIONS MILITARY SERVICE DISCHARGES PARTNERSHIPS – POWERS OF ATTORNEY – TRUSTS – MISCELLANEOUS RECORDS ZONING RESOLUTIONS (with maps) – AMENDMENTS FINANCING STATEMENTS Filed under provisions in the Uniform Commercial Code LIENS Mechanic’s Liens and Notices of Commencements, Federal Tax Liens, Personal Tax Liens, Recognizance, Bond Liens, Corrupt Activity and Medicaid Fraud Liens, Bureau of Employment, Unemployment Compensation and Workers’ Compensation Liens, Common Expense Liens and Home Owners Association Liens

Military Discharge (DD214) ​ In Ohio, Veterans can file their military discharge papers (DD214) with the county Recorder’s Office for safekeeping. If their original is ever lost, damaged or destroyed, certified copies can be obtained from this office at no charge. ​ Original or certified copies of discharge papers (DD214) can be recorded in this office Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. After recording, you will receive your original or certified copy back. The Brown County Recorder's Office encourages Veterans to have their military discharge papers (DD214) recorded in the county recorder's office. There is no charge to record or obtain a copy of a military discharge. ​ Your Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, (DD214), is one of the most important documents that the Service will ever give you. It is your key to participation in all Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs as well as several state and federal programs including, following is a list of a few: Disability Compensation Education and Training Home Loans Loan Guaranty Services Vocational Services Insurance Services Burial & VA Cemeteries ​ These are just a few of the services that require your discharge papers. You should keep your original document in a safe place, and have certified photocopies available for reference. You can replace your lost discharge papers, but it takes a long time and a lot of effort. ​ Be safe. In Ohio you can record your DD Form 214 in your county recorder's office. ​ Military discharges have restricted public access. ORC 317.24 allows authorized parties to request copies of recorded military discharges. Proper identification MUST be presented to view and receive copies. Authorized parties include the Veteran, a County Veterans Service Officer, an individual with Power of Attorney for the Veteran, the Executor of the Veteran's Estate, a funeral home director. ​ Register your DD Form 214 with your County Recorder as soon as you separate from the Service. After you record your discharge papers, they can be easily retrieved if you need additional certified copies. Copies of DD214's must be requested in-person at the Brown County Recorder's Office by an authorized individual. ​ If you have lost your DD214 and have never recorded it, the Brown County Veterans Service Commission can direct you in obtaining a copy. Offices are located at 474 Home St, Suite D, Georgetown, OH 45121. or call 937-378-3155 for assistance.