General Information:

Most Frequently Asked Questions of the McHenry County Recorder’s Office

The Recorder's Office staff employees are not attorneys; therefore, this office cannot give legal advice. For legal advice regarding real estate and recording issues, we strongly recommend you contact an attorney.

How do I obtain a copy of my deed?
You can request a copy from our office in person, by mail, by fax and by phone. However, if you’re mailing, please enclose a check for the correct amount and a self-addressed stamped envelope. If your request is by phone or FAX you will need to pay with a credit card. Call our microfilm department at 815-334-4128 if you wish to place a copy order.

Where do I obtain a form for recording purposes?
We have many (but not all) blank forms in our office. Also, most office supply and business stationary stores sell blank forms.

When I present my document to be recorded what happens to it?
When presented for recording, your document is checked to verify that it complies with Illinois State Statute Requirements. If the document conforms to state statutes and is accompanied by the proper recording fee, it will be recorded. Our documents are filmed and optically scanned. Data Entry keys in the pertinent information to create an index so your document can be retrieved quickly at any time in the future. We strive to return your documents to the return address within approximately five working days.

What are the fees for recording?
Refer to the FEES (click on Blue Link) schedule link located on this site or call 815-334-4124 for help in determining proper charge.

Can you tell me the selling price of a piece of property?
Most deeds of record will have revenue stamps reflecting the sale price. 

How can I find out about a house for sale, a house in foreclosure, or a tax sale property?
You may visit the Recorder’s Office and we will assist you in your search. You need to know the owner’s name or the legal description of the property, or be able to identify the parcel on a tax map located in the County Assessor's Office. For further information on property being sold for back taxes, contact the County Treasurer at 815-334-4072.

How do I change the ownership of a piece of property?
To change ownership a new deed is required. The Recorder’s Office suggests the use of an attorney. Deed forms are available at no charge in the McHenry County Recorder's office or call 815-334-4110. (click on Blue Link for available forms) FORMS

How do I add or remove a name on my property?
Your question may be answered by a title company and/or by consulting an attorney. A new deed will be required. See the above question and answer.

How do I do a title search?
Property ownership can be traced in the Recorder’s Office. You may visit our office and we will assist you in gathering information. All records in our office are located by searching the grantor (seller) or grantee (buyer) name index. By law, the Recorder's Office is not allowed to perform title searches and we can only provide you with information we have available. A title company could perform and guarantee a full search of the property; something we are unable to do for you.

Can you tell me who is the owner of a property by searching with a parcel number?
We can assist you in searching for this; however, the Assessor’s office has the most current information. You can visit their website or call 815-334-4290.

How do I know what liens are on a property?
Once the owner of a parcel has been determined, you can check the records in this office for liens that have been recorded.

How long is a lien in effect?
This is a legal question and we advise you to consult an attorney because it can vary with different documents.

How do I remove an erroneous lien from my property?
Your question may be answered by contacting an attorney. We are not attorneys and are unable to give legal advice.

How do I get the dimensions for my property?
You can get this information from the subdivision plat, which you can obtain from our office in person or by mail. For unsubdivided land, you can use the tax maps located in our office or the County Assessor’s Office. You may also have your property surveyed by a land surveyor.

Do any municipalities in McHenry County charge a separate municipality transfer tax?
At this time no municipality in McHenry County charges a separate transfer tax.

Other Information:
For Property surveys or home building blueprints, contact the previous land surveyor and/or the original homebuilder. The Planning & Development Department may have information also. The County Planning & Development Department can be reached at 815-334-4560. A previous owner is also another possible source for this information.

Information regarding Voters Registration, Marriage, Divorce, Birth and Death records, can be found on the County Clerk's web page.

Property Assessment information, can be found on the County Assessor’s web page.

Tax bill information, can be found on the County Treasurer's Web page.