US County Clerks& Recorders of Deeds

In many states (such as Texas, Illinois, and California), the County Clerk serves as the ex-officio Recorder of Deeds, overseeing land records, marriage licenses, and vital statistics. In other states (such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, and North Carolina), the Recorder of Deeds or Register of Deeds operates as an entirely distinct elected office focused exclusively on real property transactions and mortgages.

Recording fees are set by state statute and local county ordinances. Most states charge a base fee for the first page (typically $15 to $85) plus an additional page fee ($2 to $10 per subsequent page). Several states (including California, Washington, and New York) also levy state housing trust fund surcharges or documentary transfer taxes based on the property sale consideration.

In the vast majority of US states (such as Texas, Florida, and California), a marriage license issued by any county clerk in that state is valid for a ceremony performed anywhere within the state boundaries. However, in states like Illinois and Connecticut, the license must generally be obtained in the specific county or municipality where the ceremony takes place.

Filing location depends on your state's statutory structure. In states like Texas, California, and New York, sole proprietorships and general partnerships file an Assumed Name Certificate directly with the County Clerk in each county where they conduct business. In states like Florida, Colorado, and Ohio, trade names and fictitious names are registered at the state level through the Secretary of State.