Clearfield County Property Records
What Is Clearfield County Property Records
Property records in Clearfield County are official documents that establish and track the ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within county boundaries. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of who owns what land and buildings throughout the jurisdiction. The primary purpose of maintaining these records is to establish legal ownership through a documented chain of title, provide public notice of property interests, protect property rights, and facilitate real estate transactions.
Pursuant to Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 21 § 351, all deeds, mortgages, and other instruments affecting real property in Pennsylvania must be recorded in the appropriate county office. This statutory requirement ensures that property ownership and interests are properly documented and accessible to the public. The Clearfield County Recorder of Deeds serves as the official custodian of these vital records.
Property records in Clearfield County typically include:
- Deeds and conveyances
- Mortgages and satisfactions
- Liens and encumbrances
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Subdivision plats and surveys
- Tax assessment records
- Property tax payment history
These documents collectively create a comprehensive history of ownership and interests for each parcel of land within the county, providing essential information for property owners, potential buyers, real estate professionals, and government agencies.
Are Property Records Public Information In Clearfield County?
Property records in Clearfield County are indeed public information, accessible to all citizens as established by Pennsylvania law. The Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law (Act 3 of 2008) explicitly designates real property records as public documents that must be made available for inspection and copying. Additionally, Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 21 § 357 specifically mandates that recorded instruments affecting real property shall be available for public examination.
The legal basis for this public access rests on several important principles:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Recording statutes require transparency to establish priority of interests
- Public access to property records serves the broader public interest in transparent governance
- Any person may access these records without demonstrating a specific interest or reason
The Clearfield County Assessment Office maintains public property records that include ownership information, property characteristics, and assessed values. These records are accessible to anyone seeking information about real property within the county.
Clearfield County Assessment Office
230 East Market Street
Clearfield, PA 16830
(814) 765-2641 ext. 5010
Clearfield County Assessment Office
Public access to property records serves multiple important functions, including facilitating real estate transactions, enabling property tax administration, supporting land use planning, and ensuring transparency in property ownership throughout the county.
How To Search Property Records in Clearfield County in 2026
Searching property records in Clearfield County can be accomplished through several methods, each providing access to different types of property information. Members of the public may utilize the following procedures to locate property records:
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Online Assessment Search
- Visit the Clearfield County Assessment Search portal
- Enter search criteria such as owner name, property address, or parcel number
- Review basic property information including ownership, assessed value, and property characteristics
- Note that while basic information is available online, some detailed documents may require in-person visits
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In-Person Searches at County Offices
- Visit the Clearfield County Courthouse during regular business hours
- Request assistance from staff at the appropriate office based on the type of record needed
- Complete any required request forms and pay applicable fees
- Review documents on-site or request copies as needed
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Mail or Email Requests
- Submit a written request to the appropriate county office
- Include specific information about the property (address, parcel ID, owner name)
- Enclose payment for any applicable fees
- Provide return address or contact information for delivery of requested records
For comprehensive property record searches, individuals may need to consult multiple county offices, as different types of records are maintained by separate departments. The Register & Recorder's Office maintains deeds and related documents, while the Assessment Office handles property valuations and tax information.
Clearfield County Register & Recorder's Office
230 East Market Street, Suite 114
Clearfield, PA 16830
(814) 765-2641 ext. 5100
Clearfield County Register & Recorder
Pursuant to Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 65 § 67.1307, reasonable fees may be charged for duplication of records, though viewing public records in person typically incurs no cost.
How To Find Property Records in Clearfield County Online?
Clearfield County provides several online resources for accessing property records digitally. The county's commitment to digital accessibility allows residents and interested parties to conduct preliminary research without visiting county offices in person. To find property records online, follow these steps:
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Assessment Records Search
- Navigate to the Clearfield County Assessment Search webpage
- Select the appropriate search method (name, address, parcel ID)
- Enter the relevant search criteria
- Review results showing property ownership, assessed value, and basic property characteristics
- Note that this system provides basic assessment information but not complete deed history
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GIS Mapping System
- Access the county's Geographic Information System (GIS) portal
- Use the interactive map to locate properties visually
- Click on parcels to view basic property information
- Access links to related property data when available
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Tax Claim Bureau Records
- Visit the Tax Claim Bureau section of the county website
- Search for properties with delinquent taxes or those scheduled for tax sale
- Review public notices and related property information
While Clearfield County continues to expand its online offerings, certain limitations exist regarding digital access. Complete historical deed records, detailed mortgage information, and some specialized documents may not be fully available online. Additionally, as specified in the Digital GIS Data section of the county website, certain detailed parcel data is available for purchase in ESRI Shapefile format for professional or commercial use.
For the most comprehensive online access, users should be prepared to:
- Create accounts on specific county systems if required
- Pay any applicable fees for specialized searches or document copies
- Follow up with in-person visits for records not available digitally
- Contact county offices directly for assistance with complex searches
How To Look Up Clearfield County Property Records for Free?
Clearfield County offers several no-cost options for accessing basic property records. These free resources provide essential information while minimizing expenses for residents and researchers. The following methods allow for free property record lookups:
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In-Person Inspection
- Visit the Clearfield County Courthouse during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
- Request to view specific property records at the appropriate office
- Examine documents on public terminals or request staff assistance
- Take notes on relevant information (copying fees may apply)
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Basic Online Searches
- Use the Clearfield County Assessment Search portal for free basic property information
- Access public tax records through the county website
- View property characteristics, ownership information, and assessed values
- Note that while searching is free, downloading or printing certain documents may incur fees
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Public Library Resources
- Visit local public libraries that may offer access to county records databases
- Use library computers to access online county resources
- Request assistance from library staff for navigating available resources
- Check for historical property records that may be archived at the library
The Clearfield County Recorder of Deeds maintains the official repository of property transfer documents, which can be viewed for free in person. While examination of these records incurs no cost, obtaining certified copies or extensive research assistance may involve fees as established by county ordinance.
Clearfield County Recorder of Deeds
230 East Market Street, Suite 114
Clearfield, PA 16830
(814) 765-2641 ext. 5100
Clearfield County Recorder of Deeds
In accordance with Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law, public agencies may charge reasonable fees for duplication of records but must allow for free inspection of public documents during normal business hours.
What's Included in a Clearfield County Property Record?
Property records in Clearfield County contain comprehensive information about real estate parcels within the jurisdiction. These records are maintained across multiple county departments and collectively provide a detailed profile of each property. The content of property records typically includes:
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Ownership Information
- Current property owner's name and contact information
- Previous owners (chain of title)
- Date of acquisition
- Purchase price or consideration paid
- Type of deed (warranty, quitclaim, etc.)
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Property Identification
- Parcel identification number (PIN)
- Legal description of the property
- Street address
- Lot and block numbers
- Subdivision information if applicable
- Township or municipality location
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Physical Characteristics
- Lot size and dimensions
- Building square footage
- Number of rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms
- Construction type and materials
- Year built
- Improvements and additions
- Outbuildings or accessory structures
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Valuation and Tax Information
- Assessed value
- Market value
- Land value versus improvement value
- Tax rate and annual tax amount
- Payment history
- Special assessments or exemptions
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Encumbrances and Restrictions
- Mortgages and liens
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants
- Zoning classifications
- Flood zone designations
Pursuant to Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 21 § 356, recorded instruments must include specific information to be legally valid, including proper acknowledgment, clear identification of the parties, and precise property descriptions.
It's important to note the distinction between real property records (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property records (movable assets), which are documented separately. Real property records are primarily maintained by the Clearfield County Assessment Office and the Register & Recorder's Office, while personal property records may be filed with other agencies depending on the asset type.
How Long Does Clearfield County Keep Property Records?
Clearfield County maintains property records according to retention schedules established by Pennsylvania state law and county policy. These retention periods ensure the preservation of important historical and legal documents while managing storage requirements. The duration of record retention varies by document type:
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Permanent Records (Retained Indefinitely)
- Deeds and conveyances
- Mortgage satisfactions
- Subdivision plats and surveys
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Original tax maps
- Historic property records predating computerization
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Long-Term Records (20+ Years)
- Property tax assessment rolls (25 years)
- Tax claim records (25 years)
- Building permits for significant structures (20 years)
- Zoning variance approvals (20 years)
- Property improvement records (20 years)
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Medium-Term Records (7-19 Years)
- Tax payment records (7 years)
- Temporary easements (duration plus 7 years)
- Building inspection reports (10 years)
- Routine correspondence regarding properties (7 years)
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Short-Term Records (Less than 7 Years)
- Routine administrative documents (3 years)
- Duplicate copies of records (1 year)
- Preliminary drafts of documents (1 year)
- Working papers and notes (1 year)
The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission establishes minimum retention requirements for county records through the County Records Manual, which serves as the authoritative guide for record retention. Additionally, Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 16 § 13322 mandates that counties preserve certain records permanently.
Clearfield County has implemented digital preservation systems for many property records, allowing for more efficient storage while maintaining accessibility. The Register & Recorder's Office has undertaken digitization efforts to preserve historical property records dating back to the county's formation in 1804, ensuring these valuable documents remain available for future generations.
How To Find Liens on Property In Clearfield County?
Locating liens on property in Clearfield County requires searching specific records maintained by various county offices. Liens represent legal claims against property that must be satisfied when the property is sold. To conduct a comprehensive lien search, follow these procedures:
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Tax Liens
- Contact the Clearfield County Tax Claim Bureau
- Provide the property address or parcel identification number
- Request information on delinquent property taxes
- Verify if the property is scheduled for tax sale due to unpaid taxes
- Check for municipal tax liens with the specific borough or township
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Judgment Liens
- Visit the Clearfield County Prothonotary's Office
- Request a search of judgment indices under the property owner's name
- Review civil judgments that may have attached to the property
- Check for federal tax liens, which are also recorded with this office
- Note that judgments generally remain valid for five years but may be renewed
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Mortgage Liens
- Search records at the Clearfield County Recorder of Deeds
- Look for active mortgages and home equity loans
- Verify if mortgage satisfactions have been properly recorded
- Check for construction loans or lines of credit secured by the property
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Mechanic's Liens
- Review filings at the Clearfield County Prothonotary's Office
- Search for claims filed by contractors, subcontractors, or material suppliers
- Note that mechanic's liens must be filed within six months of completing work
- Verify if the lien has been satisfied or expired
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Municipal Liens
- Contact the specific municipality where the property is located
- Inquire about unpaid utility bills, code enforcement penalties, or special assessments
- Request a municipal lien certificate if available
Clearfield County Prothonotary's Office
230 East Market Street
Clearfield, PA 16830
(814) 765-2641 ext. 5000
For the most comprehensive results, professional title searchers often recommend checking records in all relevant offices, as liens may be filed in different locations depending on their nature. Under Pennsylvania law (42 Pa.C.S. § 4303), properly recorded liens provide constructive notice to all parties of the encumbrance on the property.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Clearfield County?
The Property Owner Rule in Clearfield County refers to the set of regulations and legal principles governing property ownership, transfers, and responsibilities within the jurisdiction. These rules establish the framework for real estate transactions and ownership rights in accordance with Pennsylvania state law and local ordinances.
Key components of the Property Owner Rule include:
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Recording Requirements
- All deeds, mortgages, and instruments affecting real property must be recorded with the Clearfield County Recorder of Deeds
- Documents must be properly acknowledged before a notary public
- Recording establishes priority of interests based on the date and time of filing
- Unrecorded documents may be valid between parties but lack protection against subsequent purchasers
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Property Tax Obligations
- Property owners must pay annual real estate taxes to the county, municipality, and school district
- Tax bills are typically issued in March with payment due by December 31
- Failure to pay taxes may result in penalties, interest, and eventually tax sale
- The Assessment & Tax Claim Bureau administers property tax assessment and collection
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Transfer Disclosure Requirements
- Sellers must complete a Seller's Property Disclosure Statement per Pennsylvania Real Estate Seller Disclosure Law (68 Pa.C.S. § 7301-7315)
- Disclosure must reveal known material defects affecting the property
- Certain transfers between family members or pursuant to court order may be exempt
- Failure to disclose known defects may constitute fraud and result in legal liability
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Property Boundary Responsibilities
- Property owners are responsible for maintaining accurate boundary lines
- Disputes over boundaries should be resolved through survey evidence or quiet title actions
- Adverse possession claims require 21 years of continuous, open, notorious, and hostile possession
- Boundary agreements should be recorded to bind future owners
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Land Use Restrictions
- Properties are subject to zoning regulations of the municipality
- Deed restrictions and covenants may impose additional limitations
- Historic district designations may restrict exterior modifications
- Easements and rights-of-way must be honored by property owners
In accordance with Pennsylvania's Property Rights Protection Act (26 Pa.C.S. § 201-207), Clearfield County recognizes limitations on eminent domain and provides protections for property owners against improper takings. Additionally, the county follows Pennsylvania's doctrine of equitable distribution in divorce cases, which may affect property division between spouses.
Property owners should consult with legal professionals regarding specific questions about property rights and responsibilities, as the application of these rules may vary based on individual circumstances and property location within the county.