GUIDE TO THE REGISTRY OF DEEDS
|
GUIDE TO THE REGISTRY OF DEEDS |
The following is a summary of information to assist the public in better understanding the use,
nature and operation of the Registry.
Office of Record
The Registry of Deeds is an office of record where the public may register
deeds, mortgages and other land records. Copies of these records and others such
as easements, discharges, liens and plans of land, dating back to 1760, are to be found at the Registry. These documents affect the
real property within the County of Lincoln.
Information
At the Registry it is possible to research land titles and to acquire copies of
recorded documents and plans. You may also order a copy of your deed through the
mail. Boards of Assessors depend on the Registry to furnish them with copies of
all property transfers and related matters to enable them to keep municipal
ownership records up to date.
Please visit our FAQ page for a list of Frequently Asked Questions and answers
to these questions.
Title Security
The Registry provides a permanent public record of the title to property. In
doing so, it places the public legally on notice as to that title and thereby
provides permanent protection for the rights of ownership.
County Office
The Registry is a County office operated under the supervision of the Registrar
of Deeds who is an elected County official.
Revenue
The Registry is also a revenue producing agency. Statutory fees are collected
for recordings, Maine real estate transfer taxes and other Registry services.
All receipts are paid monthly into the County and State treasuries thereby
helping to reduce the cost of government on all levels.
Index to Records
The Registry has an advanced computer system with excellent search techniques
making it simple to locate property using owner name or book and page. Indices
can be reviewed at computer terminals located at the Registry or from anywhere
in the world using a modem. Many of the actual documents can be viewed on
state-of-the art terminals located at the Registry or faxed on demand by our
system. Currently indices go back to 1954, with electronic access to documents
from the early 1990’s. New images are continually being added as staff works on
an-in-house project of back-scanning. Several other projects are in the works,
including an effort to computerize all indices back to the County’s inception.
Our plan index is also computerized back to Book 1.
All Registry records are available in printed form dating back to the formation
of Lincoln County which was incorporated June 19, 1760. These printed records
have been arranged for efficient and convenient use.
Printed Information Available at the Registry