Recording Documents
The City Register records and maintains records for Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn,
and Queens. In Staten Island, the Office of the County Clerk handles this function.
ACRIS Online Document Recording
Recording
Property Related Documents
The City Register's real property records are used to provide land title ownership
(by a "title search") and, based on proven clear title, to provide
title insurance. Without such insurance, banks will not grant mortgages. The
personal property records are used to establish credit worthiness.
Deed
/ Mortgage Recording
The majority of deeds and mortgages showing the ownership of real property (houses,
condominiums, apartment buildings, etc.) must be recorded with the City Register.
These ownership documents serve as the basis for land title searches by banks
and legal institutions for the purposes of granting mortgages, asset searches,
and other legal and financial transactions.
Financing
Statements (UCC)
The City Register records Financing Statements (UCC) that document a security
interest against cooperative apartments, fixture filings, timber to be cut,
or mining rights. These interests are considered to be in "personal property,"
as opposed to "real property" or against "real estate."
Real
Property Transfer Tax (RPTT)
The city’s RPTT is imposed on the sale or transfer of at least a 50% ownership
interest in a corporation, partnership, trust, or other entity whenever the
sale or transfer exceeds $25,000.
Mortgage
Recording Tax
Whenever a mortgage is recorded at the City Register, a tax must be paid.
