Access Cattaraugus County Deed Records
Cattaraugus County deed records cover all property transfers, mortgages, liens, and related land instruments filed with the County Clerk. Established in 1808, the county sits in the western part of New York State. The county seat is Little Valley, where the Clerk's Office maintains land records going back over two centuries. Property owners, title companies, and researchers can access these deed records in person or check with the office about online availability.
Cattaraugus County Overview
Cattaraugus County Clerk's Office
The Cattaraugus County Clerk's Office is the official recorder of deeds for the county. All property documents must be filed here to become part of the public record. The office handles deeds, mortgages, mortgage satisfactions, assignments, liens, judgments, and UCC filings. Staff can assist with recording new documents, searching existing records, and providing certified copies of filed instruments.
The Clerk's Office is located in Little Valley and is open during standard business hours. In addition to land records, the office handles passport applications, pistol permit processing, business certificates, and DMV services. For deed records specifically, contact the land records division. Phone inquiries can help you confirm fees and document requirements before making a visit.
Searching Cattaraugus County Deed Records
To search for a deed in Cattaraugus County, you can visit the Clerk's Office in person during regular hours. Index books list recorded documents by grantor and grantee name, making it possible to trace the chain of title on any parcel. Staff can help you locate specific records using the liber and page reference system. Older deed records may be stored on microfilm, while newer filings are often digitized.
The county also maintains Real Property and GIS services that work alongside the Clerk's Office on land-related matters. Property maps and parcel data from these services can help you pinpoint the correct lot before searching for deed records. Ask the Clerk's Office about any online search tools that may be available for remote access to land records.
How to Record a Deed in Cattaraugus County
Recording a deed in Cattaraugus County requires you to submit the original signed and notarized document to the Clerk's Office. New York Real Property Law requires each deed to contain the names of the grantor and grantee, a legal property description, the grantor's signature, and proper acknowledgment. The tax map parcel number should also appear on the deed.
You must include Form RP-5217 with every deed recording. This Real Property Transfer Report must be generated digitally using Adobe Acrobat. The form contains a scannable barcode that the state uses for sales tracking and assessment purposes. Paper forms and handwritten versions are not accepted. County clerks across New York have required the barcoded PDF version since January 2015.
All applicable taxes are due at the time of recording. The real estate transfer tax is $2 per $500 of the sale price. The mansion tax of 1% kicks in for residential properties selling at $1 million or above. Have your payment ready when you submit the deed.
Deed Recording Fees
Cattaraugus County charges recording fees based on the state fee schedule. The standard rate is $5 for the first page and $5 per additional page. A $125 filing fee applies to deeds with metes and bounds descriptions. Cover page fees and other charges may also apply depending on the document type. Contact the Clerk's Office before your visit to get an exact total for your specific filing.
Certified copies of recorded deeds cost $5 for the first page and $1.25 for each additional page. You can request copies in person or by mail. Include the liber and page number or recording date to speed up the process.
Mortgage Recording Tax
Mortgages recorded in Cattaraugus County are subject to the New York State mortgage recording tax. The base rate is 50 cents per $100 of mortgage debt. Additional state and county components increase the total. For residential properties with one or two families, the first $10,000 of the loan is exempt from the additional tax. Check Form MT-15 for the exact combined rate in Cattaraugus County before your closing date.
Property Research Resources
The New York State Municipal Data Portal provides property sales data for Cattaraugus County. The Sales Web feature shows 10 years of transfers reported through the RP-5217 form. You can filter by municipality, date, or property type to find specific transactions. This is a useful supplement to deed records at the Clerk's Office, especially when you need to verify sale prices or track market trends in a particular area.
For historical research, the New York State Archives holds government records going back to the colonial period. The Cornell Legal Information Institute offers free access to New York Real Property Law and related statutes. The New York State Senate website tracks legislative changes that may affect recording procedures or property transfer requirements.
Understanding New York Deed Requirements
New York law sets clear standards for what a valid deed must contain. Beyond the basic requirements of names, property description, and signatures, the deed should identify the type of conveyance. Common deed types in Cattaraugus County include warranty deeds, bargain and sale deeds, and quitclaim deeds. Each conveys a different level of protection to the buyer. A warranty deed offers the strongest guarantees, while a quitclaim deed transfers only whatever interest the grantor happens to hold, with no promises about the title's quality.
The New York Department of Taxation and Finance provides resources for new homeowners, including information about the STAR program and property tax exemptions. After recording your deed, you may want to register for STAR if the property will be your primary home and your income is under $500,000.
Towns in Cattaraugus County
Cattaraugus County has no cities with populations over 100,000. The county includes the towns of Olean, Salamanca, Ellicottville, and several smaller communities. All deed records for properties anywhere in Cattaraugus County are filed with the County Clerk's Office in Little Valley. Regardless of which town your property is in, the same office handles your deed recording and search needs.
Nearby Counties
These neighboring counties maintain separate deed record offices: