Register of Deeds

   **NEW BUILDING HOURS EFFECTIVE       NOVEMBER 13, 2023 ARE 8:30 AM- 4:00 PM**


Welcome to the Register of Deeds Office.

There is NO public online access available.

THE GEARY COUNTY REGISTER OF DEEDS OFFICE IS NOT E-FILING AT THIS TIME AND DOES NOT PROVIDE FORMS FOR RECORDING DOCUMENTS.

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Documents

Most people know that the Register of Deeds office is responsible for the filing of deeds, but did you know that the Register of Deeds office also records several hundred different kinds of documents? In addition to the recording of deeds, the office of Register of Deeds records a diverse range of very technical documents. The title Register of Deeds is a misnomer.

Duties

The Recorder is required to record all documents submitted by the public which are qualified to be recorded, maintain an up-to-date and accurate set of indexes which show the correct ownership of land in the entire county, and perform all functions of a clerical and technical nature to accomplish that objective. This necessarily includes the administrative functions of providing for qualified personnel and training of such personnel.

Sufficiency of Records

The Recorder is charged by law with passing upon the sufficiency of records presented to them and displaying those records for the use of the public. It must be remembered, however, that the recorder is not a guarantor of title, nor are staff members trained in the art of providing title searches.

Open Records

An essential consideration guiding the work of a Recorder is that all records are required to be open to public inspection, except those prohibited by law, during regular business hours. Members of the public are entitled to rely upon the accuracy of records within the office. If a Recorder neglects or refuses to maintain the office as specified and required by state law, damage to users of these records may result. Accuracy thus becomes a critical and overriding concern in the entire operation, which explains the resultant higher ratio of time spent in production than would be normal in a commercial business operation where the primary concern is profit.

Fee-Based Services

All of the services offered by the Register of Deeds office are fee-based, paying for the operation of the Recorders Office. The Register of Deeds office generates a sizable income that is deposited into the county general fund and administered by the Board of County Commissioners.

Land Transactions

The Register of Deeds office is the place where all transactions having to do with land, including most liens and mortgages, are recorded and maintained so that the public is made aware of their existence. This is also the place where fixture filings are filed under the Uniform Commercial Code.

Document Delivery

A number of steps are taken when a document is delivered or mailed for recording. The document is given a book and page number and entered by name and legal description in various indexes. The indexes are used to provide easy access to land records.

Who Relies on Correct Recording

To name just a few, the following rely upon the correct recording of instruments relating to real estate:

  • Abstract and Title Companies
  • Attorneys
  • Buyers
  • Financial Institutions
  • Landlords
  • Real Estate Developers
  • Sellers
  • Surveyors
  • Tenants

What the Position Requires

The position of Register of Deeds requires a very unique, skilled, intelligent and detail-oriented individual to correctly perform the duties of a Register of Deeds. The State of Kansas has many statutes that govern the recording of instruments in the office of Register of Deeds. Therefore, the Register of Deeds position requires an individual who has the ability to understand and apply these statutes to the process of recording the various instruments affecting real estate.

Taxation of Real Property

When one focuses on the financial aspects of government, it can be argued that the operation of the entire county government depends upon the Register of Deeds office. Taxation of real property is the cornerstone of financing local government operation.

Ownership

Determining the ownership of real property is thus essential to the tax assessment function. In addition, the records must accurately reflect the status of each individual tract of land, its dimensions and location, and the names of the owners.

Accuracy of Information

The Register of Deeds office performs some very important functions. Other organizations, local government departments, and individuals depend upon the accuracy of the information provided to them by the Register of Deeds office. The individual filing the position of Register of Deeds must possess a high degree of skill, education, and experience with real estate descriptions, principles of conveyance and land transaction, in general.

As you can see, the Register of Deeds performs functions essential to local government and the general public.