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Office Hours Change

  • Monday - Thursday: 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (Afternoon recording will continue through courthouse drop box until 4:15 and E-recording until 3:30)

Requirements and Frequently Asked Questions

Recording Requirements

  • Prepare documents legibly
  • Properly title, date and execute the document
  • Properly witness and/or acknowledge all documents
  • Include the complete legal description of the property with all initial recordings
  • Properly reference previously recorded documents
  • Include the name and address of the preparer and the return address for the document
  • Include the correct fee and applicable taxes
  • Leave a 2.5-inch x 2.5-inch blank square at the top of the first page of a document for our recording stamp or add a cover page (include extra fees)
  • A self-addressed stamped envelope is now required for return of recorded documents. Learn more about this change.

Notice Regarding Return of Recorded Documents

Effective October 1, 2026

Beginning October 1, 2026, the Shawnee County Register of Deeds Office will no longer mail recorded documents back to customers unless a self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) is provided with the recording submission.

This change will help our office reduce mailing expenses and responsibly manage public resources while continuing to provide timely and efficient service.

How will I receive my recorded documents?

Customers have several convenient options:

  • Request return by mail

    If you would like your recorded document mailed back to you, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) with your recording submission.

  • Receive your recorded document by email

    Whenever possible, please provide an email address with your recording submission. Email will be our preferred method for returning recorded documents and will help ensure timely delivery.

  • Use electronic recording

    Businesses and other frequent recording customers may submit original documents through electronic recording. Please contact our electronic recording vendors, Simplifile, CSC, or ePN, for more information about their services.

What happens to my document after it is recorded?

Once a document has been properly recorded, the official public record is the recorded image maintained by the Shawnee County Register of Deeds Office. The original document is not required to maintain the official public record after recording.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work with Shawnee County to responsibly manage taxpayer resources while continuing to provide excellent service to our customers.

Questions? Please contact the Shawnee County Register of Deeds Office at 785-251-4020.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the document need to be an original, or can I record a copy?

In almost all cases, the document must be an original. The only exceptions are for CERTIFIED COPIES from certain courts and from the Bureau of Vital Statistics for Death Certificates.


Is everything handled in the Register of Deeds Office a matter of Public Record?

Everything recorded in the Register of Deeds Office is regulated by the Kansas Open Records Act. A Sales Validation Questionnaire that accompanies a deed is not recorded and is not a matter of public record.


Does the Register of Deeds Office perform searches of the records for liens or ownership verifications?

No. It is not a service of our office, but we can instruct you on how to search the records.


Are deed forms and Sales Validation Questionnaire forms provided by your office?

Yes, they are free of charge.


Will you fill out the deed form for me?

We cannot fill out the forms for you, but we can help guide you along as to what information must be filled in.