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1. What are the primary duties of the County Recorder?

The Recorder’s Office is responsible for recording, archiving and retrieving documents submitted to be recorded. The Recorder’s primary responsibility is the managing of land records within Whiteside County. The Recorder's Office is a keeper of records with a main focus of accurately and timely recording and indexing various documents submitted for recording. 

2. What information do I need to get a copy of a deed?

• Name(s), 
• Address, 
• P.I.N. (Permanent Index Number),
• Brief legal description (i.e.: name of the Subdivision or Section, Township, Range). 
• Approximate date of transaction

  • Deeds are recorded when a piece of property is transferred.

  • Copies can be obtained at any time. 

  • Deeds are not mailed out when a mortgage is paid off.

  • The Recorder's Office does not keep originals.

  • A copy from the Recorder's Office is as good as an original.

3. How do I get a copy of a document?

3 ways:

1) Copies can be obtained by picking them up at the Recorder's Office for $.50 per page.  

2) Mailed to you by mailing us $.50 per page along with a self addressed stamped envelope. Emailed copies are $.75 per page and will be emailed when payment is received. 

• Checks made payable to: Whiteside County Recorder
                                                200 E Knox St.

                                                Morrison, IL 61270
• Please write Document Number in the MEMO or on a note.

3) Obtained through landrecords.net.  

• You may also go to Online Access on the Recorder page for more searching information.

• BEWARE: YOU DO NOT NEED TO PAY $80+ FOR A COPY OF A DEED!

4. Why didn't I receive my deed after I paid off my mortgage?

• Deeds are not mailed out when a mortgage is paid off. 
• A copy of the deed can be obtained from the Recorder's Office for $.50 per page at any time. 
• A copy of the deed does not indicate that the property is free and clear of liens.
• A Release is the type of document that signifies something has been paid.

5. Do I have any liens?

To ensure that an individual or property is free of liens, a title company must be contacted. If someone wants to see what has been recorded, then searching the records at the Recorder's Office or online is a great place to start.

6. How to add or change a name on a deed?

A new deed will need to be prepared. Therefore, we always advise to contact an attorney. 

7. Does the Recorder's Office have blank forms?

• The Recorder of Deeds Office does not have, nor provide blank forms. 
• There are many types of deeds and forms; therefore, an attorney will help determine what type of document best fits your needs. 
• Forms can be found through various websites online but will need to be fully prepared and notarized before reaching the Recorder's Office to be recorded.
• The Recorder of Deeds Office cannot assist you in completing documents. We can only tell you if a document is recordable according to State of Illinois Compiled Statutes. 

8. Where do I go to have a deed or real estate document prepared?

• We strongly advise contacting a title company and/or a real estate attorney to have real estate centered documents prepared. 
• You may obtain blank forms through various websites online. 
• Documents must be fully prepared and notarized before reaching our office to be recorded. 
• All deeds must have an exemption statement or transfer declaration accompanying it. 
• The Recorder of Deeds office cannot assist you in completing documents. We can only tell you if a document is recordable according to State of Illinois Compiled Statutes. 

9. What form of payment does the Recorder's Office accept?

1. Cash 
2. Check: made payable to the "Whiteside County Recorder"
3. Money Order

10. Can you tell me when my house was built?

No. Deeds contain a legal description, not what is on the land. 

11. How do I find my property lines?

• The legal description(s) on a deed describes the boundaries of a particular parcel/property.
  • Lot and Block legal descriptions are based on a subdivision plat. (plats that have been recorded)
  • Metes and Bounds legal descriptions are within a particular Section, Township, and Range
  • If property pins (generally made of iron or steel and long enough to extend below the frost line) were set, your property lines may be found utilizing a metal detector to locate the pins of your property. If you can locate one pin, you may utilize the recorded plat or deed to help with dimensions to establish the general locations of the remaining pins or the general location of the boundaries of your property.
  • The only guaranteed way to determine the exact location of your property lines is to hire an Illinois Licensed Professional Land Surveyor (PLS).
• You may wish to visit the county's Parcel Viewer
  • enter PIN number or address
  • this will give an idea of where the property lines are
  • this is NOT a survey
  • You may wish to contact an Illinois Licensed Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) or an attorney if lines are in question.
• Civil disputes over the location of property lines with adjoining private properties is not within the enforcement authority of Whiteside County.

12. Are there easements on my property?

1. A title company or an independent searcher can perform a search for easements. 
2. Independently, you can review your deed; some easements are described in the legal description, but not always. 
3. Easements may have been recorded previously and still regarded as part of the chain of title.
4. Easements may be on a subdivision plat.
5. This is not an all-inclusive list of possibilities and why it may be in your best interest to contact a title company or independent searcher.

13. What are the earliest dates of record?

Our records go back to approximately 1836.

14. Is a Tract Index available?

• Yes, our records may be searched by legal description from 1900 forward within the office. 
• On the computer, the tract can be searched from 1989 to present.