Transferring property ownership in Wood County, Ohio requires preparing a valid deed, meeting Ohio’s legal recording requirements, and submitting the document to the Wood County Recorder’s Office.
This guide covers each step clearly using only verified, official information.
Understanding the Role of the Wood County Recorder’s Office
The Wood County Recorder’s Office maintains all official real estate records, including:
- Deeds
- Mortgages
- Liens
- Easements
- Plats and surveys
The office ensures every property transfer becomes part of the public land record, establishing a clear and accurate chain of title.
(Official Source: Wood County Recorder’s Office)
Office Location:
One Courthouse Square, Bowling Green, Ohio 43402
Phone: 419-354-9140
Types of Documents Used to Transfer Ownership
The Recorder accepts several types of deeds and conveyance documents depending on the situation:
- Warranty Deed
- Limited Warranty Deed
- Quitclaim Deed
- Transfer on Death (TOD) Affidavit / Deed
- Executor or Administrator Deed (Estate cases)
- Trustee Deed (Trust cases)
(Official Source: Wood County Recorder – Accepted Documents List)
Choose the deed type that fits your situation. A Warranty Deed provides buyer protection, while a Quitclaim Deed is often used for family transfers.
Legal Requirements for a Recordable Deed in Wood County
All deeds submitted for recording must meet Ohio statutory requirements (Ohio Revised Code §317) and Wood County formatting guidelines:
Required Elements
- A complete legal description of the property (LOT, ACREAGE, PLAT, SUBDIVISION, etc.)
- Grantor and Grantee names clearly printed
- Notarized signatures
- Reference to prior deed or parcel number is recommended
- All text must be legible
Formatting Standards
(Official: Wood County Recorder Guidelines)
- Paper size: 8.5″ × 11″ (standard)
- Black or dark blue ink
- Minimum 10-point font
- 1-inch margins (top margin on first page must allow for recorder stamp)
- No highlighting or colored text
Language Requirement
- If the document is not in English, an official English translation must be attached.
(Ohio Revised Code §317)
Completing the Property Transfer Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare the Deed
Create the appropriate deed (Warranty, Quitclaim, etc.) including the correct legal description.
Most people use an attorney or title company to avoid errors.
Step 2: Sign and Notarize the Deed
The grantor(s) must sign the deed in front of an Ohio notary public.
Step 3: Submit the Deed to the County Auditor (If Required)
In Ohio, before recording a deed, it often must be presented to the County Auditor for:
- Conveyance fee assessment
- Conveyance form completion (DTE forms)
- Tax exemption check (if applicable)
(Required by Ohio law — Auditor pre-approval stamp is commonly needed.)
Step 4: Record the Deed with the Wood County Recorder
Submit the original deed:
In-Person or By Mail
Wood County Recorder
One Courthouse Square
Bowling Green, OH 43402
Or Electronically
Wood County supports eRecording through approved vendors such as:
- Simplifile
- CSC
- ePN
(Official: Wood County Recorder eRecording Information)
Once recorded, the document receives an official time stamp, document number, and book/page reference.
Recording Fees in Wood County, Ohio
(Official Fee Schedule – Wood County Recorder)
- $34.00 → First two pages
- $8.00 → Each additional page
- $5.00 → Mandatory preservation surcharge per document
- $20.00 → Extra fee if the document does not meet formatting requirements
Fees must be submitted with the document. It is only information all Payments should be submitted to official county auditor.
Special Situations (Estate, Divorce, Family Transfers, Trusts)
If the Owner Is Deceased
You may need:
- Executor/Administrator Deed
- Certificate of Transfer
- Probate documents
If Property Is Held in a Trust
A Trustee’s Deed and proof of trustee authority may be required.
Family Transfers / No Money
A Quitclaim Deed is commonly used, but the Auditor may still require:
- Conveyance form (DTE Form 100)
- Statement of Value
Multiple Parcels
Wood County requires accurate legal descriptions for each parcel.
(Official Land Transfer Requirements – Wood County Auditor)
Why Recording the Deed Is Important
Recording your deed provides:
- Legal proof of ownership
- Protection against future claims and liens
- Public notice of ownership change
- Clear chain of title for future sale, loans, or refinancing
Unrecorded deeds may lead to:
- Ownership disputes
- Loan approval problems
- Potential loss of rights to another recorded claim
Simple Checklist Wood County Property Transfer
Prepare the correct deed.
Include legal description and required information.
Sign before a notary.
Take deed to Wood County Auditor for conveyance processing.
Pay conveyance tax (if applicable).
Submit deed to Wood County Recorder.
Pay recording fees.
Keep the recorded copy for your records.
Conclusion
Transferring property ownership in Wood County, Ohio becomes simple when you follow the official steps—prepare a valid deed, complete Auditor requirements, and record the document with the Recorder’s Office. Proper recording protects your rights, ensures clear title, and keeps your property history accurate for future transactions.
