Who Is Lori Kennedy (Recorder)
Lori Kennedy was elected to the office of Montgomery County (Ohio) Recorder in November 2024. She brings to the position a background in mortgage lending, real estate, and private aviation experience that supports her oversight of land records and property-related documentation.
As Recorder, Kennedy emphasizes a commitment to transparent access to records, efficient service, and leveraging technology to streamline workflows.
Montgomery County (Ohio) Recorder’s Duties
The Recorder’s Office in Montgomery County has critical responsibilities regarding land ownership, encumbrances, and public records. Key duties include:
- Maintaining a complete and accurate record of every document pertaining to conveyance and encumbrance of land.
- Retaining records in archival form and making them accessible to the public.
- Ensuring proper filing, recording, and indexing of documents.
- Enforcing applicable sections of state law (over 1,000 sections of the Ohio Revised Code pertaining to Recorder duties).
- Managing financial aspects: collecting recording fees, depositing into the county fund, maintaining funds records, preparing annual budgets, personnel matters, etc.
- Serving on several county boards: the Records Commission, the Data Processing Board, and the Microfilm Board.
These duties ensure that any property transaction from a simple deed transfer to complex mortgage filings is properly recorded, preserving legal clarity and public trust.
Public Records Policies
Address, Contact & General Info
Office Address:
Montgomery County Recorder
451 W. Third Street (5th Floor), Dayton, OH 45402
- Main Line: (937) 225-4275
- Copy Center: (937) 225-6494
- Fax: (937) 225-6388
- Email: mcrecorder@mcohio.org
Office Hours:
Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Document recording ends at 4:00 p.m.)
Parking is available in the adjacent parking garage accessible from Second Street or Vista View.
Fees & Documents and Recording Costs
The Recorder’s Office provides a published schedule of fees for different types of recordable documents. Major fee structure:
| Document Type / Service | Fee / Cost |
| Basic Recording (deeds, mortgages, leases, POAs, incorporations, etc.) | US$ 39.00 for the first 2 pages |
| Additional pages (per page) | US$ 8.00 each |
| Mortgages release/assignment – marginal notation fee | + US$ 4.00 |
| Federal Liens | US$ 5.00 |
| Federal Releases | US$ 3.00 |
| UCC Filings (real estate related) | US$ 12.00 + US$ 4.00 per indexed name |
| UCC Searches | US$ 20.00 (no fee if search returns no findings) |
| Photocopies/Faxes | US$ 2.00 per page (local) / US$ 4.00 per page (long distance) |
| Certified Copies | US$ 2.00 per page + US$ 1.00 for certification |
| Plats | US$ 0.10 per square inch, with US$ 40.00 minimum fee |
This fee schedule helps users estimate the cost before submitting documents for recordation.
Montgomery County Recorder Table of Fees (PDF)_1
Document Preparation Checklist
Before submitting any document for recording, the Recorder’s Office requires that the submission meet certain formatting and legal standards. The office provides a Document Preparation Checklist. Key requirements include:
- Correct recording fees (US$ 39 for first two pages + US$ 8 per additional; marginal notation fees where applicable).
- A clear 3-inch margin at the top of the first page (otherwise a US$ 20 fee will be added).
- Original signatures, properly acknowledged before a valid notary.
- For deeds: Grantor’s marital status must be stated; spouse must release dower rights by signing (even if spouse is not on original deed).
- Full legal description of the property, including “situated in” clause as per prior deed or property records; or contact Copy Center (937-225-6494) for assistance.
- A “preparation statement,” naming who prepared the document (e.g. “This document prepared by John Doe”).
- A self-addressed stamped envelope (for return of recorded document). Documents are held overnight for imaging and returned next business day.
The Office notes that some recordable documents may have additional or special requirements. Staff can be contacted for guidance — but they do not provide legal advice or assist in completing documents.
Forms for Montgomery County (Ohio) Recorder
The Recorder’s Office makes various forms available for download. These include:
- Standard Form-180 (SF-180) to request military discharge DD-214 (for veteran services)
- DD-214 Request Form (PDF)
- Fraud Alert Notification (FAN) System Form (PDF)
- Document Preparation Checklist (PDF)
- Service Discharge Expungement (PDF)
- “Good Deeds” program forms, including Transfer On Death (TOD) Forms (for both individual and joint/survivorship owners), Affidavit of Confirmation (AOC), Affidavit of Survivorship (AOS), etc.
These pre-provided forms help residents and property owners to comply with the Recorder’s requirements, but the office explicitly notes that its staff cannot provide legal advice or assist in form completion.
Living Wills, Durable Power of Attorney & Health Care Documents
Although the website does not have a dedicated page titled “Living Wills,” the forms section refers to “affidavits, transfers, and other recordable documents.” Sometimes living wills or health-care powers of attorney may be recordable depending on circumstances. However, as of the available documentation, the standard living-will or durable power of attorney filings are not explicitly described as a separate program under the Recorder’s publicized services: the main focus is on land/property records, UCC filings, and veteran services.
If a living will or power of attorney concerns property or requires recording (e.g. has a property clause), it may be accepted subject to the standard Recorder requirements (correct margins, notary, preparation statement, etc.) as listed in the Document Preparation Checklist.
Users are encouraged to contact the office directly for confirmation, as the Recorder’s Office staff cannot provide legal advice.
Montgomery County (Ohio) Recorder Center & Archives
The Montgomery County (Ohio) Records Center & Archives, managed in part by the Recorder’s Office, preserves historical and government-generated records dating back to the early 1800s.
Location: 6th Floor, Reibold Building, 117 South Main Street, Dayton, OH 45422
Records Available Include:
- Births and deaths (1867–1908) from Probate Court & City of Dayton records
- Marriage records (1803–1959)
- Divorce records (1876–1949)
- Wills & Estates (1803–1983; index for 1803–1938)
- Deed records (1805–1933; index 1805–1928)
- Various other court and governmental records from early county history onwards.
Access & Procedures: Public inspection and copying are possible in a designated research area; browsing or circulating records like a library is not allowed.
Researchers must submit a request with as much detail as possible (full name, type of records, relevant dates) to allow effective searching.
The Center also oversees the county imaging and microfilm conversion program, helping preserve records long-term and reducing physical document storage needs.
Historical County Records Collection Guide
The Historical Records Collection Guide lists all the historical records housed at the Montgomery County Records Center and Archives. Please address all research and genealogy questions to the email of Records Center & Archives or visit our Public Records Request page.
- Auditor’s Office
- Building Regulations
- Children’s Services
- Clerk of Courts
- County Commission
- County Home
- Education, County Board
- Board of Elections
- Engineer
- Health District
- Planning Commission
- Probate Court
- Recorder
- Sheriff
- Stillwater Hospital
- Treasurer
- Veteran Services
County Records Only Search (Online)
For those who wish to search records without visiting the office, the Recorder’s Office offers an online search system: RISS (Recorder Information Search System).
This allows users to search for recorded documents (deeds, mortgages, UCC filings, etc.) from anywhere. The system requires enabling pop-ups and recommends certain supported browsers for best performance.
The Recorder’s Office publishes a legal disclaimer for RISS: while they aim to maintain accurate and up-to-date information, they do not guarantee the absolute accuracy and assume no liability for errors or misuse of data.
eRecording Electronic Document Submission
The Recorder’s Office accepts many non-transfer documents via electronic filing (“eRecording”).
Fees for eRecording:
- US$ 39.00 for the first two (2) pages
- US$ 8.00 for each additional page
- Release / assignment of mortgages: additional US$ 4.00 marginal notation fee.
Limitations: Deeds or documents requiring a “No Transfer” stamp (e.g., Transfer on Death designations, easements, affidavits referencing a deed) still must be mailed or walked-in to the Auditor’s Deed Transfer Department before recording.
To start e-filing, users are instructed to contact the authorized e-recording vendor (e.g., Simplifile) at the provided phone numbers at 1-800-460-5657 or 1-801-223-1031.
Fraud Alert Notification (FAN) System
Given rising property and mortgage fraud, the Recorder’s Office offers a free FAN System (Fraud Alert Notification System).
What FAN Does
- Enrolls property owners to monitor their properties.
- Sends email or mail notifications each time a document is recorded concerning a registered property (deeds, mortgages, etc.).
- If the owner did not authorize the recorded document and suspects fraud, they are encouraged to contact the Recorder’s Office immediately.
Cost: FREE: the service is offered at no cost to Montgomery County property owners.
How to Enroll or Opt Out:
- Online at the Recorder’s website (mcrecorder.org) or in-person at the Recorder’s office (5th floor, County Administration Building).
- Option to deregister (“opt-out”) when property is sold or no longer needs monitoring; requires a security phrase set at enrollment.
FAN is an important protective tool for homeowners, investors, and anyone concerned about unauthorized recordings or fraudulent property transfers.
Veteran ID Program
The Recorder’s Office also runs a Veteran ID Card Program intended to help county veterans.
Related Documents
Businesses Offering Veteran Discounts
Veteran ID Card Pamphlet (PDF) or En Espanol (PDF)
Standard Form-180 (SF-180) to request DD-214 (PDF)
2025 Mobile Veteran ID Schedule (PDF) to print
What It Offers
- Recording of DD-214 (service discharge) paperwork
- Issuance of a valid, state-recognized Veteran ID card that can help with access to veteran benefits, such as health care, burial benefits, specialized veteran loans, store discounts, etc.
- The program can be accessed at the main Recorder’s office and also through mobile, off-site events for convenience.
How to Participate
- Bring your DD-214 and two forms of identification to the office or to a scheduled mobile event.
- If DD-214 is missing, veterans should contact Montgomery County Veteran Services to request a replacement.
This program demonstrates the Recorder’s Office’s commitment to community service beyond property recordation.
Montgomery County Good Deeds Program
The Good Deeds Program helps homeowners plan for the future by making sure their property is transferred smoothly to a chosen beneficiary after death. By recording the correct documents in advance, families can often avoid the lengthy and costly Probate Court process.
Understanding TOD and AOC Forms
A Transfer on Death (TOD) designation is a legal document that lets a homeowner name who will receive their real estate after they pass away. This document does not change ownership while the homeowner is alive. It simply ensures that the property has a clear pathway for transfer.
Transfer On Death (TOD) Form – Individual Owner (PDF)
Transfer On Death (TOD) Form – Joint and Survivorship Owners (PDF)
After the homeowner’s death, the named beneficiary must officially claim the property by recording an Affidavit of Confirmation (AOC) and providing a copy of the death certificate. Until these documents are filed, ownership does not transfer.
Affidavit of Confirmation (AOC) Form (PDF)
Affidavit of Survivorship (AOS) Form (PDF)
Both forms TOD and AOC are available free for public use. Once completed and signed before a valid notary, they can be submitted to the Recorder’s Office with the standard recording fees. These forms are offered as a community service and may require changes depending on your individual situation. They may not resolve every legal or property-specific issue, and in some cases, consulting with an attorney is recommended.
For more information: Transfer on Death Pamphlet (PDF) or En Espanol (PDF)
Please remember: Recorder’s Office staff cannot offer legal advice or help you fill out the forms.
(Other) Programs & Services
- The office now provides notary services, there are two certified notaries on staff to assist with affidavits, deeds, affidavits of survivorship, etc., to ensure documents are properly executed and ready for recording. If you would like our notary services, please contact the office at 937-225-4275.
- The office participates in county level boards (Data Processing Board, Records Commission, Microfilm Board) to oversee data systems, record retention, archival practices, and technology upgrades.
Conclusion
The Montgomery County Recorder’s Office under Lori Kennedy offers a wide range of essential services from recording deeds and mortgages, maintaining accurate public land records, to offering modern conveniences like eRecording, online search, the FAN protective system, and a Veteran ID card program. The publicly available archives (via the Records Center & Archives) preserve over two centuries of county history and legal records.
Because accurate land ownership and recording is foundational to real estate transactions, local governance, historic research, or veteran services knowing how the County Recorder’s Office works, its fees, document requirements, and programs is critical for property owners and citizens alike.
Whether you are a homeowner, investor, attorney, genealogist, or veteran, the County Recorder’s Office provides transparent, accessible services that safeguard property rights, personal history, and community trust.
FAQs
Q: What are the office hours of the Recorder’s Office?
A: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Document recording ends at 4:00 p.m.
Q: How much does it cost to record a deed or mortgage?
A: Basic fee is US$ 39.00 for the first two pages, plus US$ 8.00 for each additional page. If a mortgage release or assignment requires marginal notation, there is a US$ 4.00 additional marginal notation fee.
Q: Can I submit documents electronically (eRecording)?
A: Yes, many non-transfer documents are accepted via eRecording. Deeds or documents requiring a “No Transfer” stamp must still be mailed or hand-delivered through the Auditor’s Deed Transfer Department.
Q: What is the FAN System and is it free?
A: The FAN (Fraud Alert Notification) System is a free notification service for property owners. Once enrolled, you receive mail or email alerts every time a document is recorded for your registered property helping you detect unauthorized or fraudulent filings.
Q: Can I access historical records, such as deeds or births from the 1800s?
A: Yes, through the Montgomery County Records Center & Archives, located in the Reibold Building, which preserves records dating from the early 1800s. Public inspection and copying are available (with restrictions).
Q: What should I do to properly prepare a document for recording (deed, mortgage, etc.)?
A: Use the Document Preparation Checklist: correct fee, 3 inch top margin on first page, original notarized signatures, for deeds include marital status and spouse’s release of dower rights, full legal property description, a preparation statement naming the preparer, and include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return.
