Grant County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Grant County in 2026
GrantCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to property records, including ownership history, recorded documents, tax assessments, and encumbrances. Members of the public may find deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, tax bills, and transfer records through the resources listed below. Record availability and completeness may vary depending on the age of the document and the digitization status of the maintaining office.
Property records in Grant County, Kentucky, may be searched through the following official resources:
- Grant County Clerk's Office – primary repository for recorded land documents, deeds, mortgages, and liens
- Grant County Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) – assessment records, property characteristics, and ownership data
- Grant County Sheriff's Office – current-year property tax bills and payment status
- Kentucky Department of Revenue – delinquent property tax information and certificates of delinquency
- Kentucky Land Records (eCCLIX) – statewide online portal for recorded documents
Online Search Methods:
1. Grant County Clerk's Office – Land Records Search
The Grant County Clerk's Office serves as the official custodian of recorded land documents and provides online access through the eCCLIX system.
Primary Resource for Recorded Documents:
- Members of the public may search land records through the eCCLIX online portal
- Registered users may view or print documents filed across more than 85 Kentucky county clerk offices
- Basic document searches are available to registered users; registration may be required for full document image access
Searchable By:
- Grantor name (seller/transferor)
- Grantee name (buyer/transferee)
- Document type
- Recording date range
- Book and page number
- Instrument number
Documents Available:
- Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Mortgage satisfactions and releases
- Judgment liens and mechanic's liens
- Easements and restrictions
- Plats and subdivision documents
- Powers of attorney affecting real property
- Lis pendens notices
How to Search:
- Navigate to the Grant County Clerk records portal
- Register for an eCCLIX account if not already registered
- Select the desired search type (grantor, grantee, document type, or date range)
- Enter search criteria and submit
- Review the results list for matching instruments
- Click on a result to view the document image
- Note the book and page or instrument number for reference
- Print or save the document as needed
2. Grant County Property Valuation Administrator (PVA)
The Property Valuation Administrator maintains assessment records, property characteristics, and ownership information for all parcels in the county.
Search Options:
- By property address
- By owner name
- By parcel identification number
- By map/GIS location
Information Available:
- Current owner name and mailing address
- Property address and legal description
- Parcel identification number
- Land use and zoning classification
- Property characteristics (square footage, year built, lot size, building type)
- Assessed value (land and improvements)
- Taxable value and exemptions applied
- Sales history
How to Search:
- Visit the Grant County PVA office in person or access the county's online assessment portal
- Select the preferred search method (address, owner name, or parcel number)
- Enter the search criteria
- Review the results and select the appropriate parcel
- View the full property card, including assessment history and sales data
3. Tax Information – Grant County Sheriff and Kentucky Department of Revenue
Current-year property tax bills are administered by the Grant County Sheriff's Office. After the statutory collection period, unpaid bills are transferred to the Grant County Clerk's Office, at which point they become certificates of delinquency representing a lien against the property, as described under Kentucky's delinquent property tax framework administered by the Kentucky Department of Revenue.
Members of the public may review delinquent tax information through the Grant County Clerk's Office. The Delinquent Tax Bill List is publicly available, and payments on delinquent accounts are processed through the Grant County Attorney's Office.
Search By:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Parcel number
- Tax account number
Information Available:
- Current tax bill status
- Payment history
- Outstanding delinquent balances
- Certificate of delinquency information
- Applicable interest and penalties
4. GIS / Mapping System
Grant County provides geographic information system (GIS) resources that allow members of the public to visually locate parcels, view property boundaries, and access linked assessment data.
How to Use:
- Navigate the interactive map to the property location
- Click on a parcel to view identification and ownership information
- Access linked records from the PVA or Clerk's Office
- View aerial photography and zoning layers
In-Person Searches:
Grant County Clerk's Office
101 N. Main Street
Williamstown, KY 41097
Phone: (859) 824-3321
Grant County Clerk
Services available in person:
- Public access terminals for eCCLIX document searches
- Staff assistance with grantor/grantee index searches
- Certified copies of recorded instruments
- Access to deed books and plat records
- Recording of new documents
Grant County Property Valuation Administrator
101 N. Main Street, Suite 2
Williamstown, KY 41097
Phone: (859) 824-6511
Grant County PVA
Services available in person:
- Property assessment information
- Ownership and parcel data
- Exemption applications (homestead, disability, veteran)
- Property characteristic records
- Maps and plat references
Grant County Sheriff's Office (Tax Payments)
108 N. Main Street
Williamstown, KY 41097
Phone: (859) 824-3323
Grant County Sheriff
Services available in person:
- Current-year tax bill information
- Tax payment processing
- Payment history for current-year bills
Grant County Fiscal Court
101 N. Main Street
Williamstown, KY 41097
Phone: (859) 824-3322
Grant County Fiscal Court
By Mail Requests:
Clerk / Recorder:
- Address written requests to: Grant County Clerk, 101 N. Main Street, Williamstown, KY 41097
- Specify the document by book and page number, instrument number, or property address with approximate date range
- Include payment for applicable copy fees
- Certified copies are available upon request with the appropriate fee
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
Property Valuation Administrator:
- Address written requests to: Grant County PVA, 101 N. Main Street, Suite 2, Williamstown, KY 41097
- Include the property address or parcel identification number
- Specify the type of information requested (assessment data, ownership history, property characteristics)
Through Professionals:
Title Companies:
Title companies conduct comprehensive title searches, prepare abstracts of title, and issue title insurance commitments. These services identify all recorded interests, encumbrances, and defects in title. Costs vary by transaction type and property complexity.
Real Estate Attorneys:
Licensed Kentucky attorneys provide legal title opinions, address complex ownership issues, and assist with dispute resolution involving property records. Fees vary by scope of representation.
Real Estate Agents:
Licensed real estate agents access MLS data for listed properties, pull property histories, and compile comparable sales data as part of their representation services.
Search Tips:
By Address:
- Use the complete street address, including directionals (N, S, E, W)
- Try variations with and without directional prefixes
- Verify spelling against official county records
By Owner Name:
- Enter last name first, followed by first name
- Try variations including middle initials and name abbreviations
- Search both current and previous owner names
- For entities, try both the full legal name and common abbreviations
By Legal Description:
- Use the exact legal description as it appears on the deed
- Include subdivision name, lot number, and block number
- For metes and bounds descriptions, include section, township, and range references
For Historical Records:
- Records predating digitization may require an in-person visit to the Clerk's Office
- Staff can retrieve documents from microfilm or bound record books
- Advance notice may be required for very old instruments
What Is Grant County Property Records
Property records are official documents related to real property — land and the structures affixed to it — maintained by county government as part of the public record. Under Kentucky Revised Statutes § 382.110, instruments conveying or encumbering real property must be recorded with the county clerk in the county where the property is situated. Once recorded, these instruments become part of the permanent public record and provide constructive notice to all subsequent parties.
As noted by the Grant County Fiscal Court, "the county clerk retains written verification of certain oaths of office, stores various legal records and county records, and prepares the county tax bills," reflecting the broad custodial role the Clerk's Office plays in maintaining property-related documentation.
Purpose of Property Records:
- Establish legal ownership and chain of title
- Record encumbrances including mortgages, liens, and easements
- Document property transfers and conveyances
- Support property tax assessment and collection
- Protect property rights through constructive notice
- Enable title insurance and facilitate real estate transactions
Types of Property Records:
Ownership Records:
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
- Trustee's deeds and executor's deeds
- Transfer-on-death deeds
- Life estate deeds
- Ownership history and chain of title documentation
Encumbrance Records:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Tax liens, judgment liens, and mechanic's liens
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Deed restrictions and covenants
- Homeowner association (HOA) documents
- Lis pendens notices
Tax and Assessment Records:
- Property tax assessments prepared by the PVA
- Tax bills issued by the Sheriff's Office
- Payment history and delinquency records
- Exemption records (homestead, disability, veteran)
- Certificates of delinquency held by the Clerk's Office
Legal Descriptions and Plats:
- Recorded subdivision plats
- Survey plats and re-plats
- Condominium declarations
- Lot and block information
- Metes and bounds descriptions
Building and Permit Records:
- Building permits issued by the county or municipal building department
- Certificates of occupancy
- Zoning designations and land use classifications
- Code enforcement records
Who Maintains Property Records:
Grant County Clerk's Office:
The Clerk's Office records, indexes, and maintains all instruments affecting title to real property, including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and plats. The Grant County Clerk's records are accessible online through the eCCLIX system and in person at the courthouse.
Grant County Property Valuation Administrator:
The PVA maintains assessment records, property characteristics, ownership data, and exemption applications. Assessment rolls are prepared annually and are available for public inspection.
Grant County Sheriff's Office:
The Sheriff's Office administers current-year property tax billing and collection. After the statutory collection period, unpaid bills are transferred to the Clerk's Office as certificates of delinquency.
Kentucky Department of Revenue:
The Department of Revenue oversees the statewide property tax system, including oversight of delinquent property tax procedures and the certificate of delinquency process under KRS § 134.122.
Building and Planning Department:
The county's planning and zoning office maintains permit records, zoning maps, and land use designations.
Are Property Records Public Information in Grant County?
Property records in Grant County are public information. Under Kentucky's Open Records Act, KRS § 61.870 et seq., public agency records are open to inspection by any person, and no special purpose or justification is required to access them. Recording statutes further reinforce this principle: instruments recorded with the county clerk are placed in the public record to provide constructive notice to all parties.
Legal Basis for Public Access:
- Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS § 61.870 et seq.)
- Kentucky recording statutes (KRS Chapter 382)
- Common law tradition of public land records
- Constructive notice doctrine
Why Property Records Are Public:
Transparency:
The public has a recognized interest in knowing who owns real property, how property is transferred, and what encumbrances affect title. Transparent property records prevent fraudulent transfers and support accountability in property taxation.
Commercial and Legal Purposes:
- Enable real estate transactions and title searches
- Support title insurance underwriting
- Facilitate property valuation and appraisal
- Serve the lending and mortgage industry
- Allow market analysis and investment research
Public Interest:
- Support community planning and zoning decisions
- Enable historical and genealogical research
- Allow journalistic investigation of property ownership
- Provide transparency in tax assessment and collection
What Property Information Is Publicly Accessible:
- Current and historical ownership
- Legal descriptions and parcel identification numbers
- Sale prices and transfer dates
- Recorded mortgage amounts and lender names
- Liens and encumbrances
- Tax assessments and payment status
- Property characteristics (size, age, building type)
- Deeds and all recorded instruments
- Plat maps and surveys
Privacy Considerations:
Information That May Be Protected:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from recorded documents under state and federal law
- Bank account numbers are redacted
- Certain individuals — including law enforcement officers, judges, and victims of domestic violence or stalking — may be eligible for address confidentiality protections under applicable Kentucky statutes
- Homestead exemption applications may contain personal financial information not fully subject to public disclosure; the PVA office should be contacted for applicable policies
Who Can Access Property Records:
Any member of the public may access property records regardless of residency, ownership status, or stated purpose. Common users include prospective buyers, real estate agents and brokers, title companies, appraisers, lenders, attorneys, investors, genealogists, historians, and members of the media.
Commercial Use of Property Records:
Permitted uses of public property records include real estate marketing, property valuation services, title insurance and search services, investment analysis, and market research. Commercial data aggregators compile public records into subscription databases, which is a lawful practice. Anti-harassment laws, fair housing laws, and other applicable statutes continue to govern the use of information obtained from public records.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Grant County?
Members of the public may inspect property records at the Grant County Clerk's Office at no charge. Fees apply when copies or certified copies are requested. The following fee structure reflects current charges under Kentucky law.
Standard Copy and Recording Fees:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | $0.25–$0.50 per page (varies by format) |
| Certified copy of recorded instrument | $5.00 for the first page + $3.00 per additional page |
| Recording a deed or mortgage (first page) | $33.00 |
| Recording (each additional page) | $3.00 |
| eCCLIX online document viewing/printing | Per-page fee applies for registered users |
Kentucky recording and copy fees are governed by KRS § 64.012, which establishes the schedule of fees county clerks may charge for recording instruments and providing copies of public records.
What Is Available at No Charge:
- In-person inspection of recorded instruments at the Clerk's Office
- Online search and index review through eCCLIX (registration required; viewing fees may apply per document)
- Property assessment data through the PVA office
- Delinquent tax list review through the Clerk's Office
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash
- Check (payable to Grant County Clerk)
- Money order
- Credit and debit cards (availability subject to office policy; a convenience fee may apply)
Fee Waivers: Kentucky law does not provide a general fee waiver for public records copy requests. Indigent parties involved in legal proceedings may seek fee waivers through the court system for court-related documents, but standard property record copy fees apply to general public requests.
Mail Requests: Requests submitted by mail must include payment in the form of a check or money order. The Clerk's Office will confirm the applicable fee upon receipt of the request if the exact amount is unknown.
What's Included in a Grant County Property Record?
A complete Grant County property record encompasses information maintained by multiple county offices, including the Clerk's Office, the PVA, and the Sheriff's Office. The following describes the categories of information available.
Ownership Information:
Current Ownership:
- Legal owner name(s) as recorded on the most recent deed
- Ownership type (individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, tenants by entirety, trust, LLC, corporation, or life estate)
- Ownership percentage where multiple owners hold undivided interests
- Acquisition date and deed book/page or instrument number
- Mailing address on file with the PVA for tax bill purposes
Previous Ownership:
- Chain of title reflecting all prior owners
- Transfer dates and historical deed references
- Grantor and grantee names for each recorded conveyance
Property Identification:
- Site address and mailing address (if different)
- Legal description (lot and block, subdivision name, plat book and page, or metes and bounds)
- Parcel identification number
- Tax account number
Physical Characteristics:
Land Information:
- Lot size in square feet or acres
- Lot dimensions and frontage
- Land use designation and zoning classification
- Corner lot designation (if applicable)
Building Information:
- Total living area in square feet
- Year built and effective year
- Number of stories and building type
- Construction type and exterior wall material
- Roof type and foundation type
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- Garage, pool, porch, and other additional features
- Condition and quality ratings
Valuation Information:
- Land value and building value (assessed)
- Total assessed value and market value estimate
- Assessment year and historical values for prior years
- Agricultural classification (if applicable)
Tax Information:
- Total tax amount due for the current year
- Exemptions applied (homestead, senior, disability, veteran)
- Taxable value after exemptions
- Millage rate and breakdown by taxing authority (county, school district, special districts)
- Payment status and delinquency history
Sales History:
- Sale dates, sale prices, and deed document numbers
- Sale type (warranty deed, quitclaim, foreclosure, tax deed, gift, inheritance)
- Grantor and grantee names for each transaction
- Documentary stamp amounts
Encumbrances and Liens:
- Recorded mortgages (lender name, recording date, original amount, book and page)
- Tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, and HOA liens
- Easements, restrictions, and covenants
- Lis pendens notices
Legal and Regulatory Information:
- Zoning classification and permitted uses
- Land use code and future land use designation
- Special taxing districts (school, fire, water)
- Deed restrictions and subdivision covenants
- FEMA flood zone designation
- Wetlands and conservation designations
Maps and Images:
- Property photograph (exterior)
- Aerial photograph
- GIS map with property boundaries
- Plat map and property sketch
What Is Not Typically in Public Property Records:
- Current mortgage balances (only original amounts at recording)
- Personal financial information beyond what appears in recorded documents
- Interior photographs
- Social Security numbers (redacted by law)
- Private agreements not submitted for recording
- Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
How Long Does Grant County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Grant County are maintained permanently. Recorded instruments affecting title to real property are never destroyed, as they form the legal foundation for chain of title and are essential to the integrity of the real estate recording system.
Legal Basis for Permanent Retention:
Kentucky law requires county clerks to maintain recorded instruments as permanent public records. The Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives establishes records retention schedules for county government, and recorded land instruments — including deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and easements — are classified as permanent records not subject to destruction.
Records Kept Permanently:
Deed Records:
All recorded deeds are maintained permanently, including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, trustee's deeds, executor's deeds, and all other conveyance instruments. Records date back to the formation of Grant County in 1820 and, for some instruments, to earlier territorial records.
Mortgage Records:
All recorded mortgages, deeds of trust, assignments, modifications, and satisfactions are maintained permanently, even after the underlying loan has been paid in full.
Lien Records:
All recorded liens — including tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, and releases thereof — are maintained permanently as part of the official record.
Plats and Surveys:
All recorded subdivision plats, re-plats, condominium declarations, and survey plats are maintained permanently.
Other Recorded Documents:
Easements, restrictions, covenants, powers of attorney affecting real property, and court documents affecting title are maintained permanently.
Format and Storage:
Historical Records:
- Pre-20th century records: Handwritten ledger books
- Early-to-mid 20th century: Typed entries in bound record books
- Mid-20th century onward: Microfilm
- Recent decades: Digital scans and electronic document management systems
Modern Format:
The Grant County Clerk's Office currently maintains recorded instruments in electronic format through the eCCLIX system, with scanned images of original documents available to registered users. Physical originals and microfilm archives are preserved in climate-controlled storage at the courthouse.
Access to Historical Records:
Online Access:
Recent records are accessible through the eCCLIX land records portal. The extent of online digitization varies; members of the public seeking older instruments may need to visit the Clerk's Office in person.
In-Person Access:
All records, regardless of age, are available for inspection at the Grant County Clerk's Office. Older instruments may be stored in bound books or on microfilm. Staff can retrieve records from storage, though advance notice may be helpful for very old documents.
Property Appraiser (PVA) Records:
- Current and historical assessment rolls: Permanent
- Property cards: Permanent
- Exemption applications: Retained for a minimum of several years; contact the PVA for the applicable retention period
Tax Records:
- Tax payment records: Retained for a minimum of seven years
- Certificates of delinquency: Retained until redeemed or a tax deed is issued
- Tax deed records: Permanent
Chain of Title: Every transfer of real property from the original land grant to the present is reflected in the permanent record maintained by the Clerk's Office. Title searches in Kentucky review the chain of title for a period sufficient to establish marketable title, with full abstracts potentially extending back to the original patent or grant.
Contact for Historical Records:
Grant County Clerk's Office
101 N. Main Street
Williamstown, KY 41097
Phone: (859) 824-3321
Grant County Clerk
Grant County Property Valuation Administrator
101 N. Main Street, Suite 2
Williamstown, KY 41097
Phone: (859) 824-6511
Grant County PVA
How To Find Liens on Property in Grant County?
Liens on property in Grant County are recorded instruments and are therefore part of the public record maintained by the Grant County Clerk's Office. Members of the public may search for liens through the eCCLIX online portal or by visiting the Clerk's Office in person.
Types of Liens Recorded with the Clerk's Office:
- Tax liens – Federal tax liens filed by the IRS and state tax liens filed by the Kentucky Department of Revenue are recorded with the county clerk
- Judgment liens – Court judgments that attach to real property are recorded as liens against the debtor's property in the county where the property is located
- Mechanic's liens – Contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers may file mechanic's liens against property for unpaid work or materials under KRS Chapter 376
- HOA liens – Homeowner associations may record liens for unpaid assessments
- Delinquent property tax liens – After the statutory collection period, unpaid property tax bills become certificates of delinquency representing a lien on the property, as administered under the Kentucky delinquent property tax framework
Steps to Search for Liens:
- Access the Grant County Clerk's land records search through the eCCLIX portal
- Register for an account if not already registered
- Search by the property owner's name (as grantee or grantor) or by document type
- Filter results by document type to identify liens, lis pendens, and related instruments
- Review each result for recording date, lienholder name, amount, and instrument number
- For delinquent tax liens, review the delinquent tax list maintained by the Grant County Clerk's Office
- For federal tax liens, search the IRS lien records through the Clerk's Office index, as federal liens are filed at the county level
In-Person Lien Search:
Members of the public may visit the Grant County Clerk's Office to conduct a lien search using the grantor/grantee index. Staff can assist with identifying the appropriate index books or electronic records for the relevant time period. A title company or real estate attorney may be engaged to conduct a comprehensive lien search as part of a title examination.
Grant County Clerk's Office
101 N. Main Street
Williamstown, KY 41097
Phone: (859) 824-3321
Grant County Clerk
Grant County Attorney's Office (for delinquent tax lien payments)
101 N. Main Street
Williamstown, KY 41097
Phone: (859) 824-3346
What Is Property Owner Rule in Grant County?
The property owner rule in Grant County refers to the body of Kentucky law and local practice governing who may own real property, how ownership is established and transferred, and what rights and obligations attach to property ownership. Under Kentucky law, any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust, or other legal entity may hold title to real property in the Commonwealth.
Establishment of Ownership:
Ownership of real property in Kentucky is established through a recorded deed. Under KRS § 382.110, no deed conveying real property is valid against a subsequent purchaser for valuable consideration without notice unless the deed is acknowledged and recorded in the office of the county clerk of the county in which the property is located. This recording requirement protects subsequent purchasers and lenders by providing constructive notice of all recorded interests.
Forms of Ownership Recognized in Kentucky:
- Sole ownership – A single individual holds title in their name alone
- Joint tenancy with right of survivorship – Two or more persons hold equal undivided interests; upon the death of one owner, the surviving owner(s) take the deceased owner's interest by operation of law
- Tenancy in common – Two or more persons hold undivided interests that may be unequal; each owner's interest passes through their estate upon death
- Tenancy by the entirety – A form of joint ownership available only to legally married spouses in Kentucky, providing survivorship rights and certain creditor protections
- Trust ownership – A trustee holds legal title on behalf of beneficiaries pursuant to a trust agreement
- Entity ownership – Corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and other legal entities may hold title to real property
Property Owner Rights and Obligations:
Property owners in Grant County hold the right to use, enjoy, transfer, encumber, and exclude others from their property, subject to applicable zoning regulations, deed restrictions, easements, and other encumbrances of record. Property owners are obligated to pay annual property taxes assessed by the Grant County PVA and billed by the Grant County Sheriff's Office. Failure to pay property taxes results in the creation of a certificate of delinquency, which constitutes a lien on the property and may ultimately lead to a tax deed sale under Kentucky law.
Transfer of Ownership:
Real property in Grant County is transferred by recorded deed. The deed must identify the grantor and grantee, contain a legal description of the property, be signed by the grantor, acknowledged before a notary public, and recorded with the Grant County Clerk's Office. Documentary stamp taxes are assessed on the consideration paid at the time of transfer. The Grant County Clerk's Office processes all deed recordings and maintains the official index of property transfers.
Adverse Possession:
Kentucky law recognizes adverse possession as a means of acquiring title to real property through open, notorious, continuous, hostile, and exclusive possession for a statutory period. Claims of adverse possession are adjudicated through the circuit court system and, if successful, result in a court order that is recorded with the county clerk to establish title.
Eminent Domain:
The government retains the power of eminent domain to acquire private property for public use upon payment of just compensation, as guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Section 13 of the Kentucky Constitution. Condemnation proceedings are filed in the Grant County Circuit Court.