Scott County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Scott County in 2026
ScottKYRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Scott County, Kentucky. Members of the public may find data pertaining to ownership history, recorded deeds, tax assessments, mortgage filings, liens, plat maps, and transfer records. Information presented reflects what is available through official government sources and may not capture every transaction or document on file.
Property records in Scott County may be searched through the following official resources:
- Scott County Clerk's Office – primary repository for public land records, including deeds, mortgages, wills, and notary bonds
- Scott County Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) – maintains assessment data, property characteristics, and ownership information
- Scott County Sheriff's Office – responsible for collecting current-year property taxes
- Scott County Clerk's Office (Delinquent Tax Division) – handles delinquent tax records after the Sheriff's collection period
- City of Georgetown Finance Department – administers city property taxes for properties within Georgetown's municipal boundaries
Online Search Methods
Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) Website
The Scott County PVA maintains a publicly accessible online database of property assessment records. Members of the public may search at no cost and without registration.
Search options include:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Parcel ID number
- Map/GIS location
Information available through the PVA portal includes:
- Current owner name and mailing address
- Legal description and parcel 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
- GIS map location
How to search the PVA database:
- Navigate to the Scott County PVA website
- Select the preferred search type (address, owner name, or parcel ID)
- Enter the search criteria in the appropriate field
- Review the results list returned
- Select the specific parcel to view the full property card
- Access sales history, maps, and assessment details from the property record
County Clerk Official Records Search
The Scott County Clerk's Office indexes and maintains all recorded instruments affecting real property. As stated on the Clerk's official portal, "The Scott County Clerk is charged with housing all legal land records (deeds, mortgages, wills, etc.) as well as marriage licenses and notary bonds." Basic search access is available to the public.
Searchable by:
- Grantor name (seller)
- Grantee name (buyer)
- Document type
- Recording date range
- Book and page number
- Instrument number
Documents available include:
- Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Satisfactions and releases of mortgage
- Mechanic's liens, judgment liens, and tax liens
- Easements and restrictions
- Plats and surveys
- Powers of attorney affecting property
- Lis pendens filings
How to search recorded documents:
- Access the Scott County Clerk's official records portal
- Select the search type (grantor, grantee, document type, or date range)
- Enter the relevant search criteria
- Review the indexed results
- Select a document to view the image, if digitized
- Note the book and page or instrument number for reference
Tax Information Search
The City of Georgetown provides an online tax search tool through its OpenGov platform, allowing members of the public to search and pay city property taxes. The Scott County Sheriff's Office collects current-year county property taxes, and delinquent accounts are transferred to the County Clerk after the collection period expires.
Search options include:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Parcel or tax account number
Information available:
- Current tax bill amount
- Payment history
- Outstanding balances
- Exemptions applied
- Delinquency status
GIS / Mapping System
Scott County maintains GIS mapping resources that allow visual property searches. Members of the public may navigate an interactive map, click on individual parcels, and access linked property information including boundaries, zoning layers, flood zones, and aerial photography.
In-Person Searches
Scott County Clerk's Office
Scott County Clerk's Office
101 E Main St
Georgetown, KY 40324
Phone: (502) 863-7875
Scott County Clerk – Public Land Records
Services available in person:
- Public access terminals for searching recorded documents
- Staff assistance with grantor/grantee index searches
- Certified copies of recorded instruments
- Access to deed books and plat records
- Notary bond filings
Scott County Property Valuation Administrator (PVA)
Scott County PVA
101 E Main St, Suite 203
Georgetown, KY 40324
Phone: (502) 863-7885
Scott County PVA
Services available in person:
- Property assessment records and property cards
- Exemption applications (homestead, disability, senior)
- Maps and plat information
- Staff assistance with ownership and valuation inquiries
Scott County Sheriff's Office (Tax Collection)
Scott County Sheriff's Office
150 N Hamilton St
Georgetown, KY 40324
Phone: (502) 863-7855
Scott County Kentucky – County Contacts
Services available in person:
- Current-year property tax payments
- Tax bill copies
- Delinquency status inquiries
By Mail Requests
County Clerk – Recorded Documents
Members of the public may submit written requests to the Scott County Clerk's Office for copies of recorded instruments. Requests should specify:
- Property address or legal description
- Document type (deed, mortgage, lien, etc.)
- Book and page number or instrument number, if known
- Approximate recording date range
Include payment for applicable copy fees and a self-addressed return envelope. Certified copies are available upon request with the appropriate certification fee.
Mailing Address:
Scott County Clerk's Office
101 E Main St
Georgetown, KY 40324
Through Professionals
Title Companies conduct comprehensive title searches, prepare abstracts of title, and issue title insurance commitments. These services identify all recorded interests in a property and are standard in real estate transactions.
Real Estate Attorneys provide legal title opinions, assist with complex ownership disputes, and advise on encumbrances or defects in title.
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
- When searching by address, attempt variations with and without directional prefixes (N, S, E, W)
- When searching by owner name, try last name only before entering a full name; consider spelling variations and business entity names
- For historical records not yet digitized, an in-person visit to the Clerk's Office is required; staff can assist with retrieval from microfilm or bound record books
- Very recent transactions may not yet appear online due to recording processing delays
- Verify results by cross-referencing the parcel ID number across multiple databases
What Is Scott County Property Records
Property records in Scott County, Kentucky, are official legal documents related to real property — encompassing both land and improvements — maintained by county government offices and accessible to the general public. These records establish legal ownership, document the chain of title, record encumbrances such as mortgages and liens, and support property tax administration.
Types of Property Records
Ownership Records:
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
- Life estate deeds and trust documents affecting property
- Transfer records and ownership history
Encumbrance Records:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Tax liens, judgment liens, and mechanic's liens
- Easements, restrictions, and covenants
- HOA documents and lis pendens filings
Tax and Assessment Records:
- Property tax assessments and tax bills
- Payment history and delinquency records
- Exemption records (homestead, senior, veteran, disability)
- Special assessments
Legal Descriptions and Plats:
- Plat maps and subdivision plats
- Surveys and metes-and-bounds descriptions
- Lot and block information
Building and Permit Records:
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
- Code violations and zoning designations
- Land use classifications
Who Maintains Property Records in Scott County
| Record Type | Maintaining Office |
|---|---|
| Deeds, mortgages, liens, plats | Scott County Clerk's Office |
| Property valuations and assessments | Scott County PVA |
| Current-year tax bills and payments | Scott County Sheriff's Office |
| Delinquent tax records | Scott County Clerk's Office |
| Building permits and zoning | Scott County Planning & Zoning |
Legal Framework
Under Kentucky Revised Statutes § 382.110, all instruments conveying or affecting title to real property must be recorded with the County Clerk in the county where the property is situated. This recording requirement establishes constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and creditors. The Scott County Fiscal Court oversees county government operations, including the offices responsible for maintaining these records.
Are Property Records Public Information in Scott County?
Property records in Scott 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. This statutory framework, combined with the centuries-old common law tradition of public land records, ensures that property ownership and transaction data remain transparent and accessible.
Why Property Records Are Public
- Transparency: Public access to ownership records prevents fraudulent or secret transfers of property and supports accountability in property taxation.
- Commercial necessity: Real estate transactions, title searches, mortgage lending, and property appraisals all depend on the availability of recorded instruments.
- Legal protection: Recording a deed or mortgage provides constructive notice to the world, establishing priority of interests and protecting against competing claims.
- Public interest: Tax assessment transparency, community planning, historical research, and journalistic investigation all rely on open access to property data.
What Property Information Is Freely Accessible
- Current and historical ownership
- Legal descriptions and parcel identification
- Sale prices and transfer amounts
- Recorded mortgage amounts
- Liens and encumbrances
- Tax assessments and payment history
- Property characteristics (size, age, building type)
- Deeds and all recorded instruments
- Plat maps and surveys
Privacy Considerations
Under current law, Social Security numbers and bank account numbers are redacted from recorded documents before public release. 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 financial information that is not fully subject to public disclosure; the Scott County PVA administers these applications and can advise on applicable policies.
Who May Access Property Records
Any member of the public may inspect property records in Scott County. There is no residency requirement, ownership requirement, or stated business purpose required. Common users include prospective buyers, real estate agents, title companies, lenders, appraisers, attorneys, investors, genealogists, and journalists.
Commercial Use
Commercial aggregation of public property records is legally permissible. Title insurance companies, data services, and real estate platforms routinely compile and redistribute public property data. Anti-harassment laws and fair housing statutes continue to apply regardless of the public nature of the underlying records.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Scott County?
Members of the public may inspect property records at the Scott County Clerk's Office at no charge. Fees apply when copies or certified copies are requested. Under KRS § 64.012, which governs fees for county clerks in Kentucky, the following standard fees apply:
| Service | Standard Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of recorded document (per page) | $0.50 per page |
| Certified copy of recorded document | $5.00 for the first page + $0.50 per additional page |
| Recording a deed or mortgage (first page) | $33.00 |
| Recording (each additional page) | $3.00 |
| Online document viewing (Clerk portal) | Free (basic search) |
| PVA property record inspection | Free |
| PVA property record copies | Nominal per-page fee |
Accepted Payment Methods
The Scott County Clerk's Office accepts cash, check, and money order for in-person and mail requests. Online payment options vary by service portal.
What Is Available at No Cost
- Online inspection of indexed records through the Clerk's portal
- PVA property assessment data and property cards
- GIS mapping and parcel boundary information
- City of Georgetown tax search through the OpenGov platform
- Delinquent tax status inquiries through the Clerk's delinquent tax portal
Fee waiver provisions are not broadly established for property record copies under current Kentucky law, though indigent individuals involved in legal proceedings may seek fee waivers through the court system for court-related documents.
What's Included in a Scott County Property Record?
A complete Scott County property record draws from multiple official sources and may include the following categories of information:
Ownership Information
Current ownership data includes the legal owner's name(s), ownership type (individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, tenants by entirety, trust, LLC, or corporation), acquisition date, deed book and page or instrument number, and the mailing address on file for tax billing purposes. Historical ownership data provides the chain of title, listing previous owners, transfer dates, and historical deed references.
Property Identification
- Site address and mailing address
- Legal description (lot and block, subdivision name, plat book and page, metes and bounds)
- Parcel ID / folio number and tax account number
Physical Characteristics
Land information includes lot size in square feet or acres, lot dimensions, frontage, zoning classification, and land use designation. Building information includes total living area, year built, number of stories, building type, construction type, exterior wall material, roof type, foundation type, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and additional features such as garage spaces, pools, fireplaces, and HVAC systems.
Valuation Information
- Assessed land value and building value
- Total assessed value and market value estimate
- Historical assessed values for prior years
- Agricultural classification data, if applicable
Tax Information
- Current tax bill and taxable value after exemptions
- Millage rate breakdown by taxing authority (county, school district, city, special districts)
- Payment status and due dates
- Tax payment history
- Exemptions applied (homestead, senior, disability, veteran)
Sales History
- Sale dates and sale prices for recent transfers
- Sale type (warranty deed, quitclaim, foreclosure, tax deed, gift, inheritance)
- Grantor and grantee names
- Deed document numbers and documentary stamp amounts
Encumbrances and Liens
- Recorded mortgages (lender name, recording date, original amount)
- Tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, HOA liens, and code enforcement liens
- Easements, restrictions, covenants, and lis pendens filings
Legal and Regulatory Information
- Zoning classification and permitted uses
- Special district assignments (school, fire, water)
- Deed restrictions and subdivision covenants
- FEMA flood zone designation
- Wetlands and conservation area designations
Maps and Images
- Property exterior photograph
- Aerial photograph
- GIS map with parcel boundaries
- Plat map and property sketch
What Is Not Typically Included
- Current mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
- Interior photographs
- Confidential exemption application details
- Social Security numbers (redacted under current law)
- Private agreements not recorded with the Clerk
- Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
How Long Does Scott County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Scott County are maintained permanently. Recorded instruments affecting title to real property — including deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, easements, and restrictions — are never destroyed. This permanent retention requirement reflects both the legal necessity of an unbroken chain of title and the historical importance of land records to the community.
Legal Basis for Permanent Retention
Under KRS § 171.420, Kentucky's records retention statutes establish the framework for preserving public records. Recorded instruments affecting real property are classified as permanent records, and the County Clerk is legally obligated to maintain them in perpetuity. The Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives (KDLA) publishes records retention schedules that govern county government offices.
Records Kept Permanently
- All recorded deeds (warranty, quitclaim, trustee's, and all conveyance types)
- All recorded mortgages, satisfactions, and releases
- All recorded liens and lien releases
- Plats, subdivision plats, re-plats, and condominium declarations
- Easements, restrictions, covenants, and declarations
- Powers of attorney affecting property
- Court documents affecting title
- Any instrument recorded with the County Clerk affecting real property
Format and Storage
Historical records in Scott County exist in multiple formats depending on the era of recording:
| Era | Format |
|---|---|
| Early records (pre-1900s) | Handwritten ledger books |
| Early-to-mid 1900s | Typed entries in bound record books |
| Mid-to-late 1900s | Microfilm |
| Recent decades | Digital scans and electronic document management |
All formats are maintained at the Scott County Clerk's Office, with climate-controlled storage for paper and microfilm records and digital backup systems for electronic records.
Online Availability by Time Period
| Time Period | Availability |
|---|---|
| Recent records (last 20–30 years) | Available online through Clerk's portal |
| Moderate age (30–50 years) | May be available online; microfilm at office |
| Historical (50+ years) | In-person access at courthouse; staff retrieval |
| Very old (100+ years) | Archive storage; advance notice may be required |
Property Appraiser (PVA) Records
Assessment records, property cards, and assessment rolls are maintained permanently by the Scott County PVA. Exemption applications are retained for a period consistent with the KDLA retention schedule, which varies by document type. Recent years of assessment history are accessible online; historical assessments are available at the PVA office.
Tax Records
Tax payment records are retained for a minimum of seven years under standard retention schedules. Tax deed records are permanent. Delinquent tax records are transferred to the Scott County Clerk's Office after the Sheriff's collection period and maintained as part of the permanent record.
Accessing Historical Records
Members of the public seeking historical property records should contact the Scott County Clerk's Office directly. Staff can retrieve documents from bound books, microfilm, or digital archives. For very old records, advance notice is recommended to allow for retrieval from storage. Standard copy fees apply regardless of the age of the record.
Scott County Clerk's Office
101 E Main St
Georgetown, KY 40324
Phone: (502) 863-7875
Scott County Clerk – Public Land Records
How To Find Liens on Property in Scott County?
Liens on property in Scott County are recorded instruments and are therefore part of the public record maintained by the Scott County Clerk's Office. Any lien that has been properly recorded — including tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, HOA liens, and federal tax liens — is searchable through the Clerk's official records index.
Step-by-Step Search Process
- Access the Scott County Clerk's recorded documents portal or visit the office in person at 101 E Main St, Georgetown, KY 40324.
- Search by the property owner's name as the grantor or grantee, or by the property address if the system supports address-based searches.
- Filter results by document type to isolate lien-related instruments (e.g., "lien," "lis pendens," "notice of federal tax lien," "mechanic's lien").
- Review each result for recording date, lienholder name, amount, and instrument number.
- Request a copy of any relevant document; standard copy fees apply.
Types of Liens Searchable Through the Clerk's Office
- Tax liens: The Scott County Sheriff's Office collects current-year property taxes. Unpaid taxes result in a lien on the property, and delinquent accounts are transferred to the Scott County Clerk's delinquent tax division after the collection period. Federal tax liens filed by the IRS are also recorded with the County Clerk.
- Judgment liens: Court judgments against a property owner, once recorded with the Clerk, attach as liens to all real property owned by the debtor in Scott County.
- Mechanic's liens: Contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers who have not been paid for work or materials may file a mechanic's lien under Kentucky law. These are recorded with the County Clerk and are searchable by property owner name.
- HOA liens: Homeowner associations may record liens for unpaid assessments or dues.
- Code enforcement liens: The City of Georgetown or Scott County may record liens for unpaid code enforcement fines or abatement costs.
Additional Search Resources
- The Scott County PVA database may reflect outstanding tax obligations and exemption status, which can indicate potential tax lien exposure.
- The Scott County Fiscal Court website provides contact information for all county offices involved in lien-related matters.
- For federal tax liens specifically, the IRS maintains a separate online search tool at the IRS website, though these liens are also recorded locally with the County Clerk.
- Title companies conduct comprehensive lien searches as part of the title insurance process and can identify all recorded encumbrances on a property.
Scott County Clerk's Office
101 E Main St
Georgetown, KY 40324
Phone: (502) 863-7875
Scott County Clerk – Public Land Records
What Is Property Owner Rule in Scott County?
The property owner rule in Scott County, Kentucky, refers to the body of legal principles governing who may hold title to real property, how ownership is established and transferred, and what rights and obligations attach to property ownership. These rules derive from Kentucky state statutes, common law, and local regulations administered through the Scott County Fiscal Court and its constituent offices.
Establishing Ownership
Under Kentucky law, ownership of real property is established through a recorded deed. A deed must be signed by the grantor, acknowledged before a notary public, and recorded with the County Clerk in the county where the property is located to be effective against subsequent purchasers and creditors. This requirement is codified at KRS § 382.110, which mandates recording as the mechanism for providing constructive notice of ownership.
Forms of Ownership Recognized in Scott County
Kentucky law recognizes several forms of concurrent ownership:
- Tenancy in common: Two or more persons hold undivided interests in the property; each interest is freely transferable and passes through the owner's estate upon death.
- 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's interest automatically, outside of probate.
- Tenancy by the entirety: Available only to legally married couples in Kentucky; provides protection against the individual debts of either spouse and includes right of survivorship.
- Trust ownership: Property held in a revocable or irrevocable trust, with the trustee holding legal title on behalf of the beneficiaries.
- Entity ownership: LLCs, corporations, and partnerships may hold title to real property in Kentucky.
Property Owner Rights and Obligations
Property owners in Scott County hold the right to use, lease, sell, mortgage, and devise their property, subject to applicable zoning regulations, deed restrictions, and HOA covenants. Owners are obligated to pay property taxes assessed by the Scott County PVA and collected by the Scott County Sheriff's Office. Failure to pay property taxes results in a lien on the property and, if left unresolved, may ultimately result in a tax sale administered through the Scott County Clerk's delinquent tax process.
Homestead Exemption
Kentucky law provides a homestead exemption for property owners who are 65 years of age or older, or who are totally disabled. Under current law, the exemption reduces the assessed value of the owner's primary residence for property tax purposes. Applications are filed with the Scott County PVA.
Zoning and Land Use
The Scott County Planning and Zoning Commission administers land use regulations that govern how property may be used and developed. Property owners are subject to the zoning classification assigned to their parcel, which determines permitted uses, setback requirements, and development standards. Zoning information is available through the Scott County PVA database and the Planning and Zoning office.
Adverse Possession
Kentucky law recognizes adverse possession as a mechanism by which a person who openly, continuously, exclusively, and hostilely occupies another's property for a statutory period may acquire legal title. The adverse possession period in Kentucky is fifteen years under KRS § 413.010. Claims of adverse possession must be adjudicated through the circuit court and, if successful, result in a court order that is recorded with the County Clerk to establish title.
Scott County Fiscal Court
101 E Main St
Georgetown, KY 40324
Phone: (502) 863-7855
Scott County Fiscal Court – Official Website
Scott County PVA
101 E Main St, Suite 203
Georgetown, KY 40324
Phone: (502) 863-7885
Scott County Kentucky – County Contacts