Plymouth County Property Records

How To Search Property Records in Plymouth County in 2026

PlymouthRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Plymouth County, Massachusetts. Members of the public may find ownership history, recorded deeds, tax assessments, liens, and encumbrance data through this resource. Record categories available for research include:

• Deeds and title transfers
• Mortgage and lien documents
• Property tax assessments
• Building permits and zoning records
• Plat maps and legal descriptions

Records may be searched through official county and state resources. The Plymouth County Registry of Deeds serves as the primary repository for recorded instruments, while the Plymouth County Assessors and local municipal assessors maintain valuation and tax data.

Online Search Methods:

1. Property Appraiser Website

The Plymouth County Registry of Deeds provides free online access to recorded property documents without requiring registration.

Primary Resource for Property Information:

• Members of the public may access the Plymouth County Registry of Deeds online search at no charge
• Free public access with no account required
• Document images available for viewing and printing

Search Options:

• By property address
• By owner name (grantor or grantee)
• By parcel ID or book and page number
• By document type
• By recording date range
• By instrument number

Information Available:

• Current and historical owner names
• Mailing address of record
• Legal description of property
• Parcel and instrument numbers
• Sales history and transfer dates
• Recorded mortgages and liens
• Easements and restrictions
• Plat maps and surveys

How to Search:

1. Navigate to the Registry of Deeds official records portal
2. Select the preferred search type (name, address, document type)
3. Enter the relevant search criteria
4. Review the results list returned by the system
5. Select a specific record to view document details
6. Access the document image where available
7. Print or save the document for personal records

2. County Clerk / Recorder Official Records Search

The Plymouth County Registry of Deeds functions as the official recorder of all instruments affecting real property title within the county.

For Recorded Documents:

• Direct access through the Registry of Deeds document search
• Free basic search available to all users
• Certified copies available for a fee

Searchable By:

• Grantor name (seller or transferor)
• Grantee name (buyer or transferee)
• Book and page number
• Document type (deed, mortgage, lien, etc.)
• Recording date range
• Instrument number

Documents Available:

• Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
• Mortgages and deeds of trust
• Satisfactions and releases of mortgage
• Mechanic's liens and judgment liens
• Easements and rights-of-way
• Declarations of restrictions and covenants
• Subdivision plats and surveys
• Powers of attorney affecting real property
• Lis pendens notices
• HOA-related recorded documents

How to Search:

1. Access the Registry of Deeds search portal
2. Select the appropriate search category
3. Enter grantor or grantee name, date range, or document type
4. Review the list of matching instruments
5. Click on a result to view the document image
6. Note the book and page or instrument number for reference
7. Request certified copies in person or by mail if needed

3. Tax Collector Website

Municipal tax collector offices in Plymouth County maintain property tax records accessible to the public. Because Plymouth County encompasses multiple municipalities, tax records are held at the town or city level rather than at the county level.

Search By:

• Property address
• Owner name
• Parcel ID or tax account number

Information Available:

• Current tax bill amounts
• Payment history and outstanding balances
• Applied exemptions (homestead, senior, veteran)
• Millage and tax rate information
• Delinquency status and tax lien certificates
• Installment plan status

4. GIS / Mapping System

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides GIS mapping resources that allow visual property searches across Plymouth County municipalities.

Visual Property Search:

• Access the MassGIS data portal for statewide mapping layers
• Interactive parcel maps with aerial photography
• Property boundary overlays
• Zoning and land use layers
• FEMA flood zone designations
• Environmental and wetlands features

How to Use:

• Navigate the interactive map to the subject property location
• Click on a parcel to retrieve linked property information
• View multiple data layers simultaneously
• Measure distances and lot dimensions
• Access linked assessment and deed records

In-Person Searches:

Plymouth County Registry of Deeds

Registry of Deeds Office
7 Russell Street
Plymouth, MA 02360
Phone: (508) 830-9200
Plymouth County Registry of Deeds

• Public access computer terminals available on-site
• Staff assistance with grantor/grantee index searches
• Access to original record books and microfilm
• Certified copies available at the counter
• Plat maps and survey documents available for inspection

Municipal Assessors Offices

Property valuation and assessment records in Plymouth County are maintained at the municipal level. The Town of Plymouth Assessors Office is representative of the offices serving individual municipalities.

Town of Plymouth Assessors Office
26 Court Street
Plymouth, MA 02360
Phone: (508) 747-1620
Town of Plymouth Assessors

• Public access to property record cards
• Staff assistance with assessment inquiries
• Exemption application processing
• Property characteristic data available

Tax Collector Office

Town of Plymouth Tax Collector
26 Court Street
Plymouth, MA 02360
Phone: (508) 747-1620
Town of Plymouth Tax Collector

• Tax payment information and receipts
• Copies of current and prior tax bills
• Delinquency and tax lien information
• Payment plan inquiries

By Mail Requests:

Registry of Deeds

Plymouth County Registry of Deeds
7 Russell Street
Plymouth, MA 02360

Members of the public may submit written requests for certified copies of recorded documents by mail. Requests should specify the instrument by book and page number or instrument number, include the property address and approximate recording date range, and enclose payment for applicable copy fees. A self-addressed stamped envelope should accompany the request.

Municipal Assessors

Written requests for property record cards or assessment information may be directed to the relevant municipal assessors office. Requests should include the property address or parcel identification number. Fees for copies apply per the schedule established by each municipality.

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 affecting a property and are standard practice in Massachusetts real estate transactions. Costs vary by transaction complexity and property value.

Real Estate Attorneys

Licensed Massachusetts real estate attorneys provide legal title opinions, resolve complex ownership disputes, and advise on encumbrances identified in title searches. Fees vary by attorney and scope of work.

Real Estate Agents

Licensed real estate agents access MLS data for listed properties, pull property transaction histories, and compile comparable sales data as part of buyer or seller representation services.

Search Tips:

By Address

• Use the complete street address including directional prefixes or suffixes
• Attempt searches with and without unit or apartment numbers
• Try alternate spellings of street names if initial results are not returned

By Owner Name

• Enter last name first, followed by first name
• Search variations including middle initials and name abbreviations
• Consider maiden names, married names, and business entity names
• Search both current and prior owner names for historical chain of title

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 Registry
• Staff can retrieve documents from microfilm or original record books
• Advance notice is helpful when requesting very old instruments

Common Search Challenges:

Not Found Online

• Very recent recordings may not yet appear in the online index due to processing delays
• Pre-digital records may not be available through the online portal
• Indexing errors or name spelling variations may prevent retrieval
• Property address changes over time may affect search results

Multiple Results

• Common surnames or similar addresses may return numerous results
• Verify the correct property by cross-referencing the parcel ID or legal description
• Review additional identifying information such as recording date and document type

What You Cannot Find Online:

• Unrecorded private agreements between parties
• Pending sales prior to closing and recording
• Documents filed under court seal
• Some pre-digital historical instruments not yet scanned
• Current outstanding mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts are available)

What Is Plymouth County Property Records

Property records in Plymouth County are official legal documents related to real property — encompassing land and any improvements thereon — maintained by county and municipal government offices. These records establish legal ownership, document the chain of title, and provide constructive notice of all recorded interests affecting a parcel. Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 183, instruments affecting title to real property must be recorded with the Registry of Deeds to be effective against third parties, making the public record the authoritative source for property ownership and encumbrance information.

Purpose of Property Records:

• Establish and confirm legal ownership of real property
• Provide an unbroken chain of title from original grant to present owner
• Record encumbrances including mortgages, liens, and easements
• Document all property transfers and conveyances
• Support property tax assessment and collection
• Facilitate real estate transactions and title insurance
• Protect property rights through constructive notice

Types of Property Records:

Ownership Records

• Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
• Title documents and transfer records
• Ownership history and chain of title
• Life estate deeds and trust instruments affecting real property

Encumbrance Records

• Mortgages and deeds of trust
• Tax liens, mechanic's liens, and judgment liens
• Easements and rights-of-way
• Deed restrictions and covenants
• HOA-related recorded instruments
• Lis pendens notices

Tax and Assessment Records

• Annual property tax assessments maintained by municipal assessors
• Tax bills and payment history held by municipal tax collectors
• Exemption records (homestead, senior, veteran, disability)
• Special assessments and betterment charges
• Delinquent tax records and tax lien certificates

Legal Descriptions

• Recorded subdivision plats and re-plats
• Survey plats and metes and bounds descriptions
• Lot and block information from recorded plans
• Condominium declarations and unit descriptions

Building and Permit Records

• Building permits issued by municipal building departments
• Certificates of occupancy
• Zoning designations and land use classifications
• Code enforcement records

Who Maintains Property Records:

Plymouth County Registry of Deeds
7 Russell Street
Plymouth, MA 02360
Phone: (508) 830-9200
Plymouth County Registry of Deeds

The Registry of Deeds records, indexes, and maintains all instruments affecting title to real property within Plymouth County, including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and plats.

Town of Plymouth Assessors Office
26 Court Street
Plymouth, MA 02360
Phone: (508) 747-1620
Town of Plymouth Assessors

Municipal assessors maintain property valuation records, assessment rolls, property characteristic data, and exemption applications for their respective municipalities.

Town of Plymouth Building Department
26 Court Street
Plymouth, MA 02360
Phone: (508) 747-1620
Town of Plymouth Building Department

The Building Department maintains permit records, certificates of occupancy, inspection records, and zoning compliance documentation.

Legal Framework:

Property recording in Massachusetts is governed by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 183, § 4, which establishes that a deed or other instrument conveying or encumbering real property is not effective against third parties unless recorded with the Registry of Deeds. This statute forms the foundation of the constructive notice doctrine, under which all persons are deemed to have notice of any instrument properly recorded in the public record. The Massachusetts Secretary of State's office provides guidance on public records access through the Public Records Division.

Are Property Records Public Information in Plymouth County?

Property records in Plymouth County are public information. Under the Massachusetts Public Records Law, General Laws Chapter 66, § 10, members of the public have the right to inspect and obtain copies of public records maintained by government agencies, including all instruments recorded with the Registry of Deeds and assessment records held by municipal assessors. No special permission, stated purpose, or residency requirement is necessary to access property records.

Legal Basis for Public Access:

• Massachusetts Public Records Law (G.L. c. 66, § 10)
• Massachusetts recording statutes (G.L. c. 183)
• Common law tradition of public land records dating to colonial Massachusetts
• Constructive notice principles requiring public availability of recorded instruments
• Constitutional protections for property rights

Why Property Records Are Public:

Transparency

The public has a recognized interest in knowing who owns real property, how property is assessed for taxation, and what encumbrances affect title. Transparent property records prevent fraudulent transfers, support accountability in property taxation, and enable informed participation in the real estate marketplace.

Commercial Purposes

Open access to property records enables real estate transactions, title searches, title insurance underwriting, property appraisals, mortgage lending, and market analysis. The real estate industry depends on the public availability of recorded instruments to function efficiently.

Legal Protections

The recording system provides constructive notice of all recorded interests, establishes priority among competing claims, protects against fraudulent conveyances, and enables enforcement of property rights through the courts.

Public Interest

Property records support community planning, historical and genealogical research, journalistic investigation of property ownership, and academic study of land use patterns.

What Property Information Is Public:

• Current and historical ownership names
• Legal descriptions and property addresses
• Sale prices and transfer amounts from recorded deeds
• Recorded mortgage amounts and lender names
• All recorded liens and encumbrances
• Tax assessments and payment status
• Property physical characteristics maintained by assessors
• Plat maps and surveys
• All recorded instruments in the Registry of Deeds

Privacy Considerations:

Certain personal information within property records receives protection under Massachusetts law. Social Security numbers and financial account numbers are redacted from documents before recording or public release. Under the Massachusetts Address Confidentiality Program, certain individuals — including domestic violence survivors, stalking victims, and sexual assault survivors — may obtain a substitute address for use in public records, shielding their residential address from public disclosure.

Homestead exemption applications submitted to municipal assessors may contain personal financial information that is not fully subject to public disclosure. Members of the public seeking access to exemption application details should contact the relevant assessors office directly.

Who Can Access Property Records:

• Any member of the general public, regardless of residency
• Real estate professionals including agents, brokers, and appraisers
• Title companies and title attorneys
• Lenders and financial institutions
• Investors and developers
• Genealogists and historical researchers
• Journalists and media organizations
• Out-of-state and foreign inquirers

Commercial Use of Property Records:

Commercial aggregation of public property records is permitted under Massachusetts law. Title insurance companies, data services such as CoreLogic and First American, and MLS systems compile and redistribute public property data. Such use is lawful provided it does not violate anti-harassment statutes, fair housing laws, or other applicable legal restrictions. The public nature of property records does not authorize their use for illegal purposes or in violation of privacy protections applicable to specific individuals.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Plymouth County?

The cost to obtain property records in Plymouth County varies depending on the type of record, the format requested, and the office providing the record.

Registry of Deeds Copy Fees:

At present, the Plymouth County Registry of Deeds charges the following standard fees for copies of recorded instruments:

Service	Fee
Recorded document copy (per page)	$1.00 per page
Certified copy of recorded document	$1.00 per page plus $1.00 certification fee
Online document viewing	Free
Online document printing (self-service)	Varies by local printer
Plan/plat copy	Fee varies by size

Recording fees for new instruments are governed by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 262, § 38, which establishes the schedule of fees applicable to the Registry of Deeds. Members of the public inspecting records in person at the Registry are not charged a fee for viewing documents on public access terminals.

Municipal Assessors Copy Fees:

Municipal assessors offices charge copying fees consistent with the Massachusetts Public Records Law, which permits agencies to charge $0.05 per page for black-and-white copies on standard paper. Fees for other formats, including electronic records, are subject to the cost provisions of G.L. c. 66, § 10.

Tax Collector Copy Fees:

Copies of tax bills and payment records are available from municipal tax collector offices at standard per-page rates. Current fee schedules are available directly from each municipality's tax collector.

Fee Waivers:

Under the Massachusetts Public Records Law, fee waivers or reductions may be available to indigent requesters or to requesters whose access to records serves a significant public interest. Requests for fee waivers must be submitted in writing to the relevant records access officer.

Accepted Payment Methods:

• Cash (in-person at Registry and municipal offices)
• Check or money order payable to the relevant office
• Credit and debit cards (accepted at many offices; confirm availability in advance)
• Online payment portals where available

What Is Available at No Cost:

• Online viewing of document images through the Registry of Deeds portal
• Online property record card viewing through municipal assessors websites
• Online tax information through municipal tax collector portals
• GIS mapping data through MassGIS
• In-person inspection of records at the Registry of Deeds public terminals

What's Included in a Plymouth County Property Record?

A complete Plymouth County property record draws from multiple official sources, including the Registry of Deeds, municipal assessors offices, and tax collector offices. The following categories of information are available within the public record.

Ownership Information:

Current Ownership

• Legal owner name or names as recorded on the most recent deed
• Ownership type: individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, tenants by the entirety, trust, LLC, or corporation
• Acquisition date and deed recording date
• Registry of Deeds book and page or instrument number
• Mailing address for tax billing purposes

Previous Ownership

• Chain of title reflecting all prior owners
• Transfer dates and historical deed references
• Grantor and grantee names for each recorded conveyance
• Ownership timeline from original grant to present

Property Identification:

• Site address and mailing address
• Municipality and ZIP code
• Legal description including lot and block number, subdivision name, and plat book reference
• Parcel ID number assigned by the municipal assessor
• Tax account number
• Condominium unit number where applicable

Physical Characteristics:

Land Information

• Lot size in square feet or acres
• Lot dimensions and street frontage
• Corner lot designation
• Land use designation and zoning classification

Building Information

• Total living area in square feet
• Year built and effective year
• Number of stories
• Building type (single-family, multi-family, commercial, etc.)
• Construction type and exterior wall material
• Roof type and material
• Foundation type
• Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
• Garage type and number of spaces
• Pool, porch, and additional structure information
• Heating and cooling systems
• Water source and sewer system type

Valuation Information:

• Land assessed value and building assessed value
• Total assessed value
• Full and fair cash value (market value) as determined by the assessor
• Historical assessed values for prior years
• Agricultural classification where applicable

Tax Information:

• Current year tax amount
• Taxable value after exemptions
• Applicable tax rate (millage)
• Breakdown by taxing authority (county, municipality, school district, special districts)
• Tax payment history
• Delinquency status where applicable
• Applied exemptions including homestead, senior, veteran, and disability

Sales History:

• Sale dates for recent and historical transfers
• Sale prices as reflected in recorded deeds
• Deed type (warranty, quitclaim, foreclosure, tax deed, etc.)
• Grantor and grantee names for each transfer
• Documentary stamp amounts
• Deed instrument numbers for cross-reference

Encumbrances and Liens:

• Currently recorded mortgages with original amounts and lender names
• Tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, and HOA liens
• Easements and rights-of-way
• Deed restrictions and covenants
• Lis pendens notices
• Releases and satisfactions of prior encumbrances

Legal and Regulatory Information:

• Current zoning classification and permitted uses
• Future land use designation
• School district, fire district, water district, and other special taxing districts
• FEMA flood zone designation
• Wetlands and conservation area designations
• HOA name and recorded declaration references

Maps and Images:

• Aerial photograph and GIS parcel map
• Recorded subdivision plat
• Property sketch or assessor floor plan
• Street view imagery where available

Building Permit Information (where integrated):

• Building permits issued by the municipal building department
• Permit dates, descriptions, and values
• Contractor information
• Certificates of occupancy
• Inspection records

What Is Not Typically in Public Property Records:

• Current outstanding mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
• Personal financial information beyond what appears in recorded instruments
• Interior photographs unless provided by the assessor
• Social Security numbers (redacted prior to recording)
• Private agreements not submitted for recording
• Actual purchase contract terms beyond the sale price
• Confidential details from exemption applications

How Long Does Plymouth County Keep Property Records?

Property records in Plymouth County are maintained permanently. The Plymouth County Registry of Deeds retains all recorded instruments indefinitely, as these documents form the legal foundation of real property title and cannot be destroyed without eliminating the chain of title. This permanent retention requirement reflects both legal mandate and the practical necessity of preserving an unbroken ownership history for every parcel.

Legal Basis for Retention:

The permanent retention of recorded instruments is required under the Massachusetts Secretary of State's records retention schedules and the recording statutes codified in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 183. As the Massachusetts Secretary of State's office has noted, the integrity of the land records system depends on the preservation of every instrument from the date of recording forward. No recorded deed, mortgage, lien, easement, or plat may be destroyed.

Records Kept Permanently:

Deed Records

All recorded deeds are retained permanently, including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, trustee's deeds, foreclosure deeds, and tax deeds. Plymouth County deed records extend back to the county's establishment in 1685, with the earliest instruments reflecting colonial land grants and original conveyances.

Mortgage Records

All recorded mortgages, assignments of mortgage, modifications, and satisfactions are maintained permanently. Even after a mortgage has been paid in full and a discharge recorded, the original mortgage instrument remains part of the permanent record.

Lien Records

All recorded liens — including tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, and municipal liens — are retained permanently along with any releases or discharges. The permanent record of a lien and its release is essential for establishing clear title.

Plats and Surveys

All recorded subdivision plats, re-plats, condominium declarations, and survey plats are maintained permanently. These documents define the legal boundaries of every parcel within a recorded subdivision.

Other Recorded Documents

Easements, restrictions, covenants, declarations, powers of attorney affecting real property, and court documents recorded with the Registry are all retained permanently.

Format and Storage:

Historical Records

• Pre-20th century records: Handwritten in bound ledger books maintained in the Registry vault
• Early-to-mid 20th century: Typed instruments recorded in indexed books
• Mid-20th century onward: Microfilm preservation alongside original books
• Recent decades: Digital scanning and electronic document management systems

Modern Format

The Registry of Deeds at present maintains a fully digital document management system for instruments recorded in recent decades. Original paper documents are scanned upon recording, and digital images are stored with redundant backups. The Registry continues digitization efforts for older instruments.

Access to Historical Records:

Online access through the Registry's portal covers instruments recorded in recent decades. For instruments predating the online index, members of the public may visit the Registry in person to access original record books, microfilm, or digital terminals. Staff can retrieve instruments from vault storage, though advance notice is helpful for very old records.

Property Appraiser / Assessor Records:

Municipal assessors retain current and historical assessment rolls permanently. Property record cards are maintained as permanent records. Exemption applications are retained for a period consistent with the Massachusetts records retention schedule, which at present requires retention of at least seven years for most administrative records.

Tax Collector Records:

Tax payment records are retained for a minimum of seven years under standard municipal retention schedules. Tax deed records are permanent. Delinquent tax and tax lien certificate records are retained until the matter is resolved and for the applicable retention period thereafter.

Building Permit Records:

Building permit records are maintained by municipal building departments. Permits for major structural construction are retained permanently. Minor permit records are retained for periods specified in the municipal retention schedule, which varies by jurisdiction within Plymouth County.

Chain of Title:

A complete chain of title for any parcel in Plymouth County may extend from the present owner back to the original colonial land grant. Title searches in Massachusetts practice review a minimum of fifty years of title history, though a full abstract may trace ownership back to the earliest recorded instrument. Gaps in the chain of title create marketability problems that require legal resolution.

Destruction of Records:

No recorded instrument affecting title to real property may be destroyed. Administrative working files, duplicate copies, and internal correspondence may be destroyed following the applicable retention period under the state schedule. The permanent record of every deed, mortgage, lien, plat, and related instrument is guaranteed by law.

Accessing Records by Time Period:

Time Period	Access Method	Availability
Last 20–30 years	Online via Registry portal	Immediate, free
30–60 years ago	Online or in-person microfilm/books	Same-day at Registry
60–100 years ago	In-person, original books or microfilm	Staff retrieval, same day
Over 100 years	In-person, vault storage	Advance notice helpful

Contact for Historical Records:

Plymouth County Registry of Deeds
7 Russell Street
Plymouth, MA 02360
Phone: (508) 830-9200
Plymouth County Registry of Deeds

Members of the public seeking historical instruments should contact the Registry directly and specify the property address or legal description, the approximate time period, and the type of document sought.

Town of Plymouth Assessors Office
26 Court Street
Plymouth, MA 02360
Phone: (508) 747-1620
Town of Plymouth Assessors

Historical assessment records and property cards are available through the Assessors Office for properties within the Town of Plymouth.

How To Find Liens on Property in Plymouth County?

Liens on property in Plymouth County are recorded instruments and are therefore searchable through the Plymouth County Registry of Deeds. A lien search requires reviewing the grantor/grantee index for the property owner's name and cross-referencing any recorded instruments that encumber the subject parcel.

Types of Liens Recorded in Plymouth County:

• Federal tax liens filed by the Internal Revenue Service
• Massachusetts state tax liens filed by the Department of Revenue
• Judgment liens arising from court judgments
• Mechanic's liens filed by contractors and materialmen
• Municipal liens for unpaid assessments or betterments
• HOA liens for unpaid association fees
• Child support liens
• Environmental liens

Step-by-Step Lien Search Process:

1. Access the Plymouth County Registry of Deeds online search portal
2. Search the grantee index using the current property owner's full legal name
3. Review all instruments recorded against the owner's name, filtering for lien document types
4. Search the grantor index for the same owner to identify any releases or discharges of prior liens
5. Repeat the search for all prior owners within the relevant title search period
6. Note the book and page or instrument number for each lien identified
7. Access the document image to confirm the property description matches the subject parcel
8. Check for any recorded releases, satisfactions, or discharges corresponding to each lien

Federal Tax Liens:

Federal tax liens filed by the IRS are recorded with the Registry of Deeds under Massachusetts law. Members of the public may also search the IRS federal tax lien database for general information on federal tax lien procedures. The authoritative record of a federal tax lien affecting Plymouth County real property is the instrument recorded at the Registry.

Massachusetts State Tax Liens:

State tax liens filed by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue are recorded with the Registry of Deeds. The Massachusetts Department of Revenue provides information on state tax lien procedures, though the recorded instrument at the Registry constitutes the official public notice.

Municipal Liens:

Municipal liens for unpaid water, sewer, or betterment assessments are maintained by individual town or city collector offices and may also be recorded at the Registry. Members of the public should contact the relevant municipal collector to obtain a municipal lien certificate, which is a comprehensive statement of all amounts owed to the municipality against a specific parcel.

Municipal Lien Certificates:

A municipal lien certificate is the standard method for identifying all municipal charges, assessments, and taxes outstanding against a property in Massachusetts. These certificates are issued by the municipal tax collector upon written request and payment of the applicable fee. The certificate is required in most Massachusetts real estate transactions.

In-Person Lien Search:

Plymouth County Registry of Deeds
7 Russell Street
Plymouth, MA 02360
Phone: (508) 830-9200
Plymouth County Registry of Deeds

Registry staff can assist members of the public with lien searches using the grantor/grantee index. Public access terminals are available during regular business hours. Certified copies of lien instruments are available at the standard per-page fee.

What Is Property Owner Rule in Plymouth County?

The property owner rule in Plymouth County refers to the body of Massachusetts law governing who may own real property, how ownership is established and transferred, and what rights and obligations attach to property ownership. Under Massachusetts law, any individual, trust, corporation, partnership, or other legal entity may hold title to real property in Plymouth County.

Establishing Ownership:

Legal ownership of real property in Plymouth County is established by a recorded deed. Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 183, § 4, a deed is not effective against third parties unless it is recorded with the Plymouth County Registry of Deeds. The recording of a deed provides constructive notice to all subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers that the grantee holds an interest in the property.

Forms of Ownership:

Massachusetts law recognizes several forms of concurrent ownership:

• Tenancy in common: Two or more persons each hold an undivided fractional interest in the property. Each co-tenant may convey or encumber their individual interest independently. Upon death, a co-tenant's interest passes through their estate.
• Joint tenancy with right of survivorship: Two or more persons hold equal undivided interests with the right of survivorship, meaning that upon the death of one joint tenant, their interest passes automatically to the surviving joint tenants rather than through the decedent's estate. A joint tenancy must be expressly created by deed.
• Tenancy by the entirety: Available only to married couples in Massachusetts, this form of ownership provides that neither spouse may convey or encumber the property without the other's consent, and the surviving spouse takes the entire property upon the other's death.
• Trust ownership: Real property may be held in a nominee trust, revocable living trust, or other trust form. The trustee holds legal