Plymouth County Property Records
What Is Plymouth County Property Records
Plymouth County property records are official documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property (land and buildings) within Plymouth County, Massachusetts. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership and interests throughout the county's jurisdiction. Property records in Plymouth County are maintained pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 36, which governs the recording of instruments related to real property.
The primary purposes of Plymouth County property records include:
- Establishing legal ownership and chain of title
- Providing public notice of property interests
- Protecting property rights of owners and lienholders
- Facilitating real estate transactions
- Supporting property tax assessment and collection
- Enabling land use planning and development
The Plymouth County Registry of Deeds serves as the central repository for property records in the county. This office is responsible for recording, indexing, and preserving documents that affect real property ownership and interests. The Registry maintains records dating back to the county's establishment, providing a comprehensive historical record of land ownership throughout Plymouth County.
Property records in Plymouth County typically include deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and other documents that affect property rights. These records are indexed by property address, owner name, and parcel identification number to facilitate public access and research.
Are Property Records Public Information In Plymouth County?
Property records in Plymouth County are public information and accessible to all citizens under Massachusetts law. The public nature of these records is established by the Massachusetts Public Records Law, G.L. c. 66, § 10, which provides that all government records, including property records, are presumed to be public unless specifically exempted by statute.
The legal basis for public access to property records includes:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Recording statutes require public access to provide notice of property interests
- Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest
- Public access facilitates real estate transactions and property research
Any member of the public may access Plymouth County property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for the request. This open access policy ensures transparency in property ownership and facilitates real estate transactions throughout the county.
The Plymouth County Registry of Deeds maintains these public records and makes them available through both in-person visits and online access systems. While basic record searches are available at no cost, fees may apply for obtaining certified copies or extensive research assistance.
Plymouth County Registry of Deeds
50 Obery Street
Plymouth, MA 02360
(508) 830-9200
Plymouth County Registry of Deeds
How To Search Property Records in Plymouth County in 2026
Members of the public seeking to search property records in Plymouth County may utilize several methods currently available through county offices. The Plymouth County Registry of Deeds offers comprehensive search capabilities for property records through multiple access points.
To search property records in person:
- Visit the Plymouth County Registry of Deeds during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
- Request assistance from registry staff at the public research terminals
- Provide property information such as address, owner name, or book/page reference
- Review documents on-site and request copies as needed (fees may apply)
To search property records by telephone:
- Contact the Plymouth County Registry of Deeds at (508) 830-9200
- Provide specific information about the property record being sought
- Registry staff can provide limited information and direct callers to appropriate resources
To search property records by mail:
- Submit a written request to the Plymouth County Registry of Deeds
- Include specific information about the property and records being requested
- Enclose appropriate fees for document copies or certified records
- Provide return address information for document delivery
For property tax and assessment records, the Plymouth Assessors' Office maintains current property valuation data, ownership information, and tax assessment records. These records can be accessed through the assessor's online database or by visiting the office in person.
Plymouth Assessors' Office
26 Court Street
Plymouth, MA 02360
(508) 747-1620 ext. 10216
Plymouth Assessors' Office
How To Find Property Records in Plymouth County Online?
Plymouth County offers comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms maintained by county offices. These online resources allow for efficient searching of property information without requiring an in-person visit to county offices.
The primary online resource for property records is the Plymouth County Registry of Deeds website, which provides access to:
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Land records database searchable by:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Document type
- Book and page number
- Document date range
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Property plans and surveys
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Historical records and indexes
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Registered land certificates
To access these records online:
- Visit the Plymouth County Registry of Deeds website
- Navigate to the "Search Records" section
- Select the appropriate search criteria (name, property, document type)
- Enter the relevant information
- Review search results and select documents to view
- Download or print documents as needed (fees may apply for certain documents)
For property tax and assessment records, the Plymouth County Assessors' Database provides:
- Current property ownership information
- Property valuation data
- Tax assessment history
- Property characteristics and improvements
- Parcel maps and GIS information
The Plymouth County Treasurer/Collector also maintains online records related to property tax payments, tax liens, and other financial encumbrances on properties within the county.
Online access to these records is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing convenient access for property research, real estate transactions, and general information purposes.
How To Look Up Plymouth County Property Records for Free?
Plymouth County provides several options for members of the public to access property records at no cost. These free resources are designed to facilitate public access to essential property information while maintaining the integrity and accessibility of county records.
Free in-person access options include:
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Public access terminals at the Plymouth County Registry of Deeds
- Available during regular business hours
- Staff assistance available for basic search questions
- Self-service printing available (fees apply for copies)
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Public computers at Plymouth County public libraries
- Many libraries provide access to county property databases
- Library staff may offer limited assistance with searches
- Hours and availability vary by location
Free online access options include:
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Basic property record searches through the Plymouth County Registry of Deeds
- Name and property searches
- Document type searches
- Basic document viewing
-
Property assessment information through the Plymouth Assessors' Database
- Current ownership information
- Property valuation data
- Property characteristics
- Tax assessment information
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Plymouth County GIS mapping portal
- Property boundaries and dimensions
- Parcel identification information
- Basic property characteristics
- Zoning and land use designations
While basic searches are available at no cost, fees may apply for:
- Certified copies of documents
- Large-format printing of maps or surveys
- Extensive research assistance from county staff
- Bulk data downloads or specialized reports
These free access options ensure that essential property information remains accessible to all citizens regardless of financial resources, in accordance with Massachusetts public records laws.
What's Included in a Plymouth County Property Record?
Plymouth County property records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents and information related to real property within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained by multiple county offices and contain detailed information about property ownership, characteristics, and encumbrances.
Property records in Plymouth County distinguish between:
- Real property records (land and permanently attached structures)
- Personal property records (movable property such as business equipment)
The specific information included in Plymouth County property records varies by document type but typically includes:
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Ownership documents:
- Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, special warranty)
- Trustee deeds
- Executor's deeds
- Tax deeds
- Sheriff's deeds
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Financial encumbrances:
- Mortgages and mortgage assignments
- Tax liens
- Mechanic's liens
- Judgment liens
- Lis pendens notices
-
Property rights documents:
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants
- Condominium declarations
- Homeowners association documents
- Conservation restrictions
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Property description information:
- Legal description of property boundaries
- Lot and block numbers
- Parcel identification numbers
- Survey information
- Plat maps and subdivisions
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Assessment and taxation information:
- Property valuation
- Tax assessment history
- Exemption status
- Special assessments
- Tax payment records
These records are maintained pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 183, which governs the alienation of land and related property matters. The comprehensive nature of these records ensures that all interests in real property are properly documented and accessible to the public.
How Long Does Plymouth County Keep Property Records?
Plymouth County maintains property records in perpetuity, preserving the complete history of land ownership and transactions within the county. This permanent retention policy is mandated by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 66, § 8, which requires the preservation of public records of enduring value.
While all property records are retained permanently, the specific retention methods and accessibility may vary based on the age and format of the records:
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Current digital records (approximately 1950-present)
- Maintained in electronic databases
- Available through online search systems
- Backed up through redundant storage systems
- Preserved through digital preservation protocols
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Historical records (pre-1950)
- Maintained in original bound volumes or microfilm
- May require in-person access at the Registry of Deeds
- Gradually being digitized for improved access
- Subject to special handling procedures for preservation
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Maps, plans, and surveys
- Maintained in specialized storage systems
- Available through dedicated plan indexes
- Large-format items may have special access procedures
- Historical plans preserved through conservation measures
The Plymouth County Registry of Deeds has implemented a comprehensive records management program to ensure the long-term preservation of property records. This program includes:
- Climate-controlled storage for physical records
- Digital conversion of historical documents
- Redundant backup systems for electronic records
- Disaster recovery protocols
- Regular condition assessments of historical materials
This permanent retention policy ensures that the complete chain of title for all properties in Plymouth County is preserved and accessible for future generations, supporting property rights, historical research, and legal requirements.
How To Find Liens on Property In Plymouth County?
Liens on property in Plymouth County are recorded as public documents and can be researched through several official channels. These encumbrances on property may include tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, or other financial claims against real property.
To search for liens on Plymouth County properties:
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Through the Plymouth County Registry of Deeds:
- Visit the Plymouth County Registry of Deeds website
- Search by property address or owner name
- Filter results by document type (select "lien" or specific lien types)
- Review documents to verify lien status, amount, and filing date
- Note that liens may be filed under the property owner's name rather than the property address
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For tax liens and municipal assessments:
- Contact the Plymouth Treasurer/Collector's Office
- Provide the property address or parcel ID
- Request information on outstanding tax liens or municipal assessments
- Verify current status of any identified liens
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For federal tax liens:
- Search the Plymouth County Registry of Deeds for federal tax lien notices
- These liens are indexed under the taxpayer's name
- Federal tax liens affect all property owned by the taxpayer in the county
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For judgment liens:
- Search court records at the Plymouth County Superior Court
- Judgment liens must be recorded at the Registry of Deeds to attach to real property
- Search by defendant's name (property owner) to locate potential judgment liens
When conducting lien searches, it is important to:
- Search under all variations of the property owner's name
- Verify that identified liens have not been released or satisfied
- Check multiple sources, as different types of liens may be recorded in different offices
- Confirm the current status of any identified liens with the lien holder
Professional title companies and attorneys often conduct comprehensive lien searches as part of real estate transactions to ensure clear title to property. For complex situations or real estate transactions, professional assistance may be advisable.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Plymouth County?
The property owner rule in Plymouth County refers to the legal framework governing property ownership rights and responsibilities under Massachusetts law. This rule encompasses several key principles that define how property is owned, transferred, and regulated within the county.
Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 183, § 4, property ownership in Plymouth County is subject to the following key provisions:
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Recording requirement:
- All instruments conveying property interests must be recorded at the Registry of Deeds
- Unrecorded conveyances are valid between parties but may be void against third parties without notice
- Priority of interests is generally determined by order of recording
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Ownership forms recognized in Plymouth County:
- Fee simple (complete ownership)
- Joint tenancy with right of survivorship
- Tenancy in common
- Tenancy by the entirety (married couples only)
- Life estates
- Trust ownership
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Property owner responsibilities:
- Payment of property taxes
- Compliance with zoning and land use regulations
- Maintenance of property in accordance with health and safety codes
- Disclosure of known defects when selling property
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Property owner rights:
- Right to use, enjoy, and dispose of property
- Right to exclude others from the property
- Right to develop property subject to zoning regulations
- Right to quiet enjoyment of property
Plymouth County property owners are also subject to Massachusetts homestead protection laws under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 188, which provide limited protection of a primary residence from certain creditor claims.
The property owner rule in Plymouth County balances individual property rights with community interests through a comprehensive system of recording, regulation, and legal protections. This framework ensures clear ownership rights while maintaining appropriate public oversight of land use and development.
Lookup Property Records in Plymouth County
Assessors' Office | Plymouth, MA