Philadelphia Property Records Search: Free Lookup for OPA, Deeds, Taxes, Atlas & Owner Details
Philadelphia property records are split across a few City systems. OPA/property.phila.gov helps with assessed value, owner and property characteristics. Atlas helps with map, zoning, deed, permits and neighborhood context. The Department of Records handles deed copies and recording. The Department of Revenue handles Real Estate Tax balances and payments.
Fastest Way to Search Philadelphia Property Records
Philadelphia Property Records Contacts You Actually Need
Use the right desk first. OPA, Department of Records, Department of Revenue and the Board of Revision of Taxes handle different problems.
Office of Property Assessment
Department of Records — Deed Copies
Department of Records — Recording
Department of Revenue — Real Estate Tax
Board of Revision of Taxes
Atlas / Map Research
Philadelphia Record Type: What to Search, Where to Search
| Your Task | Correct Place | Best Search Detail | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Find owner, value, building description, square footage, sales history | Property Search / OPA | Address, city block, OPA/BRT account number | Property profile, assessment, ownership summary, sales and tax relief calculator. |
| View map, zoning, deed links, permits, L&I and neighborhood layers | Atlas | Address, OPA account, intersection, DOR Map Registry number | Map and City-data snapshot for the property. |
| Get deed copy, mortgage, release or certified recorded document | Department of Records | Property address, document type, deed reference, page count if known | Copy or certified copy of recorded legal document. |
| Record a deed, mortgage or other document | Department of Records, Room 111 | Prepared original document + transfer tax documents if required | Official recording in Philadelphia land records. |
| Check Real Estate Tax balance or pay | Philadelphia Tax Center / Department of Revenue | Physical address or 9-digit OPA number | Balance, voucher, payment options, assistance links. |
| Appeal assessment | BRT and/or OPA review route | Notice of Valuation, OPA number, evidence | Formal appeal or review process. |
How to Search Philadelphia Property Records on Property Search / OPA
Use this when you need the basic Philadelphia property record: owner summary, assessed value, physical characteristics, building description, square footage, sales history, and possible tax savings programs.
Address
Best when you know the street address but not the OPA number.
City Block
Helpful for block-level property checks and similar-address confusion.
OPA/BRT Account
Cleanest route when you already have the 9-digit account number.
Micro step-by-step: Search a Philadelphia property
- Write down the street address exactly as you know it.
- If you have the 9-digit OPA/BRT number, use that instead of the address.
- Open the City’s Property Search website.
- Choose address, city block, or OPA/BRT account number.
- Enter the simplest version first: street number + street name.
- Open the matching property result.
- Review owner summary, assessed value, building description, square footage, sales history and tax-savings calculator.
- Copy the OPA number before moving to tax, Atlas, deed or appeal tasks.
How to Use Atlas for Philadelphia Property Research
Atlas is useful when a property search needs context. It can help you review property assessments, condominiums, deeds, Licenses & Inspections, zoning, voting, City services and map layers from a single address-centered page.
Map context
Search by address, intersection, OPA account or Department of Records Map Registry number.
City activity
Review zoning, L&I, permits, deeds, service layers and nearby property context.
Not a survey
Atlas map boundaries are for reference and should not replace recorded deeds or land surveys.
Micro step-by-step: Use Atlas after Property Search
- Copy the property address or OPA account number from Property Search.
- Open Atlas.
- Type the address, OPA account, intersection, or DOR Map Registry number into the search box.
- Open the matching address page.
- Review the tabs for property assessments, deeds, L&I, zoning and City services.
- Use Atlas for research, then use Department of Records if you need the actual deed image or certified copy.
How to Get a Philadelphia Deed Copy or Recorded Document
Use the Department of Records when you need the actual recorded document: deed, mortgage, release, satisfaction, power of attorney, condominium declaration, plot plan or certified copy. Property Search and Atlas help you find clues; Department of Records is the copy and recording route.
Recorded legal document
$2 per page for recorded legal document copies.
Certified copy
$2 certification fee per document when certification is needed.
Room 154
City Hall, Room 154; Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Micro step-by-step: Get a copy of a Philadelphia deed
- Search the property first on Property Search or Atlas and copy the address and OPA number.
- Decide whether you need a plain copy or certified copy.
- If you do not know the page count, call (215) 686-2292 or email deedcopy.info@phila.gov before mailing payment.
- Prepare a note with the property address and document details you know.
- If mailing, include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Use an accepted payment method: cash, money order, debit/credit card, business check, or certified check.
- Do not send a personal check. Make checks and money orders payable to “City of Philadelphia.”
- Visit or mail the request to City Hall, Room 154.
Micro step-by-step: Record a deed, mortgage or other document
- Make sure the document is fully prepared and signed correctly.
- For deeds, mortgages and assignments, confirm the certified grantee or mortgagee address is signed.
- Check that stated consideration is complete and that numeric and written amounts match.
- For deeds, prepare applicable Realty Transfer Tax documents and City/State forms when required.
- Email appointments.records@phila.gov to schedule an in-person recording appointment.
- Bring the document to City Hall, Room 111, or mail it with a stamped self-addressed envelope.
- Use separate checks when taxes and recording fees must be paid separately.
| Record Cost / Rule | Current Official Detail | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Deed recording | $278.75 | Base recording amount for a standard deed; confirm if document type is different. |
| Deed, deceased spouse/partner | $43.75 | Lower listed fee category for this specific deed situation. |
| Mortgage recording | $248.75 | Used for mortgage recording; assignments and releases have separate listed fees. |
| Release / mortgage satisfaction | $231.75 | Common document when a mortgage is released or satisfied. |
| Copy of recorded legal document | $2 per page | Call ahead if you need exact page count before mailing payment. |
| Certification | $2 per document | Use only when lender, court, title company or agency requires certified copy. |
| Card fee | 3.5% convenience fee | Applies to credit and debit card payments at Department of Records. |
How to Check Philadelphia Property Tax Balance and Payment Status
Use the Philadelphia Tax Center when you need a Real Estate Tax balance, payment voucher, prior-year amount, payment agreement option, assistance link, or receipt-related information.
March 31
Real Estate Tax is due and payable by March 31 each year.
1.3998%
For the 2025 tax year, total rate shown by the City is 1.3998% of assessed value.
1.5% monthly
Additions begin April 1 if Real Estate Tax is not paid by March 31.
Programs exist
Homestead, LOOP, freezes, payment agreements and installment plans may help eligible owners.
Micro step-by-step: Look up and pay Philadelphia Real Estate Tax
- Get the physical property address or 9-digit OPA property number.
- Open the Philadelphia Tax Center.
- Find the “Search for a property” link under the Property panel.
- Enter the address or OPA number.
- Open the matching property account.
- Review period balance, liens/debt options, assistance options and payment choices.
- Print a voucher if paying by mail.
- Save confirmation number and tax year after payment.
Micro step-by-step: Pay by phone or mail
- Use the Tax Center first to confirm the amount and print a voucher if needed.
- For phone payment, call the automated line.
- For mail payment, attach the payment voucher to your bill.
- Write the tax type and account number on the check or money order.
- Mail to Philadelphia Dept. of Revenue, P.O. Box 8409, Philadelphia, PA 19101-8409.
| Tax Detail | Philadelphia Rule / Detail | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Who pays | Anyone who owns taxable Philadelphia property is responsible for Real Estate Tax. | Even occupants or interested parties should verify taxes are being paid. |
| Bill mailing | The Department of Revenue usually mails bills in December. | If you do not receive a bill, check online before the due date. |
| Due date | March 31 of each year. | Late charges begin after the due date. |
| Penalty/additions | 1.5% per month begins April 1 until January 1 of the following year. | Small unpaid balances can grow. |
| Next-year delinquency | Unpaid taxes on January 1 can become delinquent, with liens and collection action. | Delinquency can create title, sale and sheriff-sale risk. |
| Appeal deadline | Formal assessment appeals are generally due by the first Monday in October before the appealed tax year. | A First Level Review does not replace the formal appeal deadline. |
What to Do If the Philadelphia Assessment Looks Wrong
If a property’s assessed market value seems too high, too low, non-uniform with nearby properties, or based on incorrect characteristics, the owner may need OPA review and/or a formal BRT appeal.
Property characteristics
Wrong square footage, use, building condition or lot details can affect assessed value.
First Level Review
OPA’s review route can be used after a Notice of Valuation, but deadlines matter.
BRT appeal
Formal appeals are handled by the Board of Revision of Taxes.
Micro step-by-step: Prepare a Philadelphia property assessment appeal
- Open Property Search and save the OPA number, assessed value and property characteristics.
- Check whether the issue is value, uniformity, exemption/abatement, or incorrect property details.
- Collect evidence: comparable sales, photos, contractor estimates, appraisal, permits, condition notes or incorrect data proof.
- Do not wait for the deadline week. Formal appeals are time-sensitive.
- File the BRT Appeal Application by mail, in person or by email according to BRT instructions.
- Do not send duplicate applications.
- Keep timestamped proof of filing.
How to Monitor or Report Philadelphia Deed and Mortgage Fraud
Philadelphia offers Deed Fraud Guard to help property owners monitor land records. It does not prevent fraud by itself, but it can alert you when a document is recorded using monitored names.
Use Fraud Guard
Sign up to monitor your name, spouse name, trust name, LLC name, and common spelling variations.
Report suspected fraud
Contact Department of Records at (215) 686-2290 or records.info@phila.gov, or visit Room 154 during public hours.
Micro step-by-step: Sign up for deed fraud monitoring
- Write down every name version connected to your property: full name, initials, spouse, trust, estate, business or LLC.
- Open the City’s deed fraud protection page.
- Follow the Deed Fraud Guard sign-up process.
- Register names you want monitored.
- Watch email alerts for new recordings using monitored names.
- If an alert looks suspicious, contact Department of Records immediately.
Fix These Before You Think the Philadelphia Record Is Missing
| Problem | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| No property search result | Address entered with too much punctuation, unit detail or old formatting. | Use street number + street name only, then try Atlas or OPA number. |
| Owner looks outdated | Assessment and deed records can update at different times. | Check the recorded deed through Department of Records. |
| Tax balance seems wrong | You may be looking at assessment value, not Revenue balance. | Use Philadelphia Tax Center’s “Search for a property” under the Property panel. |
| Deed copy request delayed | Wrong room, missing address, missing envelope, unknown page count, or wrong payment. | Call (215) 686-2292 or email deedcopy.info@phila.gov before mailing. |
| Recording rejected | Missing grantee/mortgagee address, mismatched consideration, missing transfer tax forms or wrong checks. | Review recording instructions and confirm requirements before the appointment. |
| Boundary confusion | Atlas map used like a survey. | Use recorded deeds, plot plans and a survey/title professional for legal boundary decisions. |
Map to Philadelphia City Hall — Department of Records
Use this for Department of Records visits. For assessment appeals or OPA questions, check the Walnut Street offices. For tax payments, use Tax Center or Revenue payment instructions first.
Bring this
OPA number, property address, document type, deed reference if known, page count if known, photo ID if needed, and payment method.
Do not bring only this
A Zillow screenshot, vague block name or “the rowhome near Broad Street” will slow the search. Bring the OPA number or exact address.
Philadelphia Property Records Tips That Save Time
Use these before buying, refinancing, checking a lien, appealing an assessment, requesting a deed copy, or helping a family member protect a home.
Get the OPA number early
It works across property search, tax balance checks and Atlas. It is cleaner than address-only searching.
Use Atlas when addresses are messy
Philadelphia addresses can have hyphens, old parcel patterns and unit issues. Atlas can help confirm the correct property.
Use Room 154 for copies
Deed copy help and reading-room help are tied to Room 154, not the recording counter.
Schedule recording first
In-person document recording requires an appointment. Email before going to City Hall with a deed.
Appeal before October deadline
If the assessment looks wrong, prepare evidence early. BRT deadlines are strict.
Sign up for Fraud Guard
It is a simple way to monitor deed and mortgage recordings connected to your name.
Philadelphia Property Records Search FAQs
QHow do I search Philadelphia property records for free?▾
Use the City’s Property Search website to search by address, city block or OPA/BRT account number. It can show assessed value, building description, square footage, sales history and possible tax savings information.
QWhat is an OPA number?▾
An OPA number is the property account identifier used by Philadelphia’s Office of Property Assessment. It is helpful for Property Search, Atlas and the Philadelphia Tax Center.
QWhere do I get a Philadelphia deed copy?▾
Use the Department of Records deed copy process. You can visit or mail a request to City Hall, Room 154, 1400 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19107. Call (215) 686-2292 or email deedcopy.info@phila.gov for page-count questions.
QHow much does a Philadelphia deed copy cost?▾
The Department of Records fee schedule lists copies of recorded legal documents at $2 per page and certification at $2 per document. Card payments may have a 3.5% convenience fee.
QHow do I record a deed in Philadelphia?▾
Use the Department of Records recording process. In-person recording is handled at City Hall, Room 111, and requires an appointment by emailing appointments.records@phila.gov. You can also mail the original document with a stamped self-addressed envelope.
QWhen are Philadelphia Real Estate Taxes due?▾
Philadelphia Real Estate Tax is due by March 31 each year. The Department of Revenue usually mails tax bills in December.
QHow do I check my Philadelphia property tax balance?▾
Use the Philadelphia Tax Center and select “Search for a property” under the Property panel. Enter your physical address or 9-digit OPA number, then review the balance and payment options.
QWhat happens if Philadelphia Real Estate Tax is late?▾
If Real Estate Tax is not paid by March 31, additions including interest begin April 1 at 1.5% per month until January 1 of the following year. If still unpaid on January 1, taxes can become delinquent and liens may be filed.
QCan I appeal my Philadelphia property assessment?▾
Yes. If your assessment appears wrong, you can use OPA review options and/or file a formal appeal with the Board of Revision of Taxes. Formal appeals are generally due by the first Monday in October before the tax year being appealed.
QDoes Atlas prove my legal property boundary?▾
No. Atlas is useful for research, but map boundaries should not replace recorded deeds, plot plans or land surveys. For legal boundary disputes, use official recorded documents and professional review.
QHow can I protect against deed fraud in Philadelphia?▾
Sign up for Deed Fraud Guard and monitor all name variations tied to your property. If you suspect fraud, contact the Department of Records at (215) 686-2290 or records.info@phila.gov.
QIs Property-Recordss.org the official Philadelphia property records website?▾
No. Property-Recordss.org is an independent informational guide. Always verify property records, deed copies, tax balances, assessments, appeals and fraud reports through official City of Philadelphia systems.