Written by Joe Gentile | 29 November 2011

The DC Office of the Recorder of Deeds has taken steps to simplify its fee structure, which will make it much easier for title companies and homebuyers to estimate recording fees.

Effective January 1, 2012, the Office of the Recorder of Deeds has changed the fee structure for recording documents and obtaining copies of documents.
This is a welcomed change as it will remove the confusion and uncertainty of recording fees in the District of Columbia.

Currently, recording fees are based on the number of pages that are submitted for recording.  For example, the cost of recording a Deed is as follows:

• First two (2) pages = $20.00
• Each additional page = $7.00
• Plus a $6.50 surcharge

Since a Deed is typically two pages, the typical cost for recording a deed in DC is $26.50.  However, depending on who prepared the Deed and how it was prepared, a Deed could be significantly longer.

A great deal of uncertainty typically arose when recording a Deed of Trust.  The cost of recording is calculated in the same manner:

• First two (2) pages = $20.00
• Each additional page = $7.00
• Plus a $6.50 surcharge

While a standard Deed of Trust is typically 15 pages, making the cost of recording $117.50, a Deed of Trust can be significantly longer depending on the riders and attachments.  

For example, an adjustable mortgage for a condominium unit that is being rented could easily be 27 pages, making the Deed of Trust recording fee $201.50.

The problem is that until the final closing documents are issued by the lender, there is no way for the title company to know how many pages need to be recorded.  Consequently, recording estimates from title companies often ranged considerably.  

The DC office of Tax and Revenue lists Recorder of Deeds fee charges on its website.

The office of the Recorder of Deeds has made a positive move to resolve this ambiguity.  As of January 1, 2012, the cost for the recording of a deed will be $31.50 ($25.00 for the Deed plus a $6.50 surcharge), while the cost for recordation of any and all deeds of trust, regardless of the number of pages, will be $156.50 ($150 for the Deed of Trust plus a $6.50 surcharge).  

Consequently, for a purchase transaction taking place after January 1, 2012, the typical recording fee (Line 1201 on the HUD-1) for a purchaser obtaining a mortgage will be $188.00.

The DC office of Tax and Revenue has a complete breakdown of the fees on its website.