Clark County Public Records /Clark County Property Records

Clark County Property Records

How To Search Property Records in Clark County in 2026

ClarkKYRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Clark County, Kentucky. Members of the public may find ownership history, deed transfers, tax assessments, recorded liens, and related real property documents through this resource. Record categories available for research include deeds and conveyances, mortgage and lien filings, property tax records, plat maps, and assessment data. Information presented reflects what is available through official public sources and may not capture every transaction or document on file.

Property records in Clark County may be searched through several official channels, including the Clark County Property Valuation Administrator (PVA), the Clark County Clerk's office, and the Kentucky Department of Revenue. Each office maintains distinct record types, and requesters are encouraged to identify the specific document or information needed before initiating a search.

Official Resources for Searching Clark County Property Records:

Resource	Record Type	Access Method
Clark County PVA	Assessments, ownership, characteristics	Online, in-person
Clark County Clerk	Deeds, mortgages, liens, recorded instruments	Online, in-person, mail
Kentucky Department of Revenue	Statewide tax data, exemptions	Online
Clark County GIS	Mapping, parcel boundaries, zoning	Online

Multiple Access Methods:

Online searches — The most convenient option; available through the PVA and Clerk portals at no cost for basic information
In-person visits — Required for certified copies and access to older records not yet digitized
By mail — Written requests submitted to the Clark County Clerk with applicable fees and identifying information
Through professionals — Title companies, real estate attorneys, and licensed appraisers conduct comprehensive searches as part of transactions

1. Property Appraiser Website

The Clark County Property Valuation Administrator serves as the primary resource for property assessment information. Public access is free and no registration is required.

Search Options:

By property address
By owner name
By parcel ID number
By subdivision or neighborhood
By map or GIS location
By legal description

Information Available:

Current owner name and mailing address
Property site address and legal description
Parcel identification number
Land use and zoning classification
Property characteristics: square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, year built, lot size, and building type
Assessed value (land and improvements separately)
Taxable value and exemptions applied
Sales history
GIS map location and property card

How to Search:

Navigate to the Clark County PVA website
Select the preferred search type (address, owner name, or parcel number)
Enter the search criteria in the appropriate field
Review the results list returned
Select the specific property to view the full property card
Review assessment data, sales history, and map location
Print or save the information as needed

2. County Clerk Official Records Search

The Clark County Clerk maintains the official records index for all recorded instruments affecting real property. Basic search access is free; document image retrieval may involve a per-page fee.

Searchable By:

Grantor name (seller or transferring party)
Grantee name (buyer or receiving party)
Document type
Recording date range
Book and page number or instrument number

Documents Available:

Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
Mortgages and deeds of trust
Mortgage satisfactions and releases
Mechanic's liens, judgment liens, and tax liens
Easements and declarations of restrictions
Plats and surveys
Powers of attorney affecting property
Lis pendens filings
HOA-related recorded documents

How to Search:

Visit the Clark County Clerk's official records portal
Select the search type (grantor, grantee, document type, or date range)
Enter the applicable search criteria
Review the results list
Select a document to view the image, if available online
Note the book and page or instrument number for reference
Request certified copies if needed, subject to applicable fees

3. Tax Collector / Sheriff's Office

In Kentucky, property tax collection is administered through the Clark County Sheriff's Office for current-year bills and the Clark County Clerk for delinquent taxes.

Search By:

Property address
Owner name
Parcel or tax account number

Information Available:

Current tax bill amount
Payment history and outstanding balances
Exemptions applied
Millage rates by taxing district
Delinquent tax certificate information
Payment options and installment plan status

4. GIS / Mapping System

The Clark County GIS system provides an interactive visual interface for property research.

How to Use:

Navigate the interactive map to the subject property's location
Click on a parcel to view linked property information
Access parcel boundaries, zoning layers, flood zone designations, and aerial photography
Measure distances and view multiple data layers simultaneously
Follow links to the PVA record for the selected parcel

In-Person Searches:

Clark County Property Valuation Administrator
34 South Main Street
Winchester, KY 40391
Phone: (859) 745-0250
Clark County PVA

Services available in person include public access computers, staff assistance, property cards, plat maps, and exemption application processing.

Clark County Clerk
34 South Main Street
Winchester, KY 40391
Phone: (859) 745-0280
Clark County Clerk

Services available in person include viewing official recorded documents, requesting certified copies, searching grantor/grantee indexes, accessing record books, and receiving staff assistance with document retrieval.

Clark County Sheriff's Office (Tax Collection)
17 Cleveland Avenue
Winchester, KY 40391
Phone: (859) 744-4390
Clark County Sheriff

Services include tax payment processing, copies of tax bills, delinquency information, and tax certificate searches.

By Mail Requests:

Property Valuation Administrator — Mail Requests:

Address written requests to: Clark County PVA, 34 South Main Street, Winchester, KY 40391
Include the property address or parcel number
Include a self-addressed stamped return envelope
Copying fees may apply per page

Clark County Clerk — Mail Requests:

Address written requests to: Clark County Clerk, 34 South Main Street, Winchester, KY 40391
Specify the document by book and page, instrument number, or property address with approximate date range
Include payment for applicable copy fees
Certified copies are available upon request with the appropriate fee

Through Professionals:

Title companies conduct comprehensive title searches and issue abstracts of title and title insurance commitments identifying all recorded interests. Real estate attorneys provide legal title opinions and assist with complex ownership disputes. 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, try variations with and without directional prefixes (N, S, E, W) and check spelling alternatives
When searching by owner name, try last name first, check variations with and without middle initials, and consider both married and maiden names as well as business entity names
When searching by legal description, use the exact language from the deed, including subdivision name, lot and block numbers, and section, township, and range where applicable
For historical records not yet digitized, an in-person visit to the Clerk's office is required; staff can assist with retrieval from books or microfilm

Common Search Challenges:

Very recent transactions may not yet appear online due to recording processing delays
Very old records may not be digitized and require in-person access
Common names or similar addresses may return multiple results; verify by parcel number or legal description
Unrecorded documents, private agreements, and documents filed under seal are not accessible through public records searches

What Is Clark County Property Records

Property records in Clark County are official documents related to real property — land and any structures affixed to it — maintained by county government offices as permanent legal records of ownership, transfers, and encumbrances. These records establish the chain of title, document all interests affecting a parcel, and provide the legal foundation for real estate transactions, tax assessment, and property rights enforcement. Under Kentucky Revised Statutes § 382.110, all instruments conveying or affecting title to real property must be recorded with the county clerk to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and creditors.

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 documents affecting property

Encumbrance Records:

Mortgages and deeds of trust
Tax liens, mechanic's liens, and judgment liens
Easements, restrictions, and covenants
Homeowner association documents
Lis pendens filings

Tax and Assessment Records:

Property tax assessments and tax bills
Payment history and exemption records
Millage rates and special assessments
Tax delinquency records

Legal Descriptions:

Plat maps and subdivision plats
Surveys and metes and bounds descriptions
Lot and block information
Condominium declarations

Building and Permit Records:

Building permits and certificates of occupancy
Code violations and zoning information
Land use designations

Who Maintains Property Records:

Clark County Property Valuation Administrator
34 South Main Street
Winchester, KY 40391
Phone: (859) 745-0250
Clark County PVA

The PVA maintains property valuations, assessment records, property characteristics, ownership information, and exemption applications.

Clark County Clerk
34 South Main Street
Winchester, KY 40391
Phone: (859) 745-0280
Clark County Clerk

The Clerk records and indexes all official instruments affecting title, maintains permanent records of deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and other recorded documents, and provides public access to those records.

Clark County Sheriff's Office
17 Cleveland Avenue
Winchester, KY 40391
Phone: (859) 744-4390
Clark County Sheriff

The Sheriff's office administers current-year property tax collection, maintains tax bills and payment records, and processes delinquent tax information.

Clark County Planning and Zoning
34 South Main Street
Winchester, KY 40391
Phone: (859) 745-0250
Clark County Government

The Planning and Zoning office maintains permits, inspection records, zoning classifications, and code enforcement records.

Legal Framework:

Kentucky's property recording system operates under KRS § 382.110, which establishes the requirement that conveyances of real property be recorded with the county clerk. The statute provides that unrecorded instruments are void as against subsequent purchasers for valuable consideration without notice. This constructive notice principle — the foundation of the public recording system — ensures that any person may inspect the public record to determine the status of title to any parcel in the county.

Are Property Records Public Information in Clark County?

Property records in Clark County are public information. Kentucky's Open Records Act, codified at KRS § 61.870 et seq., guarantees public access to records maintained by government agencies, including property records held by the County Clerk, PVA, and Sheriff's office. No special permission, stated purpose, or residency requirement is necessary to access these records. As the Kentucky Attorney General has noted in numerous open records decisions, "the public's right of access to public records is the rule, and exemptions from disclosure are the exception."

Why Property Records Are Public:

The public nature of property records serves multiple essential functions:

Transparency — Public access to ownership information prevents secret transfers, enables accountability in property taxation, and deters fraud
Commercial necessity — Real estate transactions, title insurance, mortgage lending, and property appraisal all depend on a publicly accessible recording system
Legal protection — The recording system establishes priority of interests, provides constructive notice, and enables enforcement of property rights
Public interest — Tax assessment transparency, community planning, historical research, and journalistic investigation all rely on open property records

What Property Information Is Freely Accessible:

Current and historical property ownership
Legal descriptions and parcel identification numbers
Sale prices and transfer amounts
Recorded mortgage amounts and lender names
Liens and encumbrances of record
Tax assessments and payment history
Property characteristics (size, age, construction type)
Deeds and all other recorded instruments
Plat maps and surveys

Privacy Considerations:

While property records are public, certain personal information within those records receives protection under Kentucky law. Social Security numbers and financial account numbers are redacted from 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 state programs. Homestead exemption applications may contain financial information that is not fully subject to public disclosure; the PVA office can provide guidance on its specific policies.

Who Can Access Property Records:

Any member of the public may access Clark County property records regardless of residency, ownership status, or stated purpose. Common users include prospective buyers, real estate agents and brokers, title companies, lenders, appraisers, attorneys, property investors, genealogists, historians, and journalists. Commercial aggregation of public property records — by companies such as CoreLogic or First American — is legally permissible, though anti-harassment laws and fair housing statutes continue to apply to any use of the information obtained.

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

The cost to obtain Clark County property records depends on the type of record requested and the office providing it. Viewing records online through the PVA or Clerk's portal is free of charge for basic information. Fees apply when requesting physical copies, certified documents, or document images from the Clerk's official records system.

Clark County Clerk — Current Fee Schedule:

Service	Fee
Copy of recorded document (per page)	$0.50 per page
Certified copy of recorded document	$5.00 for first page + $0.50 per additional page
Recording a deed or mortgage	$33.00 for first page + $3.00 per additional page
Plat recording	Varies by size
Online document image viewing	Free (basic search); per-image fees may apply for downloads

Property Valuation Administrator:

Online property information access: Free
Printed property cards or assessment data: Nominal copying fee (typically $0.10–$0.25 per page)
No fee is charged for inspecting records in person

Tax Records (Sheriff's Office):

Online tax bill lookup: Free
Printed copies of tax bills: Nominal fee per page

Fee Waivers: Kentucky law does not provide a blanket fee waiver for public records requests, but agencies may waive fees at their discretion for requests that serve a demonstrable public benefit. Indigent requesters may inquire directly with the relevant office regarding fee reduction.

Accepted Payment Methods:

Cash (in-person)
Check or money order payable to the Clark County Clerk (mail requests)
Credit or debit card (accepted at most offices; confirm availability by phone)

Inspection of public records — viewing documents without requesting copies — is available at no charge pursuant to KRS § 61.874, which governs the fees public agencies may charge for records access.

What's Included in a Clark County Property Record?

A complete Clark County property record draws from multiple official sources and encompasses ownership, physical characteristics, valuation, tax, sales history, and encumbrance information.

Ownership Information:

Current ownership data includes the legal owner's name or names, 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. Previous ownership information — including chain of title, prior owners' names, transfer dates, and historical deed references — is also part of the permanent record.

Property Identification:

Each parcel is identified by a site address, mailing address if different, legal description (lot and block number, subdivision name, plat book and page reference, and section, township, and range where applicable), and a unique parcel identification number assigned by the PVA.

Physical Characteristics:

Land information includes lot size in square feet or acres, lot dimensions, frontage, depth, corner lot designation, and land use and zoning classification. 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, porches, fireplaces, and HVAC systems. Water source (city or well) and sewer system type (city or septic) are also recorded.

Valuation Information:

Assessment records include land value, building value, total assessed value, market value, and taxable value. Historical assessed values for prior years are maintained and accessible through the PVA. Agricultural classification data is included where applicable.

Tax Information:

Current-year tax records include the total tax amount due, exemptions applied, taxable value after exemptions, millage rate, and a breakdown by taxing authority (county general fund, school district, city or municipality, and special districts). Tax payment history, delinquency records, and installment plan status are also part of the record.

Exemptions Applied:

Homestead exemption (Kentucky provides a homestead exemption for qualifying owner-occupants age 65 or older or totally disabled; the exempt amount is adjusted periodically by the Kentucky Department of Revenue)
Disability exemption
Agricultural use exemption
Conservation exemption

Sales History:

Sales history includes transfer dates, sale prices, deed types (warranty, quitclaim, gift, inheritance, foreclosure, tax deed, or divorce transfer), deed document numbers, grantor and grantee names, and qualified or unqualified sale designations.

Encumbrances and Liens:

Recorded mortgages, including lender names, recording dates, book and page references, and original mortgage amounts, are part of the official record. Liens — including federal and state tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, HOA liens, and code enforcement liens — are indexed by the Clerk and accessible through the official records search. Easements, restrictions, covenants, life estates, and lis pendens filings are also recorded and searchable.

Legal and Regulatory Information:

Zoning classification, land use code, future land use designation, special district assignments (school, fire, water, and other taxing districts), deed restrictions, subdivision covenants, HOA information, and FEMA flood zone designation are all components of a comprehensive property record.

Maps and Images:

Property records include exterior photographs, aerial imagery, GIS maps with parcel boundaries, plat maps, and property sketches or floor plans where available.

What Is Not Typically in Public Property Records:

Current outstanding mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
Personal financial information beyond what appears in recorded documents
Interior photographs
Social Security numbers (redacted)
Private agreements not submitted for recording
Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
Documents filed under seal

How Long Does Clark County Keep Property Records?

Property records in Clark County are maintained permanently. The legal requirement to preserve recorded instruments affecting title to real property is established under Kentucky law, and no recorded deed, mortgage, lien, plat, or other instrument affecting title is subject to destruction. As the Kentucky Secretary of State's office has stated in its records retention guidance, "instruments recorded in the office of the county clerk affecting title to real property are permanent records of the Commonwealth."

Legal Basis for Permanent Retention:

Kentucky's recording statutes require the County Clerk to maintain a permanent index of all recorded instruments. The state's records retention schedule, administered by the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives, classifies recorded property instruments as permanent records not subject to routine destruction. This permanent retention requirement ensures that the chain of title for every parcel in Clark County remains intact and accessible regardless of how much time has passed since the original recording.

Records Kept Permanently:

All recorded deeds — including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, trustee's deeds, and all other conveyance instruments — are maintained permanently, dating back to Clark County's formation in 1793. All recorded mortgages, satisfactions, releases, modifications, and assignments are permanent records. All recorded liens, releases of liens, plats, surveys, subdivision declarations, easements, restrictions, covenants, and court documents affecting title are likewise preserved indefinitely.

Format and Storage:

Historical records from the county's earliest years are preserved in handwritten ledger books. Mid-twentieth century records exist on microfilm. More recent records are maintained as digital scans in an electronic document management system with off-site backup and disaster recovery protocols. The Clark County Clerk's office continues digitization efforts to make older records accessible online.

Access to Historical Records:

Records from approximately the last 20 to 40 years are accessible online through the Clerk's portal. Older records are available in person at the courthouse in microfilm or original book format. Staff can retrieve records from storage; advance notice may be helpful for very old materials. The same public access rights and fee schedule apply to historical records as to current ones.

Property Appraiser Assessment Records:

The PVA maintains current and historical assessment records permanently. Assessment rolls and property cards are permanent records. Exemption applications are retained for a minimum of five to seven years, with permanent records maintained for the underlying parcel data.

Tax Records:

The Sheriff's office retains tax payment records for a minimum of seven to ten years. Tax deed records — resulting from delinquent tax sales — are permanent records maintained by the Clerk. Tax certificate records are retained until redeemed or until a tax deed is issued.

Chain of Title:

The unbroken chain of title for Clark County parcels extends back to the county's original land grants and territorial period. Title searches conducted in connection with real estate transactions review the chain of title for a minimum of 30 to 60 years, though a full abstract may trace ownership back to the original grant. Gaps in the chain of title create title defects that must be resolved before clear title can be conveyed.

Contact for Historical Records:

Clark County Clerk — Records and Archives
34 South Main Street
Winchester, KY 40391
Phone: (859) 745-0280
Clark County Clerk

Clark County Property Valuation Administrator
34 South Main Street
Winchester, KY 40391
Phone: (859) 745-0250
Clark County PVA

How To Find Liens on Property in Clark County?

A lien is a legal claim recorded against a property that must be satisfied before clear title can be transferred. Members of the public may search for liens on Clark County property through the Clark County Clerk's official records index, which is the authoritative source for all recorded instruments affecting title.

Types of Liens Recorded in Clark County:

Mortgage liens — Recorded by lenders at the time of loan origination
Federal tax liens — Filed by the IRS against taxpayers with unpaid federal tax obligations; searchable through the Clerk's index
State tax liens — Filed by the Kentucky Department of Revenue for unpaid state taxes
Judgment liens — Arising from court judgments; recorded in the county where the debtor owns property
Mechanic's liens — Filed by contractors, subcontractors, or material suppliers for unpaid construction work
HOA liens — Filed by homeowner associations for unpaid assessments
Code enforcement liens — Filed by local government for unresolved code violations
Child support liens — Recorded against property of obligors with unpaid support obligations

Steps to Search for Liens:

Access the Clark County Clerk's official records search portal at the Clark County Clerk website
Select the grantor/grantee index search option
Enter the property owner's name as the grantor to identify any instruments recorded against that individual
Filter results by document type to isolate liens, judgments, and encumbrances
Review each result for recording date, lien amount, and lienholder identity
Note the book and page or instrument number for any lien identified
Request a copy of the lien document for full details, including the legal description of the affected property

Additional Lien Search Resources:

Federal tax liens may also be verified through the IRS's online lien search tools or by contacting the IRS directly
Judgment liens arising from federal court proceedings are searchable through the PACER federal court records system
UCC financing statements — which may affect personal property associated with a parcel — are searchable through the Kentucky Secretary of State UCC database

In-Person Lien Search:

Clark County Clerk
34 South Main Street
Winchester, KY 40391
Phone: (859) 745-0280
Clark County Clerk

Staff at the Clerk's office can assist with lien searches, retrieve document images, and provide certified copies of recorded lien instruments. Title companies and real estate attorneys conduct comprehensive lien searches as part of the title examination process and are equipped to identify all recorded encumbrances affecting a specific parcel.

What Is Property Owner Rule in Clark County?

The property owner rule in Clark County refers to the body of Kentucky law and local regulations governing who may own real property, how ownership is established and transferred, and what rights and obligations attach to property ownership. Under Kentucky law, any individual, business entity, trust, or governmental body with legal capacity may hold title to real property in Clark County.

Establishing Ownership:

Ownership of real property in Clark County is established by a recorded deed. Pursuant to KRS § 382.110, a deed must be acknowledged before a notary public or other authorized officer and recorded with the Clark County Clerk to be effective against subsequent purchasers and creditors. An unrecorded deed is valid between the parties to the transaction but does not provide constructive notice to third parties.

Forms of Ownership Recognized in Kentucky:

Sole ownership — Title held by a single individual or entity
Joint tenancy with right of survivorship — Two or more owners hold equal shares; upon the death of one owner, the surviving owner or owners automatically acquire the deceased owner's interest
Tenancy in common — Two or more owners hold undivided interests that may be unequal; each owner's interest passes through their estate upon death rather than to the co-owners
Tenancy by the entirety — A form of joint ownership available only to legally married spouses in Kentucky, providing survivorship rights and protection from individual creditors of either spouse
Trust ownership — Title held by a trustee for the benefit of named beneficiaries
Entity ownership — Title held by an LLC, corporation, partnership, or other legal entity

Transfer of Ownership:

Property in Clark County may be transferred by deed during the owner's lifetime or by will or intestate succession upon death. Kentucky imposes a deed transfer tax, currently set at $0.50 per $500 of consideration (or fraction thereof) under KRS § 142.050, payable at the time of recording. Transfers between spouses, transfers to or from governmental entities, and certain other transactions are exempt from the transfer tax.

Property Owner Rights and Obligations:

Property owners in Clark County hold the right to use, lease, encumber, and transfer their property subject to applicable zoning regulations, deed restrictions, and state and local law. Owners are obligated to pay annual property taxes assessed by the PVA and collected by the Sheriff's office. Failure to pay property taxes may result in the filing of a tax lien and, ultimately, a tax sale conducted pursuant to Kentucky's delinquent tax statutes.

Adverse Possession:

Kentucky law recognizes adverse possession as a means by which a person who openly, continuously, exclusively, and hostilely occupies another's property for a period of 15 years may acquire legal title. Claims of adverse possession must be established through a court proceeding, and any resulting judgment must be recorded with the Clark County Clerk to affect the chain of title.

Eminent Domain:

The Clark County government and the Commonwealth of Kentucky retain the power of eminent domain — the authority to acquire private property for public use upon payment of just compensation. Any taking of private property through eminent domain proceedings results in recorded instruments that become part of the permanent property record for the affected parcel.

Clark County Planning and Zoning
34 South Main Street
Winchester, KY 40391
Phone: (859) 745-0250
Clark County Government

Kentucky Department of Revenue — Property Tax Division
501 High Street
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: (502) 564-4581
Kentucky Department of Revenue