Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility open? Which wastes are eligible to be dropped off? Where is it?

The City of Lawrence/Douglas County Household Hazardous Waste program is open for Douglas County residents to drop-off household hazardous waste, or visit the product reuse area. The facility is located at 2201 Kresge Road in Lawrence, and is open Tuesday through Thursday, by...

When is water skiing allowed on Lone Star Lake?

Water skiing is only allowed at Lone Star Lake on dates approved by the Board of County Commissioners. The dates approved for this calendar year can be found on the Lone Star Lake Skiing Dates page.

When is Wells Overlook park open?

The park opens at 6:00 a.m. and closes at 10:00 p.m. The Wells Overlook park was donated in 1971 by William H. Wells in memory of William D. Wells and Charles W. Wells.

Where do I buy a Douglas County ownership map?

Ownership maps are available at the Engineering Division office at the Public Works Department, 3755 East 25th Street, Lawrence, KS 66046.

Please call the Public Works Department by telephone at 785-832-5293 to get one printed. The fee for a large ownership map is $23.00 with tax. 

Where do I buy a Douglas County road map?

Road maps are available at the Engineering Division office at the Public Works Department, 3755 East 25th Street, Lawrence, KS 66046.

Printed road maps are $5.00/each plus tax. 

If you have any questions, you may call the Public Works Department by telephone at 785-832-5293.

Who do I call to report a down/damaged/confusing road sign?

If the immediate safety of traffic is at risk due to a missing traffic control sign, i.e. a STOP sign, then you should contact the appropriate law enforcement agency by dialing 911. Other rural sign problems concerning down or damaged signs should be reported by using this form.

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Who is in charge of maintaining the road in front of my house?

There are several agencies located within Douglas County with rural roadway maintenance responsibilities. State and Federal highways are maintained by the Kansas Department of Transportation. Other major rural routes are maintained by the Douglas County Public Works Department. Local rural roads...

Who is responsible for Noxious Weed control on township roads?

The governing body of each township is responsible for the treatment of all Noxious weeds on right-of-ways and properties supervised by them.

Can I make out my own deed?

It is vital that deeds are prepared accurately. You can draw up your own deed but, to prevent mistakes that could be costly, we always recommend that you retain an attorney or title company to help ensure that the deed is prepared correctly. Our staff does not prepare deeds nor are we qualified...

Can I record documents with the Douglas County Register of Deeds if the property referred to is not located in the county?

No. At least a portion of any property referred to in the document has to be located in Douglas County, Kansas.

Do you do genealogy research?

While the Register of Deeds office does not directly provide this service, the public is welcome to research our records.

Does Douglas County accept documents for E-Record?

Yes. Douglas County will accept e-record documents from the following vendors:

Simplifile –http://www.simplifile.com

Mobilis –www.icounty.com

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Does the document need to be an original or can I record a copy?


Documents must be an original. The only exceptions are certified copies from the courts.

Have we been around long?

In America, property ownership is almost taken for granted. But remember, there are countries where owning property is not the norm. The office was often created even before a state became an official part of the United States. The records retained in the Douglas County Register of Deeds office...

How can I re-file a document?

Documents can be submitted for re-recording in one of two ways:

  • We will accept the original document for re-recording with new signatures of (the original) signers and a new notary acknowledgement for them; or
  • We will accept the original document with an ...

How long will it take for a deed or other document to be returned to me?

Documents are processed immediately upon presentation (excepting some surveys and plats).  Documents that are presented in person will be returned within 5-10 minutes.  Military Discharge papers may require up to an addition 15 minutes to process.  Documents received by...

Is Douglas County approved to accept the one-part Real Estate Sales Validation Questionnaire (SVQ) with deed filings?

YES. We can accept the three-part SVQ form or the one-part form.   For SVQ’s older than Revision 8/12 please provide the instruction page due to clause listed on the instruction page.

What if I lose my deed?

Once recorded, if your deed is lost or misplaced, a copy may be obtained from the Register of Deeds office and certified with an official stamp. There is a fee for the copy and the certification.

Where can I get the legal description for my property?

The legal description can be found on the deed to the property. If you do not have a copy of your deed one can be obtained at the Register of Deeds office.


Please note that the legal description provided on tax statements are not a complete legal description.
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Where can I get the Register of Deeds fee schedule?

You can get the entire fee schedule by visiting the Register of Deeds Fee Schedule, or by visiting the Register of Deeds Office.

Where is the Register of Deeds office located?

The Register of Deeds office is located at:

Douglas County Courthouse

1100 Massachusetts Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66044

Phone: 785-832-5282

Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:...

Who is the Register of Deeds?

The Register of Deeds is a county official elected to a four-year term who ensures that documents are recorded properly and also maintains and preserves those records according to Kansas law. 

Why does the Register of Deeds exist?

This office is responsible for keeping a record of who owns what property. When you sell your property, someone checks our records to make sure that you have clear title to the property. If you are the buyer, someone is doing the same. They will need to know if the property is in your name (Deed...

Will the Register of Deeds do a title search and tell me if I have clear title to my property?


No. Professional title examiners or abstractors search our records as well as other places, such as the courts, to determine if your title is free of encumbrances.
 

How do I contact the Douglas County jail?

The Douglas County Jail is located at:

  • Address: 3601 E. 25th Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66046
  • Phone: 785-830-1000
  • Webpage: https://www.dgso.org