Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

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 happens after I pay off my mortgage?

Once your mortgage is fully satisfied your lender will file a Release of Mortgage with the Register of Deeds. This document removes the lien against your property. You should receive a copy of the recorded Release of Mortgage from your lender. Unlike car titles you will not receive any other…

What is the difference between a “deed” and a “title”?

A deed is simply the document created to transfer ownership of property. Once a deed is recorded with the Register of Deeds and the transfer of ownership is complete, the new owner now “holds title” to that property.

Where can I get a transfer on death deed form?

Douglas County Register of Deeds does not provide blank forms. However, they do provide the service of recording the prepared document for a fee. See the most up to date…

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. You can visit their office at 1100 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, call at (785) 832 5282, or…

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 are taxes due when filing a plat?

This is mandated by the State of Kansas.

K.S.A. 19-1207. Record of plats and index; payment of fee; tax receipt required for recording; calculation and collection of aggregate taxes and assessments, procedure. (b) The register of deeds shall not record any plat, replat,…

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. The Register of Deeds does not perform title searches nor is the staff qualified to tell you if you have clear title. Professional title researchers such as Title Abstractors or Title Companies perform title searches.
 

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

Buyer wants to leave title assignment blank?


No, never deliver or accept a title that is not completely and properly assigned. It is a violation of Kansas law to fail to show complete chain of ownership of the title.

Can I make partial payments?

Partial Payments are not accepted for Motor Vehicle transactions.

Can I register a vehicle even if my name is not on the title?

Yes, HOWEVER, you will need required documents in order to register the vehicle if your name is not on the title.

1. Have the purchaser sign the back of the title where it says Buyer Signature/Purchaser Signature. Print off a TR-212a and have the purchaser sign at…

Do I get my title back, if so when?

Your Kansas title will be mailed to you if there is not a lien against the vehicle. Please allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery. If there is a lien, the title will not be printed until the lien is paid off and a lien release has been submitted with the State of Kansas.

Homestead Act: What is it?

The Homestead Act is a State program designed to refund a portion of the property taxes paid on a Kansas resident's homestead. 

How do I apply?

Information about who may qualify and other general information can be found on an insert that came with 1st Half Douglas County Tax…

How are Real Estate taxes calculated?

  • Multiply the Appraised value by the Assessment Rate percentage for your property: Appraised value X Assessment Rate % = Assessed value
  • Multiply the Assessed value by your Mill Levy and then divide by 1,000 to estimate the property tax you owe:

How can I get my renewal notice?

To reprint a registration renewal, please visit this link and enter the plate number you would like the renewal for:

KS Dept. of Revenue - Print Renewals

How do I apply for a refund?

Once you have signed over the title to someone else the owner (seller) can apply for a refund in the County in which the fees were paid.

The owner will need to bring in the following:

  • License Plate
  • Driver's License / I.D. Card
  • Social…

How do I change my address on Real Estate and Personal Property tax bills?

You can change your address:Online at Change Of Address For Real Estate And Personal Property | Douglas County Kansas for either your real estate or personal property account.  The form will be sent to the appropriate county office…

How do I change the address on my registration?

To change the address, the vehicle owner may:

  • By e-mail to motorvehicles@dgcoks.gov, include the new and old address along with the plate numbers you would like to change the address on.
  • Appear in person at the County…

How do I get a Disabled parking Plate/Placard?

You will need a Certification of Disability for Disabled Parking Placard and/or Plate, form TR-159, completed and signed by a Healing Arts licensed Professional (doctor). Instructions and information concerning obtaining a disabled parking placard and/or plate are on…

How do I get a receipt for my tax payment?

Taxpayers can view, print, and download a copy of their property tax receipt online by searching for their property at the Property Info/Search web application.  Please contact 785-832-5178 for any questions or assistance in locating your tax receipt.

How do I get in line in the virtual waiting room at the Treasurer's offices?