WPCNR BUNKO BULLETIN. From Westchester County Clerk's Office. (Edited) May 3, 2008: Westchester residents are hereby advised that they need not pay up to $60 for a certified copy of a deed to their home, that certified copies are obtainable from the County Clerk's Office for as little as $6.

Westchester County Clerk Timothy C. Idoni warns county residents to beware of a new series of direct mail solicitation letters sent from companies offering to obtain a certified copy of a homeowner’s deed.  Idoni advises homeowners to stay away from companies such as the New York Record Retrieval, Inc. that are charging excessive fees for a certified copy of a deed.   This company is sending out official looking letters to county homeowners advising that “[t]he U.S. Government Federal Citizen Information Center website recommends that property owners should have an official or certified copy of their deed.” The letter states that homeowners can order a copy of their deed for the fee of $59.50 by mailing in or faxing a return form with payment information.

Westchester County Clerk Timothy C. Idoni warns county residents to beware of a new series of direct mail solicitation letters sent from companies offering to obtain a certified copy of a homeowner’s deed.  Idoni advises homeowners to stay away from companies such as the New York Record Retrieval, Inc. that are charging excessive fees for a certified copy of a deed.   This company is sending out official looking letters to county homeowners advising that “[t]he U.S. Government Federal Citizen Information Center website recommends that property owners should have an official or certified copy of their deed.” The letter states that homeowners can order a copy of their deed for the fee of $59.50 by mailing in or faxing a return form with payment information.

 “If you receive a letter from a company asking you to pay an exorbitant fee for a copy of your deed, throw it away!” cautioned Idoni. Homeowners, who want a certified copy of their deed, can easily obtain it from the county clerk’s office for the minimal cost of only $5.00 for up to five pages and $1.00 for each additional page.  “Homeowners are not obligated to pay a non-government agency for a document which is kept on file and properly recorded in our office,” said Idoni. 

The Land Records Division of the County Clerk’s office records all documents pertaining to real property transactions in Westchester County.  Assuring homeowners, Idoni stated, “Once your deed is filed and recorded in our office, it remains valid whether or not you have a certified copy in your possession.” 

For homeowners, there are several options for obtaining a certified copy of a deed.   Visit the Office of the Westchester County Clerk, at 110 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. in White Plains, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. excluding legal holidays to speak with staff in the Land Records Division, who can assist you with your request.  Homeowners who cannot visit the office in person can call 914-995-3094.  “Make sure to have the exact name or names of the property owners and property address available before calling or visiting us,” said Idoni. Requests for certified copies can also be obtained by mail or email at

cc-land@westchestergov.com. Information on obtaining a copy of a deed can be found on the county clerk website at westchesterclerk.com.