Recording refers to the filing for record of a real estate document in the land records office of the county in which the land is located. The documents could be deeds, mortgages, etc.
For example, courts in some states have interpreted relevant statutes to require an immediate recording of the mortgage. In Gulden v. Lucas, the then Court of Chancery of New Jersey noted that an immediate recording means as soon as possible by reasonable methods of dispatching under the circumstances. The court considered delivery methods such as by mail and personal delivery.
[Last updated in April of 2024 by the Wex Definitions Team]