Tulsa County Property Records
What Is Tulsa County Property Records
Tulsa County property records constitute official documentation that chronicles the ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within Tulsa County, Oklahoma. These records serve as the authoritative source for establishing legal ownership of land and structures situated within county boundaries. Property records maintained by Tulsa County fulfill several essential functions in the administration of real estate transactions and property rights.
Property records in Tulsa County establish and document the chain of title, providing conclusive evidence of ownership history from the original land grant to the present owner. These records offer public notice of property interests, allowing interested parties to verify ownership claims and identify potential encumbrances. The Oklahoma Recording Act, codified in Oklahoma Statutes Title 16 § 16-15, mandates the recording of instruments affecting real property to provide constructive notice to the public.
The primary types of property records maintained include:
- Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, special warranty)
- Mortgages and trust deeds
- Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Plat maps and surveys
- Property tax assessment records
The Tulsa County Clerk serves as the official custodian of property records for the county, maintaining a comprehensive system of land records dating back to territorial days. These records provide the foundation for real estate transactions, property taxation, and land use planning throughout the county.
Are Property Records Public Information In Tulsa County?
Property records in Tulsa County are public information, accessible to all citizens pursuant to both state and federal law. The legal framework establishing this public access is primarily found in the Oklahoma Open Records Act, codified in Oklahoma Statutes Title 51 § 24A.1 et seq., which explicitly declares that "all records of public bodies and public officials shall be open to any person for inspection, copying, or mechanical reproduction during regular business hours."
The public nature of property records serves several important functions:
- Ensures transparency in land ownership and transfers
- Protects property rights by providing notice of claims and encumbrances
- Facilitates real estate transactions by making ownership information readily available
- Supports property taxation and assessment processes
- Enables research for historical, legal, and planning purposes
Under Oklahoma Statutes Title 16 § 16-15, instruments affecting real property must be recorded with the county clerk to provide constructive notice to the public. This recording requirement establishes the legal foundation for public access to property records. The statute states that "every instrument in writing affecting real estate which is acknowledged and recorded as prescribed by statute shall, from the time of filing, impart notice to all persons of the contents thereof."
Members of the public may access Tulsa County property records without demonstrating any specific interest in the property or providing justification for their request. This open access policy reflects the fundamental principle that property ownership is a matter of public record in the American legal system.
How To Search Property Records in Tulsa County in 2026
Tulsa County offers multiple methods for searching property records. Members of the public may utilize the following procedures to access property information:
In-Person Searches:
- Visit the Tulsa County Clerk's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
- Complete a records request form at the public counter.
- Provide specific property information such as address, legal description, or owner name.
- Staff will assist in locating relevant records in the public access terminals or physical archives.
- Pay applicable copy fees for any documents requested ($1.00 per page for certified copies, $0.25 per page for uncertified copies).
Tulsa County Clerk's Office
500 S. Denver Ave., 2nd Floor
Tulsa, OK 74103
918-596-5800
Tulsa County Clerk
Online Searches:
- Navigate to the Tulsa County Clerk's Land Records Portal.
- Create a free user account if conducting detailed searches.
- Enter search criteria (name, property address, legal description, or document number).
- Review search results and select documents for viewing.
- Download or print documents as needed (fees may apply for certain documents).
Telephone Requests:
- Contact the Tulsa County Clerk's Office at 918-596-5800.
- Provide specific information about the property records being sought.
- Staff can verify availability of records and provide guidance on access methods.
- Note that complete searches typically require in-person visits or online access.
For property assessment and tax information, the Tulsa County Assessor's Office maintains separate records that can be searched by address, owner name, or parcel number.
Pursuant to Oklahoma Statutes Title 19 § 19-286, county clerks are required to maintain indexes of all recorded instruments affecting real property, facilitating efficient searches of property records.
How To Find Property Records in Tulsa County Online?
Tulsa County provides comprehensive online access to property records through several official digital platforms. These resources allow members of the public to conduct thorough property research remotely.
The primary online resource for Tulsa County property records is the Tulsa County Clerk's Land Records Portal, which offers the following search capabilities:
-
Document Search: Access recorded documents by:
- Document number
- Recording date range
- Document type (deed, mortgage, lien, etc.)
- Party name (grantor/grantee)
- Legal description
-
Property Search: Locate properties by:
- Physical address
- Parcel identification number
- Subdivision name and lot/block
- Section, township, and range
To conduct an online search:
- Visit the Tulsa County Clerk's Land Records Portal
- Select the appropriate search method based on available information
- Enter search criteria in the designated fields
- Review search results displayed on screen
- Select specific documents to view, download, or print
The Tulsa County Assessor's Web Portal provides complementary property information, including:
- Current ownership information
- Property valuation and assessment data
- Building characteristics and improvements
- Tax district information
- Sales history and comparable properties
- Property maps and aerial photography
For historical property research, the Tulsa City-County Library Digital Collections offers digitized plat maps, historical property records, and city directories that can assist in tracing property ownership through time.
Users should note that while basic property information is available without charge, accessing certain detailed documents or conducting bulk searches may require payment of statutory fees as established in Oklahoma Statutes Title 28 § 28-32.
How To Look Up Tulsa County Property Records for Free?
Tulsa County provides several no-cost options for accessing basic property records information. These free resources allow members of the public to conduct preliminary research without incurring expenses.
Free Online Resources:
The Tulsa County Assessor's Public Access System offers complimentary access to:
- Current property ownership information
- Property valuation and tax assessment data
- Basic property characteristics (lot size, building square footage, year built)
- Recent sales information
- Property maps and aerial photography
- Neighborhood sales comparisons
To use this free resource:
- Navigate to the Tulsa County Assessor's website
- Select "Property Search" from the main menu
- Search by address, owner name, or parcel number
- Review the property record card information displayed
Tulsa County Assessor's Office
500 S. Denver Ave., 3rd Floor
Tulsa, OK 74103
918-596-5100
Tulsa County Assessor
The Tulsa County Treasurer's Office provides free access to:
- Current tax status
- Tax payment history
- Tax sale information for delinquent properties
Public Library Resources: The Tulsa City-County Library system offers free public computer access to conduct online property searches. Reference librarians can assist patrons with navigating county websites to locate property information at no charge.
Tulsa City-County Library - Central Library
400 Civic Center
Tulsa, OK 74103
918-549-7323
Tulsa City-County Library
While basic property information is available without charge, pursuant to Oklahoma Statutes Title 28 § 28-32, fees apply for certified copies, extensive research assistance, or bulk data requests. The first 15 minutes of staff research assistance is typically provided without charge for in-person visitors to county offices.
What's Included in a Tulsa County Property Record?
Tulsa County property records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents and data pertaining to real property within county boundaries. These records are maintained by multiple county offices, each responsible for specific aspects of property documentation.
Property records in Tulsa County distinguish between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable assets). The Oklahoma Personal Property Reporting Requirements, established under Oklahoma Statutes Title 68 § 68-2835, govern the reporting and assessment of personal property, while real property records fall under different statutory requirements.
A complete Tulsa County property record typically includes:
Ownership Documents:
- Warranty deeds
- Quitclaim deeds
- Special warranty deeds
- Trustee's deeds
- Sheriff's deeds
- Tax deeds
- Transfer-on-death deeds
Financial Encumbrances:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Mechanic's liens
- Tax liens
- Judgment liens
- Lis pendens notices
- Releases and satisfactions
Property Description Documents:
- Legal descriptions
- Plat maps and surveys
- Subdivision declarations
- Condominium declarations
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants
Assessment and Taxation Records:
- Property classification
- Assessed valuation
- Tax rates and districts
- Payment history
- Exemption status
- Special assessments
Additional Information:
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
- Zoning classifications
- Flood zone designations
- Environmental notices
- Historical designations
The Tulsa County Clerk serves as the official recorder of deeds and maintains the primary repository of property ownership documents pursuant to Oklahoma Statutes Title 19 § 19-286. The Tulsa County Assessor maintains property valuation and tax assessment records, while the Tulsa County Treasurer tracks property tax payments and delinquencies.
How Long Does Tulsa County Keep Property Records?
Tulsa County maintains property records in perpetuity for most essential documents related to real property ownership and transfers. This permanent retention policy ensures the continuous chain of title necessary for property rights protection and transaction security.
The retention of property records in Tulsa County is governed by the Oklahoma Archives and Records Commission, which establishes retention schedules for county governments under the authority of Oklahoma Statutes Title 67 § 67-305. These schedules mandate specific retention periods for various categories of property records.
Permanent Retention Records:
- Deeds and conveyances
- Mortgages and releases
- Plat maps and surveys
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants
- Condominium declarations
- Official property indexes
Long-Term Retention Records (25+ years):
- Tax assessment rolls
- Special assessment records
- Annexation records
- Zoning change documentation
- Building permits for significant structures
Medium-Term Retention Records (7-15 years):
- Property tax payment records
- Routine building permits
- Temporary easements
- Certain lien records after satisfaction
Short-Term Retention Records (3-5 years):
- Routine correspondence regarding property
- Preliminary property research notes
- Temporary property use agreements
The Tulsa County Clerk has implemented digital preservation systems to ensure the long-term accessibility of historical property records. Original documents dating to territorial days have been digitized and preserved in multiple secure formats. This digitization initiative complies with Oklahoma Statutes Title 67 § 67-305, which authorizes electronic recordkeeping systems for permanent records.
For historical research purposes, property records dating to the establishment of Tulsa County in 1907 are available through both the County Clerk's office and the Oklahoma Historical Society. Pre-statehood records may be accessed through the Oklahoma Historical Society's research division.
How To Find Liens on Property In Tulsa County?
Liens on property in Tulsa County can be identified through systematic searches of official county records. These encumbrances represent legal claims against property that must be satisfied before clear title can be transferred.
To conduct a comprehensive lien search in Tulsa County, members of the public may utilize the following methods:
County Clerk's Office Search:
- Visit the Tulsa County Clerk's Office or access their online records portal
- Search by property owner name, property address, or legal description
- Review the following lien categories:
- Mortgage liens
- Mechanic's and materialmen's liens
- Judgment liens
- Federal and state tax liens
- Municipal utility liens
- Homeowners association liens
- Request certified copies of any identified liens for legal purposes
Tulsa County Clerk's Office
500 S. Denver Ave., 2nd Floor
Tulsa, OK 74103
918-596-5800
Tulsa County Clerk
Court Records Search:
- Access the Oklahoma State Courts Network or visit the Tulsa County Courthouse
- Search civil case records by property owner name
- Identify judgments that may have been recorded as liens
- Note case numbers and judgment amounts for further research
Tulsa County District Court
500 S. Denver Ave., 5th Floor
Tulsa, OK 74103
918-596-5000
Tulsa County District Court
Tax Lien Search:
- Contact the Tulsa County Treasurer's Office or visit their website
- Search by property address or parcel number
- Review current tax status and any delinquent tax liens
- Request a tax certificate showing all outstanding tax obligations
Tulsa County Treasurer's Office
500 S. Denver Ave., 3rd Floor
Tulsa, OK 74103
918-596-5071
Tulsa County Treasurer
Federal Tax Lien Search:
- Check the Tulsa County Clerk's records for federal tax liens
- Contact the Internal Revenue Service for verification of any identified liens
- Request payoff information if federal tax liens are discovered
Under Oklahoma Statutes Title 42 § 42-141, liens must be properly recorded with the county clerk to be enforceable against subsequent purchasers. The statute establishes priority of liens based on the date of recording, with certain exceptions for specific lien types.
Professional title companies often provide comprehensive lien search services for a fee, which may be advisable for complex properties or transactions with significant financial implications.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Tulsa County?
The Property Owner Rule in Tulsa County refers to a set of legal principles and regulations governing property ownership rights, responsibilities, and restrictions within the jurisdiction. These rules derive from Oklahoma state law, county ordinances, and judicial precedents that collectively establish the framework for real property ownership.
Under Oklahoma Statutes Title 60 § 60-1, property ownership is defined as "the right of one or more persons to possess and use a thing to the exclusion of others." This fundamental definition establishes the basis for property rights in Tulsa County, which are subject to various limitations and responsibilities.
Key elements of the Property Owner Rule in Tulsa County include:
Ownership Rights:
- Right to possess and occupy property
- Right to use property within legal limitations
- Right to exclude others from the property
- Right to transfer ownership through sale, gift, or inheritance
- Right to mortgage or encumber the property
Ownership Responsibilities:
- Payment of property taxes
- Compliance with zoning regulations and building codes
- Maintenance of property in accordance with health and safety standards
- Adherence to homeowners association covenants where applicable
- Disclosure of property conditions during sales transactions
Ownership Limitations:
- Government's right of eminent domain
- Police power regulations for public welfare
- Environmental protection restrictions
- Historic preservation requirements in designated districts
- Easements and rights-of-way
The Tulsa County Land Use Plan, adopted pursuant to Oklahoma Statutes Title 19 § 19-866.1, establishes additional parameters for property use within unincorporated areas of the county. This comprehensive plan guides development patterns and establishes land use categories that affect property owners' rights to develop or modify their properties.
Property owners in Tulsa County must also comply with the Oklahoma Residential Property Condition Disclosure Act, codified in Oklahoma Statutes Title 60 § 60-831 et seq., which requires sellers to disclose known material defects in residential properties prior to sale.
For properties within incorporated municipalities in Tulsa County, additional municipal ordinances may further define and restrict property rights. The City of Tulsa, for example, maintains its own comprehensive zoning code and building regulations that apply within city limits.