Woodford County Public Records /Woodford County Property Records

Woodford County Property Records

How To Search Property Records in Woodford County in 2026

WoodfordRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Woodford County, Kentucky. Members of the public may find ownership history, recorded deeds, tax assessments, mortgage documents, liens, plat maps, and related encumbrances. Record categories include:

Deeds and conveyance documents
Mortgage and lien records
Property tax assessments and payment history
Plats, surveys, and legal descriptions
Building permits and zoning information

Property records in Woodford County may be searched through several official channels. The Woodford County Clerk's Office serves as the primary repository for recorded instruments, while the Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) maintains assessment and ownership data. Members of the public may access records online, in person, by mail, or through licensed professionals such as title companies and real estate attorneys.

Multiple Access Methods:

Online searches — The most convenient option; available at no cost through official county portals
In-person visits — Required for certified copies and access to older, non-digitized records
By mail — Written requests submitted with applicable fees and identifying information
Through professionals — Title companies, real estate attorneys, and abstractors provide comprehensive searches

Online Search Methods:

1. Woodford County Clerk's Office — Official Records Search

The Woodford County Clerk's Office maintains the official index of recorded instruments affecting real property. Members of the public may access the online records portal to search recorded documents at no charge for basic searches.

Searchable By:

Grantor name (seller or transferor)
Grantee name (buyer or transferee)
Document type
Recording date range
Book and page number or instrument number

Documents Available:

Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
Mortgages and deeds of trust
Mortgage satisfactions and releases
Judgment liens and mechanic's liens
Easements and restrictive covenants
Plats and subdivision documents
Lis pendens notices
Powers of attorney affecting real property

How to Search:

Navigate to the Woodford County Clerk's online records search
Select the preferred search type (grantor, grantee, document type, or date range)
Enter the search criteria in the appropriate fields
Review the results list returned by the system
Select a specific record to view document details
Note the instrument number, book, and page for future reference
Download or print available document images

2. Woodford County Property Valuation Administrator (PVA)

The Property Valuation Administrator maintains assessment records, ownership information, and property characteristics for all parcels in the county. Under Kentucky Revised Statutes § 132.220, the PVA is required to assess all real property annually at fair cash value.

Search Options:

By property address
By owner name
By parcel identification number
By map and GIS location

Information Available:

Current owner name and mailing address
Property site address and legal description
Parcel identification number
Land use and zoning classification
Lot size and acreage
Building characteristics (square footage, year built, construction type)
Assessed value (land and improvements)
Taxable value and applicable exemptions
Sales history
GIS map location and aerial imagery

How to Search:

Visit the Woodford County PVA website
Select the property search function
Enter the owner name, address, or parcel number
Review the results and select the appropriate parcel
View the full property card, including assessment history and sales data
Access linked GIS maps and aerial photographs

3. Kentucky Department of Revenue — Property Tax Information

Tax assessment and payment records are maintained in coordination with the Kentucky Department of Revenue. Members of the public may reference the Kentucky Department of Revenue property tax resources for statewide guidance on assessment procedures, exemption eligibility, and millage rates.

Information Available:

Current tax bill amounts
Payment history and outstanding balances
Exemptions applied (homestead, disability, veteran)
Millage rates by taxing district
Delinquent tax information

4. GIS / Mapping System

Woodford County provides geographic information system (GIS) mapping tools that allow members of the public to visually identify property boundaries, zoning designations, flood zones, and adjacent parcels.

How to Use:

Navigate the interactive map to the subject property location
Click on a parcel to retrieve linked property information
View zoning overlays, flood zone designations, and aerial photography
Measure distances and view multiple data layers simultaneously

In-Person Searches:

Woodford County Clerk's Office
103 S. Main Street
Versailles, KY 40383
Phone: (859) 873-3421
Woodford County Clerk

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Staff members are available to assist with grantor/grantee index searches, retrieval of recorded documents, and access to historical record books and microfilm.

Woodford County Property Valuation Administrator
103 S. Main Street, Suite 2
Versailles, KY 40383
Phone: (859) 873-4101
Woodford County PVA

The PVA office provides public access computers, property cards, maps, plat books, and staff assistance for assessment inquiries and exemption applications.

Woodford County Sheriff's Office — Tax Collection
149 N. Main Street
Versailles, KY 40383
Phone: (859) 873-4444
Woodford County Sheriff

In Kentucky, the county sheriff serves as the primary property tax collector. The Sheriff's Office provides tax payment information, copies of tax bills, and delinquency records.

By Mail Requests:

Woodford County Clerk — Mail Requests
103 S. Main Street
Versailles, KY 40383

Requests submitted by mail must identify the subject property by address, parcel number, or book and page reference. Requestors should include a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for applicable copy fees. Certified copies are available upon written request with the appropriate fee.

Through Professionals:

Title companies conduct comprehensive title searches and issue title insurance commitments identifying all recorded interests in a property. Real estate attorneys provide legal title opinions and assist with complex ownership disputes. Real estate agents may access MLS data for listed properties, comparable sales, and property histories as part of their representation services.

Search Tips:

When searching by owner name, attempt both last-name-first and full-name formats, and consider spelling variations or name changes
When searching by address, try entries with and without directional prefixes (N, S, E, W)
Verify results by cross-referencing the parcel identification number against both the Clerk's index and the PVA database
For historical records not available online, contact the Clerk's Office directly to arrange in-person access or retrieval from archive storage

What Is Woodford County Property Records

Property records in Woodford County are official legal documents related to real property — land and any improvements affixed to it — maintained by county government offices pursuant to Kentucky law. These records establish legal ownership, document the chain of title, record encumbrances such as mortgages and liens, and provide the foundation for property taxation and real estate transactions.

Types of Property Records:

Ownership Records:

Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
Life estate deeds and trust documents affecting real property
Transfer records and ownership history constituting the chain of title

Encumbrance Records:

Mortgages and deeds of trust
Tax liens, judgment liens, and mechanic's liens
Easements, restrictive covenants, and homeowner association documents
Lis pendens notices reflecting pending litigation

Tax and Assessment Records:

Annual property tax assessments prepared by the PVA
Tax bills, payment history, and delinquency records
Exemption records (homestead, disability, veteran)
Special assessments and millage rate information

Legal Descriptions and Plats:

Subdivision plat maps recorded with the Clerk
Survey plats and metes-and-bounds descriptions
Lot and block information and condominium declarations

Building and Permit Records:

Building permits and certificates of occupancy
Zoning designations and land use classifications
Code enforcement records and violation notices

Who Maintains Property Records:

The Woodford County Clerk's Office records, indexes, and preserves all instruments affecting title to real property pursuant to Kentucky Revised Statutes § 382.110, which governs the recording of conveyances. The Property Valuation Administrator maintains assessment records and property characteristics. The Woodford County Sheriff's Office administers property tax collection. The Woodford County Planning and Zoning Department maintains zoning records, land use designations, and building permit information.

Woodford County Planning and Zoning
103 S. Main Street
Versailles, KY 40383
Phone: (859) 873-5122
Woodford County Planning

Are Property Records Public Information in Woodford County?

Property records in Woodford County are public information. Under the Kentucky Open Records Act, KRS § 61.870 et seq., all public agency records are presumptively open to inspection by any person, and no special purpose or justification is required to access property records. This statutory framework, combined with the centuries-old common law tradition of public land records, ensures that ownership, encumbrance, and assessment information remains accessible to any member of the public.

Why Property Records Are Public:

The public nature of property records serves multiple essential functions. Transparency in property ownership prevents fraudulent transfers and enables the real estate marketplace to function efficiently. Constructive notice — the legal principle that a recorded instrument is deemed known to all subsequent parties — depends entirely on public access to the recording system. Title insurance, mortgage lending, and property appraisal industries all rely on unrestricted access to recorded documents.

Property records are also essential for tax assessment transparency, community planning, historical and genealogical research, and journalistic investigation of matters of public concern.

What Property Information Is Freely Accessible:

Current and historical property ownership
Legal descriptions and parcel identification numbers
Sale prices and transfer amounts
Recorded mortgage amounts and lender names
Liens, encumbrances, and easements
Tax assessments and payment history
Property characteristics (size, age, construction type)
Plat maps and surveys

Privacy Considerations:

Certain personal information is protected even within public property records. Social Security numbers and bank account numbers are redacted from recorded documents pursuant to state and federal privacy requirements. Kentucky law provides address confidentiality protections for certain individuals, including law enforcement officers, judges, domestic violence victims, and stalking victims, who may request that their residential address be shielded from public disclosure.

Homestead exemption applications submitted to the PVA may contain financial information that is not fully subject to public inspection. Members of the public seeking exemption application details should contact the PVA office directly regarding applicable disclosure policies.

Who Can Access Property Records:

Any person may access Woodford County property records regardless of residency, ownership status, or stated purpose. Common users include prospective buyers, real estate agents and brokers, title companies, appraisers, lenders, attorneys, property investors, genealogists, historians, and members of the media. Out-of-state and foreign inquirers retain the same access rights as Kentucky residents.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Woodford County?

Members of the public may inspect property records at the Woodford County Clerk's Office at no charge. Fees apply when copies or certified copies are requested. Under Kentucky Revised Statutes § 64.012, county clerks are authorized to collect statutory fees for recording and copying services.

Current Fee Schedule:

Service	Standard Fee
Certified copy of recorded document	$5.00 per document (first page) + $0.50 per additional page
Uncertified photocopy	$0.25–$0.50 per page (varies)
Recording a deed or mortgage	$33.00 for first three pages + $3.00 per additional page
Online document viewing	Free (basic search and viewing)
In-person record inspection	No charge

Accepted Payment Methods:

Cash
Check (payable to Woodford County Clerk)
Money order
Credit or debit card (availability subject to office policy)

Fee Waivers:

Certain government agencies and nonprofit organizations may qualify for reduced or waived fees. Members of the public seeking fee waiver consideration should submit a written request to the Woodford County Clerk's Office with documentation supporting the waiver request.

What Is Available at No Cost:

Online search and viewing of indexed records through the Clerk's portal
In-person inspection of records at the courthouse
PVA property assessment data and ownership information
GIS mapping and aerial imagery
Tax payment status information through the Sheriff's Office

What's Included in a Woodford County Property Record?

A complete Woodford County property record draws from multiple official sources and encompasses ownership, physical characteristics, valuation, tax, and encumbrance information.

Ownership Information:

Legal owner name(s) as recorded on the current deed
Ownership type (individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, trust, LLC, corporation, life estate)
Acquisition date and deed book/page or instrument number
Mailing address for tax bill purposes
Chain of title reflecting previous owners, transfer dates, and historical deed references

Property Identification:

Site address and mailing address (if different)
Parcel identification number
Legal description (lot and block, subdivision name, plat book and page reference, or metes-and-bounds description)
Tax account number

Physical Characteristics:

Lot size in square feet or acres, lot dimensions, and frontage
Zoning classification and land use designation
Total living area in square feet
Year built and effective year
Number of stories, bedrooms, and bathrooms
Construction type (frame, masonry, etc.) and exterior wall material
Roof type, foundation type, and heating/cooling systems
Garage, pool, porch, and additional structure information
Water source and sewer system type
Condition and quality ratings

Valuation Information:

Land value and building value (assessed separately)
Total assessed value and estimated market value
Historical assessed values for prior years
Agricultural classification and value (if applicable)

Tax Information:

Total annual tax amount and taxable value after exemptions
Millage rate breakdown by taxing authority (county, school district, special districts)
Exemptions applied (homestead, senior, disability, veteran)
Payment status, due dates, and payment history
Delinquency history (if any)

Sales History:

Sale dates, sale prices, and deed document numbers for recent transfers
Grantor and grantee names for each transaction
Sale type designation (arms-length, quitclaim, foreclosure, tax deed, inheritance, etc.)
Documentary stamp amounts

Encumbrances and Liens:

Recorded mortgages, including lender names, recording dates, and original amounts
Tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, and HOA liens
Easements, restrictive covenants, and leases
Lis pendens notices

Legal and Regulatory Information:

Current zoning classification and permitted uses
Future land use designation
Special taxing district assignments (school, fire, water)
Deed restrictions and subdivision covenants
Flood zone designation (FEMA)
Wetlands and conservation area designations

Maps and Images:

Exterior property photograph
Aerial photograph and GIS map with parcel boundaries
Plat map and property sketch
Historical aerial imagery (where available)

What Is Not Typically in Public Property Records:

Current mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
Personal financial information beyond recorded documents
Interior photographs
Social Security numbers (redacted)
Private agreements not submitted for recording
Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price

How Long Does Woodford County Keep Property Records?

Property records in Woodford County are maintained permanently. The Woodford County Clerk's Office retains all recorded instruments affecting title to real property indefinitely, as required by Kentucky law and the fundamental necessity of an unbroken chain of title. No recorded deed, mortgage, lien, plat, or easement is subject to destruction.

Legal Basis for Permanent Retention:

Kentucky's recording statutes and the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives records retention schedules mandate permanent preservation of all instruments recorded in the official records of the county clerk. The chain of title — the sequential record of every ownership transfer from the original land grant to the present — depends on the permanent availability of each recorded document.

Records Kept Permanently:

All recorded deeds (warranty, quitclaim, trustee's, and all conveyance types)
All recorded mortgages, deeds of trust, satisfactions, and releases
All recorded liens and lien releases
All plats, subdivision plats, re-plats, and condominium declarations
All easements, restrictive covenants, and declarations
All lis pendens notices and court documents affecting title
Powers of attorney affecting real property

Format and Storage:

Historical records in Woodford County exist in multiple formats depending on the era of recording. Very old records are preserved in handwritten ledger books maintained in climate-controlled vault storage. Mid-twentieth century records exist on microfilm. Records from recent decades are available as digital scans through the Clerk's online portal. The office maintains off-site backup systems and disaster recovery protocols to ensure preservation of digital records.

Online Availability by Time Period:

Time Period	Access Method
Recent (last 20+ years)	Fully available online through Clerk's portal
Moderate age (20–50 years)	May be online; microfilm available in person
Historical (50+ years)	In-person access; original books or microfilm
Very old (100+ years)	Archive storage; advance notice may be required

Property Appraiser (PVA) Records:

The PVA maintains assessment records and property cards permanently. Historical assessments are available at the PVA office, with recent years accessible through the online property search system. Exemption applications are retained for a minimum of five to seven years in accordance with state retention schedules.

Tax Records:

Tax payment records are retained for a minimum of seven to ten years. Tax deed records resulting from delinquent tax sales are maintained permanently by the Clerk's Office. Delinquency records are retained for several years following resolution.

Accessing Historical Records:

Members of the public seeking records not available through the online portal should contact the Woodford County Clerk's Office directly. Staff members can retrieve records from vault storage or microfilm archives, with same-day access available for most requests. Very old or fragile records may require advance notice and special handling arrangements.

Woodford County Clerk's Office — Historical Records
103 S. Main Street
Versailles, KY 40383
Phone: (859) 873-3421
Woodford County Clerk

How To Find Liens on Property in Woodford County?

Liens on property in Woodford County are recorded instruments and are therefore searchable through the Woodford County Clerk's official records index. Members of the public may identify all recorded liens affecting a specific parcel by conducting a grantor/grantee name search or a property-specific search through the Clerk's portal.

Types of Liens Recorded with the Woodford County Clerk:

Federal and state tax liens (IRS and Kentucky Department of Revenue)
Judgment liens arising from court proceedings
Mechanic's liens filed by contractors and materialmen
Homeowner association (HOA) liens
Code enforcement liens
Child support liens

Step-by-Step Lien Search Process:

Access the Woodford County Clerk's online records portal
Select the grantor/grantee search option
Enter the current property owner's name as the grantor
Filter results by document type to isolate lien instruments
Review all recorded liens, noting instrument numbers, recording dates, and lien amounts
Search for corresponding releases or satisfactions to determine whether any identified lien has been discharged
For federal tax liens, cross-reference results with the IRS Centralized Lien Operation database
For judgment liens, search the Woodford Circuit Court records through the Kentucky Court of Justice case search system

In-Person Lien Search:

Members of the public may conduct lien searches in person at the Woodford County Clerk's Office. Staff members can assist with grantor/grantee index searches and retrieval of specific lien documents. Certified copies of lien instruments are available for the applicable copy fee.

Woodford County Clerk's Office
103 S. Main Street
Versailles, KY 40383
Phone: (859) 873-3421
Woodford County Clerk

Federal Tax Lien Searches:

Federal tax liens are filed with the county clerk in the county where the taxpayer resides or where the property is located. A search of the Woodford County Clerk's grantor index under the taxpayer's name will reveal any recorded federal tax liens. The IRS also maintains a centralized lien database accessible through the Centralized Lien Operation.

Judgment Lien Searches:

Judgment liens in Kentucky attach to real property in the county where the judgment is recorded. Members of the public should search both the Woodford County Clerk's index and the Woodford Circuit Court records to identify all judgment liens that may affect a specific parcel.

Title Company Searches:

For comprehensive lien identification — particularly in connection with a real estate transaction — members of the public and real estate professionals may engage a licensed title company to conduct a full title search. Title companies access all recorded instruments, court records, and tax records to produce a complete report of all encumbrances affecting a property.

What Is Property Owner Rule in Woodford County?

The property owner rule in Woodford County refers to the body of Kentucky statutory and common law principles governing the rights, responsibilities, and limitations of real property ownership within the county. Property ownership in Kentucky is governed primarily by Title XII of the Kentucky Revised Statutes, which addresses real and personal property, conveyances, and recording requirements.

Fundamental Ownership Rights:

Under Kentucky law, a property owner holds the right to use, enjoy, exclude others from, and transfer real property subject to applicable zoning regulations, deed restrictions, easements, and governmental limitations. The right to exclude is a core element of property ownership recognized under both Kentucky common law and the United States Constitution.

Conveyance Requirements:

Transfers of real property in Woodford County must be executed by written instrument (deed) and recorded with the Woodford County Clerk to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers. Pursuant to KRS § 382.270, an unrecorded conveyance is void as against a subsequent purchaser for valuable consideration whose deed is first recorded. This recording priority rule is the foundation of Kentucky's race-notice recording system.

Homestead Exemption:

Kentucky law provides a homestead exemption for property owners who are 65 years of age or older, or who are totally disabled. Under current law, qualifying owners may exempt a portion of their property's assessed value from ad valorem taxation. Applications are submitted to the Woodford County PVA.

Zoning and Land Use Regulations:

Property owners in Woodford County are subject to the Woodford County Zoning Ordinance, which regulates permitted uses, setback requirements, building heights, lot coverage, and subdivision standards. The Woodford County Planning and Zoning Commission administers these regulations and hears applications for variances, conditional use permits, and rezoning requests.

Woodford County Planning and Zoning Commission
103 S. Main Street
Versailles, KY 40383
Phone: (859) 873-5122
Woodford County Planning

Property Tax Obligations:

Property owners in Woodford County are subject to annual ad valorem property taxation based on assessments established by the PVA. Tax bills are issued by the Woodford County Sheriff's Office and are due by the statutory deadline each year. Failure to pay results in delinquency, interest accrual, and potential tax lien proceedings.

Adverse Possession:

Kentucky recognizes the doctrine of adverse possession, under which a person who openly, continuously, exclusively, and hostilely occupies another's property for a period of fifteen years may acquire legal title. Claims of adverse possession must be established through a court proceeding and a resulting judgment quieting title.

Eminent Domain:

The Commonwealth of Kentucky and Woodford County retain the power of eminent domain — the authority to acquire private property for public use upon payment of just compensation. Property owners subject to condemnation proceedings have the right to contest the taking and the amount of compensation offered through the Woodford Circuit Court.

Woodford Circuit Court
103 S. Main Street
Versailles, KY 40383
Phone: (859) 873-3244
Kentucky Court of Justice