Upshur County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Upshur County in 2026
UpshurRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Upshur County, West Virginia. Members of the public may find data pertaining to the following record categories:
- Ownership and deed records
- Property tax assessments and payment history
- Recorded liens, mortgages, and encumbrances
- Plat maps and legal descriptions
- Sales history and transfer documents
Records can be searched through several official resources maintained by West Virginia state and county agencies. The primary repositories are the Upshur County Assessor's Office, the Upshur County Clerk's Office, and the West Virginia State Auditor's Office.
Official Resources for Searching Upshur County Property Records:
| Resource | Access Type | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| WV Property Viewer (MapWV.gov) | Online, interactive GIS map | Free |
| WV Real Estate Assessment Search | Online property search | Free |
| WV State Auditor Land/County Collections | Online delinquent land records | Free |
| Upshur County Assessor's Office | In-person, by mail | Varies |
| Upshur County Clerk's Office | In-person, by mail | Varies |
Online Search Methods
1. Property Appraiser / Assessor Website
The WV Real Estate Assessment property search portal, maintained by MapWV.gov, serves as the primary online resource for property valuation and ownership information in West Virginia. Access is free and requires no registration.
Search options include:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Parcel ID number
- Prior ownership history
Information available through this portal:
- Current owner name and mailing address
- Legal description and parcel number
- Assessed value (land and improvements)
- Sales history
- Property characteristics (square footage, year built, lot size)
- Exemptions applied
How to search:
- Navigate to the WV Real Estate Assessment search portal
- Select a search type (address, owner name, or parcel ID)
- Enter the search criteria in the appropriate field
- Review the results list returned by the system
- Select a specific parcel to view the full property card
- Print or save the information as needed
2. GIS / Mapping System
The WV Property Viewer on MapWV.gov provides an interactive mapping interface for locating parcels visually. In West Virginia, the county assessor is responsible for maintaining the surface property tax maps that populate this system.
How to use:
- Open the WV Property Viewer map
- Navigate to the Upshur County area or enter an address in the search bar
- Click on a parcel to view ownership and assessment data
- Use available layers to view zoning, flood zones, and aerial photography
- Access linked records or print the map view
3. County Clerk / Recorder Official Records
Recorded documents such as deeds, mortgages, and liens are maintained by the Upshur County Clerk. Members of the public may search these records in person at the courthouse or request copies by mail.
Documents available:
- Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Satisfactions and releases of mortgage
- Judgment liens and mechanic's liens
- Easements and restrictions
- Plats and surveys
- Lis pendens notices
How to search in person:
- Visit the Upshur County Clerk's Office at the address listed below
- Request access to the grantor/grantee index
- Search by seller name (grantor), buyer name (grantee), or document type
- Note the book and page number or instrument number for any document of interest
- Request a copy from staff; fees apply per page
4. Delinquent Land Records
The West Virginia State Auditor's Land/County Collections portal provides access to delinquent property tax records and land redemption information statewide, including Upshur County.
In-Person Searches
Upshur County Assessor's Office
38 West Main Street, Room 102
Buckhannon, West Virginia 26201
Phone: (304) 472-4650
County Assessors – West Virginia Tax Division
Upshur County Clerk's Office
38 West Main Street
Buckhannon, West Virginia 26201
Phone: (304) 472-1068
West Virginia County Clerk Directory
By Mail Requests
Members of the public may submit written requests to the Upshur County Clerk's Office for copies of recorded documents. Requests should specify the document by book and page number, instrument number, or property address and approximate date range. Payment for applicable copy fees must accompany the request. Certified copies are available upon request.
Mailing Address – Upshur County Clerk:
38 West Main Street
Buckhannon, West Virginia 26201
Through Professionals
Title companies, real estate attorneys, and licensed abstractors conduct comprehensive title searches and can retrieve the full chain of title for any parcel in Upshur County. These services carry variable costs depending on the scope of the search and the professional engaged.
What Is Upshur County Property Records
Property records in Upshur County are official documents related to real property — land and any structures affixed to it — maintained by county government offices as permanent public records. These records establish legal ownership, document transfers, record encumbrances, and support the assessment of property taxes.
Types of property records maintained in Upshur County include:
Ownership Records
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
- Chain of title documents
- Life estate deeds and trust documents affecting property
- Transfer records and ownership history
Encumbrance Records
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Tax liens, judgment liens, and mechanic's liens
- Easements and restrictive covenants
- Lis pendens notices
Tax and Assessment Records
- Annual property tax assessments
- Tax bills and payment history
- Exemption records (homestead, senior, veteran, disability)
- Delinquent tax records maintained through the WV State Auditor's Office
Legal Descriptions and Maps
- Plat maps and subdivision plats
- Survey records
- Lot and block information
- Metes and bounds descriptions
Building and Permit Records
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
- Zoning designations
- Code enforcement records
Who Maintains Property Records in Upshur County:
| Office | Records Maintained |
|---|---|
| Upshur County Clerk | Deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, recorded instruments |
| Upshur County Assessor | Property valuations, assessment rolls, ownership data |
| WV State Auditor | Delinquent land records, tax collections |
| County Building/Planning | Permits, zoning, code enforcement |
Legal Framework:
Under West Virginia Code § 11-3-1, all real property in the state is subject to assessment and taxation, and county assessors are charged with maintaining accurate records of property ownership and value. The recording of instruments affecting title is governed by West Virginia Code § 40-1-9, which establishes the constructive notice principle — meaning that a properly recorded document provides legal notice to all subsequent parties.
As stated by the West Virginia Tax Division, "The county assessor is responsible for appraising and assessing all real and personal property in the county annually." This obligation ensures that property records remain current and accessible to the public.
Are Property Records Public Information in Upshur County?
Property records in Upshur County are public information. Under West Virginia law, recorded instruments affecting real property are available for inspection by any member of the public without a stated purpose, residency requirement, or special authorization.
Legal Basis for Public Access:
The West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (W. Va. Code § 29B-1-1 et seq.) establishes the public's right to access government records, including property records maintained by county offices. The recording statutes further reinforce this access by requiring that all instruments affecting title be indexed and made available for public inspection upon recording.
Why Property Records Are Public:
- Transparency: Public access to ownership records prevents secret transfers and supports accountability in property taxation.
- Commercial necessity: Real estate transactions, title insurance, mortgage lending, and property appraisals all depend on open access to recorded instruments.
- Legal protection: Recording provides constructive notice, protecting subsequent purchasers and lienholders from undisclosed prior interests.
- Public interest: Journalists, genealogists, historians, and community planners rely on property records for research and analysis.
What Property Information Is Freely Accessible:
- Current and historical ownership
- Legal descriptions and parcel numbers
- Sale prices and transfer dates
- Recorded mortgage amounts
- Liens and encumbrances
- Tax assessments and payment status
- Property characteristics
- Plat maps and surveys
Privacy Considerations:
While property records are public, certain personal information is protected. Social Security numbers and bank account numbers are redacted from recorded documents under state and federal law. Certain individuals — including law enforcement officers, judges, and domestic violence victims — may qualify for address confidentiality protections under applicable state programs.
Who Can Access Property Records:
Any person — regardless of residency, ownership status, or stated purpose — may access Upshur County property records. Common users include prospective buyers, real estate agents, title companies, lenders, attorneys, investors, researchers, and members of the general public.
The West Virginia County Clerk Directory maintained by the WV Secretary of State provides contact information for all county clerks, including the Upshur County Clerk, who serves as the official custodian of recorded property instruments.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Upshur County?
The cost to obtain property records in Upshur County depends on the type of record requested and the method of access. Online viewing of assessment data through the WV Real Estate Assessment portal and the WV Property Viewer is free of charge and requires no registration.
Standard Fee Schedule – Upshur County Clerk's Office:
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Inspection of records (in-person) | No charge |
| Copies of recorded documents | $1.00 per page (standard) |
| Certified copies of recorded documents | $1.00 per page + certification fee |
| Recording a new deed or instrument | Varies by document type and pages |
Fees for copies of recorded documents are governed by West Virginia Code § 59-1-10, which establishes the schedule of fees that county clerks may charge for copies and certifications. Members of the public may inspect records at no cost; fees apply only when physical or certified copies are requested.
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash
- Check (payable to Upshur County Clerk)
- Money order
Fee Waivers:
West Virginia law does not provide a general fee waiver for property record copies. However, members of the public who wish only to inspect records — without obtaining copies — may do so at no charge during regular business hours at the Upshur County Clerk's Office.
Online Access (Free):
- Property assessment data via WV Real Estate Assessment search
- Parcel mapping via WV Property Viewer
- Delinquent land records via WV State Auditor's Land/County Collections
What's Included in a Upshur County Property Record?
A complete Upshur County property record draws from multiple official sources and may include the following categories of information:
Ownership Information
- Current owner name(s) as recorded on the 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 billing purposes
- Chain of title with previous owners and transfer dates
Property Identification
- Site address and mailing address
- Legal description (lot and block, subdivision name, plat book and page, metes and bounds)
- Parcel ID number and tax account number
Physical Characteristics
- Lot size (square feet or acres) and dimensions
- Total living area (square feet)
- Year built and effective year
- Number of stories, bedrooms, and bathrooms
- Building type and construction materials
- Roof type, foundation type, and exterior wall material
- Additional features: garage, pool, porch, fireplace, HVAC systems
- Water source and sewer system type
- Condition and quality ratings
Valuation Information
- Assessed land value and building value
- Total assessed value and estimated market value
- Historical assessed values for prior years
- Agricultural classification (if applicable)
Tax Information
- Current tax amount due and taxable value after exemptions
- Millage rate breakdown by taxing authority (county, school district, special districts)
- Tax payment history and delinquency records
- Exemptions applied (homestead, senior, veteran, disability, agricultural)
Sales History
- Sale dates, prices, and deed types for recent transfers
- Grantor (seller) and grantee (buyer) names
- Documentary stamp amounts and deed instrument numbers
Encumbrances and Liens
- Recorded mortgages with lender names, amounts, and recording dates
- Tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, and HOA liens
- Easements, restrictions, and covenants
- Lis pendens notices
Legal and Regulatory Information
- Zoning classification and permitted uses
- Land use designation and future land use
- Special district assignments (school, fire, water)
- Flood zone designation (FEMA)
- Deed restrictions and subdivision covenants
Maps and Visual Information
- Aerial photograph and GIS parcel map
- Property sketch or floor plan
- Plat map reference
Building Permit Information (if integrated)
- Permits issued, permit dates, and descriptions
- Certificate of occupancy
- Contractor information and permit values
What Is Not Typically Included in Public Property Records:
- Current outstanding mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
- Social Security numbers (redacted by law)
- Interior photographs
- Private purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
- Unrecorded private agreements
How Long Does Upshur County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Upshur County are maintained permanently. Recorded instruments affecting title — including deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and easements — are never destroyed and remain accessible to the public in perpetuity.
Legal Basis for Permanent Retention:
The permanent retention of recorded property instruments is required under West Virginia recording law. The West Virginia Records Management and Preservation Act establishes the framework for state and local government record retention, and the county clerk's obligation to preserve recorded instruments is further reinforced by the recording statutes. As the West Virginia Secretary of State's office notes, county clerks serve as the official custodians of all recorded instruments within their jurisdiction.
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
- Plats, subdivision plats, and re-plats
- Easements, restrictions, and covenants
- Court documents affecting title
- Powers of attorney affecting property
Format and Storage:
| Era | Format |
|---|---|
| Pre-1900s | Handwritten ledger books |
| Early–mid 1900s | Typed record books |
| Mid-late 1900s | Microfilm |
| Recent decades | Digital scans and electronic document management |
Online Availability by Time Period:
- Recent records (last 20+ years): Available online through the WV assessment and mapping portals in many cases
- Moderate age (20–50 years): May be available on microfilm or digital terminals at the courthouse
- Historical (50+ years): Available at the courthouse in original books or microfilm; staff retrieval may be required
- Very old (100+ years): Stored in archive; advance notice may be helpful; same public access rights apply
Property Appraiser / Assessor Records:
Assessment rolls and property cards are maintained permanently by the Upshur County Assessor's Office. Exemption applications are retained according to the state records retention schedule, which varies by document type.
Tax Records:
Tax payment records are retained for a minimum of several years; tax deed records are permanent. Delinquent land records are accessible through the WV State Auditor's Land/County Collections portal.
Contact for Historical Records:
Upshur County Clerk's Office
38 West Main Street
Buckhannon, West Virginia 26201
Phone: (304) 472-1068
West Virginia County Clerk Directory
Upshur County Assessor's Office
38 West Main Street, Room 102
Buckhannon, West Virginia 26201
Phone: (304) 472-4650
County Assessors – West Virginia Tax Division
How To Find Liens on Property in Upshur County?
Liens on property in Upshur County are recorded instruments and are therefore part of the public record maintained by the Upshur County Clerk's Office. Members of the public may search for liens through several official channels.
Types of Liens Recorded Against Real Property:
- Federal and state tax liens (IRS, WV Tax Division)
- Judgment liens (arising from court judgments)
- Mechanic's liens (filed by contractors or materialmen)
- HOA liens
- Code enforcement liens
- Child support liens
Step-by-Step Search Process:
-
Search the WV Real Estate Assessment portal: Navigate to the WV Real Estate Assessment search and enter the property address or parcel ID. Assessment records may reflect outstanding tax obligations.
-
Search the WV State Auditor's delinquent records: The WV State Auditor's Land/County Collections portal lists properties with delinquent property taxes, which may indicate tax liens.
-
Search the Upshur County Clerk's grantor/grantee index: Visit the Upshur County Clerk's Office in person and request a search of the official records index by the property owner's name. Judgment liens, mechanic's liens, and other recorded encumbrances are indexed under the debtor's name.
-
Search federal tax lien records: Federal tax liens filed by the IRS are recorded with the county clerk and appear in the official records index. Members of the public may also search the IRS lien database through the applicable federal portal.
-
Request a title search: Licensed title companies and abstractors conduct comprehensive lien searches as part of a title examination. This is the most thorough method for identifying all recorded encumbrances on a specific parcel.
In-Person Lien Search:
Upshur County Clerk's Office
38 West Main Street
Buckhannon, West Virginia 26201
Phone: (304) 472-1068
West Virginia County Clerk Directory
Staff at the Clerk's Office can assist members of the public in navigating the grantor/grantee index and locating recorded lien documents. Standard copy fees apply for any documents retrieved.
What Is Property Owner Rule in Upshur County?
The property owner rule in Upshur County refers to the body of West Virginia law and local practice governing the rights, responsibilities, and legal standing of property owners with respect to their real property. Under West Virginia law, property ownership is established through the recording of a valid deed with the county clerk, which provides constructive notice of ownership to all subsequent parties.
Establishing Ownership:
Under West Virginia Code § 40-1-9, any instrument conveying an interest in real property must be recorded with the county clerk to be effective against subsequent purchasers and creditors without notice. An unrecorded deed is valid between the parties to the transaction but does not protect the grantee against a subsequent bona fide purchaser who records first.
Property Owner Rights in West Virginia:
- The right to use, enjoy, and transfer real property subject to applicable zoning and land use regulations
- The right to receive notice of any tax assessment or change in assessed value
- The right to appeal property tax assessments to the Upshur County Board of Equalization and Review
- The right to apply for applicable exemptions, including the homestead exemption available to owner-occupants under West Virginia law
- The right to inspect all public records pertaining to their property at no charge
Property Tax Assessment Obligations:
Under West Virginia law, all real property is assessed annually by the county assessor. Property owners are responsible for ensuring that the assessor's records reflect accurate ownership and property characteristics. The West Virginia Tax Division's County Assessors page identifies Mr. Dustin Zickefoose as the current Assessor of Upshur County, responsible for maintaining assessment records for all parcels within the county.
Homestead Exemption:
West Virginia provides a homestead exemption that reduces the assessed value of a primary residence for qualifying owner-occupants who are 65 years of age or older, or who are permanently and totally disabled. Applications are filed with the Upshur County Assessor's Office.
Adverse Possession:
West Virginia recognizes the doctrine of adverse possession, under which a person who openly, continuously, exclusively, and hostilely occupies another's land for the statutory period may acquire legal title. The applicable period under West Virginia law is ten years of continuous adverse possession.
Mineral Rights:
West Virginia property law distinguishes between surface rights and mineral rights, which may be separately owned. The WV Property Viewer maintained by MapWV.gov displays surface property tax maps; mineral rights ownership is a separate matter recorded through the county clerk and may require a separate title examination.
Upshur County Assessor's Office
38 West Main Street, Room 102
Buckhannon, West Virginia 26201
Phone: (304) 472-4650
County Assessors – West Virginia Tax Division
Lookup Property Records in Upshur County
- WV Property Viewer – interactive parcel map for Upshur County surface property
- WV Real Estate Assessment property search – search by owner, address, or parcel ID
- WV State Auditor Land/County Collections – delinquent land and tax records
- County Assessors – West Virginia Tax Division – Upshur County Assessor contact and information
- West Virginia County Clerk Directory – locate the Upshur County Clerk's Office