How do I check that my mortgage lien was released after payoff?
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Short answer
State property records show whether the mortgage was released after payoff. The CFPB says you can check with the local Secretary of State or the county recorder of deeds. The lender should also return the original note, and recording can lag the payoff date.
Full explanation
After the balance is paid, the release should appear in the official property record. The CFPB points borrowers to the local Secretary of State or county recorder of deeds for that check. You can also ask the company that processed the payoff whether the release was filed.
The lender should send back the original note. There may be a delay between the payoff and the recorded release. Recording and release practice varies by state, so this page does not give a state-by-state procedure or a required number of days.
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After I have paid off my mortgage, how do I check if my lien was released?
Open After I have paid off my mortgage, how do I check if my lien was released? ↗
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Educational summary of public sources. Not personalized advice. The original official source controls where applicable.
Last reviewed
September 10, 2026
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