Dukes County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Dukes County in 2026
DukesRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to property records in Dukes County, Massachusetts. Members of the public may find ownership history, assessed values, recorded deeds, tax information, liens, and parcel data through official county and state resources. Available record categories include:
- Deeds and title transfers
- Mortgage and lien documents
- Property tax assessments and payment history
- Parcel maps and GIS data
- Building permits and zoning information
Property records in Dukes County may be searched through several official channels. The primary resources include the Dukes County Registry of Deeds, the individual town assessors' offices (as Dukes County does not have a unified county assessor), the Massachusetts Land Records system, and the MassGIS parcel database. Members of the public may access these records online, in person, by mail, or through licensed professionals such as title companies and real estate attorneys.
Online Search Methods:
1. Massachusetts Land Records – Registry of Deeds
The Dukes County Registry of Deeds maintains the official index of recorded instruments affecting real property on Martha's Vineyard and the Elizabeth Islands.
- Access the Massachusetts Land Records portal for free document searches
- No registration is required for basic searches
- Document images are available for recorded instruments
Search Options:
- By grantor (seller) or grantee (buyer) name
- By property address
- By book and page number
- By document type and recording date range
- By instrument number
Documents Available:
- Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
- Mortgages and discharges
- Liens and releases
- Easements and restrictions
- Lis pendens
- Subdivision plans and surveys
- Powers of attorney affecting property
How to Search:
- Navigate to the Massachusetts Land Records portal
- Select "Dukes" from the county list
- Choose search type (grantor/grantee, address, or document type)
- Enter search criteria and select a date range
- Review the results list
- Click on a result to view the document image
- Note the book and page or instrument number for certified copy requests
2. Town Assessors' Databases
Because Dukes County operates without a unified county assessor, property valuation and assessment records are maintained by each individual town: Aquinnah, Chilmark, Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, Tisbury, and West Tisbury. Members of the public may access each town's assessor database through the Massachusetts Department of Revenue Division of Local Services portal or directly through each town's official website.
Information Available:
- Current owner name and mailing address
- Property address and parcel ID
- Legal description and lot size
- Assessed land and building values
- Taxable value and exemptions applied
- Sales history
- Property characteristics (square footage, year built, building type)
How to Search:
- Visit the relevant town's official website or the MassGIS parcel viewer
- Select the appropriate town assessor database
- Enter a property address, owner name, or parcel ID
- Review the property card for full details
- Print or save the information as needed
3. MassGIS Parcel Mapping System
The MassGIS system provides an interactive GIS mapping tool for visual property searches across all Dukes County municipalities.
- Access the MassGIS parcel data for Dukes County for free
- View property boundaries, aerial photography, zoning layers, and flood zones
- Click on any parcel to retrieve linked assessment and ownership data
- Measure distances and view multiple map layers simultaneously
In-Person Searches:
Registry of Deeds – In-Person Access
Dukes County Registry of Deeds
81 Main Street
Edgartown, MA 02539
Phone: (508) 627-4025
Dukes County Registry of Deeds
- Public access computers available on-site
- Staff assistance for grantor/grantee index searches
- Certified copies available upon request
- Access to original record books and microfilm
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Town Assessors – In-Person Access
Edgartown Assessor's Office
70 Main Street
Edgartown, MA 02539
Phone: (508) 627-6110
Town of Edgartown
Oak Bluffs Assessor's Office
56 School Street
Oak Bluffs, MA 02557
Phone: (508) 693-3554
Town of Oak Bluffs
Tisbury Assessor's Office
51 Water Street
Vineyard Haven, MA 02568
Phone: (508) 696-4200
Town of Tisbury
By Mail Requests:
Registry of Deeds – Mail Requests
Members of the public may submit written requests for certified copies of recorded documents to:
Dukes County Registry of Deeds
81 Main Street
Edgartown, MA 02539
Phone: (508) 627-4025
Dukes County Registry of Deeds
Requests should specify the document by book and page number or instrument number, include a return mailing address, and include payment for applicable copy fees. Certified copies are available upon request.
Through Professionals:
Title companies conduct comprehensive title searches and produce abstracts of title identifying all recorded interests in a property. Real estate attorneys provide legal title opinions and assist with complex ownership issues. Real estate agents may access MLS data and comparable sales histories as part of their representation services.
Search Tips:
- When searching by owner name, try last name first and check spelling variations, including maiden names and business entity names
- When searching by address, try with and without directional prefixes (N, S, E, W)
- For historical records not yet digitized, an in-person visit to the Registry of Deeds is required
- Very recent transactions may not yet appear online due to recording processing delays
- Verify results by cross-referencing the parcel ID or legal description when multiple results appear
What Is Dukes County Property Records
Dukes County property records are official documents related to real property — land and buildings — maintained by county and municipal government offices. These records constitute the legal foundation for property ownership, encumbrances, and transfers on Martha's Vineyard and the Elizabeth Islands. Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 183, all instruments affecting title to real property must be recorded with the Registry of Deeds to provide constructive notice to the public. As the Massachusetts Secretary of State has noted, "The Registry of Deeds is the principal office for real property records," serving as the authoritative repository for all recorded instruments.
Types of Property Records:
Ownership Records:
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and trustee's deeds
- Chain of title documents
- Life estate deeds
- Trust documents affecting property
- Transfer-on-death instruments
Encumbrance Records:
- Mortgages and discharges
- Mechanic's liens, judgment liens, and tax liens
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Deed restrictions and covenants
- Homeowner association (HOA) documents
- Lis pendens notices
Tax and Assessment Records:
- Annual property tax assessments by town assessors
- Tax bills and payment history
- Exemptions (homestead, senior, veteran, disability)
- Special assessments
- Tax delinquency records
Legal Descriptions:
- Recorded subdivision plans and plat maps
- Surveys and lot descriptions
- Metes and bounds descriptions
- Condominium unit plans
Building and Permit Records:
- Building permits issued by each town's building department
- Certificates of occupancy
- Zoning designations
- Code enforcement records
Who Maintains Property Records:
Dukes County Registry of Deeds:
The Registry records, indexes, and preserves all instruments affecting title to real property, including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and plans. The Registry is the primary custodian of official property records under M.G.L. Chapter 36.
Town Assessors:
Each of the six towns in Dukes County maintains its own assessor's office responsible for property valuation, assessment records, property characteristics, and exemption applications.
Town Tax Collectors:
Each town's tax collector maintains tax bills, payment histories, and delinquent tax records.
Town Building and Planning Departments:
Individual town building departments maintain permit records, certificates of occupancy, zoning records, and code enforcement files.
Are Property Records Public Information in Dukes County?
Property records in Dukes County are public information. Under the Massachusetts Public Records Law, M.G.L. Chapter 66, § 10, any person may inspect or obtain copies of public records without stating a reason or demonstrating a particular interest. The Massachusetts Supervisor of Records has affirmed that "the public records law reflects a strong public policy in favor of broad access to government records." Recorded instruments at the Registry of Deeds and assessment records maintained by town assessors are public records accessible to any member of the public, regardless of residency, ownership status, or purpose.
Why Property Records Are Public:
- Transparency in property ownership prevents fraud and secret transfers
- Constructive notice principles require that recorded interests be publicly accessible
- Real estate transactions depend on the ability to conduct title searches
- Tax assessment transparency ensures accountability in property taxation
- Historical and genealogical research relies on permanent land records
What Property Information Is Freely Accessible:
- Current and historical ownership
- Legal descriptions and parcel identification
- Sale prices and transfer dates
- Recorded mortgage amounts
- Liens and encumbrances
- Tax assessments and payment status
- Property characteristics
- Deeds and all recorded instruments
- Plat maps and surveys
Privacy Considerations:
Social Security numbers and bank account numbers are redacted from recorded documents under Massachusetts law. Certain individuals — including law enforcement officers, judges, and victims of domestic violence or stalking — may be eligible for address confidentiality protections under the Massachusetts Address Confidentiality Program. Homestead exemption applications may contain financial information that is not fully public; members of the public should contact the relevant town assessor for specific policies.
Who Can Access Property Records:
Any member of the public may access property records, including prospective buyers, real estate professionals, title companies, lenders, attorneys, investors, researchers, journalists, and out-of-state or foreign inquirers. No residency requirement, ownership interest, or stated business purpose is required.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Dukes County?
The cost to obtain property records in Dukes County varies by record type and the office providing the record. Under M.G.L. Chapter 262, § 38, the Registry of Deeds is authorized to charge established fees for copies and certified copies of recorded instruments.
Current Fee Structure – Dukes County Registry of Deeds:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of recorded document | $1.00 per page |
| Plain (uncertified) copy | $1.00 per page |
| Online document viewing | Free |
| Online document printing (self-service) | Free to view; printing costs vary by system |
Recording Fees (for new instruments):
| Document Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Recording a deed or mortgage | $105.00 for the first page + $10.00 per additional page |
| Discharge of mortgage | $105.00 for the first page + $10.00 per additional page |
| Plan recording | Varies by sheet size |
Assessment and Tax Records – Town Assessors and Tax Collectors:
- Online access to assessment data through town assessor portals: Free
- Copies of assessment records: Typically $0.05–$0.20 per page, consistent with the Massachusetts Public Records Law fee schedule
- Certified copies of tax bills: Fees vary by town; members of the public should contact the relevant town office directly
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash, check, or money order accepted at the Registry of Deeds and town offices
- Credit and debit card acceptance varies by office
- Checks should be made payable to the specific office
Free Access:
Members of the public may inspect property records at no charge at the Registry of Deeds and at each town assessor's office. Online access through the Massachusetts Land Records portal and MassGIS is provided at no cost.
What's Included in a Dukes County Property Record?
A complete Dukes County property record draws from multiple official sources and encompasses the following categories of information.
Ownership Information:
- Current owner name(s) and 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
- Chain of title with previous owners, transfer dates, and historical deed references
Property Identification:
- Site address and mailing address
- Parcel ID number assigned by the town assessor
- Legal description (lot and block, subdivision name, plat book and page, metes and bounds)
- Condominium unit number where applicable
Physical Characteristics:
- Lot size in square feet or acres, lot dimensions, and frontage
- Land use designation and zoning classification
- Total living area, year built, number of stories, building type, and construction materials
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- Additional features: garage, pool, porch, fireplace, heating and cooling systems, water source, and sewer system
Valuation Information:
- Assessed land value and building value
- Total assessed value and market value estimate
- Historical assessed values for prior years
- Agricultural classification where applicable
Tax Information:
- Current tax amount, taxable value after exemptions, and millage rate
- Breakdown by taxing authority (town general fund, school district, special districts)
- Payment status, due dates, and payment history
- Exemptions applied (homestead, senior, veteran, disability, agricultural)
Sales History:
- Sale dates, sale prices, and deed types for recent transfers
- Grantor and grantee names
- Documentary stamp amounts and qualified/unqualified sale designation
Encumbrances and Liens:
- Recorded mortgages with lender names, recording dates, and original amounts
- Tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, and HOA liens
- Easements, deed restrictions, covenants, and lis pendens notices
Legal and Regulatory Information:
- Zoning classification and permitted uses
- School district, fire district, water district, and other special taxing districts
- FEMA flood zone designation
- Wetlands and conservation area designations
Maps and Images:
- GIS map with property boundaries
- Aerial photograph
- Plat map and property sketch
- Property exterior photo (where available through assessor records)
What Is Not Typically in Public Property Records:
- Current outstanding mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
- Social Security numbers (redacted)
- Interior photographs
- Private agreements not recorded with the Registry
- Confidential exemption application details
- Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
How Long Does Dukes County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Dukes County are maintained permanently. The Dukes County Registry of Deeds retains all recorded instruments indefinitely, as required by M.G.L. Chapter 36 and the Massachusetts Secretary of State's records retention schedule. The permanent retention of property records is essential to maintaining an unbroken chain of title from original land grants to present ownership.
Records Kept Permanently:
Deed Records:
- All recorded deeds, including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, trustee's deeds, and all conveyance instruments
- Records dating back to the county's establishment and original land grants
- Original documents or high-resolution scanned images
Mortgage Records:
- All recorded mortgages, discharges, modifications, and assignments
- Retained permanently even after the underlying loan is satisfied
Lien Records:
- All recorded liens and releases, including judgment liens, tax liens, and mechanic's liens
Plats and Surveys:
- All recorded subdivision plans, re-plats, condominium declarations, and survey plats
Other Recorded Documents:
- Easements, restrictions, covenants, declarations, powers of attorney affecting property, and court documents affecting title
Format and Storage:
Historical records at the Dukes County Registry of Deeds exist in multiple formats:
- Very old records: Handwritten ledger books
- Mid-20th century records: Typed entries in bound volumes
- More recent records: Microfilm and digital scans
- Current records: Electronic document management systems with digital backups
Online Availability by Time Period:
| Time Period | Access Method |
|---|---|
| Recent (last 20+ years) | Fully online via Massachusetts Land Records portal |
| Moderate age (20–50 years) | Partially online; microfilm available at Registry |
| Historical (50+ years) | In-person at Registry; staff retrieval required |
| Very old (100+ years) | Archive storage; advance notice may be required |
Property Appraiser (Town Assessor) Records:
Town assessors retain current and historical assessment records, property cards, and assessment rolls permanently. Exemption applications are retained according to the Massachusetts Secretary of State's records retention schedule, which at present requires retention for a minimum of six years for most administrative records.
Tax Collector Records:
Tax payment records are retained for a minimum of seven years. Tax deed records are retained permanently. Delinquency records are maintained for several years following resolution.
Accessing Historical Records:
Members of the public seeking historical records not yet available online should contact the Registry of Deeds directly. Staff can retrieve records from bound volumes, microfilm, or archive storage. Advance notice is helpful for records more than 50 years old. Standard copy fees apply regardless of the age of the record.
Dukes County Registry of Deeds
81 Main Street
Edgartown, MA 02539
Phone: (508) 627-4025
Dukes County Registry of Deeds
How To Find Liens on Property in Dukes County?
Liens on property in Dukes County are recorded instruments and are therefore searchable through the Dukes County Registry of Deeds. A lien is a legal claim against real property that must be recorded to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers. Under M.G.L. Chapter 183, § 4, unrecorded instruments are not valid against persons who acquire an interest in the property for valuable consideration without actual notice.
Step-by-Step Process to Search for Liens:
- Navigate to the Massachusetts Land Records portal and select "Dukes" as the county
- Search by the property owner's name (grantee/grantor index) or by property address if the system supports address searches
- Filter results by document type to identify liens, including:
- Federal tax liens (filed by the IRS)
- Massachusetts state tax liens
- Judgment liens (from court judgments)
- Mechanic's liens (from contractors or suppliers)
- HOA liens
- Code enforcement liens
- Review each result and note the recording date, amount, and lienholder
- Check for corresponding releases or discharges, which indicate the lien has been satisfied
- For federal tax liens, members of the public may also search the IRS federal tax lien database or contact the Registry directly, as federal tax liens are filed with the Registry of Deeds in Massachusetts
Additional Sources for Lien Information:
- Massachusetts Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings: Certain commercial liens are filed with the Massachusetts Secretary of State's office rather than the Registry of Deeds
- Town tax collector offices: Municipal tax liens for unpaid property taxes are assessed by each town and may be recorded with the Registry; members of the public should contact the relevant town tax collector to confirm current delinquency status
- Massachusetts Trial Court: Judgment liens originate from court judgments; the Massachusetts Trial Court maintains case records that may be cross-referenced with Registry recordings
In-Person Lien Search:
Members of the public may conduct in-person lien searches at the Registry of Deeds using the public access terminals. Staff can assist with searches of the grantor/grantee index and document type indexes.
Dukes County Registry of Deeds
81 Main Street
Edgartown, MA 02539
Phone: (508) 627-4025
Dukes County Registry of Deeds
Through Professionals:
Title companies and real estate attorneys conduct comprehensive lien searches as part of title examination. A full title search will identify all recorded liens, encumbrances, and other interests affecting a property. Title insurance commitments provide a professional opinion on the state of title, including identified liens.
What Is Property Owner Rule in Dukes County?
The property owner rule in Dukes County refers to the body of Massachusetts law and local regulations governing the rights, responsibilities, and limitations of real property ownership within the county's six municipalities. Property ownership in Massachusetts is governed primarily by state statute, common law principles, and local zoning and land use ordinances.
Ownership Rights Under Massachusetts Law:
Property owners in Dukes County hold the right to use, enjoy, and transfer their property subject to applicable laws and recorded encumbrances. Under Massachusetts common law and statutory framework, fee simple ownership — the most complete form of ownership — conveys the right to possess, use, lease, mortgage, and convey the property. Ownership interests may also be held as joint tenancy, tenancy in common, tenancy by the entirety (for married couples), or through trusts and business entities.
Recording Requirements:
Under M.G.L. Chapter 183, § 4, a deed or other instrument conveying an interest in real property must be recorded with the Dukes County Registry of Deeds to be effective against subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers who acquire their interests for valuable consideration without actual notice. Failure to record a deed does not void the transfer between the parties but leaves the unrecorded interest vulnerable to claims by subsequent bona fide purchasers.
Homestead Protection:
Massachusetts law provides a homestead exemption under M.G.L. Chapter 188, which protects a homeowner's primary residence from forced sale to satisfy certain creditors. At present, the automatic homestead protection provides up to $500,000 in equity protection for an owner-occupied primary residence. A declared homestead, filed with the Registry of Deeds, provides the same $500,000 protection and may offer additional procedural protections. Members of the public may file a Declaration of Homestead with the Dukes County Registry of Deeds for a standard recording fee.
Zoning and Land Use Regulations:
Each of the six towns in Dukes County — Aquinnah, Chilmark, Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, Tisbury, and West Tisbury — maintains its own zoning bylaws and land use regulations. Property owners are subject to the zoning ordinances of the municipality in which their property is located. Permitted uses, setback requirements, lot coverage limits, and building height restrictions vary by town and by zoning district. Members of the public should consult the relevant town's planning or zoning board for current regulations applicable to a specific parcel.
Martha's Vineyard Commission:
The Martha's Vineyard Commission (MVC) exercises regional land use review authority over Developments of Regional Impact (DRIs) within Dukes County. Certain large-scale or significant development projects require MVC review in addition to local permitting. Property owners proposing substantial development should consult the Martha's Vineyard Commission for applicable review thresholds and procedures.
Martha's Vineyard Commission
33 New York Avenue
Oak Bluffs, MA 02557
Phone: (508) 693-3453
Martha's Vineyard Commission
Property Tax Obligations:
Property owners in Dukes County are subject to annual real estate taxes assessed by the town in which the property is located. Tax rates (expressed as dollars per $1,000 of assessed value) are set annually by each town's Select Board following certification by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. Failure to pay property taxes may result in the placement of a tax lien on the property and, ultimately, a tax taking or tax deed proceeding under Massachusetts law.
Adverse Possession:
Under Massachusetts common law and statute, a person who openly, continuously, exclusively, and adversely possesses another's land for a period of twenty years may acquire title through adverse possession. Claims of adverse possession must be adjudicated through the Massachusetts Land Court, which has exclusive jurisdiction over title disputes involving registered land and concurrent jurisdiction over unregistered land matters.
Registered vs. Unregistered Land:
Dukes County contains both registered (Torrens) land and unregistered land. Registered land is subject to the Massachusetts Land Registration Act, and title is evidenced by a Certificate of Title maintained by the Massachusetts Land Court. Transfers of registered land require endorsement by the Land Court and are recorded on the Certificate of Title rather than in the standard deed index. Unregistered land follows the standard recording system at the Registry of Deeds.