Comanche County Property Records
What Is Comanche County Property Records
Property records in Comanche County are official documents that establish and track the ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within county boundaries. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of who owns what land and buildings throughout the jurisdiction. The primary purpose of maintaining these records is to establish legal ownership through a clear chain of title, provide public notice of property interests, protect property rights, and facilitate real estate transactions.
Pursuant to Oklahoma Statutes Title 16 § 15, all instruments affecting real estate must be recorded to be valid against subsequent purchasers. This statutory requirement ensures that all property ownership changes, liens, and other encumbrances are properly documented and accessible to the public. The Comanche County Clerk's Office maintains these records in accordance with state law.
Property records typically include:
- Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, special)
- Mortgages and trust deeds
- Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Plats and surveys
- Property tax assessment records
- Foreclosure documents
The Comanche County Land Records Department serves as the central repository for these documents, ensuring their proper filing, indexing, and preservation for public access.
Are Property Records Public Information In Comanche County?
Property records in Comanche County are indeed public information, accessible to all citizens without restriction. This public access is mandated by both the Oklahoma Open Records Act (51 O.S. § 24A.1 et seq.) and specific property recording statutes found in Oklahoma Statutes Title 16.
The legal basis for this public access rests on several important principles:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Recording statutes explicitly require public accessibility to ensure transparency
- Public access to property records serves the broader public interest by facilitating informed real estate transactions
- Any person may access these records without demonstrating a specific interest or providing justification
The Oklahoma Open Records Act specifically states 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." This statutory language establishes the presumption that government records, including property records, are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.
In Comanche County, the County Clerk serves as the custodian of these public property records. As stated in Oklahoma Statutes Title 19 § 286, the county clerk is required to "keep all books, records, maps and papers deposited in his office."
How To Search Property Records in Comanche County in 2026
Members of the public seeking to search property records in Comanche County may utilize several methods currently available through county offices. The following procedures outline the standard process for conducting property record searches:
In-Person Searches:
- Visit the Comanche County Clerk's Office during regular business hours
- Complete a records request form available at the public counter
- Provide specific property information (address, owner name, legal description)
- Staff will assist in locating relevant records
- Pay applicable copy fees ($1.00 per page for certified copies, $0.25 per page for regular copies)
By Mail:
- Submit a written request to the County Clerk's Office
- Include specific property information and search parameters
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Include payment for applicable fees (call ahead to confirm amount)
By Telephone:
- Contact the County Clerk's Office at 580-355-5214
- Provide specific property information to staff
- Staff can verify basic information over the phone
- For copies, follow up with written request and payment
County Clerk's Office
315 SW 5th Street, Suite 200
Lawton, OK 73501
580-355-5214
Comanche County Clerk
For property assessment records, the Comanche County Assessor's Office maintains separate databases that can be searched by property address, owner name, or parcel number.
County Assessor's Office
315 SW 5th Street, Suite 301
Lawton, OK 73501
580-585-5220
Comanche County Assessor
How To Find Property Records in Comanche County Online?
Comanche County provides digital access to property records through several online platforms. The following steps outline the current process for accessing these records electronically:
- Visit the Comanche County Land Records official website
- Select the "Search Land Records" option
- Create a user account if required (free registration)
- Choose search method:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Parcel ID/Account number
- Legal description
- Document type and date range
- Enter search criteria in the appropriate fields
- Review search results showing matching properties
- Select specific records to view document images
- Download or print documents as needed (fees may apply)
For property assessment data, the County Assessor maintains a separate online database:
- Navigate to the Comanche County Assessor website
- Select "Property Search" option
- Search by address, owner name, or parcel number
- View assessment information, property characteristics, and valuation data
The Oklahoma State Land Records Portal also provides access to Comanche County records through the OK-IRIS system, which integrates records from multiple counties.
Users should note that while basic property information is available online at no cost, accessing document images or obtaining certified copies may require payment of statutory fees. Additionally, some older records may not be digitized and might require in-person research at the County Clerk's Office.
How To Look Up Comanche County Property Records for Free?
Comanche County residents and other interested parties can access certain property records at no cost through several channels. The following methods provide free access to basic property information:
Public Access Terminals:
- Located in the County Clerk's Office (315 SW 5th Street, Suite 200, Lawton)
- Available during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
- No fee for self-service searching
- Staff assistance available for basic questions
- Only printing and certified copies incur fees
County Assessor's Public Website:
- The Comanche County Assessor's website offers free property search
- Provides property characteristics, ownership information, and assessed values
- No registration required for basic searches
- Maps and aerial photographs may be available
- Historical assessment data typically available for 3-5 years
County Treasurer's Tax Records:
- The Comanche County Treasurer maintains tax payment records
- Search by owner name or property address
- View current tax status and payment history
- Tax sale lists for delinquent properties
Public Libraries:
- Lawton Public Library (110 SW 4th Street, Lawton)
- Free public computer access
- Staff can assist with navigating county websites
- Historical property records may be available on microfilm
While basic property information is available at no cost, users should be aware that obtaining copies, certified documents, or extensive research assistance may incur standard fees as established by Oklahoma Statutes Title 28 § 32, which governs county clerk fees. Additionally, commercial services offering property record searches typically charge subscription or per-record fees.
What's Included in a Comanche County Property Record?
Property records maintained by Comanche County offices contain comprehensive information about real property within the jurisdiction. These records distinguish between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable assets). Multiple county offices maintain different aspects of property records, each with specific content and purposes.
A typical Comanche County property record includes:
Ownership Information:
- Current property owner(s) name and contact information
- Previous owners (chain of title)
- Date of acquisition
- Purchase price or consideration (on deed records)
- Type of ownership (individual, joint tenancy, tenancy in common, trust)
Property Identification:
- Legal description (lot, block, subdivision or metes and bounds)
- Property address
- Parcel identification number
- Tax account number
- Plat map references
Physical Characteristics:
- Lot size and dimensions
- Building size and specifications
- Year built
- Construction type
- Number of rooms/bedrooms/bathrooms
- Improvements and additions
- Outbuildings and permanent fixtures
Financial Information:
- Assessed value
- Market value
- Tax assessment history
- Current tax status
- Exemptions applied (homestead, veteran, etc.)
- Special assessments or districts
Encumbrances:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Tax liens
- Judgment liens
- Mechanic's liens
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants
- Homeowners association information
Pursuant to Oklahoma Statutes Title 68 § 2817, the County Assessor must maintain detailed property characteristics for valuation purposes. Similarly, Oklahoma Statutes Title 16 § 26 requires the County Clerk to maintain grantor-grantee indexes for all recorded documents affecting real property.
How Long Does Comanche County Keep Property Records?
Comanche County maintains property records according to retention schedules established by the Oklahoma Department of Libraries and Archives Division. These retention periods vary by document type and are governed by Oklahoma Statutes Title 67 § 209, which establishes the Records Management Act.
The following retention periods apply to various property records:
Permanent Retention (Never Destroyed):
- Deeds and conveyances
- Mortgages and satisfactions
- Plats and surveys
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants
- Condominium declarations
- Original tax assessment rolls
- Land patent records
- Homestead exemption applications (after property transfer)
Long-Term Retention (20+ Years):
- Property tax payment records (20 years)
- Tax sale certificates (25 years after redemption or sale)
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy (life of structure plus 5 years)
- Zoning variance records (25 years)
Medium-Term Retention (5-20 Years):
- Property tax appeals (10 years after final determination)
- Special assessment records (10 years after final payment)
- Temporary easements (5 years after expiration)
- Building inspection reports (10 years)
Short-Term Retention (Less than 5 years):
- Routine correspondence regarding property (3 years)
- Property record search requests (2 years)
- Fee receipts for document copies (3 years)
The County Clerk's Office maintains a comprehensive records retention schedule that details specific timeframes for all document types. This schedule is periodically updated to reflect changes in state law and administrative requirements.
It should be noted that while some records may be legally eligible for destruction after their retention period expires, Comanche County has historically preserved most property records indefinitely, particularly those documenting ownership and encumbrances. Many historical records have been digitized to ensure their long-term preservation.
How To Find Liens on Property In Comanche County?
Locating liens on property in Comanche County requires searching records maintained by several county offices. Liens represent legal claims against property that must be satisfied when the property is sold. The following procedure outlines the current process for conducting a comprehensive lien search:
County Clerk's Office Search:
- Visit the Comanche County Clerk's Office in person or access their online records
- Search by property owner name in the grantor-grantee index
- Search by property legal description
- Review the following lien types:
- Mortgage liens
- Mechanic's and materialmen's liens
- Judgment liens
- Federal and state tax liens
- Child support liens
- Homeowners association liens
County Treasurer's Office Search:
- Contact the Comanche County Treasurer's Office
- Request information on:
- Delinquent property taxes
- Special assessments
- Tax sale status
County Court Clerk Search:
- Visit the Comanche County Court Clerk's Office
- Search court records for:
- Judgments against property owners
- Pending litigation affecting the property
- Divorce decrees with property provisions
- Probate proceedings
Additional Resources:
- Oklahoma Secretary of State's Office for UCC filings
- Federal District Court for federal tax liens and judgments
- Oklahoma Tax Commission for state tax warrants
County Court Clerk's Office
315 SW 5th Street, Suite 305
Lawton, OK 73501
580-248-5900
Comanche County Court Clerk
For the most comprehensive results, property owners or interested parties may wish to engage a title company to conduct a professional title search, which will identify all recorded liens and encumbrances affecting the property. Title companies maintain private title plants that often contain more detailed information than is readily available through public searches.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Comanche County?
The Property Owner Rule in Comanche County refers to a set of regulations and legal principles governing property ownership, recording requirements, and notice provisions. These rules are established by Oklahoma state law and implemented at the county level.
Key components of the Property Owner Rule include:
Recording Requirements:
- All instruments affecting real property must be recorded with the County Clerk to provide constructive notice to third parties
- Pursuant to Oklahoma Statutes Title 16 § 16, unrecorded conveyances are valid between parties but void against subsequent purchasers for value without notice
- Documents must meet specific formatting requirements to be accepted for recording
Notice Provisions:
- Oklahoma follows a "race-notice" recording statute
- First to record without notice of prior unrecorded interests has priority
- Actual notice of unrecorded interests may defeat priority even without recording
Ownership Forms:
- Fee simple ownership (complete ownership)
- Joint tenancy with right of survivorship
- Tenancy in common
- Life estates
- Trusts and other fiduciary ownership
Transfer Requirements:
- Valid deed must contain grantor's signature
- Proper legal description of property
- Delivery and acceptance
- Consideration (though nominal consideration is sufficient)
- Acknowledgment before notary public
Homestead Protections:
- Oklahoma Constitution Article 12 § 2 establishes homestead exemption
- Protects primary residence from certain creditors
- Requires spousal consent for conveyance of homestead property
- Homestead declaration must be filed with County Assessor
Tax Responsibilities:
- Property owners must report changes in ownership to County Assessor within 30 days
- Annual property tax payments required
- Tax liens attach to property on January 1 each year
- Failure to pay taxes may result in tax sale after specified delinquency period
The Property Owner Rule also encompasses regulations regarding adverse possession, which requires open, notorious, and continuous possession under claim of right for 15 years under Oklahoma Statutes Title 12 § 93.
Property owners in Comanche County should familiarize themselves with these rules to ensure proper protection of their property rights and compliance with legal requirements.
Lookup Property Records in Comanche County
Land Records in Comanche County