What is "recording" a deed?

Recording a deed refers to the process of entering the deed into public records. This is a critical step in the transfer of property ownership, as it provides legal notice to the public about the transaction and establishes a public record of ownership. When a deed is recorded, it is typically filed with a local government office, such as a county clerk or recorder's office, which maintains official records related to real estate transactions.

By recording the deed, the new owner's rights to the property are protected against claims by third parties, as the recording creates a public record that others can rely on. This helps to ensure that the chain of ownership is clear and that potential buyers or lenders can ascertain the legitimacy of property ownership before making decisions.

The other options, while related to the management of deeds, do not accurately define the recording process. Creating a digital copy does not fulfill the legal requirements for property transfer. Reviewing the content of the deed is a separate task associated with understanding the terms of the deed rather than the act of recording it. Notarizing a deed is also a distinct process that involves verifying the identity of the signatories and does not pertain to the act of recording it in the public records.