Bourbon County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Bourbon County in 2026
BourbonRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Bourbon County, Kentucky. Members of the public may use this resource to locate data that may include deed transfers, ownership history, tax assessments, recorded liens, mortgage documents, and parcel identification details. Access to specific records is subject to availability, and completeness of information may vary depending on the source and the date of recording.
Records available through official channels may include:
- Deed and title transfer documents
- Property tax assessment and payment records
- Mortgage and lien filings
- Plat maps and legal descriptions
- Building permit and zoning records
Members of the public may search property records in Bourbon County through several official channels. The primary custodian of recorded instruments is the Bourbon County Clerk's Office, which maintains deeds, mortgages, liens, and other documents affecting real property title. Tax-related records are administered through the Paris City Clerk & Treasurer and the Bourbon County Sheriff's Office, which collects property taxes under Kentucky law.
Access Methods Available:
- Online searches — The most convenient method; available through the Bourbon County Clerk's online records portal
- In-person visits — Required for certified copies and access to older documents not yet digitized
- By mail — Written requests submitted to the appropriate office with applicable fees
- Through professionals — Title companies, real estate attorneys, and licensed abstractors
1. Property Appraiser Website
The Kentucky Department of Revenue oversees property assessment statewide, while local assessment is conducted by the Bourbon County Property Valuation Administrator (PVA). The PVA maintains records of assessed values, property characteristics, and ownership information.
Search Options:
- By property address
- By owner name
- By parcel ID number
- By map or GIS location
- By legal description
Information Available:
- Current owner name and mailing address
- Legal description and parcel number
- Land use and zoning classification
- Square footage, year built, and lot size
- Assessed value (land and improvements)
- Taxable value and exemptions applied
- Sales history
How to Search:
- Visit the Bourbon County PVA through the Kentucky Department of Revenue's property search portal
- Select the search type (address, owner name, or parcel ID)
- Enter the search criteria
- Review the results list
- Select the property to view the full property card
- Review assessed values, ownership history, and physical characteristics
- Print or save the information as needed
2. County Clerk Official Records Search
The Bourbon County Clerk's Office serves as the official recorder of instruments affecting real property title. Members of the public may access the online records portal to search recorded documents without charge for basic searches.
Searchable By:
- Grantor name (seller)
- Grantee name (buyer)
- Document type
- Recording date range
- Instrument number
Documents Available:
- Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Satisfactions and releases of mortgage
- Mechanic's liens, judgment liens, and tax liens
- Easements and declarations of restrictions
- Plats and surveys
- Lis pendens notices
- Powers of attorney affecting property
How to Search:
- Navigate to the Bourbon County Clerk's online records search
- Select the search type (grantor, grantee, or document type)
- Enter the relevant name or document information
- Review the results and select the document of interest
- View document images where available online
- Note the instrument number or book and page for reference
- Request certified copies if official documentation is required
3. Tax Collector / Sheriff's Office
Property tax collection in Bourbon County is administered by the Bourbon County Sheriff's Office. Members of the public may search tax payment status and outstanding balances through the Paris-Bourbon County tax roll, maintained by the Paris City Clerk & Treasurer for city properties.
Search By:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Parcel number
- Tax account number
Information Available:
- Current tax bill amount
- Payment history
- Outstanding balances
- Exemptions applied
- Millage rates
- Delinquency status
4. GIS / Mapping System
Bourbon County participates in Kentucky's statewide GIS infrastructure. Interactive mapping tools allow members of the public to view property boundaries, aerial photography, zoning layers, and flood zone designations. Users may navigate to a specific location, click on a parcel, and access linked property information including ownership and assessment data.
In-Person Searches:
Bourbon County Clerk's Office
301 Main St., Suite 106
Paris, KY 40361
Phone: (859) 987-2142
Bourbon County Clerk
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Paris City Clerk & Treasurer
525 High St.
Paris, KY 40361
City Clerk & Treasurer
By Mail Requests:
Requests for copies of recorded documents may be submitted by mail to the Bourbon County Clerk's Office at 301 Main St., Suite 106, Paris, KY 40361. Requestors should specify the document by instrument number, book and page, or property address and approximate recording date. Payment for applicable copy fees must accompany the request. Certified copies are available upon request with the appropriate fee.
Through Professionals:
Title companies and real estate attorneys conduct comprehensive title searches and prepare abstracts of title identifying all recorded interests affecting a property. These professionals have direct access to the Clerk's records and can identify encumbrances, gaps in the chain of title, and other issues that may affect ownership. Costs vary by provider and scope of work.
Search Tips:
- When searching by owner name, try last name first and check spelling variations
- When searching by address, try with and without directional prefixes (N, S, E, W)
- Verify results by cross-referencing the parcel ID number
- Very recent transactions may not yet appear online due to recording processing time
- Records predating digitization may require an in-person visit to the Clerk's office
What Is Bourbon County Property Records
Property records in Bourbon 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 instruments establish legal ownership, document the chain of title, record encumbrances such as mortgages and liens, and provide the factual basis for property tax assessment. Under Kentucky Revised Statutes § 382.110, instruments conveying or affecting title to real property must be recorded with the county clerk to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and creditors.
Types of Property Records:
Ownership Records:
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
- Transfer records and chain of title documentation
- Life estate deeds and trust documents affecting property
Encumbrance Records:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Tax liens, mechanic's liens, and judgment liens
- Easements, restrictions, and covenants
- Lis pendens notices
Tax and Assessment Records:
- Property tax assessments and tax bills
- Payment history and delinquency records
- Exemption applications (homestead, disability, veteran)
- Special assessments
Legal Descriptions:
- Plat maps and subdivision plats
- Surveys and metes-and-bounds descriptions
- Lot and block information
Building and Permit Records:
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
- Code violations and zoning information
- Land use designations
Who Maintains Property Records:
The Bourbon County Clerk's Office serves as the official recorder of instruments affecting real property title, responsible for recording, indexing, and maintaining permanent records of all documents submitted for recording. The Bourbon County Property Valuation Administrator maintains assessment records, property characteristics, and ownership information for tax purposes. The Paris City Clerk & Treasurer administers property and tangible tax billing and collection for properties within the City of Paris, as described on the City Clerk & Treasurer page.
Legal Framework:
Kentucky's property recording system is governed by KRS § 382.110, which establishes the requirement that conveyances of real property be recorded to be effective against subsequent purchasers for value without notice. The Kentucky Open Records Act, codified at KRS § 61.870 et seq., guarantees public access to government records, including property records maintained by county clerks and other public agencies. These statutes together form the legal foundation for the public recording system that has operated in Kentucky since statehood.
Are Property Records Public Information in Bourbon County?
Property records in Bourbon County are public information. Under the Kentucky Open Records Act, any person may inspect and obtain copies of public records maintained by government agencies, including property records held by the Bourbon County Clerk's Office, the Property Valuation Administrator, and the Bourbon County Sheriff's Office. No special permission, stated purpose, or residency requirement applies to access these records.
Legal Basis for Public Access:
The public nature of property records in Kentucky rests on multiple legal foundations. The Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS § 61.870 et seq.) establishes the general right of public access to government records. The recording statutes under KRS Chapter 382 require that instruments affecting title be made available for public inspection upon recording. This framework reflects centuries of common law tradition establishing that land ownership records must be publicly accessible to provide constructive notice and enable a functioning real estate marketplace.
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 appraisal all depend on access to recorded instruments
- Legal protection — Recording provides constructive notice, establishes priority of interests, and protects against fraudulent transfers
- Public interest — Tax assessment transparency, community planning, historical research, and journalistic investigation all rely on public property records
What Property Information Is Freely Accessible:
- Current and historical property ownership
- Legal descriptions and parcel numbers
- Sale prices and transfer dates
- Recorded mortgage amounts
- Liens and encumbrances
- Tax assessments and payment history
- Property characteristics (size, age, building type)
- Deeds and all recorded instruments
- Plat maps and surveys
Privacy Considerations:
Under current Kentucky law, Social Security numbers and financial account numbers are redacted from recorded documents before public release. Certain individuals — including law enforcement officers, judges, and victims of domestic violence or stalking — may be eligible for address confidentiality protections under Kentucky's Address Confidentiality Program. Homestead exemption applications may contain personal financial information that is not fully subject to public disclosure; the Bourbon County PVA can provide guidance on applicable policies.
Who Can Access Property Records:
Any member of the public may access Bourbon County property records regardless of residency, ownership status, or stated purpose. Common users include prospective buyers, real estate agents and brokers, title companies, lenders, appraisers, attorneys, investors, genealogists, historians, and journalists. Commercial data aggregators may lawfully compile and resell public property record information, subject to applicable privacy and fair housing laws.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Bourbon County?
Members of the public may inspect property records at the Bourbon County Clerk's Office at no charge. Fees apply when copies or certified copies are requested. Under current Kentucky law, recording and copy fees for the county clerk are established by statute and may be updated periodically by the Kentucky General Assembly.
Current Standard Fees (Bourbon County Clerk's Office):
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of recorded document (per page) | $0.50 per page |
| Certified copy of recorded document | $5.00 per document + $0.50 per page |
| Recording a deed or mortgage (first page) | $33.00 |
| Recording (each additional page) | $3.00 |
| Online document viewing | Free (basic search) |
Additional Fee Information:
- Inspection of records — No fee; members of the public may inspect records during regular office hours at no charge
- Electronic copies — Where available through the online records portal, document images may be viewed at no charge; downloading or printing may incur a per-page fee
- Search fees — The Bourbon County Clerk's Office does not charge a separate search fee for standard name or instrument searches
- Certified copies — Required for legal proceedings, title transactions, and official purposes; fees apply as noted above
- Fee waivers — Kentucky law does not provide a general fee waiver for property record copies; indigent requestors should inquire directly with the Clerk's office regarding available accommodations
Accepted payment methods at the Bourbon County Clerk's Office include cash, check, and credit or debit card. Mail requests should include a check or money order payable to the Bourbon County Clerk. The Paris-Bourbon County property tax portal allows online payment of tax bills by credit card or electronic check, with applicable convenience fees charged by the payment processor.
What Is Available at No Cost:
- Online viewing of property records through the Bourbon County Clerk's portal
- Property assessment information through the PVA's public database
- Tax bill lookup through the Paris City Clerk's online tax roll
- GIS mapping and parcel boundary information
- In-person inspection of any public record at the Clerk's office
What's Included in a Bourbon County Property Record?
A complete Bourbon County property record encompasses information drawn from multiple official sources, including the County Clerk's recorded instruments, the PVA's assessment database, and the Sheriff's tax records. The following describes the categories of information that may be available for a given parcel.
Ownership Information:
Current ownership records identify the legal owner or owners as reflected in the most recently recorded deed, including the ownership type (individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, trust, LLC, or corporation), the acquisition date, and the deed book and page or instrument number. Previous ownership information — the chain of title — documents all prior transfers from the original grant to the present owner, including grantor and grantee names, transfer dates, and historical deed references.
Property Identification:
Each parcel is identified by a unique parcel ID number, a site address, and a legal description. The legal description may take the form of a lot and block reference within a recorded subdivision plat, a metes-and-bounds description, or a section-township-range reference. Condominium units carry additional unit-specific identifiers.
Physical Characteristics:
Assessment records maintained by the PVA include lot size, lot dimensions, total living area in square feet, year built, number of stories, building type, construction materials, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, garage information, pool, and other structural features. Condition and quality ratings assigned by the PVA are also part of the assessment record.
Valuation Information:
The PVA's records include the assessed value of land and improvements separately, the total assessed value, and the estimated market value. Historical assessed values for prior years are maintained and accessible. Agricultural classification values apply where applicable.
Tax Information:
Tax records reflect the current year's tax bill, the taxable value after exemptions, the applicable millage rate, and a breakdown of taxes by taxing authority (county, school district, city, and special districts). Payment history, delinquency status, and any installment plan arrangements are also reflected. The Bourbon County Sheriff's Tax Settlement Audit, released by State Auditor Allison Ball, provides public accountability documentation for the Sheriff's administration of property tax collections.
Exemptions Applied:
Kentucky law provides for a homestead exemption for owner-occupied residential property owned by persons 65 years of age or older, or who are totally disabled. The current homestead exemption amount is adjusted biennially by the Kentucky Department of Revenue. Disability exemptions and veteran exemptions may also apply. Exemption information is reflected in the PVA's assessment records.
Sales History:
Recorded deed transfers include sale dates, sale prices (as reflected in the documentary stamps affixed to the deed), grantor and grantee names, deed type, and instrument numbers. Kentucky does not require separate disclosure of sale prices on a transfer tax form, but documentary stamp amounts on recorded deeds provide a basis for calculating consideration.
Encumbrances and Liens:
Recorded mortgages, deeds of trust, mechanic's liens, judgment liens, tax liens, easements, restrictions, covenants, and lis pendens notices are all part of the official property record maintained by the Bourbon County Clerk. Original mortgage amounts and lender names are reflected in recorded instruments; current outstanding balances are not part of the public record.
What Is Not Typically in Public Property Records:
- Current mortgage balances (only original amounts at recording)
- Social Security numbers (redacted under current law)
- Interior photographs
- Private agreements not submitted for recording
- Actual purchase contract terms beyond the consideration amount
- Confidential details from exemption applications
How Long Does Bourbon County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Bourbon County are maintained permanently. The Bourbon County Clerk's Office retains all recorded instruments affecting real property title indefinitely, as required by Kentucky law and the fundamental necessity of an unbroken chain of title. Under KRS § 171.420, the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives establishes records retention schedules for public agencies, and recorded property instruments are classified as permanent records that may never be destroyed.
Records Kept Permanently:
- All recorded deeds (warranty, quitclaim, trustee's, and all other conveyance types)
- All recorded mortgages, deeds of trust, satisfactions, and releases
- All recorded liens and lien releases
- Subdivision plats and survey plats
- Easements, restrictions, and covenants
- Lis pendens notices and court documents affecting title
- Condominium declarations and amendments
Bourbon County's recorded property records extend back to the county's formation in 1786, making it one of the oldest counties in Kentucky. The earliest records are maintained in handwritten ledger books; mid-twentieth century records are available on microfilm; and more recent records are maintained in digital format with scanned document images.
Format and Storage:
The Bourbon County Clerk's Office maintains records in multiple formats depending on the period of recording. Very old records are preserved in original handwritten books stored in climate-controlled conditions. Microfilm archives cover a substantial portion of the twentieth century. Digital document management systems are used for current recordings, with backup systems and off-site storage to ensure preservation.
Online Availability by Time Period:
| Period | Availability |
|---|---|
| Recent recordings | Fully online via Bourbon County Clerk portal |
| Moderate age (20–50 years) | May be online; microfilm available in-person |
| Historical (50+ years) | In-person access; original books or microfilm |
| Very old (100+ years) | Archive storage; staff retrieval; advance notice helpful |
Property Appraiser (PVA) Records:
The PVA maintains current and historical assessment records permanently. Assessment rolls, property cards, and ownership records are retained indefinitely. Online access through the PVA's database covers recent assessment years; historical assessment information for earlier periods is available upon request at the PVA's office.
Tax Records:
Tax payment records are retained by the Bourbon County Sheriff's Office and the Paris City Clerk & Treasurer for a minimum period established by the state retention schedule, with permanent records maintained for tax deed proceedings. The Bourbon County Sheriff's Tax Settlement Audit published by the Kentucky State Auditor's Office reflects the public accountability framework governing tax collection records.
Accessing Historical Records:
Members of the public seeking historical property records that are not available online should contact the Bourbon County Clerk's Office directly. Staff can retrieve records from microfilm or archival storage. Requestors should provide the property address or legal description, the approximate time period, and the type of document sought. Retrieval time is same-day for most requests; very old archival records may require advance notice.
Bourbon County Clerk's Office
301 Main St., Suite 106
Paris, KY 40361
Phone: (859) 987-2142
Bourbon County Clerk
How To Find Liens on Property in Bourbon County?
Liens on property in Bourbon County are recorded instruments and are therefore searchable through the Bourbon County Clerk's official records system. A lien search involves reviewing the grantor-grantee index maintained by the Clerk's Office to identify any recorded instruments that encumber a specific parcel or are filed against a specific property owner.
Types of Liens Recorded with the Bourbon County Clerk:
- Mortgage liens — Recorded when a property owner borrows against real property; released upon payoff
- Judgment liens — Arise from court judgments and attach to all real property owned by the judgment debtor in the county
- Mechanic's liens — Filed by contractors, subcontractors, or material suppliers for unpaid work or materials
- State and federal tax liens — Filed by the Kentucky Department of Revenue or the IRS for unpaid taxes
- HOA liens — Filed by homeowner associations for unpaid assessments
- Code enforcement liens — Filed by local government for unresolved code violations
Steps to Search for Liens:
- Access the Bourbon County Clerk's online records portal and select the official records search function
- Search by the property owner's name as grantor to identify any instruments filed against that individual
- Search by the property address or parcel number if the system supports address-based searches
- Review all results for document types indicating liens, including mortgages, UCC filings, judgment liens, and tax liens
- Note the instrument number, recording date, and lienholder for each result
- Request copies of specific documents to review the full terms and amounts
- For federal tax liens, also search the Kentucky Secretary of State's UCC and lien database, as IRS liens are filed at the state level in Kentucky
- For judgment liens, review the Bourbon County Circuit Court records through the Kentucky Court of Justice's eCourts portal
In-Person Lien Search:
Members of the public may conduct lien searches in person at the Bourbon County Clerk's Office using public access terminals. Staff can assist with searches of the grantor-grantee index and retrieval of specific documents. Title companies and abstractors routinely conduct comprehensive lien searches as part of the title examination process for real estate transactions.
The DOCALERT service offered through the Bourbon County Clerk's online records portal provides property owners with automatic notification of any new documents recorded in their name, serving as a fraud prevention tool against unauthorized mortgage or deed filings.
Bourbon County Clerk's Office
301 Main St., Suite 106
Paris, KY 40361
Phone: (859) 987-2142
Bourbon County Clerk
What Is Property Owner Rule in Bourbon County?
The property owner rule in Bourbon County refers to the body of Kentucky law governing who may own real property, how ownership is established and transferred, and what rights and obligations attach to property ownership. Under Kentucky law, any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, trust, or other legal entity may hold title to real property in Bourbon County. There are no county-specific restrictions on property ownership beyond those established by state and federal law.
Establishing Ownership:
Legal ownership of real property in Bourbon County is established by a recorded deed. Under KRS § 382.110, a deed must be recorded with the Bourbon County Clerk to be effective against subsequent purchasers for value without notice. An unrecorded deed is valid between the parties but does not provide constructive notice to third parties. This recording requirement is the foundation of the property owner rule: the public record of the Bourbon County Clerk's Office determines the legally recognized owner of any parcel.
Forms of Ownership Recognized in Kentucky:
- Sole ownership — A single individual or entity holds title
- Joint tenancy with right of survivorship — Two or more owners hold equal shares; upon the death of one owner, the surviving owner(s) take the deceased owner's interest automatically
- Tenancy in common — Two or more owners hold undivided interests that may be unequal; each owner's interest passes through their estate upon death
- Tenancy by the entirety — Available only to married couples in Kentucky; provides survivorship rights and protection from individual creditors of one spouse
- Trust ownership — A trustee holds legal title for the benefit of beneficiaries
- Entity ownership — LLCs, corporations, partnerships, and other legal entities may hold title
Property Owner Rights and Obligations:
Property owners in Bourbon County hold the right to use, enjoy, lease, sell, mortgage, and devise their property subject to applicable zoning regulations, deed restrictions, easements, and other encumbrances of record. Property owners are obligated to pay annual property taxes assessed by the Bourbon County PVA and collected by the Bourbon County Sheriff's Office. Failure to pay property taxes may result in the filing of a tax lien and, ultimately, a tax sale proceeding under Kentucky law.
Homestead Protections:
Kentucky law provides limited homestead protections for owner-occupied residential property. The homestead exemption for property tax purposes reduces the assessed value subject to taxation for qualifying owners aged 65 or older or who are totally disabled. Kentucky does not provide a general homestead exemption from creditor claims comparable to those available in some other states, though tenancy by the entirety ownership provides some protection for married couples against individual creditors.
Transfer of Ownership:
Ownership of real property in Bourbon County is transferred by recorded deed. Kentucky imposes a real estate transfer tax at the rate of $0.50 per $500 of consideration (or fraction thereof) on transfers of real property, collected at the time of recording by the Bourbon County Clerk. Certain transfers — including gifts, transfers between spouses, and transfers to or from government entities — may be exempt from the transfer tax under Kentucky law.
Paris City Clerk & Treasurer
525 High St.
Paris, KY 40361
City Clerk & Treasurer