How to Pay Property Registration Fees in NYC

Buying property in New York City isn’t just about signing papers-it’s about making sure the city officially recognizes you as the owner. That’s where property registration comes in. If you skip this step, you won’t have legal proof of ownership, and you could run into big problems later: selling the property, refinancing, or even getting insurance becomes a nightmare. The process sounds complicated, but it’s really just a few clear steps once you know where to look and what to bring.

What Exactly Is Property Registration in NYC?

Property registration in NYC means recording your deed with the NYC Department of Finance and the NYC Register of Deeds. This isn’t optional. Every time a property changes hands-whether it’s a house, condo, or commercial building-the new owner must file the deed. This creates a public record that proves you own the property. Without this, your ownership isn’t legally protected.

The system is managed through the Automated City Register Information System (ACRIS), which handles all real estate documents. You’ll need to submit the signed deed, pay the required fees, and sometimes file additional forms depending on the type of property. This isn’t just bureaucracy-it’s what keeps the entire real estate market running smoothly.

How Much Do You Pay to Register Property in NYC?

Fees vary depending on the property type, location, and sale price. Here’s what you’re likely to pay in 2026:

• Deed Recording Fee: $125 for residential properties under $500,000. For properties over $500,000, it’s $250.
• Mansion Tax: If the sale price is $1 million or more, you pay 1% of the purchase price. For homes over $2 million, it’s 1.25%. This is paid to the state, not the city.
• Transfer Tax: New York State charges 0.4% on residential sales. In NYC, there’s an extra 0.25% for properties over $500,000.
• Document Preparation Fee: Most title companies or attorneys charge $200-$500 to prepare and file documents.

For a $750,000 condo, you’d pay roughly $1,500-$2,000 in total registration fees. For a $2.5 million townhouse? Expect $40,000+ due to the mansion tax alone. Always get a written breakdown from your title company before closing.

Step-by-Step: How to Pay Property Registration Fees

Here’s how it actually works from start to finish:

1. Get the signed deed from your attorney or title company. Make sure it’s properly notarized. No handwritten documents-this must be printed on white, 8.5 x 11 inch paper with black ink.
2. Complete Form TP-584 (New York State Real Property Transfer Tax Return). This form is required even if you’re exempt from the tax. Your attorney usually handles this.
3. Fill out Form PC-504 (Property Classification Form). This tells the city whether the property is residential, commercial, or mixed-use. Get this wrong, and your tax bill could be wrong for years.
4. Pay the fees. You can pay online through ACRIS using a credit card, or in person at the Register’s office in Manhattan. Cash, check, and wire transfers are accepted. Online payments are processed immediately and give you a receipt number.
5. Submit documents. Either hand-deliver them to the NYC Register of Deeds at 346 Broadway, New York, NY 10007, or upload them via ACRIS. If you’re using a title company, they’ll do this for you.
6. Wait for confirmation. You’ll get an email or letter with the recording number within 3-5 business days. Keep this number. You’ll need it for future tax filings or sales.

Pro tip: If you’re buying a co-op, you don’t record a deed. Instead, you file the stock certificate and proprietary lease with the co-op board. The rules are different for co-ops-ask your lawyer.

Where to Pay and How to Avoid Delays

You can pay in person at the NYC Register of Deeds in Manhattan. Hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. But most people avoid this because of long lines and paperwork errors.

The best way? Use ACRIS online. Go to acris.nyc.gov, create an account, and upload your documents. You’ll need:

• A PDF of the signed deed
• Completed TP-584 and PC-504 forms
• Your credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or Discover)
• Your attorney’s EIN number (if they’re filing on your behalf)

Online submission cuts processing time from weeks to days. If you file in person and make one mistake-like a missing signature or wrong parcel number-you’ll be sent home to fix it. Online systems flag errors before you submit.

Common Mistakes That Delay Registration

People mess this up more often than you’d think. Here are the top three errors:

• Wrong property address: If the deed says “123 Main St” but the city’s records say “123 Main Street,” they’ll reject it. Always match the official address on the city’s NYC Property Tax Map.
• Missing notarization: Every signature on the deed must be notarized. No exceptions. Even if your lawyer says it’s fine, the Register won’t accept it.
• Forgetting the mansion tax: If you’re buying over $1 million, the tax is automatic. But if you don’t file Form TP-584, the state will send you a bill later-with penalties.

Another big one: people think they’re done after closing. They’re not. You have 30 days to file. After that, you get a late fee of $50 per day, up to $5,000.

What Happens After You Pay?

Once your deed is recorded, you get a stamped copy back. This is your legal proof of ownership. You should:

• Keep the original in a fireproof safe or safe deposit box
• Give a copy to your lender if you have a mortgage
• Update your property tax bill with the new owner name
• File the recording number with your insurance company

Your property tax bill will change too. The city uses the recorded sale price to adjust your assessment. If you bought at a high price, your taxes will likely go up next year. Don’t be surprised-it’s normal.

Special Cases: Co-ops, Condos, and Commercial Buildings

Not all NYC property works the same way:

• Co-ops: You don’t record a deed. Instead, you file a stock certificate and proprietary lease with the co-op board. The board then files a notice with the city. No recording fee here.
• Condos: These are treated like single-family homes. You record the deed and pay full fees.
• Commercial buildings: If it’s a 5+ unit building, you pay an extra $100 fee. Also, commercial properties must file Form TP-584-C.

Always double-check with your attorney. The rules change depending on whether the building is residential or mixed-use.

Need Help? Who to Call

If you’re unsure:

• Call the NYC Department of Finance: 311 or (212) 639-9600
• Visit the ACRIS Help Desk at 346 Broadway
• Ask your title company-they file hundreds of deeds a month

Don’t try to do it yourself unless you’ve done it before. One mistake can cost you thousands.

What If You Don’t Register?

Skipping registration sounds like a way to save time-but it’s dangerous. Without a recorded deed:

• You can’t sell or refinance the property
• Your lender can call your loan due immediately
• You won’t be able to get homeowner’s insurance
• If someone else claims ownership, you have no legal standing

The city doesn’t go after you right away. But when you need to prove ownership-say, after a fire or a divorce-you’ll be stuck. Registering isn’t optional. It’s the foundation of owning property in NYC.

Next Steps

Ready to register? First, confirm your property’s parcel number on the NYC Department of Finance website. Then, contact your title company or attorney to get the deed package. If you’re doing it yourself, download Form TP-584 and PC-504 from the NY State Department of Taxation and Finance site. Double-check every number. One typo can delay your ownership for weeks.

Property registration isn’t glamorous-but it’s the bedrock of owning real estate in NYC. Get it right the first time. You’ll thank yourself later.