Bristol Property Records

Bristol land records date back to March 22, 1787, when the first volume was recorded. The Town Clerk at 111 North Main Street holds all these documents. Every deed, mortgage, and lien affecting Bristol property is filed here. You can view records in person or search them online. The clerk has digitized images going back to Volume 1. This makes it easy to trace ownership through the centuries. Maps are also part of the land records system. Some maps are still being scanned for online access. The office is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and Friday from 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM. No appointment is needed to record a document, but you must arrive at least 15 minutes before closing.

Online Land Records System

Bristol uses Cott Systems to host its land records online. The database is at cottweb.bristolct.gov. You can search by name, date, or book and page number. The index covers all documents from Volume 1 forward. Images of deeds, mortgages, and maps are viewable on the site. Trade name filings are also included. Map indexes are available, though some map images are still being added to the system.

Access to the database requires a subscription. A one-month subscription costs $30, and a one-year subscription is $130. If you renew after one year, the cost drops to $100. These fees support the maintenance of the online system. Once you subscribe, you can search and view records at any time. This is useful for title searches, research, or checking on property liens. The clerk updates the database daily with new recordings.

For help with the online system, contact the Town Clerk's office. They can provide login instructions and answer questions about the database. If you have trouble finding a record, staff can assist you. However, they cannot provide legal advice or interpret documents. For legal questions, consult a real estate attorney.

Recording Fees and Document Standards

Bristol follows the state fee schedule for recording land documents. The fee is $70 for the first page and $5 for each additional page. If the document involves a MERS nominee, the first page costs $160. This applies to assignments and releases as well. Copies cost $1 per page, and certification adds $2. These fees are set by Connecticut General Statutes Section 7-34a.

Documents must meet certain standards to be recorded. They should be on white paper, 8.5 by 11 inches or 8.5 by 14 inches. Use black ink with a minimum 10-point font. The grantor must sign the deed, and the signature must be notarized. Two witnesses are also required. Names should be typed or printed beneath each signature. The grantee's current mailing address must appear on the document. If the address is missing, an extra $5 fee is charged. If names are not printed under signatures, an additional $1 fee applies.

When property is sold, the deed must be accompanied by Form OP-236. This form calculates the state and local conveyance tax. The seller pays this tax at closing. The clerk collects the tax and forwards it to the Department of Revenue Services. Without this form, the clerk cannot record the deed. Make sure it is filled out correctly to avoid delays.

E-Recording Services

Bristol accepts electronic recording through four vendors: Simplifile, CSC, ePN, and Indecomm. E-recording allows you to submit documents online without visiting the office. This is faster and more convenient, especially for attorneys and title companies. To use e-recording, you must register with one of the approved vendors. They will provide instructions on how to upload and submit documents.

Once a document is submitted electronically, the clerk reviews it for completeness. If everything is in order, the document is recorded and stamped. The recorded copy is sent back to you electronically. This process usually happens the same day if submitted during business hours. E-recording is available for most types of land documents, including deeds, mortgages, and releases. However, transactions requiring Form OP-236 may need to be filed in person or by mail.

Types of Land Documents

The Town Clerk records many types of documents. Warranty deeds are the most common for property sales. The seller guarantees that the title is clear and promises to defend it. Quitclaim deeds transfer whatever interest the grantor has, with no guarantees. These are often used to clear up title issues or transfer property between family members. Mortgage deeds create a lien on the property to secure a loan. When the loan is paid off, a release of mortgage is recorded to clear the lien.

Liens can be filed by contractors, tax authorities, or through court judgments. A lien stays on the property until it is paid and released. Easements grant someone the right to use part of the land, such as for access or utilities. Condominium documents and subdivision maps are also recorded. All of these are public records and can be searched by anyone.

Conveyance Tax Requirements

Connecticut law requires a conveyance tax on most property sales. The state rate for residential property is 0.75% on the first $800,000 and 1.25% on any amount above that. Non-residential property is taxed at 1.25% on the full amount. Bristol also collects a local conveyance tax, the rate of which is set by town ordinance. These taxes are paid by the seller at closing.

Form OP-236 is used to calculate and report the tax. The form must be submitted in duplicate: one copy for the town and one for the state. The town clerk forwards the state's copy to the Department of Revenue Services within ten days. If there are multiple grantors, attach Schedule A to the form. If there is more than one grantee or the grantee is a business, attach Schedule B. These forms are available on the DRS website.

Legal Framework for Land Records

Connecticut General Statutes Title 47 governs land records and conveyances. Section 47-10 states that no conveyance is valid against third parties unless it is recorded in the town where the land is located. This means recording your deed protects your ownership from later claims. The law also requires that deeds be signed, notarized, and witnessed. These formalities help prevent fraud and ensure the document is genuine.

The Marketable Record Title Act, CGS 47-33b through 47-33l, establishes that a 40-year chain of title is sufficient for marketable title. This law helps clear old defects and claims. If a property has an unbroken chain of title for 40 years, earlier issues are extinguished. This makes it easier to sell property without worrying about ancient liens or claims. The act applies to most types of land, though some exceptions exist.

Historical Land Records

Bristol has one of the most complete land records collections in Connecticut. Documents go back to 1787, and many have been scanned. This allows researchers and homeowners to trace property history over centuries. Older records are in bound volumes stored at the clerk's office. Some volumes are fragile and must be handled with care. The clerk can retrieve these for you during office hours.

Maps and surveys are also part of the historical record. These show how Bristol developed over time. They can be useful for settling boundary disputes or understanding old property descriptions. If you need a certified copy of an old deed or map, contact the clerk. They will print and certify it for a fee. Certified copies can be used in court or for title insurance purposes.

Property Fraud Prevention

Property fraud is a risk in any town. Criminals may file false deeds to steal ownership. To protect yourself, check your property records regularly. You can do this through the online database or by visiting the clerk's office. If you see a document you did not authorize, contact the clerk and the police immediately. You may need an attorney to file a corrective deed or court action.

Some towns offer fraud alert services that send emails when a document is recorded under your name. While Bristol does not currently advertise this service, you can monitor the online database yourself. Keep copies of all your property documents in a safe place. This makes it easier to prove ownership if a problem arises.

Nearby Towns and County Context

Bristol is part of Hartford County. In Connecticut, there is no county-level recording of land records. Each town keeps its own files. Nearby towns include New Britain, Manchester, and Southington. If you own property in multiple towns, you must record deeds in each one separately. Hartford, the county seat, also has a busy land records office.

For statewide resources, visit the Connecticut Town Clerks Portal. Over 70 towns participate in this system, which allows you to search across multiple locations. You can also use US Land Records for multi-town searches. The Connecticut Secretary of the State provides information on notaries and business filings.

Contact and Office Information

The Bristol Town Clerk is located at 111 North Main Street on the first floor of City Hall. The office is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and Friday from 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM. You can call (860) 584-6200 ext. 0 for general questions. For email inquiries, use townclerk@bristolct.gov. The clerk processes land records in the order received. Most filings are completed the same day if submitted before the cutoff time.

If you need to record a document, bring it in person or mail it with a check for the recording fee. E-recording is also available through approved vendors. The clerk cannot give legal advice or prepare documents for you. If you need help drafting a deed, consult a real estate attorney. For questions about property taxes or assessments, contact the Tax Assessor's office.