What is the Property Recording Alert Service?
Key features of PRAS include:
- Same-day email alerts when documents are indexed.
- Enhanced monitoring for greater accuracy.
- Notification email includes a direct link to view and download recorded documents.
While PRAS provides early notification, it is not a guarantee of protection against fraud, nor does it prevent documents from being recorded. The County Clerk's office does not have the authority to flag properties or determine the validity of submitted documents.
What is the difference between recording a document and indexing a document?
For a document to be recorded by a clerk, it must also be indexed. The distinction is that recording is the official act of entering the document into the public record, while indexing is the process of creating a searchable reference that points to the document. Think of indexing as the library's card catalog and recording as the actual book being placed on the shelf.
Note: While the Clerk's office strives to index recorded documents timely, indexing is not same day. Review and processing of the information can take time.
What is the cost of the Property Recording Alert Service?
The Property Recording Alert Service (PRAS) is a free service offered by the Multnomah County Clerk’s office that alerts individuals via email when a document is recorded and indexed containing monitored names. The PRAS program is offered at no additional expense to taxpayers, with funding made available through a portion of the statutory fees already collected by the Clerk’s office.
Does this integrate with any online monitoring services (e.g. LifeLock)?
No. This separate service will only notify the subscriber of a recorded document based on the enrolled name(s).
How many names can I monitor?
The system only allows 10 party names to be assigned to a single email address. Additional names must be entered under a separate email address.
My last name is very common. Will I receive notification alerts that could belong to someone else?
It is very possible to receive an alert that may pertain to another individual with the same name as you. Please view the document to determine whether it affects your property.
What information is provided in a notification alert email?
The recording alert will contain the party name(s) being monitored and a link directing you to the recorded document located on the Digital Research Room website. By clicking on the link in the email, you can view the details of the recorded document and download a copy, as needed.
What documents will I be notified about through the Property Recording Alert Service and how do I obtain a copy?
The Property Recording Alert Service (PRAS) alerts you to newly recorded documents only, i.e. documents recorded after you have signed up. To search documents already recorded under your name, visit our Digital Research Room to obtain a recorded copy.
What should I do if I think I have been subject to fraud?
- If you suspect you are a victim of fraud, please contact local law enforcement Multnomah County Non-Emergency Dispatch at 3-1-1 OR (503) 823-3333.
- Go to the police and fill out a report.
- The police report number will be helpful as you move through the process to correct the situation and will be needed on a number of documents. You will need the report number for documentation purposes
- Inform all 3 credit bureaus
- Experian
- TransUnion
- Equifax
- If you have a mortgage, call your mortgage company
- Work with an attorney or get legal advice
- Multnomah County employees cannot provide legal advice
I own real estate in several different counties/states. Will registering for this service notify me of recording activity in all counties?
No. You must subscribe to each County individually.
Note: This service may not be available in every County.
Does this service prevent someone from recording a document on my property?
No. The County Clerk’s office does not have the legal authority, nor the means, to flag properties or determine the validity or authenticity of a document submitted for recording. Oregon law requires that a document meeting the statutory requirements shall be recorded by the County Clerk, making it a public record.
How do I find out what the contents of a recorded document mean?
The Clerk’s Recording office is prohibited from interpreting any document or providing legal assistance. We recommend seeking legal counsel for any questions regarding the contents of the document.