About the Register of Deeds
The Register of Deeds contains copies of original documents, most commonly, wills, leases and minutes of agreement.
Registration in the Register of Deeds is voluntary.
Deeds can be registered for the following purposes:
- preservation
- for execution (for more information on what this term means, read our Register of Deeds guidance)
We can search the Register of Deeds from 15 March 1993 onwards. To search deeds before 15 March 1993, contact the National Records of Scotland.
We can supply deeds registered in the Register of Deeds from 1 Sep 2006 onwards. To order deeds before this date, contact the National Records of Scotland.
Searching the Register of Deeds
To search the Registers of Deeds, you'll need the:
- date range
- name of the party (also known as granter/grantee) in the deed
To request a search, email deeds@ros.gov.uk with the following information:
- details of party or parties to be searched
- your billing address or FAS number
- acceptance of the fee.
If you know the minute number, you can order a copy directly via the deed request form.
We charge £25 + VAT per name search to provide you with the results. You will receive a printout from the register.
If we find the correct deed for you, you’ll receive a plain copy.
Be aware that there may be no results for your search.
How to order a copy deed
After reviewing your search results, you can order further deeds.
Once you have received your results, if you wish to order any of the deeds listed, there would be at the additional cost of:
- £25 + VAT per plain copy
- £35 + VAT per extract; these are generally used for court purposes
You’ll receive an email confirming that we’ve received your order.
You’ll receive your order by email within 2 to 5 days.