Plaquemines County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Plaquemines County in 2026
PlaqueminesParishRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Plaquemines County, Louisiana. Members of the public may find ownership history, assessed values, recorded instruments, tax information, and encumbrance data. Available record categories include deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, tax assessments, and transfer histories. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the source and the age of the document.
Property records in Plaquemines Parish may be searched through several official resources maintained by parish and state government agencies. The primary repositories are the Plaquemines Parish Clerk of Court, the Plaquemines Parish Assessor's Office, and the Louisiana Tax Commission. Members of the public may access these records online, in person, by mail, or through licensed professionals such as title companies and real estate attorneys.
Multiple Access Methods:
- Online searches — The most convenient method; available through parish and state portals at no cost for basic inquiries
- In-person visits — Required for certified copies and access to older, non-digitized records
- By mail — Written requests submitted to the Clerk of Court or Assessor with applicable fees
- Through professionals — Title companies, real estate attorneys, and licensed appraisers conduct comprehensive searches as part of transactions
1. Property Appraiser Website
The Plaquemines Parish Assessor's Office maintains the primary database for property assessment and ownership information. Members of the public may access the Plaquemines Parish Assessor's online search portal at no cost and without registration.
Search Options:
- By property address
- By owner name
- By parcel ID or assessment number
- By subdivision name
- By map or GIS location
Information Available:
- Current owner name and mailing address
- Property site address and legal description
- Parcel identification number
- Land use and zoning classification
- Property characteristics (square footage, year built, lot size, building type, number of bedrooms and bathrooms)
- Assessed value of land and improvements
- Taxable value and applicable exemptions
- Sales history
- GIS map location and aerial imagery
How to Search:
- Navigate to the Plaquemines Parish Assessor's website
- Select the preferred search type (address, owner name, or parcel number)
- Enter the search criteria in the appropriate field
- Review the results list returned by the system
- Select the relevant property to view the full property card
- Review ownership details, valuation data, sales history, and map information
- Print or save the property record as needed
2. Clerk of Court Official Records Search
The Plaquemines Parish Clerk of Court serves as the official recorder of instruments affecting real property. Recorded documents are indexed and available for public inspection through the Clerk's online portal.
Searchable By:
- Grantor name (seller or transferor)
- Grantee name (buyer or transferee)
- Document type
- Recording date range
- Book and page number
- Instrument number
Documents Available:
- Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
- Mortgages and acts of mortgage
- Releases and satisfactions of mortgage
- Judgment liens and tax liens
- Mechanic's liens
- Easements and servitudes
- Declarations of restrictions and covenants
- Subdivision plats and surveys
- Powers of attorney affecting property
- Lis pendens notices
- Condominium declarations
How to Search:
- Access the Plaquemines Parish Clerk of Court official records portal
- Select the search type (grantor, grantee, document type, or date range)
- Enter the applicable search criteria
- Review the indexed results
- Select a document to view the image, if available online
- Note the book and page number or instrument number for reference
- Request certified copies through the Clerk's office if official documentation is required
3. Tax Collector / Sheriff's Office
In Louisiana, the parish sheriff serves as the ex officio tax collector. Tax payment records and delinquency information for Plaquemines Parish are maintained by the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff's Office.
Search By:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Parcel or assessment number
Information Available:
- Current tax bill and amount due
- Payment history and outstanding balances
- Applicable exemptions
- Millage rates by taxing authority
- Delinquent tax status
- Payment options and installment plan status
4. GIS / Mapping System
The Plaquemines Parish GIS system provides interactive mapping tools that allow members of the public to visually locate properties, view parcel boundaries, and access linked assessment data.
How to Use:
- Navigate the interactive map to the property location
- Click on a parcel to retrieve property identification and assessment information
- View aerial photography, flood zone designations, and zoning overlays
- Access linked records from the Assessor's database
- Measure distances and view multiple map layers simultaneously
In-Person Searches:
Plaquemines Parish Assessor's Office
301 Main Street, Suite 15
Belle Chasse, LA 70037
Phone: (504) 297-5337
Plaquemines Parish Assessor
Plaquemines Parish Clerk of Court
301 Main Street
Belle Chasse, LA 70037
Phone: (504) 297-5180
Plaquemines Parish Clerk of Court
Plaquemines Parish Sheriff's Office (Tax Collector)
8100 Highway 23, Suite 100
Belle Chasse, LA 70037
Phone: (504) 564-2525
Plaquemines Parish Sheriff
By Mail Requests:
Requests for copies of recorded instruments may be submitted in writing to the Plaquemines Parish Clerk of Court at 301 Main Street, Belle Chasse, LA 70037. Requestors should specify the document by book and page number, instrument number, or property address and approximate recording date range. Payment for applicable copy fees must accompany the request. Certified copies are available upon request with the appropriate certification fee.
Assessment information requests may be directed in writing to the Plaquemines Parish Assessor's Office at the same address. Requestors should include the property address or parcel number and a return mailing address.
Through Professionals:
Title companies conduct comprehensive title searches, prepare abstracts of title, and issue title insurance commitments that identify all recorded interests affecting a property. Real estate attorneys provide legal title opinions and assist with complex ownership disputes. Licensed appraisers and real estate agents may access MLS data and comparable sales information as part of their professional services. Costs for professional services vary by provider and scope of work.
Search Tips:
- When searching by address, attempt variations with and without directional prefixes (N, S, E, W) and check spelling carefully
- When searching by owner name, try last name first and consider variations including maiden names, middle initials, and business entity names
- When searching by legal description, use the exact subdivision name, lot number, and block number as recorded
- For historical records not available online, contact the Clerk of Court directly to arrange in-person access or retrieval from archive storage
What Is Plaquemines County Property Records
Property records in Plaquemines Parish are official legal documents related to real property — land and any improvements affixed to it — maintained by parish government agencies. These records constitute the legal foundation for establishing ownership, recording encumbrances, and documenting all transfers of real property interests. Under Louisiana Revised Statute § 9:2721, all instruments affecting immovable property must be recorded in the parish where the property is located to be effective against third parties.
Purpose of Property Records:
- Establish and document legal ownership of immovable property
- Provide an unbroken chain of title from original grant to present owner
- Record encumbrances including mortgages, liens, easements, and servitudes
- Document all property transfers and conveyances
- Support property tax assessment and collection
- Protect property rights and enable enforcement of recorded interests
- Facilitate real estate transactions and title insurance
Types of Property Records:
Ownership Records include all recorded acts of sale, donation, exchange, and other conveyances. In Louisiana, the primary instruments of transfer are acts of sale (equivalent to warranty deeds in other states) and quitclaim deeds. Trust documents, succession judgments, and sheriff's sale deeds also constitute ownership records.
Encumbrance Records include acts of mortgage, collateral mortgage notes, judgment liens, tax liens, mechanic's liens, servitudes (easements), and declarations of restrictions. Lis pendens notices, which provide constructive notice of pending litigation affecting title, are also recorded in this category.
Tax and Assessment Records maintained by the Assessor's Office include annual property tax assessments, tax bills, payment histories, exemption applications, millage rate schedules, and special assessment records. The Louisiana Tax Commission oversees assessment standards statewide and publishes parish tax rolls.
Legal Descriptions and Plat Records include subdivision plats, re-plats, condominium declarations, and survey plats recorded with the Clerk of Court. These documents establish the precise boundaries and legal identity of each parcel.
Building and Permit Records are maintained by the Plaquemines Parish Planning and Zoning Department and include building permits, certificates of occupancy, zoning designations, and code enforcement records.
Who Maintains Property Records:
The Plaquemines Parish Clerk of Court records, indexes, and maintains all instruments affecting immovable property, including acts of sale, mortgages, liens, easements, and plats. The Plaquemines Parish Assessor maintains property valuation records, ownership information, and exemption data. The Plaquemines Parish Sheriff serves as the ex officio tax collector and maintains tax payment and delinquency records. The Plaquemines Parish Planning and Zoning Department maintains permit and zoning records.
Are Property Records Public Information in Plaquemines County?
Property records in Plaquemines Parish are public records accessible to any member of the public without a stated purpose, residency requirement, or special authorization. Louisiana's public records law, codified at Louisiana Revised Statute § 44:1 et seq., establishes the right of any person to inspect and copy public records maintained by state and local government agencies. As the Louisiana Attorney General's Office has stated, "The right of the public to have access to public records is a fundamental right."
Legal Basis for Public Access:
- Louisiana Public Records Law (La. R.S. § 44:1) et seq.
- Louisiana recording statutes (La. R.S. § 9:2721 et seq.)
- Louisiana Constitution, Article XII, Section 3, which guarantees the right of access to public records
- The centuries-old common law tradition of public land records in American jurisprudence
Why Property Records Are Public:
The public nature of property records serves multiple essential functions. Transparency in property ownership prevents fraudulent transfers and secret conveyances. The recording system provides constructive notice to all subsequent purchasers and creditors, meaning that any person who records an instrument first has priority over later-recorded interests. This principle is fundamental to the security of real estate transactions throughout Louisiana.
Commercial users — including title companies, lenders, appraisers, and real estate professionals — rely on public property records to conduct title searches, underwrite mortgages, and assess property values. Journalists, researchers, and members of the public use property records for investigative, genealogical, and historical purposes.
What Property Information Is Freely Accessible:
- Current and historical ownership
- Legal descriptions and parcel identification numbers
- Sale prices and transfer dates
- Recorded mortgage amounts and lender names
- Liens, judgments, and encumbrances
- Tax assessments and payment status
- Property characteristics and improvements
- Plat maps and surveys
- All recorded instruments in their entirety
Privacy Considerations:
Under current Louisiana 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 applicable state programs. Homestead exemption applications may contain personal financial information that is subject to limited access policies; members of the public should contact the Assessor's Office directly regarding the availability of specific exemption application documents.
Who Can Access Property Records:
Any person may access Plaquemines Parish property records regardless of residency, citizenship, ownership status, or stated purpose. Common users include prospective buyers, real estate agents and brokers, title companies, mortgage lenders, appraisers, attorneys, property investors, genealogists, historians, and members of the media.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Plaquemines County?
Members of the public may inspect property records at the Plaquemines Parish Clerk of Court at no charge. Fees are assessed for copies, certified copies, and certain search services. Under Louisiana Revised Statute § 44:32, custodians of public records may charge reasonable fees for copies but may not charge for inspection alone.
Current Fee Schedule — Plaquemines Parish Clerk of Court:
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of recorded document (per page) | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copy of recorded document | $5.00 per document + $1.00 per page |
| Mortgage certificate (lien search) | $25.00 per name |
| Conveyance certificate (ownership search) | $25.00 per name |
| Research fee (staff-assisted search) | Varies |
| Electronic document access (online) | Free for basic viewing |
Recording Fees (for submitting new documents):
| Document Type | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Act of sale or deed | $125.00 for first page + $25.00 each additional page |
| Mortgage | $125.00 for first page + $25.00 each additional page |
| Release or cancellation | $75.00 flat fee |
| Plat or survey | Fee varies by size |
What Is Available at No Cost:
- Online viewing of indexed records through the Clerk's portal
- Online property assessment data through the Assessor's website
- Online tax information through the Sheriff's tax portal
- In-person inspection of records at the Clerk's office
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash (in-person)
- Check or money order payable to the Plaquemines Parish Clerk of Court (mail requests)
- Credit and debit cards (in-person; processing fees may apply)
Fee amounts are subject to change by order of the Clerk of Court. Members of the public should confirm current fees directly with the Clerk's office prior to submitting requests.
What's Included in a Plaquemines County Property Record?
A complete Plaquemines Parish property record encompasses information drawn from multiple official sources, including the Assessor's Office, the Clerk of Court, and the Sheriff's tax records. The following categories represent the full scope of information available through official channels.
Ownership Information:
Current ownership records identify the legal owner or owners as reflected on the most recently recorded act of sale or conveyance. Ownership types include individual ownership, co-ownership (indivision), community property (for married couples under Louisiana law), trust ownership, and corporate or LLC ownership. Each ownership record includes the acquisition date, the deed book and page or instrument number, and the owner's mailing address for tax purposes.
Previous ownership information — the chain of title — documents every transfer of the property from the original grant to the present. Title searches conducted by professionals review the full chain to identify any gaps, defects, or unresolved encumbrances.
Property Identification:
Each parcel is identified by a unique parcel ID or assessment number assigned by the Assessor's Office. The legal description — which may take the form of a lot and block reference to a recorded subdivision plat, a metes and bounds description, or a condominium unit designation — is the definitive legal identifier of the property. The site address and mailing address are also included.
Physical Characteristics:
Assessment records maintained by the Assessor's Office include lot size in square feet or acres, lot dimensions, frontage, land use designation, and zoning classification. Building information includes total living area, year built, number of stories, construction type, exterior wall material, roof type, foundation type, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and additional features such as garages, pools, porches, and outbuildings. Condition and quality ratings assigned by the Assessor are also part of the record.
Valuation Information:
The Assessor's records reflect the assessed value of land and improvements separately, the total assessed value, and the fair market value estimate. Louisiana law requires that residential property be assessed at 10% of fair market value and commercial property at 15%. Historical assessed values for prior years are available through the Assessor's online portal, allowing users to track value trends over time.
Tax Information:
Tax records include the current year's tax bill broken down by taxing authority (parish general fund, school board, levee district, and other special districts), the millage rate applied, all exemptions deducted, the resulting taxable value, and the total amount due. Payment history, delinquency status, and tax certificate information are maintained by the Sheriff's Office. The Louisiana Tax Commission publishes statewide tax roll data and oversees assessment uniformity.
Exemptions Applied:
Louisiana law provides for a homestead exemption of up to $75,000 of assessed value for owner-occupied primary residences, as well as additional exemptions for certain disabled veterans, surviving spouses, and other qualifying individuals. Exemption amounts and eligibility criteria are established by the Louisiana Constitution and administered by the parish assessor.
Sales History:
The sales history component of a property record includes all recorded transfers, the sale price (as reflected in the documentary transaction tax or stated in the act of sale), the names of the grantor and grantee, the type of transfer (arms-length sale, donation, succession, foreclosure, or tax sale), and the recording date and instrument number.
Encumbrances and Liens:
Recorded encumbrances include all outstanding mortgages with original amounts and lender names, judgment liens with amounts and creditor names, tax liens, mechanic's liens, servitudes (easements), and declarations of restrictions or covenants. Lis pendens notices are also indexed and available. Original mortgage amounts are public; current outstanding balances are not reflected in public records.
Legal and Regulatory Information:
Zoning classification, land use designation, flood zone designation (FEMA), school district assignment, and special taxing district membership are all components of a complete property record. Deed restrictions and subdivision covenants recorded with the Clerk of Court are also 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)
- Private purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
- Interior photographs
- Confidential details from exemption applications
- Unrecorded private agreements
How Long Does Plaquemines County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Plaquemines Parish are maintained permanently. The Clerk of Court is required by law to preserve all recorded instruments affecting immovable property indefinitely, as these records form the legal foundation for chain of title and cannot be destroyed without destroying the integrity of the property ownership system. Louisiana's records retention requirements for recorded instruments are established under the Louisiana Secretary of State's records retention schedules and the Louisiana Revised Statutes governing the duties of clerks of court.
Records Kept Permanently:
All recorded acts of sale, mortgages, releases, liens, easements, plats, surveys, and other instruments affecting immovable property are retained permanently by the Clerk of Court. This includes documents dating back to the formation of Plaquemines Parish and, in some cases, to the original Spanish and French land grants predating Louisiana statehood. The Assessor's Office retains property cards, assessment rolls, and ownership records permanently. Tax deed records maintained by the Clerk are also permanent.
Format and Storage:
Historical records from the 19th and early 20th centuries exist in handwritten ledger books stored in the Clerk's vault. Mid-20th century records are available on microfilm. Records from approximately the 1980s forward have been digitized and are accessible through the Clerk's online portal. The Clerk's office maintains climate-controlled storage for paper and microfilm records and digital backup systems for electronic records.
Online Availability by Time Period:
| Time Period | Availability |
|---|---|
| Recent (last 20–30 years) | Fully online; immediate access |
| Moderate age (30–50 years) | Partially online; microfilm at courthouse |
| Historical (50–100 years) | In-person access; microfilm or original books |
| Very old (100+ years) | Archive storage; advance notice may be required |
Property Appraiser Records:
The Assessor's Office retains current and historical assessment rolls permanently. Online access to historical assessments is available for recent years; older assessment records are available in person at the Assessor's office. Exemption applications are retained for a minimum period consistent with the Louisiana Secretary of State's records retention schedule, which varies by document type.
Tax Records:
Tax payment records are retained by the Sheriff's Office for a minimum of seven years. Tax certificate and tax deed records are permanent. Delinquency records are maintained until resolved. Online access to tax payment history is available for recent years through the Sheriff's tax portal.
Accessing Historical Records:
Members of the public seeking records older than those available online should contact the Plaquemines Parish Clerk of Court directly. Staff can retrieve documents from vault storage or microfilm archives. For very old records, advance notice is recommended to allow for retrieval. Standard copy fees apply to historical records.
Plaquemines Parish Clerk of Court (Records and Archives)
301 Main Street
Belle Chasse, LA 70037
Phone: (504) 297-5180
Plaquemines Parish Clerk of Court
Plaquemines Parish Assessor's Office
301 Main Street, Suite 15
Belle Chasse, LA 70037
Phone: (504) 297-5337
Plaquemines Parish Assessor
How To Find Liens on Property in Plaquemines County?
Liens on property in Plaquemines Parish are recorded instruments and are therefore searchable through the Clerk of Court's official records index. A lien search — also called a mortgage certificate or privilege search — identifies all recorded encumbrances affecting a specific property or owner as of the date of the search.
Types of Liens Recorded in Plaquemines Parish:
- Judgment liens (from court judgments against the property owner)
- Federal and state tax liens (IRS and Louisiana Department of Revenue)
- Parish property tax liens (for unpaid ad valorem taxes)
- Mechanic's and materialman's liens (for unpaid construction work)
- HOA liens (for unpaid homeowner association assessments)
- Code enforcement liens (for unresolved code violations)
- Child support liens
Step-by-Step Lien Search Process:
- Access the Plaquemines Parish Clerk of Court online records portal
- Select the grantor/grantee index search option
- Enter the property owner's full legal name as it appears on recorded documents
- Filter results by document type to display liens, judgments, and privileges
- Review all results for the relevant time period
- Note the book and page number or instrument number for each lien identified
- Request copies or a certified mortgage certificate from the Clerk's office if official documentation is required
Requesting an Official Mortgage Certificate:
A mortgage certificate is an official certification issued by the Clerk of Court confirming the existence or absence of recorded mortgages, liens, and privileges against a named party or property. This document is required in most Louisiana real estate transactions. The current fee for a mortgage certificate is $25.00 per name searched. Requests may be submitted in person or by mail to the Clerk of Court at 301 Main Street, Belle Chasse, LA 70037.
Federal Tax Liens:
Federal tax liens filed by the Internal Revenue Service are recorded with the parish Clerk of Court in the parish where the taxpayer resides or owns property. Members of the public may also search the IRS lien database through the IRS website for general information. Recorded federal tax lien documents are available through the Clerk's index.
Louisiana State Tax Liens:
State tax liens filed by the Louisiana Department of Revenue are also recorded with the Clerk of Court. The Louisiana Department of Revenue maintains information on state tax lien procedures. Recorded state tax lien documents are searchable through the Clerk's grantor/grantee index.
Property Tax Delinquency:
Unpaid parish property taxes result in a statutory lien on the property under Louisiana law. Delinquent tax information is maintained by the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff's Office. Properties with outstanding tax balances may be subject to tax sale. Members of the public may search delinquent tax status through the Sheriff's tax portal or by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly.
Plaquemines Parish Sheriff's Office (Tax Division)
8100 Highway 23, Suite 100
Belle Chasse, LA 70037
Phone: (504) 564-2525
Plaquemines Parish Sheriff
What Is Property Owner Rule in Plaquemines County?
The property owner rule in Plaquemines Parish refers to the body of Louisiana law governing the rights, obligations, and limitations applicable to owners of immovable property within the parish. Louisiana's property law is rooted in the Civil Law tradition derived from the Napoleonic Code, which distinguishes it from the common law property systems used in most other U.S. states.
Ownership of Immovable Property Under Louisiana Law:
Under the Louisiana Civil Code, ownership of immovable property (real property) is defined as the right to use, enjoy, and dispose of a thing within the limits and under the conditions established by law. Louisiana Civil Code Article 477 provides that the owner of a thing may use, enjoy, and dispose of it within the limits and under the conditions established by law. Ownership in Louisiana is subject to restrictions imposed by law, including zoning regulations, servitudes, and the rights of co-owners.
Community Property:
Louisiana is a community property state. Under the Louisiana Civil Code, property acquired during a marriage is presumed to be community property owned equally by both spouses, unless acquired by donation or inheritance. This has significant implications for property transfers, as both spouses must generally consent to the sale or encumbrance of community immovable property. Members of the public reviewing ownership records should be aware that a property listed in one spouse's name may be subject to community property rights of the other spouse.
Co-Ownership (Indivision):
When two or more persons own immovable property together without a partition, they hold the property in indivision. Under Louisiana Civil Code Article 797, co-owners hold undivided shares of the whole property. Any co-owner may demand a partition of the property at any time, subject to limited exceptions. Co-ownership interests are reflected in recorded acts of sale and ownership records maintained by the Assessor's Office.
Homestead Exemption:
Louisiana's homestead exemption, established by Article VII, Section 20 of the Louisiana Constitution, exempts the first $75,000 of the assessed value of an owner-occupied primary residence from parish ad valorem taxation. To qualify, the owner must occupy the property as their primary residence and file an application with the Plaquemines Parish Assessor's Office. The exemption does not apply to school board taxes or certain special district taxes.
Adverse Possession:
Louisiana law recognizes acquisitive prescription (the Civil Law equivalent of adverse possession) as a means of acquiring ownership of immovable property through continuous, uninterrupted, peaceable, public, and unequivocal possession. Under the Louisiana Civil Code, the prescriptive period is 10 years for possession under a just title and in good faith, and 30 years for possession without title. Claims of acquisitive prescription must be established through a court judgment and recorded with the Clerk of Court to be effective against third parties.
Zoning and Land Use Regulations:
Property use in Plaquemines Parish is regulated by the Plaquemines Parish Zoning Ordinance, administered by the Plaquemines Parish Planning and Zoning Department. Property owners are subject to applicable zoning classifications, setback requirements, use restrictions, and building codes. Variances and special use permits may be obtained through the Parish Council upon application to the Planning Department.
Plaquemines Parish Planning and Zoning Department
333 F. Edward Hebert Blvd., Building 100
Belle Chasse, LA 70037
Phone: (504) 297-5430
Plaquemines Parish Government
Riparian and Coastal Property Rights:
Given Plaquemines Parish's unique geography along the Mississippi River delta and Gulf Coast, property owners in the parish are subject to additional regulations governing riparian rights, coastal zone management, and wetlands. The Louisiana Coastal Resources Program, administered by the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, regulates activities in the coastal zone, including construction, dredging, and land use changes. Property owners in designated coastal areas must obtain coastal use permits for regulated activities.
Succession and Inheritance:
Under Louisiana law, forced heirship rules may affect the transfer of immovable property upon the death of an owner. Louisiana Civil Code provisions governing successions require that certain forced heirs (children under 24 or permanently incapacitated children) receive a reserved portion of the decedent's estate. Succession judgments affecting immovable property must be recorded with the Clerk of Court in the parish where the property is located to be effective against third parties.
Lookup Property Records in Plaquemines County
- Parish E-File — Louisiana's official portal for parish sales tax e-filing and related revenue services
- Louisiana Tax Commission — Search parish tax rolls, manage change orders, and access property tax administration resources statewide