Nelson County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Nelson County in 2026
NelsonRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Nelson County, Kentucky. Members of the public may find data pertaining to ownership history, deed transfers, tax assessments, recorded liens, mortgage documents, zoning classifications, and related land records. Record availability and completeness may vary depending on the source and the age of the document.
Property records in Nelson County may be searched through the following official resources:
- Nelson County Clerk's Office — recorded deeds, mortgages, liens, and other instruments affecting title
- Nelson County Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) — assessment records, property characteristics, and ownership information
- Nelson County Sheriff's Office — current-year property tax bills and payment status
- Kentucky Department of Revenue — delinquent property tax information
- Nelson County Fiscal Court — ordinances, zoning regulations, and land use documents
- Kentucky Court of Justice — court-related property records, including lis pendens and judgment liens
Online Search Methods
1. Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) Website
The Nelson County PVA maintains assessment records that are accessible to the public at no charge. Members of the public may search by property address, owner name, or parcel identification number. The PVA database provides the following information:
- Current owner name and mailing address
- Property address and legal description
- Parcel identification number
- Land use and zoning classification
- Physical characteristics (square footage, year built, lot size, building type)
- Assessed value of land and improvements
- Taxable value and applicable exemptions
- Sales history
How to Search the PVA Database:
- Navigate to the Nelson County PVA portal through the Kentucky Department of Revenue's statewide PVA directory
- Select the preferred search type (address, owner name, or parcel number)
- Enter the search criteria in the designated field
- Review the results list returned by the system
- Select the relevant property to view the full property card
- Print or save the displayed information as needed
Nelson County Property Valuation Administrator
1 Court Square
Bardstown, KY 40004
Phone: (502) 348-1839
Kentucky PVA Directory
2. Nelson County Clerk's Office — Official Records Search
The Nelson County Clerk serves as the official recorder of instruments affecting real property under Kentucky Revised Statutes § 382.110, which requires that deeds, mortgages, and other conveyance documents be recorded to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers. Members of the public may search the official records index by grantor name, grantee name, document type, or recording date range.
Documents available through the Clerk's office include:
- Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Satisfactions and releases of mortgage
- Mechanic's liens, judgment liens, and tax liens
- Easements and declarations of restrictions
- Plats and subdivision surveys
- Powers of attorney affecting real property
- Lis pendens notices
- HOA declarations and covenants
How to Search Official Records:
- Visit the Nelson County Clerk's office in person or contact the office to inquire about available online access
- Select the search type (grantor, grantee, document type, or date range)
- Enter the applicable search criteria
- Review the index results
- Request document images or certified copies as needed
- Note the book and page number or instrument number for future reference
Nelson County Clerk's Office
113 East Stephen Foster Avenue
Bardstown, KY 40004
Phone: (502) 348-1820
Nelson County Clerk
3. Tax Information — Nelson County Sheriff and Kentucky Department of Revenue
Current-year property tax bills in Nelson County are administered by the Nelson County Sheriff's Office. After the statutory collection period, unpaid tax bills are transferred to the Nelson County Clerk's office, as governed by Kentucky Revised Statutes § 134.122. The Kentucky Department of Revenue's delinquent property tax portal provides additional information on delinquent accounts and the tax certificate process.
Members of the public may search tax records by property address, owner name, parcel number, or tax account number. Information available includes:
- Current tax bill amount
- Payment history and outstanding balances
- Exemptions applied
- Millage rates by taxing authority
- Delinquency status and tax certificate information
Nelson County Sheriff's Office (Tax Collection)
1 Court Square
Bardstown, KY 40004
Phone: (502) 348-1840
Nelson County Sheriff
4. GIS and Mapping System
Nelson County participates in Kentucky's statewide geographic information system infrastructure. The interactive mapping system allows members of the public to:
- Navigate an aerial map to a specific location
- Click on a parcel to view property identification and ownership data
- View property boundaries, zoning layers, and flood zone designations
- Access linked assessment and recorded document information
- Measure distances and view multiple map layers simultaneously
In-Person Searches
Members of the public who require certified copies or access to records not available online may visit the following offices during regular business hours:
Nelson County Clerk's Office
113 East Stephen Foster Avenue
Bardstown, KY 40004
Phone: (502) 348-1820
Nelson County Clerk
Services available in person include viewing official records, requesting certified copies, searching grantor/grantee indexes, and accessing record books maintained by the Clerk.
Nelson County Property Valuation Administrator
1 Court Square
Bardstown, KY 40004
Phone: (502) 348-1839
Kentucky PVA Directory
Services available include public access terminals, staff assistance, property cards, maps, and exemption application forms.
By Mail Requests
Members of the public may submit written requests for property records by mail. Requests directed to the Nelson County Clerk's office should specify the document by book and page number, instrument number, or property address and approximate date range. Payment for applicable copy fees must accompany the request. Certified copies are available upon request with the appropriate fee.
Requests directed to the Nelson County PVA should include the property address or parcel identification number and a return mailing address.
Through Professionals
Title companies, real estate attorneys, and licensed appraisers conduct comprehensive property searches as part of real estate transactions. Title companies 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. The cost of professional title searches varies by provider and transaction complexity.
Search Tips
- When searching by address, attempt variations with and without directional prefixes (N, S, E, W)
- When searching by owner name, try last name first and check spelling variations, including maiden names and business entity names
- For historical records not available online, contact the Nelson County Clerk's office directly to arrange in-person access or retrieval
- Very recent transactions may not yet appear in online indexes due to recording processing time
- Verify search results by cross-referencing the parcel identification number against multiple databases
What Is Nelson County Property Records
Property records in Nelson County are official documents related to real property — including land and any structures affixed to it — maintained by county government offices as permanent public records. These records establish legal ownership, document the chain of title, record encumbrances such as mortgages and liens, and support the assessment and collection of property taxes. Under Kentucky Revised Statutes § 382.135, sellers are required to disclose the full consideration paid in a deed, making sale price information part of the public record.
Types of Property Records
Ownership Records:
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
- Transfer records and chain of title documentation
- Life estate deeds and trust documents affecting real property
- Ownership history from original conveyance to present
Encumbrance Records:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Tax liens, mechanic's liens, and judgment liens
- Easements and access rights
- Deed restrictions and covenants
- HOA declarations and lis pendens notices
Tax and Assessment Records:
- Annual property tax assessments prepared by the PVA
- Tax bills issued by the Nelson County Sheriff
- Payment history and delinquency records
- Homestead, disability, and veteran exemption records
- Special assessments levied by taxing districts
Legal Descriptions and Plats:
- Recorded subdivision plats
- Metes and bounds descriptions
- Lot and block information
- Survey plats and condominium declarations
Building and Permit Records:
- Building permits issued by the Nelson County Planning and Zoning office
- Certificates of occupancy
- Code violation notices
- Zoning classifications under the Nelson County Zoning Ordinance, which governs land use in Bardstown, Bloomfield, Fairfield, New Haven, and unincorporated Nelson County
Who Maintains Property Records
| Record Type | Maintaining Office |
|---|---|
| Deeds, mortgages, liens, plats | Nelson County Clerk |
| Property valuations and assessments | Nelson County PVA |
| Current-year tax bills | Nelson County Sheriff |
| Delinquent tax records | Nelson County Clerk / KY Dept. of Revenue |
| Zoning and land use | Nelson County Planning and Zoning |
| Building permits | Nelson County Building Department |
Nelson County Fiscal Court
1 Court Square, Second Floor
Bardstown, KY 40004
Phone: (502) 348-1800
Nelson County Ordinances
Are Property Records Public Information in Nelson County?
Property records in Nelson County are public information. Under Kentucky's Open Records Act, KRS § 61.870 et seq., all public agency records are presumptively open to inspection by any member of the public, and property records maintained by the County Clerk, PVA, and Sheriff are subject to this requirement. No special permission, stated purpose, or residency is required to access property records.
As the Kentucky Attorney General's office has noted, "The Open Records Act reflects the General Assembly's recognition that government is the servant of the people and not the master of them." This principle applies directly to property records, which have been maintained as public documents under common law and statutory recording systems for centuries.
Why Property Records Are Public
Transparency and Accountability:
- The public has a recognized right to know who owns real property within a jurisdiction
- Transparent property ownership prevents fraudulent transfers and secret conveyances
- Public tax assessment records ensure accountability in the property taxation process
Commercial and Legal Purposes:
- Real estate transactions depend on the ability to search title and identify all recorded interests
- Title insurance underwriters require access to the full chain of recorded documents
- Lenders and mortgage companies rely on recorded instrument indexes to establish lien priority
- Property appraisers and market analysts use assessment and sales data for valuation purposes
Public Interest:
- Journalists, researchers, and genealogists rely on property records for historical and investigative purposes
- Community planning and land use decisions are informed by publicly accessible zoning and assessment data
What Property Information Is Publicly Accessible
The following categories of information are freely accessible to any member of the public:
- Current and historical property ownership
- Legal descriptions and parcel identification numbers
- Sale prices and transfer dates
- Recorded mortgage amounts and lender names
- Liens, encumbrances, and easements
- Tax assessments and payment history
- Property physical characteristics
- Recorded plats and surveys
Privacy Considerations
Certain personal information is protected within otherwise public property records. Social Security numbers and bank account numbers are redacted from recorded documents under state and federal law. Individuals in protected categories — including law enforcement officers, judges, and victims of domestic violence or stalking — may be eligible for address confidentiality protections under Kentucky law. Homestead exemption applications may contain financial information that is not fully subject to public disclosure; members of the public should contact the Nelson County PVA for the applicable policy.
Who May Access Property Records
Any person may access Nelson County property records regardless of residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. Common users include prospective buyers, real estate agents and brokers, title companies, licensed appraisers, lenders, attorneys, property investors, genealogists, historians, and members of the media.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Nelson County?
The cost to obtain property records in Nelson County depends on the type of record requested and the office from which it is obtained. Viewing records in person at the Nelson County Clerk's office or PVA is available at no charge. Fees apply when copies or certified copies are requested.
Nelson County Clerk — Standard Copy and Recording Fees:
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of recorded document (per page) | $0.50 per page |
| Certified copy of recorded document | $5.00 per document + $0.50 per page |
| Recording a deed or mortgage (first page) | $33.00 |
| Recording (each additional page) | $3.00 |
| Plat recording | Varies by size |
These fees are established pursuant to KRS § 64.012, which governs fees charged by county clerks in Kentucky. Members of the public should contact the Nelson County Clerk's office directly to confirm current fees prior to submitting a request, as fee schedules are subject to legislative revision.
Property Valuation Administrator:
- Viewing assessment records online or in person: No charge
- Copies of property cards or assessment data: Nominal copying fee applies
Nelson County Finance / Treasurer:
- Tax bill copies and payment history: Available at no charge online or in person
As noted by the Nelson County Finance Department, the Treasurer's office is located on the second floor of the courthouse and may be contacted directly for questions related to tax records and financial documents.
Nelson County Finance — Treasurer's Office
1 Court Square, Second Floor
Bardstown, KY 40004
Phone: (502) 348-1804
Nelson County Finance
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash (in-person)
- Check or money order (in-person and by mail)
- Credit or debit card (availability varies by office; confirm in advance)
What Is Available at No Charge:
- Online viewing of PVA assessment records
- Online viewing of tax payment status
- In-person inspection of recorded documents at the Clerk's office
- GIS map access
What's Included in a Nelson County Property Record
A complete Nelson County property record draws from multiple official sources and encompasses the following categories of information.
Ownership Information
Current Ownership:
- Legal owner name(s) as recorded on the most recent deed
- Ownership type (individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, tenants by entirety, trust, LLC, corporation, or life estate)
- Ownership percentage where multiple owners hold undivided interests
- Acquisition date and deed book and page or instrument number
- Mailing address on file with the PVA for tax bill delivery
Previous Ownership:
- Chain of title reflecting all prior transfers
- Names of previous grantors and grantees
- Transfer dates and historical deed references
Property Identification
- Site address and mailing address (if different)
- Legal description including lot and block number, subdivision name, plat book and page reference, and metes and bounds description where applicable
- Parcel identification number assigned by the PVA
- Tax account number
Physical Characteristics
Land Information:
- Lot size in square feet or acres
- Lot dimensions and street frontage
- Corner lot designation
- Land use designation and zoning classification
Building Information:
- Total living area in square feet
- Year built and effective year
- Number of stories and building type
- Construction type and exterior wall material
- Roof type and foundation type
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- Garage type and number of spaces
- Pool, porch, and additional structure information
- Heating and cooling systems
- Water source and sewer system type
- Condition and quality ratings
Valuation Information
- Assessed value of land and improvements
- Total assessed value and estimated market value
- Historical assessed values for prior years
- Agricultural classification and value where applicable
Tax Information
- Total tax amount due for the current year
- Exemptions applied (homestead, disability, senior, veteran)
- Taxable value after exemptions
- Millage rate breakdown by taxing authority (county, school district, city, special districts)
- Payment status, due dates, and discount information
- Prior years' tax payment history
- Delinquency history where applicable
Sales History
- Sale dates, sale prices, and deed types for recent transfers
- Grantor and grantee names for each transaction
- Deed instrument numbers and documentary stamp amounts
- Qualified or unqualified sale designation
Encumbrances and Liens
- Currently recorded mortgages, including lender name, recording date, and original amount
- Tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, HOA liens, and code enforcement liens
- Easements, deed restrictions, and covenants
- Lis pendens notices
- Life estates and recorded leases
Legal and Regulatory Information
- Current zoning classification and permitted uses under the Nelson County Zoning Ordinance
- Future land use designation
- Special taxing district assignments (school, fire, water)
- Flood zone designation (FEMA)
- Wetlands and conservation area designations
Maps and Visual Information
- Exterior property photograph
- Aerial photograph
- GIS map with parcel boundaries
- Plat map and property sketch
What Is Not Typically Included in Public Property Records
- Current outstanding mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
- Interior photographs
- Detailed personal financial information beyond recorded documents
- Social Security numbers (redacted by law)
- Private agreements not submitted for recording
- Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
- Confidential details from exemption applications
How Long Does Nelson County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Nelson County are maintained permanently. The Nelson County Clerk is required by Kentucky law to preserve all recorded instruments affecting real property as part of the permanent public record. This requirement reflects the foundational legal principle that a clear and unbroken chain of title is essential to the integrity of real property ownership and the functioning of the real estate marketplace.
Legal Basis for Permanent Retention
Kentucky's recording statutes, including KRS § 382.110, establish the requirement that instruments affecting title to real property be recorded and maintained as permanent public records. The Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives publishes records retention schedules applicable to county offices, which confirm that recorded instruments — including deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and easements — are subject to permanent retention and may never be destroyed.
Records Kept Permanently
Deed Records: All recorded deeds are maintained permanently, including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, trustee's deeds, and all other conveyance instruments. Records in Nelson County date to the county's formation in 1784, with some instruments predating Kentucky statehood.
Mortgage Records: All recorded mortgages, deeds of trust, satisfactions, releases, modifications, and assignments are maintained permanently, even after the underlying loan obligation has been discharged.
Lien Records: All recorded liens — including tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, and releases thereof — are maintained permanently as part of the official record.
Plats and Surveys: All recorded subdivision plats, re-plats, condominium declarations, and survey plats are maintained permanently.
Other Recorded Instruments: Easements, restrictions, covenants, declarations, powers of attorney affecting real property, and court documents affecting title are maintained permanently.
Format and Storage
Historical records in Nelson County exist in multiple formats depending on the period of recording:
- Pre-20th century records: Handwritten ledger books maintained in the Clerk's vault
- Early-to-mid 20th century records: Typed entries in bound record books
- Mid-to-late 20th century records: Microfilm archives
- Recent records: Digital document management systems with scanned images and electronic backups
Online Availability by Time Period
| Time Period | Typical Availability |
|---|---|
| Recent (last 20 years) | Online in most counties; immediate access |
| Moderate age (20–50 years) | May be online; microfilm available in person |
| Historical (50+ years) | In-person access; staff retrieval required |
| Very old (100+ years) | Archive storage; advance notice may be required |
Members of the public seeking historical records not available online should contact the Nelson County Clerk's office directly. Staff can retrieve records from vault storage or microfilm archives, and the same public access rights apply regardless of the age of the document.
Property Appraiser (PVA) Assessment Records
Assessment records maintained by the Nelson County PVA, including property cards and annual assessment rolls, are retained permanently. Recent years of assessment history are available through the PVA's online portal. Historical assessment records are accessible in person at the PVA office.
Tax Records
Current-year tax records are maintained by the Nelson County Sheriff. After the statutory collection period, delinquent tax records are transferred to the Nelson County Clerk. Tax deed records resulting from delinquent tax sales are maintained permanently. The Kentucky Department of Revenue provides additional information on the delinquent property tax process and the transfer of tax bills from the sheriff's office to the county clerk's office.
Chain of Title
The permanent retention of all recorded instruments ensures that a complete and unbroken chain of title is available for any parcel in Nelson County from the date of original conveyance to the present. Title searches conducted in connection with real estate transactions review this chain to confirm clear ownership and identify any outstanding encumbrances. Gaps in the chain of title create title defects that must be resolved before a property can be conveyed with clear title.
Nelson County Clerk's Office
113 East Stephen Foster Avenue
Bardstown, KY 40004
Phone: (502) 348-1820
Nelson County Clerk
How To Find Liens on Property in Nelson County?
Liens on property in Nelson County are recorded instruments and are therefore part of the permanent public record maintained by the Nelson County Clerk. Members of the public may search for liens using the following methods and resources.
Types of Liens Recorded Against Real Property
- Tax liens — Federal tax liens filed by the IRS and state tax liens filed by the Kentucky Department of Revenue are recorded with the County Clerk and indexed by the name of the taxpayer
- Judgment liens — Court judgments that attach to real property are recorded with the County Clerk following entry of judgment in the Nelson Circuit Court or District Court
- Mechanic's liens — Contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers who have not been paid for work performed on real property may file a mechanic's lien under KRS § 376.010
- HOA liens — Homeowner associations may record liens for unpaid assessments
- Code enforcement liens — Nelson County or municipal governments may record liens for unpaid code violation fines
- Lis pendens — Notices of pending litigation affecting title are recorded with the Clerk
How to Search for Liens
Step 1 — Search the Nelson County Clerk's Official Records Index
Members of the public may search the Clerk's grantor/grantee index by the property owner's name to identify any recorded liens. The search should be conducted under both the current owner's name and any prior owners' names to identify liens that may have attached during a previous ownership period.
Step 2 — Search by Document Type
The Clerk's index allows filtering by document type. Members of the public should search specifically for the following document types:
- Federal tax liens and releases
- State tax liens and releases
- Judgment liens and releases
- Mechanic's liens and releases
- Lis pendens notices
Step 3 — Search Court Records for Judgment Liens
Judgment liens originate in court proceedings. Members of the public may search Nelson County court records through the Kentucky Court of Justice to identify judgments that may have been converted to liens against real property. As noted by the Kentucky Court of Justice, "The Office of Circuit Court Clerk in each county is the starting point for requesting copies of court records from cases in that county."
Nelson County Circuit Court Clerk
200 Nelson County Courthouse
Bardstown, KY 40004
Phone: (502) 348-1838
Kentucky Court of Justice — Nelson County
Step 4 — Search for Federal Tax Liens
Federal tax liens filed by the Internal Revenue Service are recorded with the Nelson County Clerk and are searchable through the Clerk's official records index. The IRS also maintains a lien search function through its online portal for federal tax lien inquiries.
Step 5 — Search for Delinquent Property Tax Liens
Delinquent property tax obligations in Kentucky result in a statutory lien on the property. Members of the public may search for delinquent tax status through the Kentucky Department of Revenue's delinquent property tax portal or by contacting the Nelson County Clerk's office, to which delinquent tax bills are transferred after the collection period administered by the Nelson County Sheriff.
Step 6 — Request a Lien Search from a Title Company
Title companies conduct comprehensive lien searches as part of the title examination process. A professional title search will identify all recorded liens, encumbrances, and other interests affecting a specific parcel. This is the method used in connection with real estate purchase and refinance transactions to ensure clear title.
Obtaining Copies of Lien Documents
Members of the public who identify a lien through the Clerk's index may request a copy of the recorded instrument in person, by mail, or through any available online document retrieval system. Standard copy fees apply as described in the fee schedule above. Certified copies are available upon request with the applicable certification fee.
What Is Property Owner Rule in Nelson County?
The property owner rule in Nelson County refers to the body of Kentucky statutory and common law principles that govern the rights, responsibilities, and limitations applicable to individuals and entities that hold title to real property within the county. Property ownership in Kentucky is a constitutionally protected right under Section 2 of the Kentucky Constitution, which prohibits the exercise of arbitrary power over the property rights of citizens.
Ownership Rights
Property owners in Nelson County hold the right to use, enjoy, lease, sell, mortgage, and devise their real property subject to applicable law. These rights include:
- The right to exclude others from the property
- The right to transfer ownership by deed, gift, devise, or inheritance
- The right to encumber the property with a mortgage or other lien
- The right to lease the property to tenants
- The right to make improvements subject to applicable building codes and zoning regulations
Zoning and Land Use Regulations
Property use in Nelson County is regulated by the Nelson County Zoning Ordinance, which establishes zoning regulations for Bardstown, Bloomfield, Fairfield, New Haven, and unincorporated Nelson County. Property owners are required to use their property in conformance with the applicable zoning classification. Permitted uses, conditional uses, and prohibited uses are defined by zoning district. Variances and conditional use permits may be sought through the Nelson County Board of Adjustments.
The Nelson County Fiscal Court adopts and amends local ordinances governing property use, nuisance abatement, and related matters. Current Nelson County ordinances are published on the county's official website.
Nelson County Planning and Zoning
1 Court Square
Bardstown, KY 40004
Phone: (502) 348-1800
Nelson County Government
Property Tax Obligations
Property owners in Nelson County are subject to annual ad valorem property taxation based on the assessed value determined by the Nelson County PVA. The Kentucky Constitution requires that property be assessed at fair cash value. Property owners who disagree with their assessment may appeal to the Nelson County Board of Assessment Appeals within the statutory timeframe following receipt of the assessment notice.
Failure to pay property taxes results in a statutory lien on the property and, if the delinquency continues, may result in a tax sale conducted pursuant to Kentucky law. The Kentucky Department of Revenue administers oversight of the delinquent property tax process statewide.
Homestead Exemption
Kentucky law provides a homestead exemption for property owners who are 65 years of age or older or who are totally disabled. Under current law, the exemption reduces the assessed value of the owner's primary residence for property tax purposes. The exemption amount is adjusted periodically by the Kentucky Department of Revenue. Applications are filed with the Nelson County PVA.
Recording Requirements for Property Transfers
All conveyances of real property in Nelson County must be recorded with the Nelson County Clerk to be effective against subsequent purchasers and creditors without notice. An unrecorded deed is valid between the parties to the transaction but does not provide constructive notice to third parties. This recording requirement, established under Kentucky's recording statutes, is fundamental to the property owner's ability to protect title against competing claims.
Adverse Possession
Kentucky law recognizes the doctrine of adverse possession, under which a person who openly, continuously, exclusively, and hostilely occupies another's real property for a period of fifteen years may acquire legal title. Property owners in Nelson County are advised to monitor their property boundaries and address unauthorized occupation promptly to protect against adverse possession claims.
Eminent Domain
Property in Nelson County is subject to the government's power of eminent domain, which permits the taking of private property for public use upon payment of just compensation as required by the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Section 13 of the Kentucky Constitution. Property owners subject to a taking have the right to contest the amount of compensation offered through judicial proceedings.