The Columbia County Clerk’s Office is excited to announce the launch of the Property Recording Alert Service (PRAS), a new software system provided by Helion Software. This free service is designed to enhance the monitoring of recording activity related to land records, offering residents greater transparency and control over their property records.

PRAS provides timely, and automated email alerts to property owners when new documents are recorded/indexed under monitored names. Each alert includes the recorded document number(s), making it easier to stay informed and protect your property. Once you have that number, you can email or call the Columbia County Clerk’s office to obtain a copy.

Key features of PRAS:

• Same-day notifications: Receive alerts on the same day documents are recorded/indexed.
• Enhanced monitoring: Improved tracking of names ensures greater accuracy in record monitoring.
• Comprehensive data:  Users benefit from more detailed and concise data in each notification.

Register/Login here - Property Recording Alert Service

Property Recording Alert Service FAQs

• What is the Property Recording Alert Service and is there a cost?

The Property Recording Alert Service (PRAS) is a free service offered by the Columbia County Clerk’s office that alerts individuals via email when a document is recorded containing monitored information such as party name.  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 (i.e. LifeLock)?

No. This separate service will only notify the subscriber of a recorded document based on the enrolled name(s).

• How do I add more than 10 names?

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 the recorded document number. 

• 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 alerts you to newly recorded documents only, i.e. documents recorded after you have signed up. You can contact the Columbia County Clerk’s office at 503-397-3796 or email recording-clerk@columbiacountyor.gov to obtain details of the recorded document and receive a copy if desired.

• 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.