The Recorder of Deeds is mainly responsible for the preservation of records relating to real property in the county. This includes recording of deeds, mortgages, easements, agreements, financing statements, subdivision plans and other miscellaneous papers pertaining to real estate. This office is also an agent for the Department of Revenue and collects realty transfer tax, then distributes it to state, municipalities and school districts.

Notary Publics come to this office to take their oath and have their commission and bond recorded. Military discharges are recorded only when the veteran brings it in to be recorded and there is a privacy act on military discharges.

Both offices have records dating back to 1800 when Adams County was formed, before that the county was a part of York County. Both offices are a resource for genealogical information.