WA Certificate of Title: How a Landgate Title Search Works
Western Australia retains Certificate of Title terminology, but the original title is held digitally in Landgate’s register. When a customer orders a copy, the product is commonly a Record of Certificate of Title showing current registered information.
What the Record of Certificate of Title may show
The record can identify the registered proprietor, legal land description and interests or claims registered against the land. A company name may appear as proprietor, but the title does not list the individuals who own that company.
Landgate holds the original Certificate of Title digitally within Western Australia’s land-title register. The document ordinarily ordered by a customer is a Record of Certificate of Title—a copy of current information rather than possession of the original title.
What information is needed to find the property?
Useful search details include street address, title number expressed as volume and folio, or lot on plan number. An address can be a convenient starting point, but always check the legal title, lot and plan information before ordering.
How to order the correct record
Search using the street address, volume and folio, or lot on plan number. Landgate’s Land Enquiry Services offers guest access to many title, plan and document products. Check the title number and parcel description before ordering related records.
Original title versus the record you order
The Original Certificate of Title is the authoritative digital record held by Landgate. A Record of Certificate of Title is the customer copy of the current information. Older paper titles may contain sketches, while modern parcel information may be held in a separate deposited, strata or survey-strata plan.
Related documents you may need
The title and the deposited plan, survey plan, strata plan or survey-strata plan answer different questions. A registered plan shows the legal parcel and may provide dimensions, bearings, marks or other survey information. It does not, by itself, replace a boundary re-establishment survey or prove that a fence, building or retaining wall is correctly positioned on the ground.
If the title refers to a separate instrument, obtain that dealing when its detailed terms matter. Use a conveyancer or solicitor for legal interpretation and a licensed cadastral surveyor for physical boundary identification.
A common mistake to avoid
Do not assume the title contains a current boundary survey or the names of a company’s directors. Obtain the registered plan for parcel information and use ASIC records where company ownership details are required.
What the title search does not show
A title search is not a complete due-diligence report. It does not ordinarily answer questions about zoning, development approvals, rates, land tax, flood or bushfire risk, contamination, building condition, market value or underground services. Those matters require other searches, inspections or professional advice.
Frequently asked questions
Is the document ordered online the original WA title?
No. Landgate holds the original digitally. Customers generally order a Record of Certificate of Title.
Can I search without a Landgate account?
Land Enquiry Services provides guest access to many products, subject to the options available for the property.
Does the title include a survey plan?
Not necessarily. Plans are separate products and may need to be ordered using the plan reference.
Next step
Find the WA property by address, title number or lot on plan, then obtain the Record of Certificate of Title and any related plan you need.
Official source
This guide is based on information published by Landgate. Last reviewed: 8 September 2026.
A title search reports information available in the relevant land-title register when the search is performed. It is not a permanent or future guarantee because further dealings may subsequently be lodged or registered.
Title Now is an independent property-document ordering service. It is not a government department, land registry, law firm, conveyancing practice or surveying business. This information is general and does not constitute legal, conveyancing, planning or surveying advice.
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