The only way to know for certain is to run the title and see if your name appears as the owner in the chain of title.
To find out if you own mineral rights in the United States, you can follow these steps:
Property deed: Examine your property deed or title, which should include information about mineral rights ownership. If the deed states that you own the property, including minerals, it's likely that you own the mineral rights.
County recorder's office: Visit your local county recorder's office or courthouse to obtain property records. You can search for documents related to your property, such as deeds, leases, and other agreements that might contain information about mineral rights ownership. You may need the legal description of your property, including the township, range, and section, to access these records.
Landman or title agent: Hire a professional landman or title agent who specializes in researching mineral rights ownership. They have experience navigating complex property records and can provide a comprehensive report on mineral ownership for your property.
Online resources: Some states and counties provide online access to property records. Check your county's website to see if they offer this service. Keep in mind that online records may not be as comprehensive as physical records at the county recorder's office.
Legal assistance: Consult an attorney who specializes in property law or mineral rights. They can help you understand the documents related to your property and guide you through the process of determining mineral rights ownership.
It's essential to note that mineral rights can be separated from surface rights and can be owned by different parties. Therefore, even if you own the surface rights to a property, you may not necessarily own the mineral rights, or you might only own a portion of them. Conducting thorough research is crucial to determine the extent of your mineral rights ownership.
You can usually get a high level answer for around $500 if you’re not looking at several counties and it’s not very complicated. Some research can be done online and may be quicker, other times it may require going to the courthouse in person. We can help put you in touch with someone if you’d like help doing your research.