Understanding how mineral ownership is verified.
Get Your Free Mineral ValuationA mineral rights title search is a thorough examination of public records to establish who owns the mineral rights to a specific property. Unlike surface real estate, mineral ownership can be complex—split among multiple parties, severed from surface rights decades ago, and subject to various leases and encumbrances.
Understanding title searches helps you prepare for a sale and sets realistic expectations about the process.
The "chain of title" traces mineral ownership from its origin to the present day:
The first conveyance of land from the government (state or federal) to private ownership.
Every deed, inheritance, or other transfer through the years, including any mineral reservations.
The final link showing who currently holds title to the minerals.
Every link in the chain must be properly documented. A break or gap in the chain can create title problems.
Warranty deeds
Mineral deeds
Royalty deeds
Quitclaim deeds
Probate records
Court judgments
Oil and gas leases
Lease assignments
Lease releases
Mortgages and liens
Tax liens
Judgments
Missing Heirs: Inherited minerals passed without proper probate
Defective Deeds: Missing signatures, improper notarization, vague descriptions
Unreleased Leases: Old leases that were never formally released
Undisclosed Reservations: Prior owners who reserved minerals in their sale
Boundary Disputes: Conflicting legal descriptions
Outstanding Liens: Tax liens or judgments affecting the minerals
Good News: Many title issues can be resolved through curative work—affidavits, corrective deeds, or quiet title actions.
Ownership confirmation: That you actually own what you're selling
Interest size: Your exact net mineral acres and fractional interest
Lease status: Whether minerals are leased, to whom, and on what terms
Encumbrances: Any liens, mortgages, or claims against the minerals
Outstanding rights: Executive rights, NPRIs, or other carved-out interests
While buyers conduct their own title work, having documentation ready speeds the process:
Copy of your deed or mineral deed
Any lease documents you've signed
Division orders showing your decimal interest
Recent royalty check stubs (if producing)
Probate documents (if inherited)
Any correspondence from operators
We handle the title work. Get a free valuation to start.
Request Your Free ValuationA mineral rights title search examines public records to trace the chain of ownership from the original grant through all subsequent conveyances to the current owner. It identifies who owns the minerals, what percentage they own, any existing leases or encumbrances, and potential title defects.
Buyers require clear title before purchasing mineral rights. A title search confirms you actually own what you're selling, identifies the exact interest you own, reveals any liens or encumbrances, and uncovers issues that could affect the sale. Clear title leads to smoother transactions and better offers.
Title examiners review deeds, mineral deeds, royalty deeds, oil and gas leases, assignments, court records, probate filings, divorce decrees, tax records, and any document recorded in the county that affects mineral ownership. The search typically goes back to the original land patent.
Common defects include missing heirs in probate, improperly executed deeds, conflicting legal descriptions, unreleased leases, undisclosed reservations, boundary disputes, outstanding liens, and gaps in the chain of title. Many defects can be cured with proper legal work.
You don't necessarily need to conduct your own title search before selling. Most mineral buyers perform their own title work as part of their due diligence. However, having documentation ready—such as your deed, lease copies, and any ownership history—can expedite the process.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Consult with a qualified attorney for specific questions about mineral title.