Which document provides the most reliable proof of land ownership?

Land titles are the most reliable proof of land ownership because they provide a legal record that confirms the ownership of a specific parcel of land. A land title includes detailed information about the property, such as its boundaries, any encumbrances, and the history of transfers and claims associated with that land. The process for obtaining a land title involves thorough examination and verification of ownership, making it a definitive source for determining who legally owns the property.

Property appraisals, while useful for determining the value of a property, do not provide any legal assertion of ownership. Property tax receipts confirm that taxes have been paid on a property but do not indicate ownership status. Surveyor's certificates may include useful information regarding the measurements and boundaries of the land but do not serve as an official indication of ownership. Therefore, land titles stand out as the authoritative document that clearly establishes ownership and is recognized in legal contexts.