09/14/2026
In case you were wondering!
Over the next several posts, we’re going to take you behind the counter and highlight some of the many things the Recorder's Office does for our communities. From recording and preserving important documents to helping with vital records, marriage applications, passports, DNR registrations, military records, genealogy research, and more, our office plays a role in many different aspects of our communities.
So, follow along as we share “What Does the Recorder’s Office Do?” and take a closer look at the many services provided by your County Recorder’s Office!
📜 Post 1: Recording Documents — More Than Just a Stamp
When most people think of the County Recorder’s Office, they probably think of recording documents — and they’re right! But there’s a lot more to it than simply putting a recording stamp on a piece of paper.
Our office records real estate documents of all kinds, including deeds, mortgages, easements, surveys, assignments, releases, and much more.
Before a document can be recorded, we have to make sure it meets Iowa’s Document Formatting Standards and that the correct recording fees have been submitted. And while we’re talking about fees — the recording fees we collect today have not changed in over 40 years!
Once a document is accepted, we carefully record it and make sure the information is indexed accurately. These records become part of the permanent public record, so accuracy and preservation are incredibly important.
We know that a document being recorded may represent someone’s home, property, business, or investment. We take that responsibility seriously.
So the next time you bring a document to the Recorder’s Office, know that there’s a lot happening behind the scenes to make sure it becomes an accurate and permanent part of the record. 📚
Stay tuned as we take a closer look at each of these responsibilities and explain a little more about what happens behind the scenes at your County Recorder’s Office!
