St. Louis County MO Recorder Office: Address, Deed Search, Records & Fees
The St. Louis County Recorder of Deeds Office in Clayton, Missouri, records and preserves documents affecting real estate in St. Louis County, including deeds, deeds of trust, releases, easements, liens and certain subdivision documents.
If you need an office address, a recorded deed, an older book-and-page reference, a certified copy or instructions for recording property documents, this guide explains the official process.
It also addresses an important local distinction: St. Louis County and the City of St. Louis have separate Recorder of Deeds offices.
St. Louis County Recorder vs. City of St. Louis Recorder
The City of St. Louis is an independent city, separate from St. Louis County. The two governments maintain different property-recording offices and separate public-record indexes.
St. Louis County Property
Use the St. Louis County Recorder of Deeds for real estate located in the county’s municipalities and unincorporated communities.
Examples include property in Clayton, Chesterfield, Florissant, Ballwin, Ferguson, Creve Coeur, Kirkwood, Maryland Heights and other St. Louis County locations.
Office:
41 South Central Avenue
Clayton, MO 63105
City of St. Louis Property
If a property lies within the independent City of St. Louis, use the City’s separate Recorder of Deeds.
The City Recorder maintains its own land-record index, copy-order process, office address and recording fees.
City office:
1200 Market Street
City Hall, Room 126
St. Louis, MO 63103
What Does the St. Louis County Recorder of Deeds Office Do?
The Recorder maintains the permanent recording history for qualifying real-estate instruments. The county’s Assessor, Collector of Revenue and Circuit Clerk perform different functions.
Recorder of Deeds
Recorded deeds, deeds of trust, releases, easements, liens, plats, book/page references, recording fees and certified copies.
County Assessor
Property assessments, valuation, parcel identification and ownership information used for property-tax administration.
Collector of Revenue
Property-tax accounts, payments, tax statements and delinquent-tax matters.
How to Search St. Louis County Missouri Deeds Online
St. Louis County provides a Deed Search page connecting users to its supported recording-search services. Search options can include systems intended for occasional public research and services designed for frequent professional users.
Confirm St. Louis County Jurisdiction
Before opening the index, establish that the property is inside St. Louis County—not the independent City of St. Louis.
Use the county’s property assessment or tax inquiry system when the address alone is ambiguous.
Collect the Owner’s Name and Property Clues
Record the current owner name, prior owner name, approximate purchase year, subdivision information and county property locator number if available.
The parcel locator helps you identify the correct property, but it is not the same as a Recorder document number.
Open the Official Deed Search Page
Visit the St. Louis County Recorder of Deeds Search.
Choose the county-supported search option suited to your needs. Review any account or vendor charges before purchasing document images.
Search Grantor and Grantee Names
The grantor generally transfers the property interest; the grantee receives it.
Search the owner, prior owner and relevant trust or company names. Try alternate spelling, initials and business-name variations when necessary.
Review the Recorded Document Information
Compare the party names, recording date, document type, legal description and book/page or document number.
For a mortgage-related question, examine deeds of trust and search later recordings for releases, satisfactions, assignments or corrections.
Request a Copy if the Document Is Correct
When you identify the instrument, save the Recorder’s document number or book/page reference.
For certified copies or older records that need staff research, use the county’s official copy-order process or call 314-615-7100.
How to Find a Deed When You Only Know the Property Address
An owner-name search can be difficult when a home has passed through an estate, trust, company or several previous owners. The county property record can help you gather the right clues.
Step A: Identify the Property
- Open St. Louis County’s official property-tax or Assessor search.
- Enter the property address.
- Select the correct parcel.
- Note the displayed owner and property locator number.
- Save the subdivision or legal-description clues.
Step B: Locate the Deed
- Open the Recorder’s official Deed Search.
- Search the current owner and prior owner names.
- Check matching document dates and types.
- Compare the property description and recording reference.
- Order a copy if the correct document is identified.
What Records Can You Find Through the County Recorder?
Warranty and Quitclaim Deeds
Recorded instruments transferring interests in real property. The legal promises and ownership effect differ by deed type.
Deeds of Trust
Security documents used in many Missouri real-estate financing transactions. They are not the same as ownership-transfer deeds.
Releases and Satisfactions
Documents that may release a prior deed of trust or another recorded interest. Match the original recording references carefully.
Liens and Notices
Recorded claims or notices that may be relevant to a property. Legal validity and priority require proper examination.
Plats and Subdivisions
Subdivision plans, plats, easements and certain restrictions associated with land development and community use.
Subdivision Indentures
Private subdivision restrictions and trustee-related documents. Review the recorded instrument when researching subdivision obligations.
St. Louis County Recorder of Deeds Office Address and Phone
The county Recorder’s Office is located at 41 South Central Avenue in Clayton. The county government complex contains several departments, so confirm the Recorder’s public counter and service hours before visiting.
St. Louis County Recorder of Deeds
Street address:
41 South Central Avenue
Clayton, MO 63105
Office phone:
314-615-7100
Email:
Recorder@stlouiscountymo.gov
Business days:
Monday–Friday, except county holidays.
Visiting hours:
Published references differ on the exact closing time and recording-counter cutoff. Confirm current walk-in and appointment availability with the office before traveling.
How to Get a Copy of a St. Louis County Deed
The Recorder provides an official Deed Copy Order Form for ordinary and certified documents. The form asks for property information and the Recorder’s document reference.
What Information Should You Provide?
- Property street address.
- Current or previous owner names.
- Approximate purchase date.
- Document type, such as a warranty deed, deed of trust or lien release.
- Recorder book/page or document number, if known.
- Number of copies requested.
- Copy delivery address and contact information.
Official Copy Charges
First page: $2.00
Each additional page: $1.00
Certification: Additional $1.00 per document
Mailing: The county’s form lists $1.50 postage for up to three documents, with higher charges for larger orders.
A stamped self-addressed business envelope may be supplied instead of adding the listed postage charge.
How to Order by Mail
Complete the Official Deed Copy Order Form
Enter the property details, document type, recording reference and copy quantity.
Calculate Copies and Certification
Count pages in each document and add the $1 certification charge only when a certified copy is needed.
Prepare Payment
Make the check or money order payable to Recorder of Deeds. The official form instructs out-of-state requesters to use a money order.
Mail the Request
Send the completed request and payment to:
Recorder of Deeds
41 South Central Avenue
Clayton, MO 63105
Include the requested return envelope or postage.
How to Record a Deed in St. Louis County Missouri
Before recording, confirm that the deed is properly drafted, signed, acknowledged, formatted and accompanied by the applicable payment. The Recorder can explain filing procedures, but recording does not establish that the document is legally appropriate for your transaction.
Prepare the Correct Legal Instrument
A deed should correctly identify the grantor, grantee, property and intended conveyance. Include the legal description rather than relying only on the street address.
For probate, trust, divorce, beneficiary deed, correction deed or complicated ownership questions, use a Missouri attorney or qualified title professional.
Check Signatures and Acknowledgment
Use the signature and acknowledgment method required for the particular document. Missouri recording rules also require legible printed or typed names associated with signatures.
Follow Missouri Recording Format Rules
Missouri Revised Statutes § 59.310 sets standards for paper, margins, legibility, signatures and the information appearing on the first page.
Failure to follow these standards can lead to rejection or an additional nonstandard-document fee.
Calculate Recording Fees
For an ordinary instrument, the county’s published fee is $26 for the first page and $3 for each additional page.
Add $25 if a document is accepted as nonstandard and the fee applies. Plats, surveys or specialized recordings may have different statutory charges.
Choose an Accepted Submission Method
Contact the county to confirm in-person, mailed or electronic recording procedures for your document type.
If using an e-recording provider, verify eligibility and any separate vendor charges.
Confirm the Completed Recording
Retain the recorded document number and date. Search the Recorder’s index after processing to verify that the parties and instrument were indexed as expected.
Document Standards That Help Avoid Rejection
Missouri’s recording standards include technical requirements for margins, print, signatures and first-page information. The following are important checks for ordinary instruments.
| Requirement | Missouri Standard | Practical Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Paper | Generally 8½ × 11-inch light-colored paper | Use clear, reproducible paper and printing. |
| Printing | One side of each page | Do not use double-sided printing. |
| Type size | Minimum eight-point type | Use a comfortably readable size above the minimum. |
| Ink | Black or dark ink | Ensure text, signatures and seals reproduce clearly. |
| First-page top margin | At least three inches | Reserve the space for recording certification. |
| Other margins | Minimum three-fourths inch | Keep essential document text inside the margins. |
| First-page information | Document title, date, grantor, grantee and relevant property information | Include a page reference when necessary information appears later in the instrument. |
| Nonstandard fee | Additional $25 when applicable | Check whether a statutory exception applies. |
St. Louis County Recorder of Deeds Fees
St. Louis County’s published deed-recording guidance lists $26 for the first page and $3 for each additional page. Missouri’s statewide recorder fee provisions were amended effective August 28, 2026, making older fee tables potentially outdated.
| Service | Published Amount | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary deed or instrument | $26 first page | Published standard first-page recording charge. |
| Additional pages | $3 each | Every page after the first. |
| Nonstandard formatting | Additional $25 | When applicable under Missouri recording law. |
| Document copy | $2 first page | County-published deed copy-order charge. |
| Additional copy pages | $1 each | Each page after the first in the same document. |
| Certified copy | Additional $1 | Certification charge per document. |
| Special document categories | Varies | Plats, surveys and special filings may have different rules. |
| E-recording | Vendor fees may apply | Provider charges are separate from county fees. |
Example Standard Recording Costs
| Pages | Estimated Base Fee | Calculation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $26 | First page |
| 2 | $29 | $26 + $3 |
| 3 | $32 | $26 + $6 |
| 4 | $35 | $26 + $9 |
| 5 | $38 | $26 + $12 |
| 8 | $47 | $26 + $21 |
| 10 | $53 | $26 + $27 |
St. Louis County Deed Recording Fee Calculator
Estimate the ordinary recording fee for a document using the county’s published first-page and additional-page charges.
For ordinary instruments only. The calculator excludes specialty filings, plats, surveys, vendor charges and other unusual costs. Confirm the final amount with the Recorder before payment.
Does St. Louis County Accept Electronic Deed Recording?
Yes. St. Louis County provides an eRecording information page for eligible documents submitted electronically through supported providers.
Useful for Professional Submitters
Electronic recording can be especially useful for title companies, lenders, attorneys and other businesses regularly submitting land-record documents.
A provider can transmit an eligible document without requiring each submission to be physically delivered to Clayton.
Still Subject to Recording Rules
Electronic transmission does not waive the requirements for document content, legal descriptions, signatures, acknowledgments, fees or indexing.
Provider charges may be separate from the official county recording fee.
Subdivision Plats, Surveys and Trust Indentures
St. Louis County records subdivision-related documents, but plats and surveys can have requirements beyond ordinary deed formatting.
The county’s plat-recording guidance includes requirements for approved plans, surveyor certifications, owner acknowledgments and local-government approvals, depending on whether land lies inside an incorporated municipality or an unincorporated area.
Before Recording a Plat
- Confirm the correct plat material and layout.
- Obtain required Planning Department or municipal approvals.
- Check surveyor certification requirements.
- Include any necessary owner acknowledgment.
- Verify whether a deed-of-trust holder statement is required.
For Subdivision Restrictions
Subdivision trust indentures can contain private covenants and restrictions affecting the use of land or subdivision common areas.
Search the recorded indentures and relevant amendments rather than relying only on homeowner-association summaries.
St. Louis County Free Property Fraud Alert
St. Louis County participates in a free Property Fraud Alert program that can notify subscribers when a newly recorded document matches a registered name.
The system is designed to provide an early warning of potentially unexpected property-record activity.
Register the Relevant Names
Include an individual name and, where applicable, trust, business or ownership-related name variations supported by the registration system.
Review Alerts Carefully
An alert may concern a legitimate mortgage release, family transaction or unrelated person with a matching name. Identify the actual document before assuming fraud.
Investigate Suspicious Documents
If the filing appears unauthorized, contact the Recorder and seek appropriate legal or law-enforcement assistance.
St. Louis County Recorder Search, Forms and Office Links
These resources support different tasks. Use the official county site for Recorder services, and avoid confusing county information with the separate City of St. Louis recording system.
1. St. Louis County Recorder of Deeds
Official starting point for the Recorder’s office, recording guidance, public-record services, copies and contact details.
- Open the county Recorder page.
- Confirm current counter hours and service notices.
- Choose Deed Search, copies, eRecording or fraud alerts.
- Call the office before a special recording submission.
2. St. Louis County Deed Search
Official route to county-supported deed and recorded-document search services.
- Confirm the property is in St. Louis County.
- Choose the appropriate search-access option.
- Enter grantor, grantee or known recording information.
- Check document details before ordering an image.
3. Official Deed Copy Order Form
County-published instructions for ordering uncertified and certified copies by mail.
- Gather the property and owner details.
- Enter the document number or Recorder book/page if available.
- Select the copy type and quantity.
- Add payment and return postage or a stamped envelope.
4. Missouri Recording Requirements
Missouri Revised Statutes § 59.310 explains recording-document formatting, first-page information and nonstandard charges.
- Check paper, printing and margin requirements.
- Verify required first-page information.
- Check signatures and acknowledgments.
- Confirm any exemption before requesting special handling.
5. County Real Estate Property Inquiry
Use the official property tax and parcel system to find property identifiers and owner clues before searching deeds.
- Search by address, owner or property number.
- Check that the result belongs to St. Louis County.
- Save the parcel locator and ownership display.
- Return to the Recorder for actual document records.
6. Official Electronic Recording
The county’s eRecording information page explains available electronic submission channels.
- Check current authorized providers.
- Confirm your document type is eligible.
- Review provider fees.
- Submit only after the instrument meets recording standards.
Which St. Louis County Office or Search Do You Need?
| Your Situation | Best Next Step | Office / Resource |
|---|---|---|
| Find a recorded deed | Search party names and recording references. | County Recorder Deed Search |
| Only know the property address | Find the owner and locator number first. | County property/assessment inquiry |
| Obtain a certified deed copy | Identify the document, then complete the copy request. | Recorder of Deeds |
| Record a new deed | Prepare the legal instrument and confirm fees and formatting. | Recorder of Deeds |
| Find subdivision restrictions | Search plats, indentures and recorded amendments. | Recorder / Planning resources |
| Check property-tax balances | Search tax payment and collection information. | Collector of Revenue |
| Find a deed for property inside St. Louis City | Use the independent City’s separate land-record system. | City of St. Louis Recorder |
| Determine whether title is clear | Obtain a professional title examination. | Missouri attorney / title company |
St. Louis County MO Recorder of Deeds FAQs
Where is the St. Louis County Recorder of Deeds office?
The St. Louis County Recorder of Deeds Office is located at 41 South Central Avenue, Clayton, Missouri 63105.
What is the St. Louis County Recorder of Deeds phone number?
The Recorder of Deeds office phone number is 314-615-7100. The county also publishes the email address Recorder@stlouiscountymo.gov.
Can I search St. Louis County Missouri deeds online?
Yes. The county provides an official Deed Search page linking to supported recorded-document search options. Available records, document-image access and any provider charges depend on the search service used.
Is St. Louis County Recorder the same as St. Louis City Recorder?
No. St. Louis County and the independent City of St. Louis maintain separate recording offices. The County Recorder is in Clayton; the City Recorder’s Land Records Department is at 1200 Market Street, City Hall, St. Louis.
How much does it cost to record a deed in St. Louis County MO?
The county’s published standard fee is $26 for the first page and $3 for each additional page. A $25 nonstandard-document charge may apply. Specialized instruments may have different fees.
How can I get a certified copy of my St. Louis County deed?
Use the official Deed Copy Order Form or contact the Recorder. The county lists copies at $2 for the first page and $1 for each additional page, with an additional $1 charge for certification of the document.
Can I find a deed using only a property address?
Start with the county’s property or assessment records to identify the parcel and current owner. Then search the Recorder’s index using names and other recording details. A property locator number is not automatically the same as the document number.
Does St. Louis County allow eRecording?
Yes. The county provides an eRecording information page for eligible documents. Check its current supported vendors, filing requirements and any additional provider fees before submitting electronically.
Does St. Louis County offer property fraud alerts?
Yes. The county provides a free Property Fraud Alert program that can notify subscribers when a newly recorded document matches a registered name. Alerts do not automatically prevent or cancel fraudulent filings.
Can the Recorder tell me whether a property has clear title?
No. The Recorder maintains recorded documents but does not provide a legal title guarantee. A Missouri attorney or qualified title professional should examine relevant deeds, deeds of trust, releases, liens and other documents when legal title status matters.