Bonneville County Recorder: Deeds & Records

Bonneville County, Idaho · Official Land Records

Bonneville County Recorder: Search Deeds, Property Records & Official Documents

Looking for a deed recorded in Idaho Falls, a mortgage release, a subdivision plat, or a certified copy of an older land record? The Bonneville County Clerk, Auditor, and Recorder is the office responsible for recording and maintaining these documents.

The county provides an online document-search system with name, instrument-number, book/page, parcel identification number, situs address and subdivision search fields. This guide explains how to use those searches, what to do with records before 1995, current copy charges, recording requirements and how to reach the Recorder’s Office in Idaho Falls.

✓ County-linked official portal ✓ Historic index guidance ✓ Search troubleshooting ✓ Copy and recording fees
Direct Answer

Where Can You Search Bonneville County Recorder Documents?

Start at the official Bonneville County Land Records page and select its Search button. The county’s Tyler Self-Service system provides an Official Records Search and Copies interface. For a direct document-search entry point, use the Bonneville County Clerk document search.

Search Recorded Documents

Use a grantor or grantee name, instrument number, book/page, parcel ID, property address or available subdivision fields. Search results identify recorded instruments, and available images can be viewed or purchased through the portal.

View exact search process →

Order a Certified Copy

The Recorder accepts copy requests in person or by mail. The county charges $1 per page plus $1 per document for certification. The online system also offers recorded-document copies for purchase.

View certified-copy instructions →

Find a Property on a Map

For parcel location, tax-roll ownership names or boundary mapping, use the county’s Parcel Viewer linked from Platting and Mapping. This is separate from the legal recording index.

Open county mapping guide ↗
Important: The Bonneville County Clerk is the ex-officio County Recorder. Recorded deeds, land instruments, certain water-right records, surveys and plats are maintained through the recording function. An appraisal or tax-roll record does not by itself establish legal ownership or property boundaries.
Official Online Workflow

How to Search Bonneville County Deeds and Property Records

The county’s document-search screen offers more fields than a basic name search. Use the information you already have, and add filters only when they help narrow the correct document.

1

Open the County’s Land Records Search

Visit the official Bonneville County Land Records page. Select Search to reach the county’s online document system.

Bonneville County → Clerk, Auditor, and Recorder → Land Records → Search
2

Choose a Name or Document Reference

The Document Search screen includes Both Names, Grantor, Grantee, Instrument Number, Book/Page and other property-related fields.

If you know who transferred the property, use Grantor. If you know the recipient, use Grantee. Both Names is useful when you are unsure which side of the transaction contains the name.

3

Enter Personal Names Last Name First

The official kiosk specifically instructs users to enter individual names with the last name first, such as Smith James.

For broader results, the county recommends entering only the last name and first initial. For organizations, enter the entity name as spelled, such as a bank or company name.

Individual: Smith James → Broader search: Smith J → Business: full organization name
4

Use Instrument Number or Book/Page When Available

An instrument number can identify a specific recorded document. If your deed, title report or earlier record mentions a book and page, enter those values in the corresponding search fields.

Historical search warning: Bonneville County’s portal says documents recorded before 1995 should be searched by instrument number, name or book/page rather than recording date.

5

Try Parcel ID, Address or Subdivision Fields

The kiosk also displays Parcel Identification Number, Situs Address and subdivision/condominium fields, including lot, block, tract and unit.

These provide alternative search methods, although field availability does not mean every historical document has been indexed with that information.

6

Review the Results Before Opening a Document

Compare available names, recording references, document types and dates. A matching surname alone is not enough to confirm that a result concerns your property.

If an image is available, compare the full legal description rather than relying only on a street address or abbreviated tax-roll description.

7

Save the Recording Reference or Request a Copy

Record the instrument number, book/page if applicable, names and recording date. You can use this information when asking the Clerk for a certified copy or when comparing deeds, mortgage documents and releases.

The county’s online portal offers copies for purchase; certification requirements should be confirmed with the Recorder.

Practical search tip: If the system returns too many documents, start with a name plus an appropriate date range. If it returns nothing, remove restrictive filters and try a name variation or instrument number. For records before 1995, do not rely on a date-only search.
Search Field Decoder

Bonneville County Recorder Search Methods Explained

Search Field When to Use It Practical Guidance
Both Names You know a person’s name but not their role. Search the individual using last-name-first format.
Grantor You are looking for the person or entity transferring an interest. Try the previous owner’s name.
Grantee You know the buyer or recipient. Try the current purchaser’s recorded name.
Instrument Number You have a document reference. Enter the number from a deed, recording receipt or title document.
Book / Page You are researching an older recorded instrument. Use the book and page exactly as shown in the earlier reference.
Recording Date You know approximately when recording occurred. Use a date range for applicable records; pre-1995 documents need another search method.
Parcel Identification Number You know the county parcel reference. Enter the parcel identifier if available in the index.
Situs Address You know the physical property address. Try the property address, but cross-check the result against the recorded legal description.
Subdivision / Lot / Block You have a subdivision or plat description. Use the available subdivision, lot, block, tract or unit fields.

The county’s online index is not a title-insurance report. The availability of an address or parcel search field does not establish that all documents are indexed by that field.

Local Historical Records Detail

Searching Bonneville County Deeds Before 1995

Bonneville County’s public document-search interface identifies recorder index coverage beginning January 1, 1911. Its special instruction for records before 1995 is especially useful when researching inherited land, older subdivisions or a chain of title.

Use Names, Instrument Numbers or Book/Page

For pre-1995 documents, the county says not to search by recording date alone. Start with the recorded person’s surname, document number or a volume/book-and-page reference.

If a previous deed mentions an earlier conveyance, follow that reference backward to identify the older instrument.

When Older Images Are Missing

An older record may be indexed differently or an image may not be available online. The county also cautions that images can be temporarily unavailable while system backups are in progress.

If your search fails, call the Recorder with the names, approximate period and any instrument or book/page reference rather than assuming the record does not exist.

Why this matters: An old property transfer may be easy to miss if you search using a modern street address or filter only by recent recording dates. Bonneville County publishes a specific pre-1995 search restriction that should guide how you research historical deeds.
Understand the Documents

What Records Does the Bonneville County Recorder Maintain?

Deeds and Conveyances

A deed documents a transfer of a real-property interest. Examine the grantor, grantee, acknowledgment and complete legal description to determine what the document actually conveys.

Mortgages and Deeds of Trust

These commonly document security interests related to real-estate financing. A recorded deed of trust is not the same as a deed conveying property to a homebuyer.

Releases and Reconveyances

These documents may show that a particular recorded mortgage or trust deed was released or reconveyed. Verify the original recording reference to determine which instrument is affected.

Plats, Surveys and Water-Related Records

The Clerk’s recording function maintains recorded plats and surveys, and the county identifies land deeds involving water rights among its responsibilities. These records can be relevant to rural parcels and subdivision research.

Do not confuse a recorded description with a boundary survey. Bonneville County’s Platting and Mapping Office says it does not determine boundaries or prepare deeds. For a physical boundary determination, a licensed land surveyor may be necessary.
Recording Costs

Bonneville County Recorder Fees for Deeds and Other Documents

Idaho Code §31-3205 sets out recorder fee categories. Bonneville County advises callers that charges vary by document title and number of pages, and it recommends confirming the payment before recording.

Document / Service Published Statutory Fee Important Condition
Deeds, grants and conveyances $15 Flat fee for an instrument of 30 pages or fewer.
Trust deeds or mortgages $45 For an instrument of 30 pages or fewer, including specified related instruments when included together.
Reconveyances and mortgage releases $15 For an instrument of 30 pages or fewer.
Substitution of trustee $10 Applicable statutory category; verify final classification with the Recorder.
Power of attorney $25 For an instrument of 30 pages or fewer.
Other standard instruments $10 first page + $3 each additional page Applies where another specific statutory category does not control.
Pages beyond the 30th for flat-fee categories $3 each additional page Applies to designated statutory flat-fee instruments.
Regular document copy $1 per page Bonneville County’s published copy charge.
Certification Additional $1 per document Added to regular copying fees.
Large plat or survey copy $5 each County-published price for large copies.
Example: Under the statutory flat-fee category, a properly classified 3-page real-property deed is generally $15 to record, not $10 plus a per-page charge. A 32-page deed would be $15 plus two extra pages at $3 each, for a base recording fee of $21, assuming no additional applicable charges.
Verify before payment: The county recommends contacting the Recorder because the instrument title and page count affect fees. It also permits a “not to exceed” check arrangement for recording, subject to office instructions. Fee schedules and additional charges can change.

Open County Recording Fee Information ↗

Before You Record

How to Prepare a Document for the Bonneville County Recorder

The county says a document presented for recording must be the original, signed and notarized document. It also says the Recorder does not supply legal forms such as quitclaim deeds or lien forms.

1

Determine the Proper Document

A warranty deed, quitclaim deed, personal representative’s deed, release or other instrument can have different legal consequences. Ask a title company or Idaho real-estate attorney which document is appropriate for your transaction.

2

Use a Complete Legal Description

Bonneville County’s Platting and Mapping Office says a recorded deed should include the full and complete legal description.

For a platted lot, the description ordinarily identifies the lot, block, subdivision, county and state. For an unplatted parcel, a metes-and-bounds description may be needed.

3

Check the Grantor and Grantee Details

The county advises that the grantor should reflect current ownership as acquired and the grantee should identify the new owner. Include the grantee mailing address as required.

4

Obtain the Required Signatures and Notarization

Make sure the document is signed, properly acknowledged or notarized as applicable, and legible. The Recorder’s published instructions call for original signed and notarized documents.

5

Confirm Fees and Submit to the Recorder

Call (208) 529-1350, extension 1350, to verify the appropriate recording fee and available submission method.

The Recorder is located on the second floor of the courthouse at 605 N Capital Avenue, Idaho Falls.

6

Retain the Recording Reference

After recording, retain your receipt, instrument number and document copy. Later, use the official online system to find the recorded instrument.

Critical local detail: Bonneville County specifically warns that the legal description on an assessment notice is not a full and complete legal description. Do not copy a shortened tax-assessment description into a new deed without confirming the full description from the recorded acquisition deed, plat or appropriate title records.
Copies and Certification

How to Request a Certified Bonneville County Deed Copy

Bonneville County allows recorded-document copy requests in person or by mail. The county’s online self-service system also provides document viewing and copies for purchase.

Option 1: Visit in Person

  1. Search for the document online first if possible.
  2. Write down the instrument number or book/page reference.
  3. Visit the Recorder on the second floor of the courthouse.
  4. Explain whether you need an ordinary or certified copy.
  5. Pay the applicable copying and certification charges.

Option 2: Request by Mail

  1. Write a request describing the document you need.
  2. Include all known names, recording dates and instrument references.
  3. Include the correct payment or confirm the amount beforehand.
  4. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope.
  5. Mail to the Bonneville County Recorder at 605 N Capital Avenue, Idaho Falls, ID 83402.
Copy-cost example: A 4-page recorded deed costs $4 in regular copying fees. If you need a certified copy, add the county’s $1 certification charge, making the county’s published base total $5. Confirm any delivery, transaction or portal charges before ordering.

Payment instruction: The county states checks for mailed recording-copy requests should be payable to Bonneville County Recorder.

Local Office Details

Bonneville County Recorder Office Address, Phone and Hours

Bonneville County Recorder

Office:
Bonneville County Clerk, Auditor, and Recorder

Physical location:
605 N Capital Avenue
Second Floor, Courthouse
Idaho Falls, ID 83402

Mailing address:
605 N Capital Avenue
Idaho Falls, ID 83402

Phone:
(208) 529-1350, extension 1350

Fax: (208) 529-1311

Hours:
Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM
Closed on county holidays

Recording questions:
lsantos@bonnevillecountyidaho.gov

Get Directions ↗

What to Know Before Visiting

The Recorder is on the second floor of the courthouse, not at the county Platting and Mapping Office on Constitution Way.

  • Bring the original signed and notarized instrument when recording.
  • Call first to confirm the fee for your document type.
  • Have the recording reference ready for copy requests.
  • Confirm current office operations around holidays.
  • For marriage-license and passport services, the county separately offers appointment scheduling.

For deed recording and land-record copies, use the Recorder’s published contact instructions.

Official Clerk Contact Page ↗

Map: Bonneville County Courthouse, 605 N Capital Avenue, Idaho Falls. The Recorder’s Office is on the second floor.

Find the Correct Department

Recorder vs. Assessor vs. Platting and Mapping vs. Treasurer

Bonneville County has a useful division of responsibilities. Choosing the correct department can save a trip when a deed has already been recorded but the tax roll still shows an older name.

Your Question Correct Department Next Action
Where can I find a recorded deed? County Recorder Search online land records or contact the Recorder.
Where do I record a new deed? County Recorder Confirm document requirements, fees and submission method.
Why is an old owner still on my tax notice? Platting and Mapping Ask whether a recorded document has been processed for the tax roll.
How do I change a tax-roll mailing address? Platting and Mapping Contact the mapping department using its published email instructions.
What is the assessed value of my home? County Assessor Review appraisal or assessment information.
How do I apply for a homeowner exemption? County Assessor Contact the exemption department.
Where do I pay property taxes? County Treasurer Use the Treasurer’s official tax-payment process.
Who determines the actual property boundary? Licensed land surveyor Commission a survey when a boundary determination is needed.
Bonneville-specific example: If you bought a house and the new deed was recorded but the assessment notice still shows the seller, contact Platting and Mapping rather than filing another deed immediately. The department processes recorded instruments and updates tax-roll ownership information. It may need to review the document or direct you to a title professional if a legal correction is required.
Parcel and Legal Description Research

How to Find a Bonneville County Parcel Before Searching a Deed

If you only know a street address, the county’s Parcel Viewer may help identify a tax-roll owner or parcel reference before you search recorded instruments.

1

Open Platting and Mapping

Visit the official Platting and Mapping page and select the county’s Parcel Viewer link.

2

Search the Parcel Viewer

The county says its viewer supports searching by parcel number, name or situs address.

3

Review the Tax-Roll Information

Locate the matching parcel and review the owner name, parcel reference and available map information. This is useful supporting information, not a legal title certificate.

4

Return to the Recorder Search

Try the name or parcel ID in the official recorded-document search. For deed drafting or title research, obtain the actual recorded instrument with the complete legal description.

County warning: Bonneville County’s mapping office does not determine ownership or boundaries and does not prepare legal deeds. A tax-roll owner name is not the same as a legal determination of title.

Platting and Mapping contact:
357 Constitution Way, Idaho Falls, ID 83402
Phone: (208) 529-1359
Email: BCMapping@BonnevilleCountyIdaho.gov

No-Result Troubleshooting

Why a Bonneville County Deed Search May Return No Results

Problem Likely Explanation Best Next Step
No result for a full personal name Name formatting may differ. Use last name first, then try surname plus first initial.
An old document is missing Pre-1995 records require alternative search methods. Search by name, instrument number or book/page instead of date.
Too many matching people Common surname or insufficient filters. Add an appropriate recording-date range or other known detail.
Business document not found Organization name spelling may differ. Use the company’s formal recorded name or known variation.
Address search shows no deed Older records may lack an indexed situs address. Find the owner or parcel reference through Parcel Viewer.
Record exists but image is missing Image availability can vary or be interrupted. Try later or contact the Recorder with the instrument reference.
Tax roll still shows previous owner Recorded deed may not yet be reflected in mapping records. Contact Platting and Mapping with the recorded instrument details.
Decision Guide

What Should You Do After Finding a Recorded Document?

If You Found Your Deed

Save the instrument number, names and recorded date. Compare the complete legal description with your purchase or title documents. Order a certified copy if the receiving organization requires certification.

If Your Ownership Name Is Wrong

First establish whether the recorded deed itself is wrong or whether only the county tax roll is outdated. Contact Platting and Mapping for tax-roll problems. Seek title or legal assistance for substantive deed errors.

If You Found a Mortgage Document

Search for related releases or reconveyances. A deed of trust appearing in the index does not necessarily mean an outstanding debt remains. A qualified title professional can assess the current status.

If You Cannot Find an Older Record

Try the surname-first search, instrument number or book/page. For documents before 1995, avoid relying on a date-only search. Contact the Recorder with the information you have.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bonneville County Recorder FAQs

Who is the Bonneville County Recorder?

The Bonneville County Clerk serves as ex-officio Recorder. The Clerk, Auditor, and Recorder’s Office records and maintains land deeds and other official recorded instruments. Chris Poulter is listed as County Clerk on the official county website.

Can I search Bonneville County deeds online?

Yes. The county links to a Tyler Self-Service document-search system. The public interface includes name, instrument number, book/page, parcel ID, situs address and subdivision-related fields.

How far back do Bonneville County recorder records go?

The online document-search interface identifies recorder index coverage beginning January 1, 1911. The county specifically advises searching documents before 1995 by instrument number, name or book/page instead of recording date. Online image availability may differ from index coverage.

How much does a certified deed copy cost?

Bonneville County lists a copying charge of $1 per page plus $1 per document for certification. The county also lists a $5 charge for large copies of plats and surveys. Confirm portal, mailing or other applicable charges when ordering.

What is the fee to record a deed in Bonneville County?

Under Idaho Code §31-3205, deeds, grants and conveyances of real property generally have a $15 recording fee for 30 pages or fewer, with $3 for each additional page beyond 30. Other document types can have different fees. Call the Recorder to confirm the correct charge for your instrument.

Where is the Bonneville County Recorder’s Office?

The Recorder is on the second floor of the courthouse at 605 N Capital Avenue, Idaho Falls, ID 83402. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, excluding holidays. Call (208) 529-1350, extension 1350.

Does Bonneville County provide quitclaim deed forms?

No. The county states that the Recorder’s Office does not carry legal forms such as quitclaim deeds or lien forms. For the correct instrument and legal preparation, consult an appropriate title company or Idaho attorney.

Can I search for a Bonneville County deed by property address?

The county’s document-search interface includes a Situs Address field. However, not every recorded document is necessarily indexed by address. If no deed appears, use the Parcel Viewer to identify a parcel or owner and search the recording index using names or instrument references.

Is the tax-roll legal description enough to prepare a deed?

No. Bonneville County’s Platting and Mapping Office says the description on an assessment notice is not a full and complete legal description. Use the recorded acquisition deed, applicable plat and qualified professional guidance when preparing a new conveyance.

Leave a Comment