St. Francois County Recorder of Deeds: Search & Office

St. Francois County uses Fidlar Technologies’ land-record services to provide remote access to recorded documents.

The county says all deed index books and recorded documents are now available online.

Two access options are available: Tapestry for occasional searches and Laredo for researchers who need subscription access.

Search a deed by grantor or grantee

A grantor is generally the party transferring a property interest. A grantee is generally the party receiving it.

Names are often more useful than street addresses when searching a Recorder’s index.

1. Open Tapestry.

   Select the county’s official land-record access link.

2. Choose the correct jurisdiction.

   Confirm that the search is set to St. Francois County, Missouri.

3. Enter the recorded party’s name.

   Try the current owner, buyer, seller or previous owner.

4. Narrow the search.

   Use available recording dates, instrument types or document references.

5. Review the results.

   Compare the names, recording date, document type and legal description.

6. Save the recording information.

   Keep the instrument or book-and-page reference for future requests.

What if you know the book and page?

A title report, older deed or loan document may provide a book and page reference.

Use the reference in the available search fields or provide it directly to the Recorder when requesting a copy.

Searching older deed index books

The county specifically states that its deed index books are available online.

That is helpful when researching an older Farmington, Bonne Terre or Park Hills property whose records predate modern electronic indexing.

If the first search fails, try the older index references or contact the Recorder for help locating the correct record.

If you only know a property’s address, begin with the St. Francois County Assessor.

The Assessor’s online real-estate search allows searches using a house number, street name, city or legal description.

Search the county’s property database

1. Open the Assessor’s real-estate search.

   Use the official property-search website linked below.

2. Enter the property address.

   Start with the house number and street name.

3. Use the city field if necessary.

   Choose the matching community to narrow the results.

4. Select Display Results.

   Review the matching parcel records.

5. Verify the parcel.

   Check the location, legal description and available ownership information.

6. Continue to the Recorder search.

   Use the owner name or a known recording reference to find the deed.

Which local communities does this cover?

St. Francois County includes communities such as Farmington, Bonne Terre, Park Hills, Desloge, Leadington, Bismarck and Leadwood.

A mailing address does not always identify the exact taxing district or municipal boundary.

Verify the actual county and property description before ordering a deed or submitting a recording.

St. Francois County Courthouse Annex, 1 West Liberty Street, Farmington, MO 63640. Recorder of Deeds: Suite 100.

Recorded land documents help establish a public history of property transactions and certain legal interests.

How to check whether a deed is the correct one

Match the grantor, grantee, recording date and legal description.

If the deed references an earlier instrument, locate that record before drawing conclusions about ownership history.

What if you are searching for a lien?

The Recorder maintains federal and state tax-lien documents and releases.

The county directory directs users seeking court judgments or mechanics-lien case information to the Circuit Clerk.

For a complete title examination, check both recorded instruments and relevant court records when necessary.

You can request copies of recorded deeds directly from the Recorder’s Office.

The county accepts written requests and in-person copy requests.

Request a standard deed copy

1. Find the deed reference.

   Search Tapestry or use the names of the parties and approximate recording date.

2. Identify the document.

   Note the book and page or recording reference, if available.

3. Decide which copy you need.

   Choose an ordinary copy or ask for a certified copy.

4. Contact the Recorder.

   Confirm the total charge and the accepted payment method.

5. Submit the request.

   Visit Suite 100 or follow the office’s written-request instructions.

Example: Three-page certified deed

This example uses the published county copy fees. Online vendor charges and delivery arrangements may differ.

Recording a new deed requires a legally appropriate document that meets Missouri recording requirements.

The Recorder can explain filing standards but cannot select the correct deed or provide legal advice about ownership.

1. Prepare the correct deed.

   Identify the parties and confirm the property interest being transferred.

2. Include the legal description.

   St. Francois County requires the legal description on recordable land documents.

3. Identify the grantor and grantee.

   Label the parties clearly and include required grantor marital-status information.

4. Check signatures and acknowledgment.

   Verify the required signatures, printed names and notarization.

5. Review the page layout.

   Leave the required recording space and use the prescribed margins, paper size and text.

6. Calculate the recording fee.

   Use the current $26 first-page amount plus $3 for each additional standard page.

7. Submit the document.

   Follow the Recorder’s accepted submission and payment procedures.

8. Keep the recorded reference.

   Retain the instrument information and a copy after the document is recorded.

Important first-page requirements

The county’s published standards require key information on the first page beneath the recording margin.

What if a previously recorded deed contains an error?

St. Francois County requires re-recorded documents to meet current document standards.

Its instructions require a new cover sheet explaining why the document is being re-recorded, together with a new notarial acknowledgment.

The correct legal remedy depends on the error. Consult a qualified Missouri attorney or title professional before attempting a correction.

Missouri’s statewide recording fee increase took effect August 28, 2026.

St. Francois County’s current document-recording formula is $26 for the first page plus $3 for each additional page.

For longer standard documents, add $3 for every page after the first.

What if a document does not meet formatting standards?

Missouri law permits an additional $25 nonstandard-document fee for applicable filings that do not meet statutory format requirements.

Certain documents qualify for exemptions from the format-related surcharge. Do not assume an exemption without checking the law.

Example: Four-page nonstandard deed

This example assumes the document qualifies for the $25 surcharge and has no other special recording charges.

Survey and plat recording costs

The county publishes separate recording fees for surveys and plats.

Additional pages carry separate charges. The county requires an original survey or plat for recording.

Credit and debit card payments

The Recorder accepts card payments and publishes a minimum $2 convenience fee for applicable transactions.

Confirm the total payment and accepted payment methods before submitting a deed, survey or other document.

Missouri does not impose a general state real-estate transfer tax calculated as a percentage of a property’s sale price.

This differs from states that require separate deed-transfer or documentary-stamp taxes at recording.

Missouri’s Constitution also restricts the creation of new taxes on real-estate transfers.

The Recorder offers a free Property Fraud Alert service that helps residents monitor newly recorded documents involving registered names.

The service can notify you about a possible unexpected deed or other recorded transaction.

How to sign up

1. Open the official county Property Fraud Alert page.
2. Follow the county’s online registration link.
3. Select St. Francois County when prompted.
4. Register the individual or business name you want to monitor.
5. Complete the available notification settings.

Military discharge recording

St. Francois County records military discharge papers without a recording fee.

The county advises veterans to bring Member 1 and Member 4 forms when recording their discharge.

A veteran can receive an eligible discharge copy without charge.

Discharge records are restricted from ordinary public inspection. A request for a copy requires the county’s designated form.

Marriage licenses

The Recorder also issues marriage licenses in St. Francois County.

The county provides an online pre-application process, followed by the required in-person completion at the Recorder’s Office.

Missouri requires marriage-license applicants to be at least 18 years old under the law effective August 28, 2025.

Honor Rewards for veterans

The Recorder participates in Honor Rewards, a program connecting eligible veterans with discounts offered by participating businesses.

Veterans can contact the Recorder’s Office or follow the program link through the county website.

Several St. Francois County departments are housed in the Courthouse Annex.

Choosing the correct office helps avoid unnecessary visits and delays.

Where are court records handled?

Court cases, probate matters and many judicial filings are handled through the Circuit Clerk and the appropriate division of the courts.

The county directory places the Circuit Clerk at the Courthouse, 1 North Washington Street, rather than the Recorder’s Annex suite.

Three details worth checking before you pay for a record

Missouri counties maintain separate recording indexes. A deed recorded in one county will not automatically appear in another county’s search system.

If you are researching properties or title documents in different parts of Missouri, these guides explain the applicable county systems.

These are independent county guides. For St. Francois County property, use the official Farmington Recorder resources provided throughout this article.

Use these county and Missouri government resources to verify recording requirements, fees, office details and property information.