Boone County Recorder of Deeds: Search Property Deeds, Recording Fees, Office & Deed Watch
The Boone County Recorder of Deeds in Columbia, Missouri records real-estate documents, marriage licenses, tax liens, military discharge papers and other documents accepted under Missouri law. If you need to search a deed, buy a copy, check recording fees, prepare a deed for recording, or sign up for deed-fraud notifications, the Recorder’s Office is the correct starting point.
This guide explains exactly how to use Boone County’s online records search, what records are available online, what changed with 2026 recording fees, how to avoid common recording rejections, and when you should contact the Assessor or Collector instead of the Recorder.
What Does the Boone County Recorder of Deeds Do?
The Boone County Recorder of Deeds records and preserves public documents primarily connected to real estate and marriage licenses. Use this office for recorded deeds, deeds of trust, releases, easements, plats, surveys, restrictions, tax liens, DD214 filings, marriage-license copies and other accepted recorded instruments.
Use the Recorder For
- Searching recorded deeds and deed images.
- Recording Missouri real-estate documents.
- Buying copies or certified copies of recorded instruments.
- Marriage license copy requests.
- DeedWatch notification registration.
Use the Assessor For
- Property ownership shown on the assessment roll.
- Parcel number, situs address and assessed value.
- Tax maps and parcel viewer questions.
- Real estate property search by name, address or parcel.
Use the Collector For
- Current and delinquent property-tax bills.
- Tax payments and duplicate receipts.
- Installment-plan and escrow-payment questions.
- Tax records from the last five years online.
How to Search Boone County Property Deeds Online
Boone County provides an online Recorder of Deeds search service for marriage records, tax liens and property deeds. The county says users can search and view documents free of charge, purchase official real-estate documents online, and use optional subscription plans for bulk document purchases.
Open the Boone County Online Search Service
Start from the Recorder’s official online services page. When the county warning appears saying you are about to leave the Boone County Government website, choose Continue to reach the iRecord login page.
Create a New Account if Needed
Boone County says the online search service had a major update on September 1, 2023. Users who registered before that update may need to register for a new account before searching or buying copies.
Search by Grantor or Grantee Name
For most deed research, search the party name. The grantor is usually the person or entity giving or selling an interest, and the grantee is usually the person or entity receiving it. Try business names, trust names and last-name variations if the first search fails.
Search by Book and Page or Instrument
If you already have a deed reference from a title report, old deed, mortgage release, assessor note or tax record, use the instrument or book-and-page search. This is often faster than searching a common surname.
Use the Historical Index for Older Deeds
Boone County says online real-estate documents from 1965 to present can be viewed through the modern search. The site also provides images of handwritten index books covering deeds recorded between 1821 and 1965.
For the older index, Boone County explains that beginning with index book G, the books are organized by the first letter and first vowel of the party’s last name. For example, “Smith” is found in the SI section.
Buy a Copy Only When You Need One
You can view many documents online, but official copies or downloaded purchased documents may involve fees. If a purchased document is difficult to read, Boone County instructs users to contact the Recorder’s Office by phone or email.
What Records Can You Find Through the Boone County Recorder?
The Recorder’s Office keeps historic and current records connected to real estate transactions and other documents accepted for recording. Not every record type has the same online image access, so check the table before assuming a document can be downloaded instantly.
| Record Type | What It Usually Shows | How to Search | Important Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warranty deed / quitclaim deed | Parties, legal description, execution date, recording date, book/page or instrument details. | Search grantor or grantee name, then compare legal description and recording date. | A recorded deed is not the same as a legal title opinion. |
| Deed of trust | Lender/beneficiary, borrower, trustee, loan amount and recorded security instrument details. | Search borrower or lender name, or use book/page if listed on a release. | Payoff status may require a later release deed or title review. |
| Release deed | Release of a deed of trust or related lien record. | Search the borrower, lender or original book/page reference. | Boone County has special requirements for releases tied to pre-1986 deeds of trust. |
| Easement, restriction, survey or plat | Recorded restrictions, access rights, utility easements, subdivision or survey information. | Search name, subdivision, book/page or related property references. | Survey/plat formatting and fees can differ from standard documents. |
| Tax lien | Federal or state tax lien indexing and amount referenced in the document. | Search the online index or contact the Recorder’s Office. | Boone County says tax lien images are not available to view or purchase online; they can be viewed on public research terminals in the office. |
| Marriage license | Boone County marriage-license record and certified copy availability. | Use the online service, call 573-886-4345, or order certified copies through the official ordering option. | A marriage license without a recording date may have been issued but not returned for recording or may have expired. |
| Military discharge / DD214 | Military discharge filing where accepted under privacy and recording rules. | Contact the Recorder before requesting or filing. | Do not publish or misuse sensitive military discharge information. |
How to Record a Deed or Real Estate Document in Boone County
Boone County applies Missouri recording standards. A document may be rejected or recorded as non-standard with an extra penalty if it does not meet statutory and formatting requirements. Always check the Recorder’s current page before mailing or bringing documents.
Standard Document Basics
- Use 8 ½ inch by 11 inch paper when the standard rule applies.
- Use white or light-colored 20-pound paper without watermarks or logos.
- Print in black or dark ink on one side only.
- Use at least 8-point type for essential document text.
- Use black or dark ink signatures for clear reproduction.
Margins and First Page
- Reserve the top 3 inches of the first page for the Recorder’s certificate.
- Use at least three-fourths inch margins on other sides.
- Place required first-page information below the top margin.
- For re-recording, Boone County says a new first page or cover sheet is required.
| Fee / Item | Boone County Listed Amount | What It Means | Check Before Paying |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard real estate document | $26 first page; $3 each additional page | Effective August 28, 2026, Boone County lists this updated standard real-estate recording fee. | Use the current Boone County fee schedule before mailing payment. |
| Non-standard document penalty | $25 per document plus normal recording fees | Applies when a document meets statutory requirements but fails formatting standards. | Fix margins, paper, ink, first-page information and legibility before recording. |
| 24 x 36 inch page | $31 first page; $10 each additional page | Used for larger-page recordings when accepted. | Confirm survey/plat requirements and exact fee before submitting. |
| UCC fixture filing | $26 first page; $3 each additional page | Boone County lists this for approved forms with required addendum. | Overpayments for UCC fixture filings are not refunded according to the county fee page. |
| Copywork | $1 per page | Useful when you need a copy of a recorded document. | Ask whether you need a plain copy or certified copy. |
| Certification | $1 per document certification | Added when an official certification is needed. | Some uses require certified copies, not screenshots or plain downloads. |
| Marriage license | $53 | Boone County lists the marriage-license fee as increased effective August 28, 2026. | Bring required identification and check marriage-license instructions before visiting. |
| Certified marriage license copy | $9 | Often needed for name-change proof, REAL ID documentation or official uses. | Can be ordered by phone or through the official online ordering option listed by Boone County. |
Which Boone County Office Should You Contact?
Select your task below. This tool is only a guide; official answers come from the responsible Boone County office.
The result will explain where to start.
Why You Cannot Find a Boone County Deed Online
Recorder searches often fail because the wrong system or wrong name format is used. Try these fixes before assuming the record does not exist.
| Problem | Likely Cause | What to Try |
|---|---|---|
| You searched the street address and found nothing. | Recorded deed indexes are usually name and instrument based, not always address based. | Use the Assessor search first to find owner/parcel details, then search the Recorder by grantor or grantee name. |
| The owner name search returns too many results. | The surname or business name is common. | Add first initial, business suffix, trust name, recording date range, book/page or instrument number if available. |
| An older deed before 1965 does not appear as a modern indexed image. | Boone County’s modern online real-estate document image coverage begins at 1965, while older records may be in handwritten index books. | Use the historical index book, bookmark book/page references, then switch to the Book area to view or build a document. |
| A tax lien is indexed but no image appears online. | Boone County says tax lien filing images are not available to view or purchase online. | Use public research terminals in the Recorder’s Office or call 573-886-4345 about copy options. |
| You found the deed but the tax record shows something different. | Recorder records and Assessor tax-roll records are separate systems. | Ask the Assessor how deed information is used to update property lines, ownership display and parcel records. |
| You bought an unreadable document image. | Older scans or historic book pages can be difficult to read. | Contact the Recorder’s Office at 573-886-4345 or recorder@boonemo.gov for help. |
Boone County DeedWatch Notifications
Boone County offers a free DeedWatch notification service that emails you when documents are recorded matching names you register. It is an alert system, not fraud insurance and not a legal title guarantee, but it can help you learn about suspicious filings sooner.
How to Register
- Open Boone County’s DeedWatch page.
- Click the free registration link.
- Choose Boone County, MO from the dropdown.
- Enter your email address.
- Enter the email verification code.
- Add individual, business or trust names you want monitored.
Limitations to Understand
- Notifications work only for documents filed after you complete setup.
- Name spelling matters; add variations if needed.
- The Recorder cannot remove a recorded document without a judge’s court order.
- If you suspect deed fraud, contact the Recorder, law enforcement and a qualified attorney.
Boone County Recorder of Deeds Office Address, Hours, Phone & Map
The Recorder’s Office is located in the Boone County Government Center in downtown Columbia. Boone County’s directions page notes that the east entrance is at the corner of 9th and Ash Streets, which differs from the Walnut Street mailing address.
Boone County Recorder of Deeds
Address:
Boone County Government Center
801 East Walnut, Room 132
Columbia, MO 65201-7728
Phone: 573-886-4345
Fax: 573-886-4359
Email: recorder@boonemo.gov
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Open Recorder Map ↗Official Boone County Recorder Links and What to Do After Opening Them
Use these official sources for the final step before searching, recording, ordering copies or visiting the office. Each link includes a practical walkthrough.
Boone County Recorder of Deeds Home
Official Recorder page for office role, documents recorded, contact details, forms and current county announcements.
- Read any announcement banner first, especially fee or maintenance notices.
- Use the Recorder menu for online services, fee schedule, forms and filing requirements.
- Confirm the phone, email, office location and current hours before visiting.
Boone County Online Search Service
Official starting page for searching online marriage records, tax liens and property deeds.
- Click the link to access the Recorder’s online search service.
- When the county “leave website” popup appears, choose Continue.
- Register a new account if your older account was created before the September 1, 2023 system update.
- Use Name Search for grantor/grantee or Instrument Search for book/page and document references.
Boone County Recorder Fee Schedule
Official page for recording fees, copywork, certifications, marriage-license fees, tax-lien fees and excess-funds policy.
- Find the document type you are recording or copying.
- Calculate first page, additional pages and any non-standard fee.
- Check credit-card user fees or mail-payment requirements before submitting.
- Call the Recorder if your document includes plats, surveys, multiple releases or unusual attachments.
Requirements for Recording Real Estate Documents
Official Boone County page covering deeds, deeds of trust, release deeds, assignments and UCC fixture filing notes.
- Match your document type to the county’s listed requirements.
- Check whether book/page references must appear on the first page.
- For release deeds tied to older deeds of trust, read the pre-1986 note carefully.
- Do not submit a legal document you do not understand without professional review.
Standardization for Real Estate Documents
Official Boone County summary of Missouri recording format standards and non-standard penalty rules.
- Check paper size, ink, type size and one-sided printing rules.
- Confirm the 3-inch top margin on the first page.
- Review exempt document categories before assuming your document is exempt.
- Fix formatting before submitting to avoid a non-standard penalty or rejection.
Boone County DeedWatch Notifications
Official page for free name-based recording notifications that may help detect suspicious deed filings early.
- Click the free DeedWatch registration link.
- Select Boone County, MO.
- Verify your email address.
- Add your personal name, business name, trust name and common spelling variations.
Boone County Assessor Real Estate Search
Use this when you need parcel number, property location, assessment details or tax-roll owner information.
- Choose address, name or parcel search.
- For address search, enter the street name and narrow with house number if needed.
- Open the correct parcel record and save the parcel number.
- Use that data to help match recorded deeds in the Recorder search.
Boone County Collector Bill Search
Use this for tax bills, tax payment history, duplicate receipts and current/delinquent property-tax questions.
- Choose bill type and search by name, bill number, parcel or owner number.
- Use real estate bill type when researching real property taxes.
- Remember the Collector’s online bill search covers the last five years.
- Contact the Collector for older tax records not shown online.
Boone County Recorder Decision Path
| Your Situation | Best Next Step | Correct Office |
|---|---|---|
| You need a copy of your deed after buying a home. | Search the Recorder’s online service or call the Recorder before paying a private mailer. | Recorder of Deeds |
| You need the parcel number or assessed value. | Use the Assessor real-estate search by address, owner name or parcel. | Boone County Assessor |
| You need to record a deed, release or easement. | Review recording requirements, calculate current fees and make sure the document meets Missouri standards. | Recorder of Deeds |
| Your tax bill is missing, late or in the seller’s name. | Search the Collector bill system and contact the Collector if you did not receive a statement. | Boone County Collector |
| You received a suspicious DeedWatch alert. | Call the Recorder for document information, then contact law enforcement and an attorney if fraud is suspected. | Recorder, law enforcement and legal counsel |
| You want to remove or invalidate a recorded document. | Get legal advice. Boone County says the Recorder cannot remove a recorded document from the public record without a court order. | Attorney / Court |
Boone County Recorder of Deeds FAQs
Where is the Boone County Recorder of Deeds office?
The Boone County Recorder of Deeds is located at the Boone County Government Center, 801 East Walnut, Room 132, Columbia, MO 65201-7728. The office phone is 573-886-4345, and Boone County lists regular hours as Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Can I search Boone County deeds online?
Yes. Boone County provides an online Recorder of Deeds search service for property deeds, marriage records and tax liens. For real estate, Boone County says users can view documents from 1965 to present by searching grantor or grantee name or by instrument search using book and page.
Do I have to pay to view Boone County recorded documents?
Boone County says the updated online search service continues to let the public search and view documents free of charge. Fees may apply when purchasing official document copies, downloads, certifications or subscriptions.
What is the 2026 Boone County real-estate recording fee?
Boone County states that effective August 28, 2026, the cost to record standard real-estate documents increased to $26 for the first page and $3 for each additional page. Always confirm the current fee schedule before mailing or presenting a document.
What happens if my document is non-standard?
If a document meets statutory requirements but does not meet Missouri formatting standards, Boone County says it may be recorded as non-standard with a $25 penalty added to the normal recording fees. Documents that fail statutory requirements may be rejected.
Can the Recorder tell me whether my deed is legally correct?
No. The Recorder records documents that are accepted for recording, but the office does not provide legal advice, draft deeds, guarantee title or decide property ownership disputes. Contact a Missouri attorney or title professional for legal questions.
How do I search Boone County deeds before 1965?
Boone County provides images of handwritten index books for deeds recorded between 1821 and 1965. Use the historical index, identify the book and page, then use the Book area in the online system to view or build the document image when available.
Can I view Boone County tax lien images online?
Boone County says federal and state tax liens and lien releases are indexed online, but images of tax-lien filings are not available to view or purchase online. Those images can be viewed on public research terminals in the Recorder’s Office.
What is Boone County DeedWatch?
DeedWatch is Boone County’s free notification service that emails users when documents are filed matching registered names. It helps with early detection, but it only works for documents filed after setup and does not remove or prevent fraudulent recordings.
Which Boone County office handles property-tax bills?
The Boone County Collector handles current and delinquent property taxes, tax payments, duplicate receipts and tax bill questions. The Recorder handles recorded documents, while the Assessor handles parcel records, taxable property lists, property values and tax maps.
Independent Educational Guide
County-Appraisal-District.org is an independent informational resource and is not affiliated with Boone County Government, the Boone County Recorder of Deeds, the Boone County Assessor, the Boone County Collector, the State of Missouri or any title company.
Recording fees, access rules, document standards, office hours, online search functions, copy procedures and legal requirements can change. Verify all filing, fee and record-copy details with the Boone County Recorder of Deeds before submitting payment or documents.
Public property and recorded-document information should not be used for employment screening, tenant screening, credit eligibility, insurance underwriting or other regulated consumer-reporting purposes. This website is not a Consumer Reporting Agency.