Kootenai County Recorder: Deeds, Records, Recording Fees, Copies & Search Guide
The Kootenai County Recorder’s Office in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho records and maintains public land records for property in Kootenai County. This includes deeds, mortgages, plats, surveys, corner perpetuation and filing records, reconveyances, powers of attorney, UCC filings and other recorded instruments.
This guide explains how to search Kootenai County recorded documents, when to use the Assessor’s property search first, how to request deed copies, what fees to expect, how eRecording works, and which office to contact when the issue is not actually a recorder matter.
What Does the Kootenai County Recorder Do?
The Kootenai County Recorder records land documents so they become part of the public record. Use the Recorder for recorded deeds, mortgages, plats, surveys, land-corner records, document copies, recording fees, eRecording information and public land-record research. Use the Assessor when you need property ownership from an address, Parcel Number/PIN, AIN, assessed value, homeowner exemption, or property-tax assessment information.
Use the Recorder For
- Recorded deeds and transfers.
- Mortgages, deeds of trust and reconveyances.
- Recorded plats, surveys and CP&F records.
- Copies and certified copies of recorded documents.
- eRecording information and approved vendor routing.
Use the Assessor For
- Property search by address.
- Parcel Number/PIN, AIN, owner or legal description lookup.
- Homeowner’s exemption or Circuit Breaker questions.
- Assessment values and property characteristics.
- Owner-name clues before searching recorded documents.
Use Court Records For
- Civil case files.
- Criminal case files.
- Divorce decrees.
- Juvenile court records.
- Probate court filings.
How to Search Kootenai County Deeds and Recorded Land Records
Kootenai County provides a Recorder Search for recorded documents and a separate Assessor Property Search for parcel and ownership clues. Many failed deed searches happen because the user starts with an address in the wrong system. Use the steps below to move from address → parcel details → recorded document.
Start With the Recorder Search When You Know a Name, Instrument Number or Legal Description
Kootenai County says the Recorder Search can be used by party name, instrument number or property legal description. It is the better starting point when you already know the recorded party, recording reference or legal description.
Use the Assessor Search First When You Only Have an Address
If you are not sure of the legal description, Kootenai County directs users to the Assessor’s Parcel Search. The Assessor search supports Parcel Number/PIN, Owner, Property Address, AIN and Legal Description.
Search Owner Names Carefully
The Assessor search tips say owners should be entered last-name first for better results. For recorder records, try grantor and grantee names, prior owner names, business names and shortened name variations if the first search fails.
Search Plats, Surveys and Land Corner Records Using the County Codes
Kootenai County says existing plats, surveys and CP&F records were imported into the PA system and are found through the Real Estate Index. For surveys, enter Section, Township and Range and check code SS. For plats, use code SP. For land corner CP&F records, use code SL.
Confirm the Document Before Relying on It
A search can return deeds, mortgages, reconveyances, UCC documents, easements, plats, surveys or other instruments. Confirm the document type, recording date, instrument number, party names and legal description before assuming the record proves current ownership.
What You May See in a Kootenai County Recorded Document Search
Recorder records are legal-document index records, not the same as an assessor property card. Use this decoder to avoid mixing up document history, ownership clues and tax-assessment information.
| Field / Clue | What It Usually Means | Why It Matters | Common Mistake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Party name | Grantor, grantee, borrower, lender, trustee, owner or other party listed on a recorded instrument. | Helps locate deeds, mortgages, releases and prior ownership documents. | Searching only the current owner when the document was recorded under a prior owner or business name. |
| Instrument number | The recording reference assigned to a recorded document. | Best search term when you have a prior deed, title report, mortgage release or closing document. | Confusing an assessor parcel number with a recorder instrument number. |
| Legal description | The legal property description used in recorded documents. | Often more reliable than street address for recorder research. | Using only a mailing address and never checking the Assessor record for the legal description. |
| Document type | Deed, deed of trust, reconveyance, power of attorney, UCC, survey, plat or another instrument code. | Shows whether you found ownership evidence, lien evidence, release evidence or mapping records. | Assuming every result is a deed. |
| Recording date | The date the document was accepted for recording. | Helps separate current documents from old history. | Treating an old deed as current without checking later conveyances or releases. |
| Assessor PIN / AIN | Parcel identifiers used by the Assessor’s property database. | Useful for finding owner and legal-description clues before recorder research. | Expecting every recorder search to work by tax parcel number alone. |
How to Record a Deed or Other Document in Kootenai County
Kootenai County gives three practical submission paths: over the counter, by mail, or electronically through approved eRecording vendors. The county states that documents cannot be accepted by email.
In Person
Bring the original completed document to the Recorder’s Office at 451 Government Way in Coeur d’Alene with the correct recording fee. Kootenai County says the original is returned at that time for in-person recording.
By Mail
Mail the original document, correct fee and a self-addressed stamped envelope so the county can return your recorded document.
Mailing address:
Kootenai County Recorder’s Office
P.O. Box 9000
Coeur d’Alene, ID 83816
eRecording
Electronic recording must be completed through an approved vendor. Kootenai County lists Corporation Service Company, eRecording Partners Network and Simplifile as eRecording vendor options.
Kootenai County Recording Requirements to Check Before You Submit
The Recorder records documents as public records; it is not the right office for legal drafting or deciding how title should be changed. Before submitting a deed or real estate document, review the county’s required basics.
County-Listed Recording Basics
- Document must be original.
- Document must be completed.
- Document must be signed by the grantor.
- Document must be notarized.
- Most documents require a real property legal description or a recording instrument number referencing a related recorded document.
- Correct fee must be included.
- Mail submissions need a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Do Not Expect the Recorder To
- Prepare a deed for you.
- Choose the correct deed type.
- Tell you how to hold title.
- Interpret legal language.
- Perform your property-history research.
- Decide whether a transfer creates tax or estate consequences.
Kootenai County Recorder Fees for Deeds, Mortgages, Copies, Plats and Surveys
The county’s recording page lists Idaho recording-fee changes effective July 1, 2018 and points users to Idaho Code §31-3205. Always verify the current fee before mailing because underpaid or incorrectly prepared recordings can delay return.
| Document / Item | County-Listed Fee | What to Know | Practical Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deeds | $15 | Applies to deed instrument code DD within the county’s flat-fee page rules. | Confirm legal description and notarization before submission. |
| Easement deed | $15 | Listed under instrument code DE. | Have an attorney or title professional prepare easement language. |
| Redemption / sheriff / tax deeds | $15 | Listed under instrument code DK. | Verify title and statutory requirements before recording. |
| Patent deed | $15 | Listed under instrument code DP. | Use the instrument number and legal description when searching. |
| Deed of trust / mortgage | $45 | Listed for deed of trust/mortgage instruments up to the county’s page limit. | Lenders and settlement agents should verify eRecording acceptance. |
| Substitution of Trustee | $10 | Listed for Substitution of Trustee up to 30 pages. | Additional page rules may apply after 30 pages. |
| Power of Attorney | $25 | Listed under instrument code XT. | Make sure the document is signed and notarized correctly. |
| UCC filings | $3 per page | Applies to UCC filing, continuation/amendment and termination categories listed by the county. | Use the correct UCC document type and party names. |
| Surveys | $5 per page | Survey records can be searched through the Real Estate Index using Section, Township and Range with code SS. | Confirm survey formatting and indexing details before filing. |
| Plats | $11 flat fee | Plat records are searched with code SP in the Real Estate Index. | Check local approval requirements before recording a plat. |
| Recorded-document copies | $1 per page | Certification is listed as an additional $1. | When mailing a copy request, include instrument details and return information. |
| Conform copies | $0.50 per page | Listed separately from standard recorded-document copies. | Ask the Recorder whether you need a conform copy, plain copy or certified copy. |
Kootenai County Recorder Fee Estimator
Use this as a planning tool only. It estimates common county-listed recording and copy fees; it does not replace the official Recorder fee page or staff review.
Deed, mortgage, trustee and power-of-attorney estimates use the county-listed flat fees and add $3 per page over 30 when selected. Copy estimates use $1 per page, plus optional $1 certification and $1 return amount. Verify all totals with the Recorder before mailing.
How to Request a Deed or Recorded Document Copy
Kootenai County says recorded-document copies can be requested by mail, over the phone or in person. If requesting by mail, use the county request form when possible and include enough information for staff to identify the document.
Identify the Document
Gather the instrument number, book and page, recording date, party names, document type or legal-description clues. If you do not have these details, search the Recorder system or use the Assessor’s property search first.
Decide Whether You Need Certification
A plain copy may be enough for personal reference. A certified copy may be required by a lender, court, title company or government agency. Kootenai County lists an additional $1 for certification.
Mail the Request With Payment
Mail the request and payment to Kootenai County Recorder’s Office, P.O. Box 9000, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83816. Include your return address, phone number and/or email address. The county asks users to include an additional $1 for return of the document.
Visit in Person for Faster Simple Copies
If you are local or need staff direction, visit the Recorder’s Office during published business hours and pay the appropriate fee at the office.
Kootenai County Recorder Office Address, Hours and Contact
Use the Recorder’s Office for recorded document research, deed and mortgage copies, recording questions, eRecording routing and public land-record access. Use the Assessor, Treasurer or District Court Records when your issue belongs to another office.
Kootenai County Recorder’s Office
Physical address:
451 Government Way
Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814
Mailing address:
P.O. Box 9000
Coeur d’Alene, ID 83816
Recording Manager phone: 208-446-1480
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, excluding holidays.
Open Recorder Map ↗Official Kootenai County Recorder Links
Use these official resources before paying for a copy, mailing a deed, searching the wrong database or relying on an outdated third-party directory.
Kootenai County Recorder Official Page
Best starting page for office address, hours, search notes, plats/surveys/CP&F search codes and contact details.
- Confirm you are on the official Kootenai County, Idaho website.
- Read the notice about plats, surveys and CP&F records in the Real Estate Index.
- Use the Recorder Search link for party name, instrument number or legal-description searches.
- Check current office hours and contact information before visiting.
Kootenai County Recorder Search
Official recorded-document search entry for real estate index research.
- Choose the Real Estate Index search option.
- Search by party name, instrument number or legal description.
- For surveys, use Section/Township/Range and code SS.
- For plats, use code SP; for land corner CP&F records, use code SL.
- Confirm document type and recording date before relying on the result.
Kootenai County Assessor Property Search
Use this when you only know an address, owner name, Parcel Number/PIN, AIN or need legal-description clues.
- Search by address, owner, PIN, AIN or legal description.
- For owner searches, enter the last name first.
- Remove dashes from a Parcel Number/PIN.
- Use less information for broad matches, or wildcard search where helpful.
- Copy the legal description or owner name and return to Recorder Search.
Recording Documents
Official page for recording requirements, document fees, mail/in-person rules, eRecording vendors and copy-request instructions.
- Read the email warning at the top of the page.
- Check your document category and fee.
- Confirm the document is original, completed, signed and notarized.
- For mail recording, include the correct fee and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- For eRecording, use one of the listed vendors.
Records Research and Copy Requests
Official page explaining free viewing of recorded documents and how to request copies by mail or in person.
- Read the copy request section.
- Download the request form if you can print it.
- If you cannot print, include book/page, instrument number, party names, recording date, document type and contact information.
- Mail payment to the Recorder’s P.O. Box or visit in person.
KCEarth Online Mapping Tool
Official county mapping tool linked from the Recorder public-records research page.
- Use the map when you need location context before searching documents.
- Search the property or navigate to the parcel area.
- Compare map clues with Assessor and Recorder records.
- Do not treat a map view as a legal title opinion or survey.
Idaho Code §31-3205 — Recorder’s Fees
State statute referenced by Kootenai County for recorder-fee authority.
- Use the statute for statewide fee authority and page-size rules.
- Compare it with Kootenai County’s local fee listing.
- Call the Recorder before mailing if your document has unusual pages, maps, exhibits or multiple instrument types.
Idaho Code §55-616 — Restrictive Covenant Modification
State law allowing owners or tenants to record a modification document for certain void discriminatory covenants without recording fees.
- Read which race, color, ethnicity or national-origin restrictions are void.
- Confirm the original recording reference and legal description.
- Use only the modification allowed by the statute.
- Contact the Recorder or an attorney if you are unsure how the form applies.
Common Kootenai County Recorder Mistakes
Mistakes That Waste Time
- Emailing a document for recording even though the county says email recording is not accepted.
- Mailing a copy instead of the original document.
- Forgetting the self-addressed stamped envelope for mail recording.
- Searching only by street address in the Recorder search instead of using the Assessor for legal-description clues.
- Confusing a tax parcel number with a recorder instrument number.
- Calling the Recorder for homeowner’s exemption or Circuit Breaker questions that belong to the Assessor.
Better Local Workflow
- Use Assessor Property Search first when you only know an address.
- Use Recorder Search when you know a party name, instrument number or legal description.
- Check SS, SP and SL codes for surveys, plats and land corner records.
- Verify document fees before mailing payment.
- Use approved eRecording vendors for electronic submission.
- Get legal help before changing title or drafting a deed.
Kootenai County Recorder Decision Path
| Your Goal | Best Next Step | Office / Resource |
|---|---|---|
| You need to find a recorded deed. | Search by party name, instrument number or legal description in Recorder Search. Use Assessor Search first if you only have an address. | Recorder Search + Assessor Property Search |
| You need a deed copy. | Gather instrument number, book/page, party names, document type and recording date, then request by mail, phone or in person. | Kootenai County Recorder |
| You want to record a deed. | Use an original, completed, signed, notarized document with legal description and correct fee. Do not email it. | Recording Documents page |
| You want to record electronically. | Use one of the county-listed eRecording vendors: Corporation Service Company, eRecording Partners Network or Simplifile. | eRecording vendor through Recorder page |
| You need property owner or exemption information. | Use the Assessor database and Assessor’s Office. Recorder staff do not handle homeowner exemption or Circuit Breaker applications. | Kootenai County Assessor |
| You need court, divorce, probate or custody records. | Contact District Court Records rather than the Recorder because these are court-file records, not land-record recordings. | Kootenai County District Court Records |
Kootenai County Recorder FAQs
Where is the Kootenai County Recorder’s Office located?
The Kootenai County Recorder’s Office is located at 451 Government Way, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814. The mailing address is Kootenai County Recorder’s Office, P.O. Box 9000, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83816.
How do I search Kootenai County deed records online?
Use the official Kootenai County Recorder Search. The county says users can search by party name, instrument number or legal description. If you only know the address, use the Assessor Property Search first to find the owner or legal-description details.
What records does the Kootenai County Recorder maintain?
The Recorder’s Office says it maintains documents recorded in Kootenai County since 1881, specifically records pertaining to ownership of real property. This includes recorded land documents such as deeds, mortgages, plats, surveys and related instruments.
Can I view Kootenai County recorded documents for free?
Kootenai County’s Records Research page says recorded documents are available for viewing free of charge on the Recorder’s page. Copies are available for a fee if you need a printed or certified document.
How much does a Kootenai County deed copy cost?
Kootenai County lists recorded-document copies at $1 per page and an additional $1 for certification. If requesting by mail, the county also asks users to include an additional $1 for return of the document.
Can I email documents to the Kootenai County Recorder?
No. Kootenai County’s recording page states that documents cannot be accepted by email. Documents submitted by mail or over the counter must be original. Electronic recording must go through approved eRecording vendors.
What are the basic requirements to record a document in Kootenai County?
The county lists basic recording requirements as original, completed, signed by the grantor and notarized. Most documents also require a real property legal description or a recording instrument number referencing a related recorded document.
Where do I apply for the Idaho homeowner’s exemption or Circuit Breaker?
Kootenai County’s Recorder FAQ directs homeowner’s exemption and Circuit Breaker questions to the Assessor’s Office, not the Recorder. Use the Assessor for property-tax relief and assessment questions.
How do I search Kootenai County surveys, plats and CP&F records?
Kootenai County says plats, surveys and CP&F records are now in the Real Estate Index. For surveys, enter Section, Township and Range and check code SS. For plats, use code SP. For Land Corner CP&F records, use code SL.
Is this website the official Kootenai County Recorder?
No. This is an independent educational guide. The official Kootenai County Recorder is part of Kootenai County Government in Idaho. Always verify recording requirements, fees, forms and office instructions with the official county website before submitting documents.
Independent Educational Guide
County-Appraisal-District.org is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with Kootenai County Government, the Kootenai County Recorder, the Kootenai County Assessor, the Idaho Legislature, any eRecording vendor, any title company or any court.
This guide is for public-records navigation only. It is not legal advice, title advice, tax advice or a substitute for the Recorder, Assessor, Clerk, Treasurer, an Idaho attorney, a title company or a licensed surveyor.
Public property and recorded-document data 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.