Madison County IL Recorder of Deeds: Search Land Records, Recording Fees & Office
The Madison County Recorder of Deeds maintains public records of deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, releases and other real-estate instruments recorded against property in Madison County, Illinois.
The office is located in Edwardsville and is administered by Linda A. Andreas, Madison County Clerk & Recorder. To search land documents remotely, the county provides pay-per-use Tapestry and subscription-based Laredo services. Property assessment records and GIS parcel maps are separate county resources.
What Does the Madison County Recorder of Deeds Handle?
Use the Recorder for recorded instruments affecting land ownership and property interests. Use the county’s assessment, GIS, Treasurer or Circuit Clerk services when your question concerns values, parcel information, tax bills or court cases.
Recorder of Deeds
- Warranty and quitclaim deeds
- Mortgages and assignments
- Mortgage releases and satisfactions
- Liens and lis pendens
- Easements and covenants
- Recorded document copies
- Recording and eRecording questions
Assessment & Maps
- Permanent Index Number (PIN)
- Property assessment information
- Owner and parcel details
- GIS parcel mapping
- Property characteristics
- Assessment appeals
- Maps & Plats review
Other County Services
- Treasurer: property-tax bills and payments
- Circuit Clerk: court case records
- County Clerk: tax extension and other clerk functions
- Attorney/title company: legal title opinions and deed drafting
How to Search Madison County Illinois Deeds Online
Madison County’s official land-record search page points users to two Fidlar services: Tapestry for occasional searches and Laredo for subscribers. The county states that its online record index begins June 1, 1985.
Open the official county Land Record Search page
Start at the Madison County Recorder Land Record Search page. It links to Tapestry and provides information about Laredo access.
Choose Tapestry or Laredo
Select Tapestry when you need occasional pay-per-use access. Use Laredo when you need regular searches and have an approved monthly subscription.
Review the fees displayed by the provider before opening or printing paid records.
Find the property owner or PIN
If you have only an address, use the county’s Real Estate Assessment Search or GIS mapping resources to identify the owner and Permanent Index Number.
The assessment database is useful for identifying a parcel but does not replace the recorded deed image.
Search the grantor, grantee or recording reference
Use the party names, business or trust names, recording date, instrument number or other fields offered in the selected system.
If the current owner’s name produces no match, try the prior owner, a shorter name or alternate spelling.
Check the document type and property information
Compare the document’s recorded date, legal description, PIN, municipality, grantor and grantee. Make sure the result concerns the correct property, particularly when the names are common.
Review the actual recorded image
The index is only a research starting point. Read the document image when you need the complete legal description, title language, recording stamp, mortgage terms or related document references.
Look for later mortgage or lien documents
Search later dates for a satisfaction, release or assignment. A mortgage recorded years ago may have been paid without the original deed being reissued.
Contact the Recorder for older records or certified copies
Madison County’s land records date back to 1812, but the online index does not cover that entire period. Contact the office with names, approximate dates and any book/page or document references if historical research is needed.
Madison County Tapestry vs. Laredo vs. In-Person Research
| Search Method | Best For | Access or Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Tapestry | Homeowners, occasional researchers and one-time deed searches. | Pay-per-use. Review the current search and image fees before purchasing. |
| Laredo | Title companies, attorneys, lenders and frequent land-record researchers. | Monthly access agreement; plans are based on hourly usage with printing charges. |
| Recorder Office | Historical records, in-person searching, certified copies and difficult document questions. | Public-record access and county copy fees. Call first about historical research. |
| Assessment / GIS | Address-to-PIN lookup, parcel identification and property assessment context. | Separate county search tools; not a substitute for the Recorder index. |
How to Obtain a Copy of a Madison County Deed
Madison County allows copy requests at the Recorder’s counter and by email. The official office specifically asks that requesters provide the recorded document’s reference number.
Counter or Mailed Copies
$1 per page
Identify the exact recording before ordering. Bring the instrument number, party names or book/page details when available.
Email Copies
$2 per page
Email requests to recordercopies@madisoncountyil.gov. Payment is required before the county sends the copies.
What to Include in Your Copy Request
- Recorded document number or reference.
- Grantor and grantee names.
- Document type, such as deed, mortgage or release.
- Approximate date recorded.
- Your contact information and preferred delivery method.
- Whether you need an ordinary or certified copy.
Copy request email: recordercopies@madisoncountyil.gov
Copy questions: 618-296-4775
Madison County Recorder of Deeds Office in Edwardsville, Illinois
The Recorder’s Office is in the Madison County Administration Building at 157 North Main Street, Suite 211. The County Clerk’s other services operate from a different suite, so make sure you go to the Recorder counter.
Madison County Recorder’s Office
Recorder: Linda A. Andreas
Physical and office mailing address:
Madison County Administration Building
157 N. Main Street, Suite 211
Edwardsville, IL 62025
Main number:
618-296-4475
Alternate number:
618-296-4775
Laredo information:
618-296-4467
General email:
recorder@madisoncountyil.gov
Office hours:
Monday–Friday
8:30 AM–4:30 PM
How to Record a Deed in Madison County, Illinois
Madison County has local deed-processing procedures beyond ordinary state recording requirements. In particular, every deed must be accompanied by a notarized Plat Act Affidavit, and deeds dividing land may need Maps & Plats and municipal review.
Prepare the legally appropriate deed
Use a properly prepared deed containing the correct grantor, grantee, signatures, acknowledgment, legal description, PIN and required contact information.
For ownership changes involving trusts, estates, divorce, survivorship or foreclosure, obtain a qualified Illinois attorney or title professional’s assistance.
Identify the correct permanent parcel number
Locate the PIN through the county assessment and GIS resources. Make sure it corresponds to the property legally described in the deed.
Complete the Plat Act Affidavit
Madison County requires the notarized affidavit with every deed. The form distinguishes transfers that do not divide a parcel from those that create a division.
Obtain Maps & Plats review when necessary
When the conveyance divides an existing parcel, follow the county’s Maps & Plats process and obtain any necessary municipality approval. Do not assume that a new tract is automatically compliant with subdivision rules.
Complete PTAX-203 or document the applicable exemption
Determine the correct Illinois Real Estate Transfer Declaration treatment. For a taxable transfer, calculate applicable state and county transfer tax; municipal tax or transfer stamps may also apply in certain locations.
Check document margins and recording fees
Leave the required 3-by-5-inch blank recording area at the upper right of the first page, use appropriate paper and print, and confirm whether the standard or nonstandard document fee applies.
Include return and future-tax information
The county requires prepared-by and return-to names and addresses. Deeds transferring property rights must also include a future taxes to name and address.
Submit the complete package
Submit the document to the Recorder or an accepted eRecording provider with the correct supporting forms and fees. Keep a copy of the submission details.
Madison County Plat Act Affidavit: When Is Maps & Plats Approval Needed?
Madison County has required the Plat Act Affidavit with deeds submitted for recording since January 1, 2004. This requirement helps the county identify transfers that divide existing property and determine whether the proposed conveyance complies with Illinois subdivision law.
Option A: No Parcel Division
If the deed transfers property without dividing the existing parcel, the county’s published processing policy directs filers to mark the appropriate no-division section on the Plat Act Affidavit.
These deeds generally do not require the additional Maps & Plats division review merely because they are being conveyed.
Option B: Parcel Division
If the transaction divides the property, the county directs filers to use the division section and obtain appropriate review through Maps & Plats.
Depending on the parcel and municipality, review may involve legal descriptions, survey information, subdivision requirements or municipal approval.
Read Madison County’s official Plat Act Affidavit information sheet (PDF)
Madison County IL Recorder of Deeds Fees for 2026
Madison County uses Illinois’s predictable recording-fee structure. The county’s April 2023 resolution established a $70 standard land-record fee effective July 1, 2023. Confirm the current classification and total directly with the Recorder before filing.
| Service | Published Amount | Important Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Standard deed recording | $70 | Flat standard fee; special classifications and exemptions can change the amount. |
| Standard mortgage recording | $70 | Standard real-estate instrument classification. |
| Other standard land instruments | $70 | Common leases, easements, releases and miscellaneous instruments when they qualify as standard documents. |
| Nonstandard documents | Varies by classification | A nonstandard document or one involving multiple parcel references may have an additional charge. |
| Counter or mailed copy | $1 per page | Provide the document reference number. |
| Email copy | $2 per page | Payment is required before the copy is emailed. |
| Certified copy | Verify with Recorder | Request the current certification charge and delivery instructions. |
| State and county transfer tax | Separate | Applies to taxable property transfers; not part of the $70 document-recording fee. |
What Is Included in the Standard $70 Recording Fee?
Madison County’s fee resolution identifies the following standard-fee components:
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Recorder automation | $10 |
| General recording | $19 |
| GIS | $21 |
| Rental Housing Support Program | $20 |
| Combined standard fee | $70 |
Madison County Transfer Tax, PTAX-203 and Revenue Stamps
When real estate is conveyed in a taxable transaction, Illinois generally imposes a state transfer tax of $0.50 per $500 of taxable value. Madison County also imposes a county tax of $0.25 per $500.
Illinois State Tax
$0.50 per $500 of taxable consideration.
Madison County Tax
$0.25 per $500 of taxable consideration.
Combined Rate
$0.75 per $500 before any applicable municipal tax.
State transfer tax: $200
County transfer tax: $100
Combined state and county transfer tax: $300
A standard $70 deed-recording charge would be additional, bringing these two categories to $370 before any municipal transfer tax, professional fees or special recording charges.
When Is Form PTAX-203 Required?
The Illinois Department of Revenue explains that most nonexempt real-estate transfers require the Illinois Real Estate Transfer Declaration (PTAX-203). A qualifying exemption may instead require the proper exemption notation on the original instrument.
The declaration records information such as the property address, PIN, transfer consideration, property use and other transaction details.
Madison County Recording and Transfer Tax Estimator
This calculator estimates state and county transfer tax for a standard taxable transaction, plus the county’s common $70 recording fee. It does not determine whether a deed qualifies for an exemption or whether municipal charges apply.
Madison County Recorder Document Requirements and Common Rejections
The county maintains a specific Margin Guidelines page and a Common Errors page. These instructions should be checked before submitting a deed, mortgage, release or similar document.
| Requirement | County Guidance |
|---|---|
| Standard paper size | 8.5 × 11 inches. |
| First-page recording area | Leave a blank 3 × 5-inch area at the upper-right corner. |
| Other margins | At least one-half inch. |
| Paper | White paper, at least 20-pound weight. |
| Typeface | At least 10 point. |
| Two-sided documents | Each printed side counts as a separate page. |
| Deed legal description | Complete subdivision, lot/block and plat reference, or section/township/range details for an applicable tract. |
| Permanent parcel number | Must be complete and correct where required. |
| Plat Act Affidavit | Required with every deed and must be notarized. |
| Prepared-by / return-to details | Names and addresses required; conveyances also require future-taxes-to information. |
eRecording, Property Fraud Alerts and Older Land Records
Electronic Recording
Madison County accepts submissions through listed eRecording providers, including ePN, CSC, Simplifile, Indecomm and Hopdox.
Check vendor eligibility, fees and document acceptance rules before creating an account.
Property Fraud Alert
The Recorder links to a property fraud-alert enrollment service that can help you monitor newly recorded documents associated with your registered details.
Alerts do not prevent recording or establish that a document is fraudulent.
Historical Documents
The county’s recording collection starts in 1812 and includes historical information useful for genealogy and land-ownership research.
Contact the office about older books, archival references or records outside the online index.
Official Madison County Recorder of Deeds Resources
These county and Illinois government links provide the actual services or rules needed for deed searches, recordings, copies, formatting and transfer taxes.
1. Madison County Recorder — Official Website
Recorder office homepage, contact information, forms, fees, FAQs, fraud alerts and land-record services.
- Confirm Recorder contact information and current notices.
- Use Land Record Search to reach Tapestry or Laredo.
- Open Recording Fees before submitting a document.
- Review Common Errors and Margin Guidelines.
- Use Contact Us if a recording or copy request is unclear.
2. Madison County Land Record Search
Official county entry point for Tapestry pay-per-use searches and Laredo subscription information.
- Select Tapestry for occasional access.
- Review the payment or account requirements.
- Search the relevant party name, document reference or date.
- Check the document image and recording details.
- Use the Laredo access instructions if you need frequent searches.
3. Recorder Recording Fees
County fee schedule, document classifications, filing requirements and fee information.
- Select Document Fee Schedule.
- Identify the standard or nonstandard classification.
- Confirm whether RHSP or another statutory exemption applies.
- Review additional document requirements.
- Call the Recorder for a final payable fee if the filing is unusual.
4. Recorder Common Errors and Rejection Guidance
County-specific reasons documents fail recording, including missing PIN, Plat Act Affidavit and legal descriptions.
- Compare the deed’s PIN with county GIS or Assessment records.
- Check that its legal description is complete.
- Confirm the notarized Plat Act Affidavit is attached.
- Check prepared-by, return-to and future-taxes-to fields.
- Review document margins before filing.
5. Madison County Plat Act Affidavit Information
Official county explanation of why the affidavit is required and how parcel divisions are reviewed.
- Read why the county requires the affidavit with every deed.
- Determine whether the deed divides an existing parcel.
- Contact Maps & Plats for the current affidavit form.
- Confirm any municipality approval requirement.
- Have the affidavit properly completed and notarized.
6. Madison County Real Estate Assessment Search
Search property information and locate the parcel identifier needed for deed research.
- Search using the available address, owner or PIN fields.
- Confirm the parcel belongs to Madison County, Illinois.
- Record the owner name, PIN and relevant property details.
- Return to Tapestry or Laredo to locate the recorded deed.
- Do not treat the assessment entry as a certified title record.
7. Illinois PTAX-203 Transfer Declaration Instructions
State guidance on transfer declarations, taxable consideration and statutory exemptions.
- Check whether the transfer requires PTAX-203.
- Read the exemption categories before selecting an exemption.
- Enter the property address, PIN and transaction details.
- Calculate taxable consideration using the state instructions.
- Confirm county and any municipal stamp requirements before recording.
8. Madison County eRecording
Official recorder page listing approved eRecording service providers.
- Review the listed electronic recording vendors.
- Choose a provider that supports your document and filing type.
- Verify account, submission and payment requirements.
- Prepare the deed and supporting county forms correctly.
- Keep the vendor confirmation and later recording reference.
Which Madison County Property Records Service Should You Use?
| Your Situation | Best Next Step |
|---|---|
| You need to find the current deed. | Look up owner/PIN using Assessment, then search Tapestry. |
| You need an old deed before 1985. | Contact the Recorder about historical indexes and deed books. |
| You need a copy emailed to you. | Send the recording reference to recordercopies@madisoncountyil.gov. |
| You want to add or remove an owner. | Consult an attorney or title company about drafting a new deed. |
| Your deed divides a parcel. | Complete the Plat Act Affidavit and coordinate review with Maps & Plats. |
| You paid off your mortgage. | Search for the lender’s recorded satisfaction or release; paying off a mortgage does not generate a new deed. |
| You need your property-tax bill. | Use the County Treasurer’s property-tax resources. |
| You are concerned about a fraudulent deed. | Check the recorded document, sign up for fraud alerts and seek qualified legal assistance promptly. |
Other Illinois Recorder of Deeds Guides
Illinois recording fees, search systems and municipal transfer requirements differ by county. These related guides cover nearby offices and the wider recording process.
Madison County IL Recorder of Deeds FAQs
Who is the Madison County Illinois Recorder of Deeds?
Madison County lists Linda A. Andreas as County Clerk and Recorder. The Recorder’s Office records and maintains real-estate documents for property located in Madison County, Illinois.
Where is the Madison County Recorder of Deeds office?
The Madison County Recorder’s Office is at 157 North Main Street, Suite 211, Edwardsville, IL 62025, inside the Madison County Administration Building.
What is the Madison County Recorder phone number?
The Recorder’s main phone number is 618-296-4475. The alternate number is 618-296-4775, and the Laredo information number is 618-296-4467.
What are the Madison County Recorder office hours?
The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding county holidays.
Can I search Madison County Illinois deeds online?
Yes. The county links to Tapestry for occasional pay-per-use searches and Laredo for subscription-based searching. Its online land-record index begins June 1, 1985.
How far back do Madison County recorded land records go?
The county states its land-record collection begins in 1812. The electronic search index begins June 1, 1985, so older records may require assistance from the Recorder’s Office.
How much does it cost to record a deed in Madison County IL?
The county’s published standard land-record fee is $70. Nonstandard documents and certain exemptions may affect the charge. State, county and applicable municipal transfer taxes are separate from the recording fee.
Do Madison County deeds require a Plat Act Affidavit?
Yes. Madison County requires a notarized Plat Act Affidavit with every deed presented for recording. If the deed divides a parcel, additional Maps & Plats or municipal review may be necessary.
How much does it cost to get a deed copy from Madison County?
The Recorder lists $1 per page for counter or mailed copies and $2 per page for emailed copies. Email requests can be sent to recordercopies@madisoncountyil.gov with the recorded document reference number.
Can the Madison County Recorder remove a name from my deed?
No. The Recorder does not simply edit a recorded deed. Changing ownership ordinarily requires a properly prepared and recorded new legal instrument. The county recommends consulting a title company or Illinois real-estate attorney.