St. Louis County MO Deed Search: Recorder Records, Copies & Clayton Office
Trying to find the deed to a home in Clayton, Florissant, Chesterfield, Kirkwood or another St. Louis County community? Need to check a deed of trust, obtain a certified copy or verify that a release was recorded? The St. Louis County Recorder of Deeds maintains these recorded land documents.
The most important step is choosing the correct jurisdiction: St. Louis County and the independent City of St. Louis have different recorders. For land inside the county, use the county’s deed-search service and the Recorder’s office in Clayton—not the City Hall Recorder on Market Street.
County-specific search guide · 2026 official copy form · Missouri deed recording information
Where to Search St. Louis County Recorder of Deeds Records
You can begin with the county’s official deed search or use the Department of Revenue’s property lookup to identify an owner and parcel locator number. These systems serve different purposes.
Recorder: Deeds and Releases
Search recorded warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, releases, easements, plats and related land instruments.
Official Deed Search ↗County Revenue: Property Lookup
Search property information by locator number, address or owner. Use this to confirm the parcel before researching its deeds.
Property Information ↗Recorder: Certified Copy Request
Use the official deed-copy order form when you need a stamped and certified land document for a formal purpose.
Deed Copy Order Form ↗How to Search St. Louis County Deeds Online
The county’s deed-search page is the recommended starting point. Search options and any image-access requirements can change, so follow the choices displayed by the current county-linked system.
Open the Official County Deed Search
Go to the St. Louis County Deed Search page and follow its current records-search link.
Begin With a Known Property Owner
Enter the buyer, seller or another recorded party using the name-search options offered by the system. The buyer is commonly the grantee and the seller the grantor on a conveyance.
Check Alternative Names
Try previous owners, a spouse, trust, business name or alternate spelling if a deed is not found. A present-day assessment owner is not always the name under which an older instrument was recorded.
Use a Document Reference When Available
If a title report or earlier deed gives the Recorder’s book/page or document number, use the corresponding available search option. Note that a Recorder reference is different from the Assessor’s own book/page notation.
Compare Recorded Dates and Document Types
Identify the correct warranty deed, quitclaim deed, deed of trust, release or other instrument. Review the recording date, parties and legal description rather than relying only on a matching surname.
Save the Exact Reference
Keep the Recorder’s document number or book/page, names and approximate transaction date. These details also appear on the county’s official deed-copy request form.
Order a Copy if Needed
Use the county’s Deed Copy Order Form to request a certified or non-certified copy, or follow any copy-purchase options provided by the current search service.
How to Search St. Louis County Deeds by Property Address
If you only know an address in areas such as Ballwin, Fenton, Ferguson, Ladue or Maryland Heights, begin with the county’s real-estate assessment system. It helps identify the property’s current record and locator number.
Find the Parcel First
- Open St. Louis County Real Estate Information.
- Choose the address search or the search field offered by the system.
- Enter the street address.
- Check the correct property and municipality.
- Save the owner name and locator number.
- Review the available deed-index information.
- Use those details in the Recorder deed search.
What Is the Locator Number?
The locator number is the county’s identifier for a property account. It helps distinguish parcels that have similar addresses, owners or subdivision names.
The Recorder’s document number or book/page identifies a recorded instrument, not the assessment parcel itself.
When requesting a certified copy, use the Recorder’s official document reference if you know it.
St. Louis County Recorder vs. City of St. Louis Recorder
| Question | St. Louis County | City of St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Government jurisdiction | St. Louis County, Missouri | Independent City of St. Louis |
| Recorder location | Clayton, 41 S. Central Avenue | City Hall, 1200 Market Street |
| Deed records search | County Recorder Deed Search | Separate City Recorder land-record search |
| Property identification | County Revenue property lookup | City Assessor property lookup |
| Important caution | Does not maintain deeds for independent City land | Does not maintain county land records |
Property addresses with “Saint Louis” in the postal city are not necessarily inside the independent City of St. Louis. Confirm the government jurisdiction using the county property lookup or local parcel map before choosing a Recorder.
Which St. Louis County Recorder Records Can You Find?
| Document | Meaning | When Useful |
|---|---|---|
| Warranty Deed | Conveys a real-property interest using warranty language. | Checking a property transfer. |
| Quitclaim Deed | Conveys the grantor’s interest without conventional title warranties. | Tracing family or other transfers. |
| Deed of Trust | Security instrument connected to real-estate financing. | Checking recorded loan security. |
| Deed of Release | Releases an identified deed of trust or related recorded interest. | Checking a paid-off loan. |
| Lien or Judgment | May record a claim or judgment affecting parties or land. | Investigating potential encumbrances. |
| Easement | Records certain access, utility or property-use rights. | Reviewing a property’s permitted uses. |
| Subdivision Plat | Shows recorded subdivision lots and geographic information. | Checking lots, common ground and easements. |
How Far Back Do St. Louis County Deed Records Go?
St. Louis County has historical land records, and online property-account and Recorder indexing do not necessarily cover the same years. County deed indexes commonly support more recent searches, while older documents may require office records or archival research.
Recent Deeds and Ownership History
Start with the county’s deed search and property-information system. Historical deed-index entries in assessment records may help identify prior transactions, but a deed index is not a full chain-of-title report.
Older Deeds and the 1876 Separation
St. Louis City separated from St. Louis County in 1876. Early deeds can involve older recording arrangements, and researchers may need to consult the St. Louis County Library’s historical collections or archival records.
The library has described county deed resources for 1877–1931 and additional ownership index materials.
St. Louis County Recorder of Deeds Fees
The county distinguishes fees for recording a new document from fees for ordering an existing deed copy. The figures below are drawn from the county’s own recording-fee information and deed-copy form.
| Service | Published Charge | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Standard deed recording, first page | $26 | Base recording amount. |
| Each additional recording page | $3 | Added after the first page. |
| Nonstandard formatting surcharge | Additional $25 | When the document fails applicable Missouri formatting standards. |
| Deed copy, first page | $2 | County official copy-order form. |
| Each additional copied page | $1 | For the same recorded document. |
| Certification of document | Additional $1 | County seal/certification. |
| Mail return postage | $1.50–$3.50 | County’s published bands for up to nine documents. |
| Vendor eRecording charges | Varies | Provider may add its own fee. |
How to Order a Certified St. Louis County Deed Copy by Mail
Locate the Document Reference
Use the deed search or property records to identify the Recorder book/page or document number. Note the owner names and approximate purchase date.
Open the Official Deed Copy Order Form
Visit the county’s Deed Copy Order Form and download or print the current form.
Enter Property and Document Details
Provide the property address, owner names, approximate purchase date, document type and book/page or document number if known. The form notes that Assessor Book/Page is not the same as Recorder Book/Page.
Select Certified or Non-Certified
Specify the number of copies and whether certification is required. Calculate the page charges and the $1 certification fee for each certified document.
Include Payment and Return Arrangements
Make payment to Recorder of Deeds. The county requests an out-of-state money order rather than an out-of-state personal check. Include a self-addressed stamped business envelope or the applicable postage amount.
Mail the Form to Clayton
41 South Central Avenue
Clayton, MO 63105
Keep a copy of your request and payment details. Call (314) 615-7100 if you need help identifying the correct document.
How to Record a New Deed in St. Louis County, Missouri
A deed search retrieves an existing instrument. Recording a new deed means submitting a legally prepared document that meets Missouri recording and formatting requirements.
Prepare the Correct Legal Instrument
Use an appropriate deed type for the transaction and verify the legal description. Recorder staff cannot determine which deed creates the intended rights.
Check Missouri Formatting Standards
Review the required first-page information, recording margins, names, return address, legibility and applicable execution/acknowledgment rules. Nonstandard formatting may add a $25 surcharge.
Verify the County Jurisdiction
Check whether the land is in St. Louis County rather than the independent City of St. Louis. The two recorders cannot substitute for one another.
Calculate the Recording Fee
Use the Recorder’s current first-page and additional-page rates, plus any special document or vendor fees that apply.
Choose In-Person, Mail or Eligible eRecording
Use the county’s Recorder services and eRecording instructions to select a permitted submission route. Contact an approved vendor if you want to submit electronically.
Keep the Recording Reference
Retain the returned deed information, Recorder number or book/page for future certified-copy orders and title questions.
St. Louis County Recorder of Deeds Office Address, Phone & Hours
St. Louis County Recorder of Deeds
Recorder: Gerald E. Smith
Address:
41 South Central Avenue
Clayton, Missouri 63105
Telephone: (314) 615-7100
Email: Recorder@stlouiscountymo.gov
General published office hours: Weekdays; the county Planning directory lists 8 AM–5 PM. Confirm current counter service hours before visiting.
Directions to Clayton ↗Before You Visit
- Bring the correct Recorder document number or book/page, if known.
- For a copy request, know whether certification is needed.
- For a new deed, check Missouri formatting and acknowledgment requirements.
- Confirm the payment method and current fees.
- Call about available in-person record research and counter hours, especially for older books and indexes.
Do not go to City Hall on Market Street for a deed to property located in St. Louis County.
Why a St. Louis County Deed May Not Appear in the Search
| Problem | Possible Reason | Best Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| No deed under the current owner | Instrument filed under previous owner, spouse, trust or business. | Try earlier grantor and grantee names. |
| “St. Louis” property missing | Land may be inside independent St. Louis City. | Verify county or city jurisdiction. |
| Address lookup does not show a deed image | Assessment and recording are separate systems. | Use the property owner and deed reference in Recorder search. |
| Assessor book/page cannot find document | Assessor references differ from Recorder references. | Check the Recorder’s book/page or document number. |
| Paid mortgage still shown | Original deed of trust remains in history. | Search separately for a deed of release. |
| Older deed not online | Historical indexing and image availability vary. | Call the Clayton Recorder and ask about archive access. |
| Unfamiliar lien or deed appears | Could involve a similar name or require legal review. | Obtain the actual recorded instrument before drawing conclusions. |
St. Louis County Deed Search, Recorder Forms & Property Lookup Links
1. St. Louis County Deed Search
Primary county Recorder search entry point.
- Open the county deed-search page.
- Select the current online search service.
- Enter party or document reference.
- Save the correct record details.
2. Deed Copy Order Form
Official certified and non-certified copy request.
- Download the form.
- Add property details and Recorder reference.
- Choose certification and number of copies.
- Prepare payment and mail to Clayton.
3. County Property Information
Address, owner and locator number lookup.
- Search the property address.
- Verify the locator number and owner.
- Review available deed index details.
- Use the results in Recorder search.
4. Recorder Recording Fees
Standard deed fees and nonstandard document charges.
- Check the first-page and additional-page rate.
- Review nonstandard surcharge rules.
- Confirm any additional instrument or eRecording fees.
5. eRecording Information
Electronic filing options for eligible documents.
- Read the approved-vendor instructions.
- Check whether your document is eligible.
- Ask the vendor about account requirements and service fees.
6. County GIS and Property Maps
Use the county geospatial portal to verify property location.
- Open the Property Lookup or mapping application.
- Search the address or relevant parcel.
- Verify the property is inside St. Louis County.
St. Louis County MO Recorder of Deeds Search FAQs
1. How do I search St. Louis County Recorder of Deeds records online?
Open the official St. Louis County Recorder Deed Search page and follow its current online search link. Search the relevant grantor/grantee name or available document reference, then verify the parties and recording details.
2. Are St. Louis County and St. Louis City deed records the same?
No. St. Louis City is an independent city with its own Recorder at City Hall. St. Louis County deeds are handled by the County Recorder in Clayton. Choose the office where the property is legally located.
3. Can I search St. Louis County deeds by property address?
Start with the St. Louis County Revenue property-information search to identify the owner, locator number and available deed-index information. Use those details when searching the Recorder’s documents.
4. Where is the St. Louis County Recorder of Deeds office?
The office is at 41 South Central Avenue, Clayton, MO 63105. Its published telephone number is (314) 615-7100.
5. How much does it cost to record a deed in St. Louis County, MO?
The county publishes a standard fee of $26 for the first page and $3 for each additional page. A $25 surcharge may apply if the document does not meet Missouri’s formatting standards. Other applicable charges should be confirmed with the Recorder.
6. How much is a certified St. Louis County deed copy?
The county’s deed-copy form lists $2 for the first page, $1 for each additional page and $1 extra to certify the document. Mailing costs may also apply.
7. Can I order a St. Louis County recorded deed by mail?
Yes. Complete the official deed-copy order form, choose certified or non-certified copies, include the identifying details and payment, and send it to the Recorder of Deeds at 41 South Central Avenue, Clayton, MO 63105.
8. What is the difference between a locator number and a deed document number?
The locator number identifies a parcel in the county’s property system. A Recorder document number or book/page identifies a recorded legal instrument. Use the Recorder reference when requesting a specific certified deed.
9. How can I check whether a deed of trust was released?
Search the Recorder’s records for the relevant deed of release and compare its references with the original deed of trust. The original security instrument normally remains part of the public record after a release is recorded.
10. Can the St. Louis County Recorder certify that a property has clear title?
No. The Recorder maintains recorded documents and provides copies, but searching records is not a complete title examination. Consult a qualified Missouri real estate attorney or title professional for title determinations.