Story County Recorder: Search Deeds, Land Records, Mortgages and Recording Fees
The Story County Recorder’s Office in Nevada, Iowa, records and preserves deeds, mortgages, releases, land contracts, plats, surveys, liens and other instruments relating to real estate.
If you are researching property in Ames, Nevada, Story City, Huxley or elsewhere in Story County, the official starting point is usually Iowa Land Records, the statewide electronic records search. Story County also provides a separate historical-record index for older property research.
This guide covers how to search recorded documents, distinguish the Recorder from the Auditor and Assessor, prepare a deed, calculate recording and transfer fees, request certified copies, and visit the correct office.
What Does the Story County Recorder Handle?
Iowa law treats recording as a means of providing constructive notice of real-estate instruments. The Story County Recorder maintains the recorded documents, while the County Auditor and the appropriate Assessor maintain other parts of the property-record system.
Recorder: Legal Instruments
Recorded deeds, mortgages, mortgage releases, land contracts, easements, affidavits, surveys, subdivision plats and certain tax liens.
Auditor: Ownership Transfers
Current property ownership records for tax purposes, transfer books, conveyance processing, parcel transfer fees and historical ownership references.
Assessor: Value and Assessment
Property valuations, classifications, assessment records and qualifying assessment credits or exemptions.
How to Search Story County Deeds and Land Records Online
Story County participates in Iowa Land Records, the statewide portal established through Iowa county recorders. The system supports free searching of recorded real-estate documents and electronic submission of qualifying instruments.
Open Iowa Land Records
Register for a free account if you do not already have one. Once logged in, select Story County in the county field before starting your search.
Open Iowa Land Records ↗The search service is available around the clock, subject to system maintenance. Electronic recording is a separate submission process with its own applicable fees.
Confirm the Property Is in Story County
Start with the address, parcel number or prior deed. Do not assume a property is in Story County solely because its mailing address uses Ames, Nevada or another nearby city.
Choose Story County From the County List
Iowa Land Records includes information from all 99 Iowa counties. Selecting Story County avoids mixing your result with similarly named grantors or grantees elsewhere in Iowa.
Search by Grantor or Grantee
The grantor generally gives or conveys an interest in property, and the grantee generally receives it. For the deed showing a recent purchase, the current owner is commonly the grantee.
Try the seller, buyer and prior owners when appropriate. Business entities, estates and trusts may be indexed under names different from an individual’s everyday name.
Refine by Recording Date and Document Type
Use a known closing year, recording period or document category. To research a paid-off mortgage, search the original mortgage and then a later release or satisfaction.
Use Instrument Number or Book and Page
If the Auditor’s transfer books, an old deed or a title commitment gives a recording reference, search directly by that information when supported.
Review the Document Image
Compare the recorded parties, document date, legal description, recording reference and any earlier document cited. A summary index result is not a substitute for reading the actual instrument.
Save the Details for Future Use
Keep the document number, book/page, recording year, document type and names. These details can help the Recorder locate a record when you need an official certified copy.
Story County Historical Deed Index: Searching Property Records From the 1800s
Story County has digitized historical land-transfer books, deed indexes, plats and related records. Its Recorder and Auditor have worked together to preserve documents dating to the county’s early history.
Recorder’s Historical Index
The county links to a Cott Systems RECORDhub historical index. Searching is free, but the county now requires a free account for security purposes.
Use the historical index when an older deed cannot be found through the statewide electronic land-record search.
Open Historical Index ↗Auditor’s Historic Transfer Books
The Auditor maintains transfer books and scanned property records. These books can connect land descriptions to historic owners, instrument numbers and recorded deed references.
They are useful when reconstructing ownership before modern digital indexing.
Open Auditor Resources ↗What Historical Collections May Be Available?
The State Historical Society of Iowa’s Story County holdings include deed indexes for land dating to 1853–1912, land deed records dated 1853–1906, town-lot records from 1853–1902 and historic homestead records from 1862–1927.
These are specific preserved historical collections, not a guarantee that every modern recorded document is available in those date ranges. For old property research, compare the Recorder’s digitized index, Auditor transfer books and historical archival collections.
State Historical Society: Story County ↗Story County Recorder’s Office in Nevada, Iowa
The county Recorder is located in the Story County Administration Building at 900 Sixth Street in Nevada. The office accepts document recordings during a shorter window than its regular public office hours.
Story County Recorder & Vital Records
Recorder: Stacie Herridge
Physical address:
Story County Administration Building
900 Sixth Street
Nevada, IA 50201
Mailing address:
Story County Recorder
P.O. Box 55
Nevada, IA 50201-0055
Telephone: 515-382-7230
Email: RecorderWeb@storycountyiowa.gov
Office hours:
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
Document recording:
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–3:30 PM
How to Record a Deed in Story County Iowa
Story County follows Iowa’s recording and conveyance requirements. In addition to preparing a legally valid deed, submitters must include the required document-identification information, complete legal description, tax-statement mailing address and applicable transfer forms.
Prepare the Appropriate Deed
The legal effect of a warranty deed, quitclaim deed, corrective deed, trustee’s deed or other instrument may differ. A recorder can explain formatting requirements but should not be relied on to select the right document for your transaction.
Confirm the Full Legal Description
Story County requires a complete legal description for real-estate recordings. The shortened description on a property-tax statement is not sufficient.
Meet Iowa’s Document Formatting Standards
Reserve at least three inches across the top of the first page for the Recorder. Include the document preparer’s name, address and phone number immediately below that area. Confirm readable signatures, notarial acknowledgment, margins, page dimensions and return information.
Add the Property-Tax Statement Address
Documents of conveyance generally require the statement “Address Tax Statement To:” followed by the name and address of the taxpayer. Story County requires this directly below the preparer’s information for applicable conveyances.
Complete Iowa Declaration of Value Requirements
Under Iowa law, qualifying real-property conveyances require a Declaration of Value. Certain transfers are exempt; whether a declaration is required depends on the specific statutory exemption and transaction.
Determine Iowa Real Estate Transfer Tax
Iowa’s tax is $0.80 for each $500 or fraction of $500 in taxable value above the first $500, when the conveyance is taxable. If an exemption applies, the proper exemption under Iowa Code section 428A.2 must be stated.
Check Current Groundwater Hazard Rules
Iowa changed its groundwater hazard reporting process effective July 1, 2022. Check the county’s recording page and Iowa Land Records guidance rather than using an outdated groundwater statement checklist.
Calculate Fees and Submit
Count the pages, transactions and Auditor transfer parcels. Submit the properly prepared instrument with all required forms and payment. The Recorder accepts document recordings until 3:30 PM on business days, and electronic submission is available through Iowa Land Records.
Story County Deed Formatting and Signature Checklist
Document Standards
- Use individual pages, not permanently bound documents.
- Maximum ordinary page size is 8½ × 14 inches.
- Leave three inches at the top of the first page.
- Use at least three-quarter-inch margins elsewhere.
- Use white paper of at least 20-pound weight.
- Preprinted text must be at least 8 points.
- Computer-generated text must generally be at least 10 points.
- Use black or dark-blue ink for signatures.
- Type or print signer names below their signatures.
- Make the document legible and reproducible.
Common Recording Problems
- Incomplete legal description.
- Using an abbreviated tax-description field.
- Missing preparer’s contact information.
- No tax-statement mailing address.
- Missing or illegible acknowledgment.
- Missing required original signatures.
- Wrong recording fee or transfer-tax amount.
- Using an outdated groundwater form.
- Missing Declaration of Value when required.
- Including sensitive account numbers in a public filing.
Story County Recorder Fees: Deeds, Mortgages, Releases and Copies
Story County’s fee schedule lists $5 per page plus a $1 records management fee and a $1 electronic-transaction fee for a standard recording. For a single instrument, that means $7 for the first page and $5 for every additional page.
| Item | Published Fee | Practical Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Standard deed | $7 first page; $5 each additional page | Recording charge for a single ordinary instrument, before Auditor transfer fees or transfer tax. |
| Mortgage | $7 first page; $5 each additional page | Standard single-instrument recording calculation. |
| Release or assignment | $7 first page; $5 each additional page | Additional transaction charges can apply when one filing affects multiple instruments. |
| Multi-document instrument | $5 per page + $2 base transaction charges + $7 per additional transaction | For certain documents assigning or releasing multiple mortgages, leases or related instruments. |
| Auditor transfer fee | $5 per applicable parcel | Charged for qualifying conveyances, changes of title and contracts. |
| Auditor maximum | $50 per instrument | Maximum transfer fee for an instrument under Iowa Code section 331.507(2). |
| Certification of a recorded real-estate document | $5 plus copy costs | Does not apply to birth, death or marriage certified-copy fees. |
| Federal tax lien name search | $6 per name | Separate service from ordinary deed searching. |
| Federal tax lien document copy | $5 per page | Special category listed in the Recorder’s fee schedule. |
| Iowa real estate transfer tax | $0.80 per $500 or fraction above the first $500 | Applies to taxable transfers; statutory exemptions can change the result. |
How Iowa Transfer Tax Is Calculated on a Story County Deed
Iowa Code chapter 428A imposes transfer tax on qualifying conveyances. The first $500 is excluded, and remaining taxable value is charged at $0.80 for each $500 or fractional part.
Examples of Iowa Transfer Tax
| Taxable Transfer Value | Amount Above First $500 | Transfer Tax |
|---|---|---|
| $500 | $0 | $0.00 |
| $501 | $1 | $0.80 |
| $100,000 | $99,500 | $159.20 |
| $200,000 | $199,500 | $319.20 |
| $300,000 | $299,500 | $479.20 |
| $400,000 | $399,500 | $639.20 |
These examples assume an ordinary taxable transfer with no statutory exemption and no adjustment to the taxable consideration.
When Tax Generally Applies
A deed transferring an interest in Iowa real estate for taxable consideration exceeding $500 generally triggers Iowa transfer tax.
The law also addresses the consideration used, assumed encumbrances and other transaction-specific details.
When Tax May Be Exempt
Iowa Code section 428A.2 includes exceptions for specified transactions, including some transfers between family members without consideration, corrective instruments, certain estate distributions and other listed conveyances.
Do not assume every family, trust or inherited-property deed is automatically exempt.
Estimate Story County Deed Recording and Transfer Fees
Use this calculator to estimate one ordinary recorded instrument. It separates the Recorder charge, Auditor transfer fee and Iowa transfer tax so you can see how each part changes the total.
Standard recording calculation: $5 per page + $1 records management fee + $1 transaction fee. Additional multi-document transactions, when applicable, are estimated at $7 each. Auditor transfer is capped at $50 per instrument. The optional certification adds $5 but does not include ordinary copy-page costs.
The transfer-tax calculation applies the first-$500 exclusion and rounds the remaining taxable value up to the next $500 unit. The tool does not determine whether your transaction qualifies for a statutory exemption. Confirm the final filing amount with the Story County Recorder.
How to Get a Certified Copy of a Story County Deed
A certified recorded-document copy is issued by the Recorder with certification that it is a true copy of a recorded instrument. It may be needed for a legal proceeding, property transaction or other official purpose.
Find the Document First
Search Iowa Land Records by owner, instrument number or recording details. Note the document’s identifying information.
Check Whether You Need Certification
An ordinary printed or downloaded record may be sufficient for personal research. Use a certified copy only when the receiving institution specifically requires it.
Contact the Recorder for the Exact Copy Cost
Story County’s fee schedule lists $5 for certification plus copy costs. Ask the office for the applicable per-page copy fee, payment method and delivery options before sending a request.
Provide the Reference and Return Instructions
Give the document number or book/page, recorded party names, the number of copies needed and a return address. The county appreciates self-addressed stamped return envelopes for mailed recording packages.
Can You eRecord Deeds in Story County?
Yes. Story County accepts qualifying electronically submitted real-estate documents through Iowa Land Records. Electronic recording is useful for attorneys, lenders, title companies and other recording professionals.
Create or Access an Account
Use the Iowa Land Records system and review the e-submission enrollment process, account requirements and accepted payment options.
Submit the Proper Document
Prepare a clear electronic instrument with the required signatures, acknowledgments, legal description, transfer declaration and applicable recording fees.
Monitor the Recording Response
Review acceptance or rejection notifications and retain the document’s final recording details after it is recorded.
What Records Can You Find at the Story County Recorder?
Deeds and Ownership Transfers
Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds and other recorded conveyances provide evidence of transfers and may identify the parties, legal description and prior recording references.
Mortgages and Releases
A recorded mortgage documents an interest securing a loan. Search later releases, satisfactions or assignments to understand the subsequent record history.
Contracts and Assignments
Recorded land contracts, amendments and assignments can provide evidence of agreements or transferred interests affecting land.
Surveys and Subdivision Plats
Survey plats, subdivision plans and section corner certificates can help explain parcel creation and land descriptions. They do not replace a new boundary survey.
Tax Liens and Other Notices
The Recorder maintains certain recorded state and federal tax liens and related instruments. Court judgments and other encumbrances may require additional searches.
Military Discharge Records
The Recorder also handles military discharge recordings. They are treated differently from ordinary public deed searches because access and confidentiality rules may apply.
How Story County Auditor Records Help You Trace a Deed
The Auditor’s Office maintains the current ownership records used for taxation, plus historical transfer books and plats. Those records can give you the names and instrument references needed to locate a deed in the Recorder’s system.
| Information You Know | Where to Start | Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| Street address of an Ames house | County Beacon property search | Confirm the property is in Story County, then search owner names in Iowa Land Records. |
| Parcel number of a Nevada lot | Auditor real estate records or Beacon | Match current ownership and available transfer information to Recorder documents. |
| Old farm legal description | Auditor transfer books and historic records | Follow the land description and recorded instrument references. |
| Mortgage paid several years ago | Iowa Land Records | Search by mortgagor, lender, dates and release or satisfaction documents. |
| Inherited property | Recorder, Auditor and relevant probate records | Verify recorded deeds or survivorship instruments and seek legal advice if necessary. |
| Subdivision boundary question | Recorded plats, survey records and county GIS | Review filed survey references and consult a licensed surveyor for boundary certainty. |
Story County Recorder Official Links and Step-by-Step Resources
Use the links below for current county instructions, document searching, historical records, fees, forms and property information.
Story County Recorder & Vital Records
Main office page for land records, contact details, historical search and services.
- Confirm office hours, document-recording cutoff and contact information.
- Choose Search Iowa Land Records or Online Historical Index.
- Open recording requirements, forms or fees as needed.
Iowa Land Records
Official statewide land-record search and electronic submission system.
- Register or sign in.
- Select Story County from the county list.
- Search by names, recording references, dates or available filters.
- Review documents and save the recording reference.
Story County Historical Index — RECORDhub
Free-account search for historic deed and index records.
- Create the free account required by the county.
- Select the available historical index or record series.
- Search earlier owners and deed references.
- Compare results with Auditor transfer books and original recordings.
Recorder Fee Schedule
Recording charges, Auditor transfer fees and real-estate certification costs.
- Count document pages and recorded transactions.
- Identify chargeable Auditor transfer parcels.
- Check certification and other applicable charges.
- Confirm the total before mailing your document.
Story County Recording Requirements
Conveyance rules, Declaration of Value, transfer tax and groundwater guidance.
- Confirm the deed has a complete legal description.
- Review prepared-by and tax-statement address requirements.
- Check Declaration of Value and transfer-tax treatment.
- Review current groundwater-related requirements.
Document Formatting Standards
Paper size, first-page margin, signatures and document identification.
- Check document size, paper and margins.
- Check legibility, signatures and notary information.
- Confirm the required first-page details.
- Review formatting exemptions for unusual instruments.
Story County Auditor: Real Estate & Property Records
Property ownership for taxation, transfer books and historical plats.
- Find transfer history or historic property-owner information.
- Identify the recorded book/page or instrument number.
- Use those references in Iowa Land Records or the historical index.
Story County GIS and Beacon Property Search
Parcel maps, assessment clues, aerial photos and property descriptions.
- Select Iowa and Story County in the available search interface.
- Search by owner, address or parcel information.
- Record the parcel and ownership clues.
- Return to Recorder resources for actual recorded documents.
Iowa Real Estate Transfer Tax Law
Current 2026 Iowa Code chapter 428A, including tax and exemptions.
- Review when the real estate transfer tax applies.
- Check the $500 exclusion and $0.80 tax increments.
- Review the statutory exemption applicable to your transaction.
- Confirm Declaration of Value requirements before recording.
Which Office Should You Contact for a Story County Property Question?
| What You Need | Best Next Step | Correct Office or Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Find a recently recorded deed | Search by grantee, grantor or document reference. | Iowa Land Records |
| Research ownership in the 1800s | Use historical deed indexes and Auditor transfer books. | Recorder Historical Index / Auditor |
| Record a new deed | Prepare the deed, forms, fees and complete legal description. | Story County Recorder |
| Obtain a certified deed copy | Find the document reference and request certification. | Story County Recorder |
| Find current property ownership shown for tax purposes | Check the current real-estate transfer or ownership record. | Story County Auditor |
| Check an Ames home’s assessed value | Verify whether the property is assessed by the City of Ames Assessor. | City of Ames Assessor / County Assessor |
| Pay property taxes | Check bills, due dates and payment options. | Story County Treasurer |
| Search a probate case | Use Iowa’s court record resources. | Clerk of District Court |
| Confirm a mortgage has been released | Search related recorded mortgage and satisfaction instruments. | Recorder and lender |
| Determine whether ownership is legally clear | Order a professional title search or title opinion. | Iowa attorney / title professional |
Story County Recorder FAQs
Who is the Story County Recorder in Iowa?
Story County’s official Recorder website identifies Stacie Herridge as the county Recorder.
Where is the Story County Recorder’s Office?
The Story County Recorder’s Office is located at 900 Sixth Street, Nevada, IA 50201. Its mailing address is P.O. Box 55, Nevada, IA 50201-0055.
What is the Story County Recorder phone number?
The Recorder’s telephone number is 515-382-7230. The office also lists RecorderWeb@storycountyiowa.gov as its public contact email.
What are the Story County Recorder office and recording hours?
The Recorder’s Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Documents are accepted for recording from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
Can I search Story County deeds online for free?
Yes. Story County participates in Iowa Land Records, the statewide public land-record search system. Users can register for a free account and select Story County when searching recorded instruments.
How do I search older Story County land records?
Story County provides a free historical index through Cott Systems RECORDhub, which requires a free account. The Auditor also maintains historical transfer books and scanned records that can help trace ownership to the nineteenth century.
How much does it cost to record a deed in Story County?
Story County’s published standard recording charges equal $7 for the first page and $5 for each additional page of a single ordinary instrument. Qualifying conveyances also have a $5 Auditor transfer fee per chargeable parcel, capped at $50 per instrument, plus applicable real estate transfer tax.
How is Iowa real estate transfer tax calculated?
Iowa generally charges $0.80 for every $500 or fractional $500 of taxable transfer value above the first $500. Certain conveyances are exempt under Iowa Code section 428A.2, and exemptions must be handled correctly when recording.
Can I get a certified copy of a Story County deed?
Yes. The Story County Recorder’s fee schedule lists a $5 certification fee for real-estate documents plus the applicable copy costs. Contact the office with the recording reference to confirm the current total and delivery options.
Is the Story County Recorder also the property tax Assessor?
No. The Recorder maintains recorded legal instruments. The Auditor keeps property ownership and transfer information for taxation, while the County Assessor or City of Ames Assessor handles applicable property assessments.
Accuracy, Government Sources and Important Limitations
This Story County Recorder guide was researched using Story County’s official Recorder, Auditor, fee schedule, recording requirements and formatting standards, together with Iowa Land Records and the Iowa Code.
County fees, document search systems, tax treatment, statutory exemptions and office procedures can change. Always verify the current rules directly with Story County before recording an instrument or making payment.
Independent publisher: CountyCADPropertySearch.org is an independent informational website. It is not affiliated with the Story County Recorder, Story County Auditor, Iowa Land Records or any Iowa government office.
This material is not legal advice, tax advice, a title opinion, a property survey or a substitute for professional deed preparation.
Property and recorded-document information should not be used as a consumer report for employment, tenant screening, credit, insurance or other regulated eligibility purposes. This website is not a consumer reporting agency.