Recorded documents in Iowa — deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and other land records — are filed with the County Recorder in each county.
What this page covers: Iowa recorded document searches — deeds, mortgages, assignments, liens, plats, and other instruments filed in the public land records. What it does not cover: Property valuations or tax data (those are on the Property Records page).
Where to start: Go to the County Recorder in the county where the property is located. Many county county recorders offer online document search by grantor/grantee name, book/page, or instrument number.
Common mistake: Recorded documents show what was filed — they do not confirm current ownership or lien status without a full title search. A deed in the index does not mean it is the most recent transfer.
Recorded Documents Databases
15 official Iowa recorded documents sources.
Recorded Documents
Iowa Counties
99 Iowa counties are indexed on SearchSystems.net — top 28 counties shown below. Browse the full directory or click any county for local court, sheriff, recorder and assessor links.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a free statewide criminal search in Iowa?▼
Iowa's official criminal-history repository is operated by the state law-enforcement agency. Free public access to a complete criminal history is generally not available; an official background check typically requires fingerprints and a fee. County-level court records can be searched at no cost through individual court websites.
How do I search Iowa court cases?▼
Iowa's court system is headed by the Iowa Supreme Court. Trial-court business is handled by the District Court (8 districts). Many Iowa courts publish docket searches and case lookups online — see the Court Records tab above for direct links.
Where do I search Iowa business entities?▼
The Iowa Secretary of State (or equivalent agency) operates the official business-entity search. You can typically search corporations, LLCs, LPs, and other registered entities by name or registration number. See the Licenses or Business tab above.
What is the difference between Assessor and Recorder in Iowa?▼
The Assessor determines property values for tax purposes. The Recorder (or Clerk-Recorder) records deeds, mortgages, liens, and other property documents. Some county offices combine these roles, others keep them separate. Check the specific county page for details.
How do I obtain a Iowa birth or death certificate?▼
Iowa vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce certificates) are issued by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Bureau of Vital Records) and, in many cases, by local county clerks. Fees and ID requirements are set by the issuing agency.
Are Iowa property records free to search?▼
Most county-level property and recorded-document searches are free for basic information through the Assessor or Recorder website. Certified copies of deeds typically have a per-page fee. Direct links are in the Property Records tab above.
How do I check a Iowa sex offender?▼
The Iowa sex offender registry is maintained by the state law-enforcement agency under the Sex Offender Registration and Community Notification Act. The registry is searchable by name, ZIP code, or address.