Dubuque County Recorder Information

About Dubuque County Recorder

The County Recorder is responsible for recording and maintaining records related to real property located in Dubuque County.

Recording Fees

$7.00 for the 1st page, plus $5.00 for each additional page, plus $5.00 for each section or block being transferred (auditor's fee).

Multiple transaction documents: (multiple releases on one document, multiple assignments on one document, etc): $7.00 per transaction, plus $5.00 for each additional page.

Documents that do not conform to the requirements, except for those that are exempt, may be charged an additional $10 per non-compliant document.

Note that recording fees are subject to change. Please verify the information with the local recorder's office.

Document Formatting Requirements

• All documents shall consist of one or more individual pages not permanently bound or in a continuous form.

• Pages should not be larger than 8.5x14 inches and should have single sided printing only.

• Documents shall not have any attachments stapled or otherwise affixed to any page except as necessary to comply with any statutory requirements. However, individual pages of a document can be stapled together when presented for recording. Firmly attached labels are acceptable.

• The first page of a document shall have a top margin of at least 3 inches that extends the width of the page. This is reserved for the recorder’s use. Other margins should be a minimum of ¾ of an inch. Nonessential information such as page numbers or customer notations may be placed in margins, except for in the top margin.

• All pre-printed text in the document should be at least 8 point and no more than twenty characters and spaces per inch. All other text typed or computer-generated including but not limited to all names of parties to an agreement, shall be at least 10 point in size and no more than sixteen characters and spaces per inch.

• Documents should be on white paper of at least 20 pound weight (20 pound= standard copy paper weight) without watermarks or other visible inclusions.

• All signatures on a document should be in black or dark blue ink and of sufficient clarity to ensure that the signatures are readable when the document is reproduced. All names should be typed, stamped, or printed beneath the original signature.

• Embossed or inked stamps shall not cover or otherwise materially interfere with any part of the document.

• On the first page, below the 3-inch margin, the following should be given: The name, address, and telephone number of the individual who prepared the document; the name of the taxpayer and a complete mailing address for any document or instrument of conveyance; return address; the title of the document; all grantors’ names; all grantees’ names; any address required by statute; and the legal description of the property and parcel identification number, if required. If there is not sufficient space on the first page for all of the required information, the page reference where the information is located within the document shall be noted on the first page.

• Documents dated on or after July 1, 2007 may not have full social security numbers or other personally identifiable information.

Deeds must have a revenue tax affixed to represent the full sale price over $500.

If the conveyance is exempt from the revenue tax, the exemption must be stated on the face of the document. A list of exemptions can be found in the Code of Iowa Chapter 428A.2.

All deeds must be accompanied by a Declaration of Value form, unless exempt under Code of Iowa Chapter 428A.2. This form applies to any document of conveyance. Part I is to be completed by the submitter.

Each Declaration of Value submitted to the Recorder must also have a Groundwater Hazard Statement submitted with it. A Groundwater Hazard Statement is not required if the conveyance is exempt from a Declaration of Value form, except for leases and plats.