Keokuk County Recorder

The recorder in Keokuk County is responsible for recording and maintaining records related to real property situated in the County.

To record the first page of a document, the fee is $7. Each additional page is $5. Each section or block referenced in a legal description is $5.

Any page longer than 14 inches and any attached piece will be considered an additional page.

A multiple transaction document is $7 per each transaction plus $5 for each additional page.

Certified land documents are $5 for the first page and $1 for each page thereafter.

A non-conforming document will be an additional $10. However, the non-standard fee will not be applied to the legibility requirements, the requirement to include the name of a taxpayer and a complete mailing address, or the requirement that all documents have original signatures in black or dark blue ink with names typed beneath signatures.

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

• All documents should consist of one or more pages not permanently bound or in a continuous form. A page should not be larger than 8.5x14 inches and should have single-sided printing. White paper of not less than twenty-pound weight without watermarks or visible inclusions is required. Attachments should not be stapled or otherwise affixed to any page except as necessary to comply with statutory requirements.

• All pre-printed text should be in black ink and at least 8 point font. All other typed or computer generated text should be in black ink and at least 10 point font. Each document should be sufficiently legible to produce a clear reproduction.

• The first page should have a 3-inch top margin. This is reserved for the recorder’s use. All other margins should be a minimum of ¾ of an inch. Non-essential information such as page numbers or customer notations may be placed in margins, except for the top margin.

• All signatures should be in black or dark blue ink and of sufficient color and clarity to ensure readability after the document is reproduced. Corresponding names should be typed or printed beneath signatures.

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

• Immediately below the 3-inch top margin on the first page, the following information 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; a 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 there is insufficient space on the first page for the required information, the page reference of the document where the information is located shall be noted on the first page. A cover page can also be added, but this will result in additional fees.

Iowa law requires that a Declaration of Value Statement reflecting the full consideration paid in certain non-exempt real estate conveyances should be submitted to the county recorder at the time a deed, contract, instrument, or other writing is presented for recording.

The form does not have to be completed for any document presented for recording which clearly indicates an exemption. A list of exemptions can be found on the Keokuk County Recorder’s website.

The transferor of real property is required to complete a Groundwater Hazard Statement. This statement satisfies legal requirements for filing instruments of conveyance of real property with the county recorder. The Department of Natural Resources does not approve or disapprove of property transfers based on these statements. The statement must be signed by one of the persons transferring the property interest or that person’s agent.

Iowa has a notice recording act. This means that a later buyer who pays fair value for the property and does not have notice that there were any other earlier conflicting interests, wins and will have priority over any later recordings.