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The County Recorder is responsible for recording and maintaining records related to real property located in Mills 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.
Separate checks are needed for recording fees and real estate transfer tax. Checks should be made payable to the Mills County Recorder.
Send a self-addressed stamped envelope with all filings.
Document Formatting Requirements
• The document must be legible and reproducible in order to be recorded. Submit the document on white paper not less than 20 pound weight and with no visible watermarks. Paper must be letter (8.5x11 inches) or legal (8.5x14 inches) size.
• An instrument must be acknowledged in order to be recorded.
• There should not be any attachments stapled, taped, or otherwise affixed to any page.
• Pages should be printed on one side only and cannot be permanently bound or in a continuous form.
• Signatures must be in dark black or dark blue ink. Corresponding names should be typed, printed, or stamped beneath signatures/
• Pre-printed text must be at least 8 inches and no more than 20 characters per vertical inch. All other text must be at least 10 point and no more than 16 characters per vertical inch.
• Embossed or inked stamps should not cover or interfere with any part of the document.
• The first page must have a top margin of at least 3 inches reserved for the Recorder’s use. All other margins should be at least ¾ of an inch.
• Below the 3-inch margin on the first page, the following information should be given: The name, phone number, and address of the individual or business who prepared the document; a return name and complete address; the name and address of the taxpayer for any document of transfer; the title of the document; the names of all grantors and grantees; and the legal description and parcel identification number, if required. If there is insufficient space on the first page for all of the required information, provide a reference on the first page of the page number where the information is located (example: Legal Description, see page 5).
• When referencing a related document that was filed before January 1, 1997, provide a book and page number. If the document was filed after January 1, 1997, provide a file number (example: #97-240).
Iowa law requires that a Declaration of Value statement reflecting the full consideration paid in certain non-exempt real estate conveyances be submitted to the county recorder at the time a deed, contract, instrument, or other writing is presented for recording. Part I, the Declaration of Value, is to be completed by the buyer or seller or either’s agent for non-exempt transactions. Part II is to be completed by the assessor.
This form does not have to be completed for a document presented for recording which clearly indicates that it is an exempt transaction. Refer to Iowa Administrative Code 701-79.5. If the transaction is exempt but the exemption isn’t clearly stated on the actual document presented for recording, Part I of the form must be completed. If the form is not completed accurately and in full for non-exempt transactions by the buyer or seller (or either’s agent), the county recorder is required by law to refuse to record the contract, deed, or other instrument conveying the affected property.
This form can be obtained from the Iowa Department of Revenue webpage.
The transferor of real property is required to complete a Groundwater Hazard Statement to satisfy 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 the groundwater hazard statement. The statement must be signed by one of the persons transferring the property interest or that person’s agent. An agent signing the form represents the information from the transferor to be correct.
An instrument affecting real estate is of no validity against subsequent purchasers for a valuable consideration, without notice, or against the state or any of its political subdivisions during and after condemnation proceedings against the real estate, unless the instrument is filed and recorded in the county in which the real estate is located.