Polk County Recorder

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

To record a deed, change of title, or contract, the fee is $12 for the first page. Each additional page is $5.

For deeds, there is also a $5 transfer fee for each separate parcel of real estate involved.

A mortgage or release is $7 for the first page, and $5 for each additional page.

Releases and assignments that have more than one book and page being assigned or released will need to add an additional $7 per book and page.

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

Documents that do not meet the requirements may be charged an additional $10 per instrument.

Transfer tax is owed when the deed is presented for recording.

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

• Documents should not contain any white out or correction fluid. If there is a correction to make, the preparer of the document should draw a line through the mistake and initial it.

• Documents should be submitted on white paper at least 20 pound weight with no visible watermarks or inclusions. Paper should not be larger than 8.5x14 or smaller than 8.5x11.

• Printing should be on one side only. The font size is at least 8 point for pre-printed information. Information that is filled in must be at least 10 point font. Ink should be black or blue.

• Signatures should also be in black or blue, with names printed, stamped, or typed underneath. All signatures must be notarized.

• At the top of the first page of the document, there should be a 3-inch margin. This space is reserved for the recorder. All other margins should be at least ¾ of an inch. Customers may make marginal notations or put page numbers in the margins, but not within the top margin.

REQUIRED INFORMATION

• On the first page, below the 3-inch margin, the following information should appear: The name, address, and phone number of the preparer of the document; the name and complete address of the taxpayer; return name and address; the title of the document; grantor and grantees’ names; and a legal description of the property. If the first page does not allow enough room for this information, the first page should give a page reference of where the information is contained in the document.

• The revenue tax should be affixed to represent the full sale price over $500. If exempt from revenue tax, this exemption must be stated on the front of the document.

• All deeds must be accompanied by a declaration of value form, unless exempt. Part I of the form is to be completed by the seller or agent. Parts II and III are to be completed by the county assessor and county recorder.

• If the document is exempt from transfer tax, the exemption must be stated on the front of the document. The following are some common exemptions: any mortgage, mortgage assignment, release, or satisfaction; a will, plat, or lease; deeds that, without additional consideration, correct, modify, or supplement a previously recorded deed; and deeds between husband and wife or family members without actual consideration, or where the only consideration is a cancellation of indebtedness existing between these family members. However, for this last exemption to apply, the debt being cancelled cannot be greater than the fair market value of the property being conveyed. For a complete list of exemptions, visit the iowa.gov website.

• Social security numbers need to be on the declaration of value form, but these are redacted before the document becomes public record.

• Each declaration of value form must also have a Groundwater Hazard Statement submitted along with it. This form can be found on the Polk County Recorder’s website. Groundwater Hazard Statements are not required on conveyances that are exempt from the Declaration of Value form.