Deed Records: St Louis County MO Deed Records Online Access

Deed Records serve as the official proof of property ownership and conveyance in St Louis County MO. The county’s deed database contains every recorded instrument from historic land grants to modern transfers, allowing users to trace the chain of title for any parcel. By entering a grantor name, grantee name, property address, instrument number, or recording date, a search returns detailed entries that list the deed type, legal description, book and page, and any attached consideration. This online platform supports both casual inquiries and professional research, delivering St Louis County MO deed records search results within seconds. Users can also perform a St Louis County MO deed lookup by parcel number or by the name of the current owner, making it simple to verify ownership, uncover prior owners, or confirm a recent transfer. The system integrates St Louis County MO property deed records with linked tax and assessment data, helping purchasers, attorneys, and lenders assess risk before a transaction.

Deed Records also reveal the precise legal description of each parcel, the signatures of the involved parties, and any notarization required by Missouri law. A certified deed copy can be requested when a title insurer or a court needs an official version, and the county provides clear guidance on deed recording fees, required signatures, and notarization standards. Whether the document is a general warranty deed, a quitclaim deed, or a deed of trust, the entry shows the grantor and grantee names, instrument number, and recording date, enabling a complete property deed history. Researchers often examine historical deed records by instrument number or by recording date to build a chain of deeds that outlines ownership changes over decades. For those needing verification, the recorder offers deed record verification services that confirm the accuracy of the information and highlight any discrepancies before closing a sale. The portal also supports a deed document search by book and page, giving instant access to the scanned original. Because deed records are public under Missouri’s sunshine law, any resident can inspect them without special permission, making the system a vital resource for owners and professionals alike.

How to Search St Louis County MO Deed Records

You can search St Louis County MO deed records through the Recorder of Deeds online portal to find recorded property transfers, historical conveyances, and current ownership details. The public search system lets you look up deeds by owner name, property address, instrument number, book and page, or recording date. Residents can also access official business records to verify current details. The portal is free to access and shows documents from the earliest recorded land grants through the most recent filings. You do not need an account to view index entries, but you do need to register if you want to purchase certified copies or download large volumes of records.

Official Search Portal: https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/revenue/recorder-of-deeds/

Steps to Search

1. Open the St. Louis County Recorder of Deeds official search portal listed above.
2. Select the “Recorded Document Search” link from the main navigation menu on the page.
3. Pick a search category such as Grantor Name, Grantee Name, Property Address, Instrument Number, or Recording Date.
4. Type the requested search criteria into the matching field and choose a date range when needed.
5. Click “Search” to view a list of deeds that match your criteria.
6. Select any document from the list to open the recorded instrument image and the index entry.
7. Download or print the deed image, or request a certified copy through the portal if needed.

Search by Owner Name

Searching by owner name returns every deed where the person is listed as the grantor, the grantee, or both. You should type the full legal name as it appears on the deed, and add a middle initial or suffix when the name is common. The results list shows the instrument number, recording date, deed type, and a brief reference to the property. You can narrow your search by adding a date range, which helps when the name appears in many older documents.

Search by Property Address

The property address search looks for deeds tied to a specific parcel. You enter the street number, street name, and zip code to pull up matching recorded instruments. The system matches the address against the legal description stored in the index, so small differences in spelling can change the results. If no records appear, you can try the parcel number or the lot and block reference from the county assessor.

Search by Instrument Number

An instrument number search returns one specific deed or one specific recorded document. Each instrument receives a unique number when it is recorded, and the numbers run in sequence by recording date. You can find the instrument number on prior title work, on closing documents, or on a related mortgage or lien record. Type the full number into the search box to open the recorded deed image and the indexing details.

Search by Deed Book and Page

Older deeds are indexed by book and page rather than by instrument number. The recorder used book and page numbers from the 1800s until the county switched to instrument numbers in the mid-20th century. You can still search by book and page to retrieve these older documents. The search results show the recording date, the grantor and grantee names, the legal description reference, and a link to the scanned image.

Search by Recording Date

A recording date search returns every deed filed with the county on a chosen day or within a chosen date range. This search is useful when you want to check what was recorded after a closing, or when you want to see every transfer on a specific block within a given month. You can combine the date range with an owner name or a property address to narrow the list further.

Information Needed for a Deed Search

The information you need depends on the type of search. For an owner search, gather the full legal name and a date range. For a property search, gather the full street address, parcel number, or lot and block identifier. For an instrument search, gather the instrument number from prior paperwork. For a recording date search, gather the exact date or date range. Adding a name and a date together usually returns the strongest results.

Information Found on a Deed

A recorded deed shows the grantor and grantee names, the legal description of the property, the deed type, the recording date, the instrument number, and the consideration paid. These fields are filled out at signing and indexed by the recorder when the document is filed. The deed also lists signatures, notary acknowledgments, and any restrictions or easements tied to the parcel.

Grantor Name

The grantor is the person or entity that is conveying the property. The grantor field shows the legal name as written on the deed at the time of signing. You should check this field against prior deeds to confirm the same party held title before the transfer. A name change, marriage, or trust transfer can change how the grantor is listed.

Grantee Name

The grantee is the person or entity that is receiving the property. The grantee field shows the new owner’s legal name as recorded. Reviewing the grantee field helps you confirm who holds the current interest in the property. The grantee name on the most recent deed should match the name listed on the tax records for the parcel.

Legal Property Description

The legal description identifies the exact parcel being transferred. St. Louis County uses metes and bounds descriptions, lot and block references for platted subdivisions, and parcel numbers from the assessor. The legal description on the deed should match the description on the title commitment and on the tax bill. Any difference between the deed and the assessor records can signal a clerical error.

Deed Type

The deed type shows what kind of conveyance was used. Common types in St. Louis County include general warranty deeds, special warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, transfer on death deeds, and correction deeds. The type controls what warranties the grantor gives and how the transfer operates under Missouri law.

Recording Date

The recording date is the day the recorder accepted the deed for filing. Missouri uses a race-notice system, so the recording date controls priority against later claims. The recording date also starts the chain of public notice for the transfer. You should compare the recording date on the deed with the date on the mortgage and any liens on the parcel.

Instrument Number

The instrument number is the unique identifier the recorder assigned to the document at filing. The number runs in sequence by recording date, and you can use it to pull the exact deed image from the portal. Lenders, title agents, and courts often reference the instrument number on closing documents, title commitments, and court filings.

Consideration Information

The consideration field shows the value exchanged for the property. The amount is usually listed as a dollar value, and it can be nominal on quitclaim deeds or family transfers. The recorded consideration is a public record but does not control the tax assessment, which is set by the assessor based on market value.

Types of Deeds

St. Louis County records several deed types, and each one carries different warranties and legal effects. The deed type controls what promises the grantor makes about the title, how the transfer operates, and whether the grantee receives any specific protections. Reviewing the deed type is one of the first steps in any title review.

General Warranty Deed

A general warranty deed is the strongest deed used in residential sales. The grantor warrants the title against any defects, even those that arose before the grantor owned the property. Buyers prefer this deed type because the grantor is liable for any title problem that ever existed, going back to the original patent. Most lenders require a general warranty deed for financed purchases.

Special Warranty Deed

A special warranty deed only covers the period during which the grantor owned the property. The grantor does not warrant against defects that arose before the grantor acquired the parcel. Commercial transactions and foreclosure sales often use a special warranty deed. Buyers should check prior deeds themselves to confirm the title before the grantor’s ownership.

Quitclaim Deed

A quitclaim deed transfers whatever interest the grantor holds without any warranty at all. Quitclaim deeds are common in family transfers, divorce settlements, boundary line adjustments, and transfers into or out of a trust. The grantee takes the property subject to any defects that may exist, so the deed does not clear title on its own.

Deed of Trust

A deed of trust is a security instrument that conveys legal title to a trustee for the benefit of a lender. The borrower holds equitable title and uses the property as collateral for the loan. If the borrower defaults, the trustee can foreclose and sell the property. The deed of trust is recorded alongside the deed that conveyed ownership to the borrower.

Transfer on Death Deed

A transfer on death deed lets a Missouri property owner name a beneficiary who receives the property at the owner’s death, without going through probate. The deed has no effect while the owner is alive, and the owner can revoke it at any time by recording a new deed or a revocation. The beneficiary records an affidavit after the owner’s death to confirm the transfer.

Correction Deed

A correction deed fixes a clerical error in a previously recorded deed, such as a misspelled name, an incorrect legal description, or a missing signature line. The correction deed references the original instrument by number and recording date. The correction deed does not change the parties to the transfer, and it does not create a new conveyance.

Property Ownership Transfers

Every recorded deed records a transfer of ownership from one party to another. The transfer can be a sale, an inheritance, a gift, a divorce settlement, a corporate reorganization, or a court-ordered conveyance. Reviewing past transfers lets you confirm the current owner and identify any breaks in the chain of recorded deeds.

Grantor to Grantee Transfer

A grantor to grantee transfer moves the recorded interest from the seller or giver to the buyer or receiver. The deed shows the exact name of the grantor, the exact name of the grantee, and the date the transfer took legal effect. The grantor signs the deed, and the recorder indexes both names so future searches can find the document.

Transfer of Property Interest

A transfer of property interest can move full ownership or a partial interest. Partial interests include undivided tenancy shares, life estate remainders, mineral rights, and easement grants. The deed states the interest being conveyed in the granting clause and the habendum clause. Reviewing both clauses tells you exactly what the grantee received.

Multiple Owners

When a deed lists more than one grantee, the deed usually states how the grantees hold title. Common forms of co-ownership in Missouri are tenancy in common and joint tenancy with right of survivorship. The form of co-ownership affects what happens to a deceased co-owner’s share and how the share can be transferred during life.

Ownership Transfer Dates

The ownership transfer date is the day the deed was signed, and the recording date is the day the recorder filed the document. The two dates can differ by days or weeks. Missouri’s recording acts tie priority to the recording date, not the signing date, so the recording date is the one that controls against later claims.

Recorded Ownership Changes

Recorded ownership changes appear in the chain of deeds for a parcel. Each recorded deed adds a new link to that chain, showing how the title moved from one owner to the next. A complete chain goes from the original patent or first recorded deed to the current owner without gaps. Any missing link must be explained before the title can be insured.

Deed Recording Process

The deed recording process in St. Louis County starts when a deed is signed, notarized, and delivered to the Recorder of Deeds for filing. The recorder reviews the document, indexes the parties and the legal description, assigns an instrument number, and scans the deed for the public record. Recording gives the public notice of the transfer and sets the priority date against later claims.

Where Deeds Are Recorded

Deeds for property in St. Louis County are recorded with the St. Louis County Recorder of Deeds. The office is part of the Department of Revenue and is located at 41 South Central Avenue, Clayton, MO 63105. The recorder indexes every document by grantor name, grantee name, legal description, instrument number, and recording date.

Recording Requirements

Missouri law requires that a deed be in writing, signed by the grantor, acknowledged before a notary, and contain a legal description of the property. The deed must also name the grantee and state the interest being conveyed. A deed that does not meet these requirements can be rejected by the recorder and returned without being indexed.

Signatures and Notarization

The grantor must sign the deed in the presence of a notary public, who then completes a notarial acknowledgment. The notary verifies the grantor’s identity and confirms the signature was voluntary. Residents can also access official property tax records to verify current details. Missouri requires the notary to record the commission expiration date and affix the official seal. A missing acknowledgment is a common reason for rejection at filing.

Recording Fees

The recorder charges a fee for each document filed. The fee covers the cost of indexing, scanning, and storing the deed in the public record. Missouri sets the fee by statute, and the recorder posts the current schedule on the office website. Additional fees apply for certified copies and for expedited processing when offered.

Document Acceptance

The recorder accepts a document when it meets the statutory requirements and the correct fee is paid. The office stamps the deed with the recording information and a document identification number. The recorder then returns the original or a stamped copy to the person who filed it, usually the title company or the attorney handling the closing.

Recording Confirmation

You can confirm that a deed was recorded by searching the online portal for the instrument number, the grantor name, or the property address. The portal shows the recording date, the document image, and any related records such as mortgages, liens, or easements filed at the same time. A recorded deed is the official notice that the transfer took place.

St Louis County MO Deed Records Public Access

St Louis County MO deed records are public records under Missouri’s open records law. Anyone can inspect, copy, or request a certified copy of a recorded deed without showing a reason. The recorder provides public access through the online portal, through in-person visits to the office, and through written requests for older records that have not yet been digitized.

Public Deed Information

Public deed information includes the names of the grantor and grantee, the legal description, the recording date, the instrument number, the deed type, and the consideration. The recorded image of the deed is also a public record. Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and other sensitive data are redacted from public images when they appear in a recorded document.

Online Deed Records

The online portal shows indexed entries and recorded images from the earliest paper records through the current day. The portal updates overnight as new recordings are processed. You can search the portal by name, address, instrument number, book and page, or recording date without registering or paying a fee.

Recorded Document Access

Recorded document access covers deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, liens, plats, easements, and any other instruments recorded with the office. Each recorded document is indexed and stored in the public archive. The archive goes back to the founding of the county, so older records may only be available on microfilm or in the original paper books.

Restricted Information

Some information is restricted from public view by state and federal law. Military discharge records, certain court-sealed documents, and personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers are removed before the record is made public. Restricted records can still be obtained by the parties to the document, by their attorneys, or by court order.

Records Available by Request

Records that are not yet in the online index can be requested from the recorder’s office. You can submit a written request, an email request, or an in-person request. The office staff will pull the record from the archive and provide a copy or a certified copy for the listed fee. Requests usually name the parties, the recording date, and the document type to speed the search.

Certified Deed Copies

A certified deed copy is an official copy of the recorded deed that bears the recorder’s stamp and signature. Courts, title insurers, and lenders require certified copies for certain filings. You can order a certified copy online, by mail, or in person from the recorder’s office. The certified copy carries the same legal weight as the original recorded document.

How to Obtain a Copy of a Deed

You can obtain a copy of a St. Louis County deed through the online portal, by mail, or in person at the recorder’s office. The copy can be a regular image print or a certified copy. The method you choose depends on how fast you need the document, whether you need a certified copy, and how many documents you want to order at one time.

Online Copy Requests

You can request a copy of a deed online through the Recorder of Deeds portal. The portal lets you select the document, pay the listed fee by credit card, and download a regular image of the deed. Certified copies are also available online when the portal offers the certified copy option. The download is available as soon as the payment is confirmed.

County Clerk Requests

Mail requests are handled through the recorder’s office at the Clayton address. You send a written request that names the parties, the recording date, and the document type, along with a check or money order for the fee. The office pulls the document and mails back a copy. Mail requests take longer than online or in-person orders.

In-Person Requests

You can visit the recorder’s office in Clayton during business hours to request a copy. The clerk looks up the document, prints the image, and either certifies the copy on the spot or hands you a regular copy. In-person requests are the fastest way to handle same-day orders for older records that may not be on the online portal.

Certified Copies

A certified copy is the official copy that bears the recorder’s seal and signature. Certified copies are accepted by courts, title insurers, and lenders for closings, probate filings, and recorded document requests. The certified copy fee is set by Missouri statute and is higher than the fee for a regular image print.

Copy Fees

Copy fees are set by Missouri statute and posted on the recorder’s office website. The standard fee covers a regular image of one document. Certified copies, expedited copies, and large-volume copies carry additional charges. Payment can be made by cash, check, money order, or credit card, depending on the request method.

Processing Times

Online downloads are available as soon as payment clears. In-person requests for documents already in the online system are ready the same day. In-person requests for older documents from the archive may take one business day or longer. Mail requests usually take five to ten business days from the date the request is received.

Reading and Reviewing a Deed

Reading a recorded deed is a skill that gets easier with practice. Each section of the deed carries a specific piece of information, and reviewing the deed section by section helps you confirm the parties, the property, the recording details, and any restrictions. Title agents, attorneys, and real estate professionals use the same reading process on every deed they review.

Identifying the Parties

The first section of the deed names the grantor and the grantee. The grantor is the party giving up the interest, and the grantee is the party receiving it. Compare the names with the names on prior deeds and on the current tax bill. Any difference in spelling, suffix, or marital status can change who holds title to the parcel.

Finding the Legal Description

The legal description sits in the body of the deed, usually after the granting clause. The description can be a metes and bounds description, a lot and block reference, or a parcel number from the assessor. Compare the description on the deed with the description on the title commitment and on the county assessor’s website to confirm the parcel is the same.

Locating the Recording Information

The recording information appears at the top or bottom of the deed image. The recording stamp shows the recording date, the instrument number, and the book and page for older records. The recording stamp is the official proof that the recorder accepted the deed for filing and entered it into the public archive.

Identifying the Conveyed Interest

The granting clause and the habendum clause tell you what interest the grantor conveyed. The interest can be fee simple, life estate, remainder, mineral interest, or easement. Reading the clauses tells you whether the grantee received the full bundle of rights or only a part of them.

Reviewing Deed Restrictions

Deed restrictions are conditions the grantor places on the use of the property. Restrictions can limit commercial use, require architectural approval, or set minimum square footage. Review the restrictions on the current deed and on prior deeds to confirm the buyer accepts any limits that still apply.

Checking Referenced Documents

Many deeds reference other recorded documents by instrument number or by book and page. References can point to a prior deed, a mortgage, an easement, a plat, or a covenant. Pulling the referenced documents confirms what the deed depends on and helps you check the chain of title for any gaps or breaks.

Deed Records and Ownership History

Deed records show the ownership history of a parcel from the first recorded conveyance to the current owner. Reviewing the history lets you confirm the chain of title, identify any gaps, and trace how the parcel moved from one owner to the next. A clean ownership history is a basic requirement for issuing title insurance.

Previous Deeds

Previous deeds for a parcel are stored in the recorder’s archive and indexed in the online portal. You can pull prior deeds by searching the current owner’s name as the grantee on older records. Each prior deed adds a link to the chain and shows how the title moved from one generation of owners to the next.

Historical Transfers

Historical transfers cover sales, gifts, court-ordered conveyances, and trust transfers filed decades ago. These older transfers are often in the paper books or on microfilm, and the recorder indexes them by book and page. Reviewing historical transfers helps confirm the chain of title reaches back to a valid root of title.

Chain of Recorded Deeds

The chain of recorded deeds is the sequence of conveyances that links each successive owner of a parcel. A complete chain shows the same parcel moving from grantor to grantee without missing links. The chain confirms who holds title today and serves as the foundation for any title insurance policy issued on the parcel.

Gaps in Deed History

Gaps in deed history appear when a transfer was never recorded, when a record was lost in a fire or flood, or when a prior deed was improperly indexed. A gap requires additional research to fill, which can include court records, probate records, or tax records. The title company will explain the gap and how it was resolved before issuing a policy.

Older Recorded Documents

Older recorded documents in St. Louis County go back to the founding of the county in the early 1800s. These documents are often in bound paper books stored in the recorder’s archive. You can request a copy of an older recorded document by book and page, and the staff will pull the volume, scan the page, and provide a copy for the listed fee.

Deed Record Accuracy and Limitations

Deed records are reliable but not perfect. The recorder indexes what is filed, but the recorder does not verify the truth of what each document says. Errors can appear in names, in legal descriptions, and in the recording itself. Knowing the limits of deed records helps you use them as one tool among several in any property research project.

Incorrect Names

Incorrect names appear when the grantor or grantee name is misspelled, when a name change was not updated, or when a prior deed listed a nickname instead of the legal name. Name errors can hide a prior conveyance or make the wrong owner appear in a search. Always compare the name on the deed with the name on the tax bill and on prior deeds.

Property Description Errors

Property description errors happen when the legal description on the deed does not match the parcel on the ground. Description errors can include the wrong lot number, the wrong subdivision, or an inaccurate metes and bounds call. Residents can also access official property records to verify current details. A surveyor can rewrite a description, and a correction deed can record the corrected version with the original instrument number cited.

Duplicate Records

Duplicate records appear when the same deed was recorded twice or when two deeds cover the same transfer. The recorder indexes each filing under its own instrument number, so a search may return more than one entry for the same conveyance. Reading the body of each deed confirms which one is the original and which is the duplicate.

Missing Documents

Missing documents appear when a deed was signed but never recorded, when a recorded deed was lost, or when an older index omitted the entry. Missing documents require additional research through probate records, tax records, or court filings to reconstruct the missing link in the chain of title.

Recently Recorded Deeds

Recently recorded deeds take time to appear in the online index. New recordings are processed overnight, so a deed filed late in the day may not show up in a search until the next business day. A short wait or a phone call to the recorder’s office confirms whether the document has been added to the index yet.

Unrecorded Instruments

Unrecorded instruments are signed deeds that were never delivered to the recorder for filing. An unrecorded instrument is valid between the parties but does not give notice to the public. A title search will not find an unrecorded instrument, so a quiet title action may be needed to clear the title for a sale or refinance.

Differences Between Deed Records and Other Property Sources

Deed records show the recorded conveyance, while tax records show who pays the tax bill, and the assessor records show the legal owner of record. The three sources should match, but they sometimes disagree because of timing or clerical updates. Cross-checking the sources helps you confirm who holds the current interest in the parcel.

Search Problems

Search problems in the St Louis County MO deed records portal usually trace back to one of a few common issues. Understanding the typical problems helps you correct the search and find the document you need without making repeated trips to the recorder’s office.

Deed Not Found

A deed may not appear if the search criteria are too narrow, if the deed was not recorded, or if the index has not yet been updated. Try a broader search by name or by date range, and check the recording date to confirm the document has been processed. A search by book and page can also help when the instrument number is missing.

Incorrect Owner Name

An incorrect owner name search returns no records because the index lists the name as it appears on the deed. Try alternate spellings, add a middle initial, search for the spouse’s name, and remove the suffix. Searching by property address can also help you find the deed when the name is unknown.

Incorrect Property Address

An incorrect property address search returns no records when the address on the portal does not match the address on the deed. Try the parcel number from the assessor, or search by the lot and block identifier from the legal description. Older deeds may use a rural route or a former street name.

Incorrect Instrument Number

An incorrect instrument number search returns no records or the wrong document. Check the number against prior paperwork from the lender, the title agent, or the closing attorney. A small typo can change the number entirely, so verify each digit before running the search again.

Historical Deed Unavailable

A historical deed may be unavailable online when it has not been digitized or when the page is too faded to scan clearly. Submit a written request to the recorder’s office, and the staff will pull the volume from the archive and provide a copy for the listed fee. Older records take longer because they are handled by staff.

Restricted Document

A restricted document may be unavailable online when state or federal law limits public access. Examples include certain military discharge records and court-sealed filings. Restricted documents can still be obtained by the parties to the document, by their attorneys, or by court order.

Record Not Yet Updated

A record may not appear when it was filed recently and the index has not yet been updated. New recordings are processed overnight, so a deed filed late in the day usually appears the next business day. A quick phone call to the recorder’s office confirms whether the document is in the index yet.

Deed Records and Related Records

Deed records work with several other record systems to build a full picture of a property. Each record system shows a different angle on ownership, financing, taxation, and government action. Reviewing all of the related systems together gives you the strongest view of the title.

Deed Records vs. Property Records

Deed records show the recorded conveyance, while property records cover the broader file on the parcel. Property records include the deed, the mortgage history, the tax bill, the assessment, the building permits, and any code enforcement actions. Deed records are one piece of the property records, and they focus only on the chain of ownership.

Deed Records vs. Title Records

Deed records are the public source documents, while title records are the working file built by a title agent. The title agent pulls the deeds, mortgages, liens, judgments, and tax records to issue a title commitment and a title insurance policy. The title records summarize and analyze the deed records rather than replacing them.

Deed Records vs. Mortgage Records

Deed records show ownership, while mortgage records show financing. A mortgage or a deed of trust is recorded alongside the deed at closing, and the mortgage references the deed by its recording date and instrument number. Reviewing both systems confirms who owns the parcel and whether the parcel is subject to an active loan.

Deed Records vs. Lien Records

Deed records show ownership, while lien records show money claims against the owner. Liens can come from judgments, from taxes, from mechanics, or from homeowner associations. Lien records are filed in the recorder’s office or with the Missouri Secretary of State, and they reference the deed by its recording data.

Deed Records vs. Tax Records

Deed records show the recorded owner, while tax records show who pays the tax bill. The two records should match, but the tax records can lag when a recent deed has not yet been processed by the assessor. The tax records also show the assessed value, the exemptions, and the most recent tax payment.

Deed Records vs. Parcel Records

Deed records show the chain of ownership, while parcel records show the physical and legal description of the land. Parcel records include the parcel number, the lot and block, the acreage, the zoning, and the building footprint. Parcel records come from the county assessor and the planning department.

St Louis County Recorder of Deeds Contact Information

You can contact the St Louis County Recorder of Deeds by phone, by email, by mail, or in person during business hours. The office handles questions about deed recording, certified copies, recording fees, document requirements, and historical records. Staff are available Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM.

• Department: St. Louis County Recorder of Deeds
• Official URL: https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/revenue/recorder-of-deeds/
• Direct Records URL: https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/revenue/recorder-of-deeds/
• Phone: 314-615-7100
• Email: Recorder@stlouiscountymo.gov
• Address: 41 South Central Avenue, Clayton, MO 63105
• Office Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:00 AM-3:30 PM

Frequently Asked Questions

St Louis County Recorder of Deeds keeps every property transfer, lien, and land description in a public system. Residents, buyers, and professionals use this source to verify who owns a parcel, see past sales, or obtain a certified copy of a deed. The online portal works from any computer, while the office in Clayton offers walk‑in help for older files. Knowing how to locate a deed saves time and prevents costly mistakes during a purchase or a legal dispute.

How can I search St Louis County MO deed records online?

Visit the county’s Deed Search page and enter the owner name, property address, or instrument number. The system returns a list of matching documents with book and page details. Click a record to view a thumbnail of the original page, then choose “download” for a PDF copy. No registration fee applies for basic searches; a small charge appears only when you request a printed copy. The portal updates daily, so recent filings appear within hours.

Where do I find a certified copy of a St Louis County MO deed?

Bring the book, page, or locator number to the Recorder’s office at 41 South Central Avenue or request the copy through the online portal. Pay with a credit or debit card; the first page costs $2 and each additional page $1, plus a processing fee. Staff verify the document, attach a seal, and hand you the certified copy in minutes. Certified copies are accepted by lenders, courts, and government agencies as proof of ownership.

Can I look up St Louis County MO deed records by recording date?

Yes. Select the “recording date” field in the search form and type the start and end dates. The results list all deeds recorded within that period, showing grantor, grantee, and legal description. This view helps track recent transactions in a neighborhood or confirm when a specific transfer occurred. Export the list as a CSV file for offline review if you need to compare many entries.

What information is included in a St Louis County MO property deed?

A deed contains the grantor and grantee names, the full legal description of the parcel, the amount of consideration, and the instrument number. It also lists the book and page where the document is stored. A notary block and signature page confirm authenticity. When you view the record online, these sections appear as separate fields, making it easy to copy the exact wording for a title search or a legal filing.

How do I correct an error on a St Louis County MO deed record?

File a “Corrective Instrument” with the Recorder’s office. Include the original deed reference, a clear statement of the mistake, and the correct information. Both parties must sign the correction, and a notary must acknowledge the signatures. Submit the document in person or upload it through the e‑recording portal, then pay the standard recording fee. Once processed, the corrected deed replaces the erroneous entry in the public index.