Washington County Property Records

Washington County property records are filed at the Recorder of Deeds office in Potosi, Missouri. The office holds deeds, deeds of trust, plats, liens, surveys, and other land documents for the county. If you need to search for a property record in Washington County, you can visit the office during business hours or check the recorder's website for online options. The office has specific cutoff times for document recording and service requests, so plan your visit accordingly. Staff at the recorder's office can help with searches, copies, and questions about any document on file. Washington County property records are public and open to anyone who wants to view them.

Washington County Recorder of Deeds

Jamie Miner serves as the Washington County Recorder of Deeds. The office is at 102 North Missouri Street in Potosi. All property documents for Washington County get recorded here, including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, releases, plats, surveys, liens, and easements. The office also handles marriage licenses and military discharge filings. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

The Washington County Recorder has specific cutoff times to know about. Marriage license requests must be in by 4:00 PM. Documents brought in after 3:30 PM are processed the next business day. Electronic recordings are accepted up to 4:00 PM. These cutoff times help the staff process everything properly before the end of the day. Contact the office at (573) 438-6111 or email jminer@washcomo.us. The Washington County Recorder website has more details about services and requirements.

Washington County Property Recording Fees

Washington County has a detailed fee schedule for recording property documents. Real estate documents cost $24 for the first page and $3 for each page after that. Surveys are $24 for the first page and $5 for each added page. Plats cost $44 for the first page and $25 for each additional page. Marriage licenses are $46, which includes a certified copy. Under Section 59.313 of Missouri law, documents that fail to meet format standards face a $25 penalty.

The Washington County Recorder's office accepts cash and debit cards. Checks are not accepted for marriage licenses. All documents must be on 8.5 by 11 inch paper with a 3 inch top margin and at least 8 point type. Copies cost $1 per page, and certified copies add $1 for the stamp.

• Real estate recording: $24 first page, $3 each additional
• Surveys: $24 first page, $5 each additional
• Plats: $44 first page, $25 each additional
• Marriage licenses: $46 (includes certified copy)
• Copies: $1 per page

Note: Documents received after 3:30 PM at the Washington County office are processed the next business day.

Search Washington County Property Records Online

Washington County provides online access to property records through their recorder's website. You can search for recorded documents by name and date. The Washington County Recorder website is the best place to start your online search. For in-person research, the office staff can help you search through the index books and pull copies of any document on file.

The Missouri Digital Heritage land database has over 280,000 entries of historical land patents from 1777 to 1969 that cover Washington County. The Missouri Land Survey Index is also useful for finding survey records tied to Washington County land.

The Missouri Recorders Association provides contact info and resources for all 115 county recorders in Missouri, including Washington County.

Property Records in Washington County

The Washington County Recorder files many types of land documents. Warranty deeds transfer ownership with a clear title guarantee. Quitclaim deeds pass interest with no guarantee attached. Deeds of trust secure a loan against the property. Release deeds clear that lien when the loan is paid off. Per Section 442.380, all documents that affect real estate must be recorded in the county where the property sits.

Plats, surveys, easements, and restrictive covenants are on file too. Tax liens and mechanic's liens get recorded here. Beneficiary deeds, allowed under RSMo 461.025, let an owner name someone to get the property after death without probate. Under Section 442.410, deeds must be recorded to be valid against third parties. The Washington County office handles a steady stream of filings and can help you understand what each document type means for your property.

Washington County Property Tax Records

Property tax records tie into the land record system in Washington County. The assessor values real estate on odd-numbered years. Missouri uses assessment ratios of 19% for homes, 12% for farm land, and 32% for commercial property. Tax bills go out by November 1, and the due date is December 31. Unpaid taxes lead to a tax lien that gets filed at the recorder's office.

The Missouri Department of Revenue has details on property tax credits for Washington County homeowners. The Senior Citizen Property Tax Credit covers those 65 and older. Disabled veteran programs are also available. The county collector handles tax payments.

Washington County property owners should check their records at the Potosi office at least once a year to guard against deed fraud. A forged deed that goes unnoticed can create title problems down the road.

Historical Washington County Land Records

For Washington County property research that goes back before the digital records, the Missouri State Archives has land patents from 1777 to 1969. These include French and Spanish land grants, federal land sales, and state-issued patents. The Bureau of Land Management holds federal patent records as well. The FamilySearch Missouri Land and Property guide helps trace Washington County property through old deed books and archives.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Washington County in Missouri. Property records are filed in the county where the land is, so check that you search the right place.