Recorder

In Iowa, the County Recorder's office was created in 1839 by the First Legislative Assembly to record, manage and maintain real estate documents and other miscellaneous documents. Since its creation, the County Recorder's office has acquired numerous additional responsibilities.

Duties of the Recorder

  • Records at length all instruments of record which may be filed for record consisting principally of deeds, military records, mortgages, plats, assignments, releases, affidavits, and vital records
  • Detailed reports monthly to Board of Supervisors all fees collected, paying same to County Treasurer, state offices and Department of Revenue.
  • Sales of hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses, trout stamps, duck stamps, and habitat stamps, boat, ATV, and snowmobile registrations. Additional information can be found on the Iowa DNR website.
  • Collect real estate transfer tax on conveyance of property
  • Make records available for current records and genealogy research
  • Accept marriage applications/issue marriage licenses, certified copies of vital records including birth, death and marriage certificates
  • The Recorder's Office does not provide legal services and does not prepare legal documents.

It is our goal to provide accurate information for the public. The information on this website is presented as a service to the citizens of Mills County and others. While some of the information on this site is regarding legal issues, it is not legal advice. Due to our reliance on information provided by outside sources and quickly changing information, we make no guarantee concerning the accuracy or reliability of the content at this site or other sites which are linked here.

DNR Licenses

The Recorder's office issues fishing and hunting licenses through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) electronic licensing system (ELSI). Under the guidelines of the Iowa DNR, the office also registers and titles boat, snowmobile, ATVs, and ORVs.

Passport

The Mills County Recorder is not a passport acceptance agency.

Genealogy Information

Genealogy research is not performed by the Mills County Recorder's office. However, this office has land and vital records that are open to the public.

Documents

  1. House File 2130 - ATV's & UTV's
  2. Application for Registration, Title and Security Interest (Boat, ATV, Snowmobile) (PDF)
  3. Bill of Sale for ATV, Boat or Snowmobile (PDF)
  4. Business Trade Name Form (PDF)
  5. Real Estate Transfer Declaration of Value Instructions (PDF)
  1. Real Estate Transfer Declaration of Value Form (PDF)
  2. Chapter 13 Code of Ordinances - All Terrain Vehicles
  3. Groundwater Hazard Statement Instructions (PDF)
  4. Groundwater Hazard Statement Form (To Be Completed by Transferor) (PDF)