Platte County Deed Records
Platte County deed records are held by the Recorder of Deeds office in Platte City, Missouri. The county was organized in 1838 and sits in the Kansas City metropolitan area, making it one of the faster-growing counties in the state. With Kansas City International Airport located within its borders, Platte County sees a steady flow of real estate activity tied to development, commercial growth, and residential expansion. All warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, deeds of trust, plats, and surveys for land in Platte County are recorded at the courthouse in Platte City.
Platte County Deed Records Quick Facts
Platte County Recorder of Deeds
The Platte County Recorder of Deeds office is in the Platte County Courthouse in Platte City. This office records all real estate documents for land in the county, including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, deeds of trust, releases, assignments, and subdivision plats. The recorder keeps two main indexes as required by RSMo Chapter 59. The Direct Index is sorted by grantor (seller) and the Indirect Index is sorted by grantee (buyer). Both include the names of the parties, date filed, volume and page, and a description of the property.
You can visit the office during regular business hours to search records in person. Staff can pull documents and make copies on the spot. Call ahead for current hours and payment options. The office also handles marriage licenses, military discharge records, and federal tax liens that attach to real property in the county.
The Recorders' Association of Missouri provides a directory of all 114 county recorder offices including Platte County. RAM was founded in 1984 to train recorders on recording law. Their site has contact information, a county map, recording guidelines, and document formatting standards that apply across the state.
Search Platte County Deed Records Online
Platte County has adopted electronic recording and offers online search tools for deed records. Several e-recording vendors work with the county, including iCounty Technologies, Simplifile, and CSC. Title companies and attorneys can submit documents online and get them recorded in as little as five minutes. This speeds up the process compared to mailing or hand-delivering papers to the courthouse.
Under RSMo 59.563, Missouri recorders can accept documents in electronic format. The law does not force any county to offer e-recording, but Platte County is among the 90-plus counties that do. You can submit warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, deeds of trust, releases, and most other standard real estate documents through these systems. Payment goes through ACH, and there are no sign-up or maintenance fees with most vendors.
For older records, the Missouri State Archives holds Platte County land records from 1838 through 1969. These include early land patents, territorial records, and plat books from the original settlement of the area. The Archives' Land Survey Database also covers Platte County surveys. Per RSMo 59.003, all requests for records dated after December 31, 1969 go to the county recorder's office.
Platte County Deed Records Fees
Recording fees in Platte County follow Missouri state law. The base cost is $24 for the first page and $3 for each additional page. If your document does not meet formatting standards under RSMo 59.310, there is an extra $25 non-standard penalty.
Plat recordings cost $44 for the first 18" x 24" page and $25 for each additional page. Larger 24" x 36" plats start at $69. Surveys run $24 for the first page at the smaller size. Copy fees are about $1 per page for uncertified copies and a bit more for certified copies. Part of each recording fee goes to state funds. The Local Records Preservation Fund gets $1, the Missouri Land Survey Fund gets $1, and the Missouri Housing Trust Fund gets $3. Checks are typically payable to the Platte County Recorder of Deeds.
Document Standards for Platte County
Platte County follows the document formatting rules set by RSMo 59.310, which took effect on January 1, 2002. All documents must be on 8.5" x 11" white or light-colored paper, at least 20 pounds. No watermarks or logos are allowed. Print must be in black or dark ink, at least 8-point type, on one side only. The first page needs a 3-inch blank top margin for the recording certificate.
The first page must also show the title of the document, date, all grantor and grantee names with marital status, statutory addresses, the full legal description, and any reference book and page numbers. Signatures need to be in dark ink with the name typed or printed underneath. Every deed requires a notary acknowledgment with a valid seal per RSMo Chapter 486. Documents signed before January 1, 2002, military separation papers, and documents executed outside the United States are exempt from these rules.
Platte County in the Kansas City Metro
Platte County is part of the Kansas City metropolitan area. The county is home to Kansas City International Airport, which drives a large amount of commercial and residential development. Many properties in the southern part of Platte County are actually within Kansas City city limits. This means those deed records still go through the Platte County Recorder, not Jackson County, even though Kansas City is often associated with Jackson County.
Growth in Platte County has been strong for decades. New subdivisions, commercial parks, and mixed-use developments create a constant stream of new recordings at the recorder's office. If you are buying or selling property near the KCI Airport area, Zona Rosa, or Platte City itself, all deed filings go through this office. The county also borders Clay County to the east and Clinton County to the north, so properties near those borders may require checking adjacent county records as well.
Transfer on Death deeds are a popular option in Platte County. Under RSMo 461.025, a TOD deed lets you name a beneficiary who receives the property when you die, without probate. The deed must include a legal description, name at least one beneficiary, and be recorded before the owner's death. The owner keeps full control during their lifetime. Lady bird deeds are not recognized in Missouri, so TOD deeds serve as the main alternative to avoid probate for real property.
Public Access to Platte County Deed Records
Deed records in Platte County are public. The Missouri Sunshine Law under RSMo Chapter 610 gives anyone the right to inspect and copy government records. You do not need to give a reason. The recorder must provide proper facilities for examining records during normal business hours.
The State Historical Society of Missouri has a research center in Kansas City with collections that include family papers, county atlases, and property deeds from the greater KC area. The Missouri Digital Heritage program also provides online access to historical land records from 1777 through 1969. Both resources are free for research.
Counties Near Platte County
If your property sits near a county line, you may need to check deed records in an adjacent county.
Cities in Platte County
Parts of Kansas City extend into Platte County. All deed records for property in this area are filed with the Platte County Recorder of Deeds, regardless of the city address.