St. Louis County Deed Records Search
St. Louis County deed records stretch back to 1812 and cover the largest county in the St. Louis metropolitan area. The Recorder of Deeds office in Clayton manages all real property filings for the county, which includes 91 municipalities and a population of over one million people. Whether you need a copy of a past deed or want to file a new document, the recorder's office in Clayton is the central point for all land records in St. Louis County.
St. Louis County Deed Records Quick Facts
Where to Find St. Louis County Deed Records
The St. Louis County Recorder of Deeds office sits in the County Government Center in Clayton. This is the main source for all real estate records across the county's 91 municipalities. You can visit during business hours to search by name, date, book and page, or legal description. Staff can pull documents and make copies on the spot. The office stores warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, deeds of trust, releases, plats, and surveys going back more than 200 years.
St. Louis County was organized in 1812 and separated from the City of St. Louis in 1876. It is the most populous county in Missouri and handles a very high volume of real estate filings every year. Per RSMo Chapter 59, the recorder keeps a Direct Index by grantor and an Indirect Index by grantee. This index system lets you trace ownership of any parcel from either direction. Each entry lists the parties, the date filed, volume and page, type of instrument, and property description.
The Recorders' Association of Missouri lists the St. Louis County Recorder along with all 114 county offices. RAM publishes recording guidelines and document formatting standards that apply across the state. The St. Louis County Library system is another resource for property research and historical records in the area.
St. Louis County Records Online Access
St. Louis County provides online access to deed records through its county website and vendor platforms. The county has been a leader in electronic recording and digital indexes. You can search by grantor, grantee, document type, or date range from a computer or phone. E-recording is available for title companies and attorneys who want to submit documents without visiting in person.
For older records, the Missouri State Archives holds St. Louis County land documents from 1812 through 1969. The Land Survey Database run by the state is free and covers surveys that are part of the official record. Per RSMo 59.003, requests for records dated after December 31, 1969 must go to the county recorder in Clayton.
St. Louis County Deed Filing Fees
Recording fees in St. Louis County follow the statewide schedule. The base cost is $24 for the first page and $3 for each page after that. If a document does not meet formatting rules in RSMo 59.310, the recorder can add a $25 non-standard penalty on top of the regular fee.
Plat recordings cost $44 for the first 18" x 24" page. Surveys start at $24 for the same size. Uncertified copies cost about $1 per page. Certified copies cost a bit more. Part of each recording fee goes to state funds like the Local Records Preservation Fund and the Missouri Housing Trust Fund. St. Louis County also accepts credit cards with a convenience fee.
Document Standards for St. Louis County
Missouri has strict formatting rules for documents under RSMo 59.310, effective January 1, 2002. Documents must be on 8.5" x 11" white or light paper, at least 20 pounds. Black or dark ink. Minimum 8-point type. One side only. First page needs a 3-inch blank top margin.
The first page must show the document title, date, all grantor and grantee names, statutory addresses, full legal description, and reference book and page numbers. A notary acknowledgment with valid seal per RSMo Chapter 486 is required. Documents signed before 2002, military papers, and certain court judgments are exempt. Non-exempt documents that miss standards cost an extra $25.
Types of St. Louis County Deed Records
The St. Louis County Recorder handles warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, deeds of trust, releases, assignments, plats, surveys, and more. Warranty deeds give a full guarantee of clear title. Quit claim deeds transfer whatever interest the seller has with no promise on title quality.
Deeds of trust are the standard mortgage instrument in Missouri. Three parties are involved: borrower, lender, and trustee. When the loan is paid, the trustee files a release. Transfer on Death deeds under RSMo 461.025 let you name a beneficiary to get property at death without probate. The deed must be recorded before the owner dies. The owner keeps full control while alive and can revoke or change it at any time.
Are St. Louis County Deed Records Public
Yes. Deed records in St. Louis County are public. The Missouri Sunshine Law under RSMo Chapter 610 lets anyone inspect and copy government records. No reason needed.
The State Historical Society of Missouri has collections with St. Louis County land history and family papers. Missouri Digital Heritage provides free online access to historical records from 1777 through 1969. Both are useful for genealogy and tracing old property lines.
Cities in This County
These cities have their own pages with details on accessing deed records in their area.
Nearby Counties
Properties near a county border may have records filed in a neighboring county. Here are the counties next to this one.