Clark County, Missouri Recorder of Deeds

The Recorder of Deeds issues marriage licenses and records real estate transfers, deeds of trust, power of attorney, survey, tax liens and military discharges. Our records date back to 1836 and copies can be made for a normal fee. For specific questions regarding fees or recording guidelines please feel free to call the office.

electronically recorded documents

Features Include:

  • Easy set up
  • No software to install
  • No maintenance fees
  • Greater document security
  • Secure payment of county fees
  • Supports the majority of document types
  • Rapid turnaround of rejected documents
  • Complete reporting/audit trail

Clark County is offering online searches.
To view content a login is required. If you would like more information about these services, please contact:
iCounty Technologies, LLC
816-295-1540
Dave Mudd: dave.mudd@icounty.com
Lisa Norris: lisa.norris@icounty.com

Fee Schedule

Real Estate
Standard Documents – First Page – $24
$3 for each additional page thereafter
(Page defined as 8 1⁄2 × 11 inches)

Non-Standard Documents – First Page – $49
$3 for each additional page thereafter

UCC Fixture Filings – First Page – $24*
*on approved forms with required addendum
$3 for each additional page thereafter

Plats
18 1⁄2 × 24 inches – First Page – $44
$25 for each additional page thereafter

24 × 36 inches – First Page – $69
$50 for each additional page thereafter

Surveys
18 × 24 inches – First Page – $24
$5 for each additional page thereafter

24 × 36 inches – First Page – $29
$10 for each additional page thereafter

Standardization Summary

Requirements For Standard Documents Size and Ink

  • 8 1/2" x 11" paper
  • White, light-colored, 20# paper without watermarks or logos.
  • Printed in black or dark ink on one side only
  • No continuous forms or permanent binding, but documents may be stapled for presentation
  • Minimum 8-point type (Note: nonessential information within any margin is exempt from this requirement)
  • Signatures must be in black or dark ink to insure reproduction from record
  • All signatures must have the name typed, stamped or printed underneath

Attachments

Attachments to a page may not be stapled or taped other than a securely attached bar-coded label or than as required by law. (Note: "attachment" does not refer to an exhibit, but additions to a document page.)

Margins

  • Top 3" vertical space of the first page only of each document is designated for the Recorder’s
    certification. All Recorder’s certificates will be placed in this area.
  • All other margins on the first and subsequent pages will be a minimum of 3/4".
  • Nonessential information contained with the margins does not have to comply with the 8-point requirement, but it should be noted that the Recorder is not liable or responsible for ensuring that nonessential information is archived. Examples: page numbers, form numbers, return addresses, etc.

First Page Designation

Every document (except plats and surveys) containing any of the following items shall have such information on the first page of the document below the 3" margin:

  1. Title of the document
  2. Date of the document
  3. All grantors' names
  4. All grantees' names
  5. Any statutory addresses
  6. Legal description
  7. Reference book and pages if required

If there is not sufficient room on the first page, the page reference within the document where the information is set out shall be stated on the first page. If one of the required fields begins on the first page and continues uninterrupted to subsequent pages, that meets the first page requirement.

Designations

  1. Grantors and grantees must be designated in order to be indexed. There is no limit as to combinations or exclusions, but must include the words "grantor" or "grantee". Note: It is the filer's or preparer's responsibility to make the designations.
  2. Statutory addresses must be designated, i.e. "Grantee's Mailing Address'...
  3. The address of the property shall not be accepted as a legal description.
  4. Book and page references required on certain documents, i.e. release deeds, assignments, etc. must be designated.

Cover Pages

A cover page for the document is not required, but a filer may choose to present a cover page and it will be recorded as the first page of the document. The cover page must have the top 3" margin and
include first page designations.

If a document is presented for re-recording, in addition to all other requirements, there must be a new first page or cover sheet with the top 3" and the required first page designations.

EXEMPT DOCUMENTS FROM THE FORMATTING REQUIREMENTS

  • Documents signed prior to January 1, 2002
  • Military separation papers
  • Documents executed outside the United States
  • Certified copies of documents, including birth and death certificates
  • Any document where one of the original parties is deceased or incapacitated
  • Judgments or other documents formatted to meet court requirements
  • Fixture filings on the National Approved UCC Forms

Fees

  • Standard – Documents that meet both the statutory requirements and formatting standards will have only the per page recording fee schedule applied.
  • Non-Standard – Documents that meet the statutory requirements, but do not meet the formatting standards will have the per page recording fee plus an additional $25 per document penalty applied.
  • Exempt – Documents that meet the statutory requirements, but are exempt from the formatting standards will have only the per page recording fee schedule applied. Note: For a document that releases or assigns more than one item, there is a $5 per each additional item charge.

Rejections

All documents that are rejected must be returned with a reason for rejection. The Recorders Association will develop a standard rejection form that can be used or adapted by any filing officer.

Marriage License

Guidelines

  1. Senate Bill 655, which was passed by the Missouri Legislature and signed into law, prohibits marriage licenses from being issued if either party is under 16 years of age. Additionally, the legislation bars the marriage of individuals 21 or older anyone under age 18. Parental consent will still be required for minors to marry someone under age 21.
  2. All marriage license applicants will be required to provide proof of age to the Recorder of Deeds through a certified copy of their birth certificate, passport, or other government issued identification. The Recorder will document this proof of age.
  3. The applicants cannot be related through and including first cousins.

Requirements

  1. Both individuals must be present at the time of the application.*
  2. Proof of identification and age (a valid driver’s license or Government-issued form of identification) must be provided at the time of the application.
  3. The Social Security Number of each individual must be provided (the actual Social Security Card is not necessary).
  4. The application must be used within 30 days after issuance (see below for more information).

*If either party is unable to appear in the Recorder’s Office to apply, due to military service, ADA qualifying disability, or incarceration, an Affidavit of Absent Applicant may be provided.

Fees (Cash or Check Only)
Marriage License – $55
Certified Copy – $9
Military Certified Copy – Free

Return or Record the Marriage License

  1. The person performing the ceremony must complete the license at the ceremony.
  2. The completed license MUST be returned to the Recorder of Deeds office within 15 days of the ceremony.
  3. TIP: Most newlyweds prefer to return their completed license themselves. This ensures that the license is recorded within the required time frame and provides the applicant with the opportunity to purchase the needed certified copy.

Lost or Unused Marriage License

  1. The ceremony must be completed within 30 days after the application leaves the Recorder of Deeds office.
  2. If the license is lost, destroyed, or not used, the applicant MUST return to the Recorder of Deeds office to complete an affidavit.

Consumer Notice

After your ceremony, if you are contacted by a business offering government services for a fee, such as name changes for social security purposes, please contact the government agency regarding the procedures. Dealing directly with the government offices generally will not involve any cost.

Contact Us

Melissa Bevans, Recorder of Deeds

111 E. Court Street, Ste 130
Kahoka, MO  63445-1268
660-727-8261

fax 660-727-8279

recorder@clarkcountymo.org