St. Louis County Property Records
What Is St. Louis County Property Records
St. Louis County property records are official documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property (land and buildings) within St. Louis County, Missouri. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership and transactions throughout the county's jurisdiction. Property records in St. Louis County are maintained pursuant to Missouri Revised Statutes § 59.330, which establishes the legal framework for recording instruments affecting real estate.
The primary purposes of St. Louis County property records include:
- Establishing legal ownership and chain of title
- Providing public notice of property interests
- Protecting property rights through official documentation
- Facilitating real estate transactions
- Supporting property tax assessment and collection
The St. Louis County Recorder of Deeds is the official custodian of property records for the county. This office is responsible for recording, maintaining, and providing access to these vital documents that affect real property rights within the county boundaries.
St. Louis County Recorder of Deeds
41 South Central Avenue
Clayton, MO 63105
(314) 615-2500
St. Louis County Recorder of Deeds
Are Property Records Public Information In St. Louis County?
Property records in St. Louis County are public information and accessible to all citizens under Missouri law. The Missouri Sunshine Law, codified in Missouri Revised Statutes § 610.011, establishes that public records shall be open to the public for inspection and copying. Additionally, property recording statutes in Missouri specifically require that real estate records be maintained as public documents.
The public nature of property records is based on several important principles:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Recording statutes require public access to ensure transparency in land ownership
- Public access to property records serves the public interest by facilitating commerce and protecting property rights
- Any member of the public may access property records without demonstrating a specific interest or reason
The St. Louis County Recorder of Deeds maintains these records and makes them available through both in-person services and online platforms. While the records themselves are public, certain personal information contained within them may be subject to redaction under privacy laws.
How To Search Property Records in St. Louis County in 2026
St. Louis County offers multiple methods for searching property records. Members of the public may utilize the following procedures to access these documents:
In-Person Searches:
- Visit the St. Louis County Recorder of Deeds office during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM).
- Complete a records request form, available at the public service counter.
- Provide specific information about the property, such as address, owner name, or parcel identification number.
- Staff will assist with accessing the appropriate records.
- Pay applicable fees for copies of documents (currently $3.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page).
Online Searches:
- Navigate to the St. Louis County Recorder of Deeds official website.
- Select "Search Records" from the available options.
- Create a user account if required for detailed searches.
- Enter search criteria such as property address, owner name, document type, or recording date.
- Review search results and select documents for viewing.
- Download or request certified copies as needed (fees may apply).
Mail or Email Requests:
- Prepare a written request including specific property information.
- Include contact information and preferred delivery method.
- Send the request to the St. Louis County Recorder of Deeds office.
- Include payment for applicable fees if requesting copies.
- Allow 5-7 business days for processing.
Pursuant to Missouri Revised Statutes § 59.340, the Recorder of Deeds is required to maintain these records and make them available to the public in accordance with state law.
How To Find Property Records in St. Louis County Online?
St. Louis County maintains comprehensive online systems for accessing property records electronically. The county has invested in digital infrastructure to facilitate public access to these important documents. To find property records online, follow these steps:
- Access the St. Louis County Department of Revenue Real Estate Information Portal.
- Select the appropriate search method:
- Property Address
- Owner Name
- Locator Number (parcel ID)
- Subdivision
- Enter the required information in the search fields.
- Review the property information summary that appears.
- For detailed property records, click on the property listing to view:
- Ownership history
- Legal description
- Assessment information
- Tax status
- Recent sales data
For recorded documents such as deeds, mortgages, and liens:
- Visit the St. Louis County Recorder of Deeds Records Search.
- Select the appropriate search criteria:
- Document type
- Recording date range
- Name (grantor/grantee)
- Legal description
- Review search results and select documents to view.
- Download non-certified copies or request certified copies for an additional fee.
The St. Louis County Geographic Information System (GIS) also provides property information through their mapping portal, which includes property boundaries, zoning information, and other spatial data related to real property.
How To Look Up St. Louis County Property Records for Free?
St. Louis County provides several options for accessing property records at no cost. While certified copies and certain specialized searches may incur fees, basic property information is available without charge through the following methods:
Free Online Resources:
- The St. Louis County Department of Revenue Property Information Search provides free access to basic property information including ownership, assessed value, and tax status.
- The St. Louis County GIS Mapping Portal offers free access to property boundaries, addresses, and basic property characteristics.
- The St. Louis County Recorder of Deeds offers limited free searches through their public access portal.
Free In-Person Services:
- Visit the St. Louis County Government Center to use public terminals for property record searches at no charge:
St. Louis County Government Center
41 South Central Avenue
Clayton, MO 63105
(314) 615-5000
St. Louis County Government
- Public libraries throughout St. Louis County often provide free access to county databases, including property records. The St. Louis County Library system offers this service at many branches.
While basic searches are free, please note that printing or obtaining certified copies of documents will incur fees as established by county ordinance and state law. Current fees are set pursuant to Missouri Revised Statutes § 59.310, which authorizes the Recorder of Deeds to collect fees for services.
What's Included in a St. Louis County Property Record?
St. Louis County property records encompass a wide range of documents and information related to real property within the county. These records are maintained by multiple county offices, including the Recorder of Deeds, Assessor's Office, and Department of Revenue. The distinction between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable assets) is important, as different offices maintain these separate records.
A comprehensive St. Louis County property record typically includes:
Ownership Documents:
- Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, special warranty)
- Trustee's deeds
- Sheriff's deeds
- Tax deeds
- Beneficiary deeds
Financial Encumbrances:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Mechanics liens
- Tax liens
- Judgment liens
- Lis pendens notices
Property Characteristics:
- Legal description
- Parcel identification number
- Property address
- Lot size and dimensions
- Building specifications (square footage, number of rooms, etc.)
- Year built
- Construction details
Assessment and Taxation Information:
- Assessed value
- Market value estimates
- Tax rate information
- Payment history
- Special assessments
- Tax abatements or exemptions
Land Use Information:
- Zoning classification
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Subdivision plats
- Survey information
- Environmental restrictions
Historical Information:
- Chain of title
- Previous owners
- Sale prices and dates
- Significant improvements
- Historical designations
These records are maintained in accordance with Missouri Revised Statutes § 59.330, which establishes the requirements for recording and maintaining property records.
How Long Does St. Louis County Keep Property Records?
St. Louis County maintains property records permanently in accordance with Missouri state law and county retention policies. The permanent retention of property records is essential to establish continuous chains of title and protect property rights. The Missouri Secretary of State's Office establishes records retention schedules that county governments must follow.
Retention periods for various property-related documents include:
- Deeds and conveyances: Permanent retention
- Mortgages and deeds of trust: Permanent retention
- Plats and surveys: Permanent retention
- Liens and releases: Permanent retention
- Property tax records: Minimum 5 years after paid/closed, with permanent retention of summary information
- Building permits: Minimum 10 years after issuance
- Zoning decisions: Permanent retention
The permanent retention of property records is mandated by Missouri Revised Statutes § 109.241, which establishes the Local Records Board and authorizes the development of records retention schedules for local governments.
While original paper documents from earlier periods may have been converted to microfilm or digital formats, the information they contain is preserved permanently. The St. Louis County Recorder of Deeds has undertaken extensive digitization efforts to preserve historical property records and make them more accessible to the public.
For research involving historical property records, the St. Louis County Recorder of Deeds maintains archives dating back to the county's formation. Specialized assistance may be required for accessing very old records that may not be fully digitized.
How To Find Liens on Property In St. Louis County?
Liens on property in St. Louis County can be identified through several official channels. A lien is a legal claim against a property that must be paid when the property is sold. Finding liens is an essential step in property transactions and due diligence. The following methods are available for locating liens on St. Louis County properties:
Through the Recorder of Deeds:
- Visit the St. Louis County Recorder of Deeds office or access their online records search.
- Search by property address, owner name, or parcel identification number.
- Review the index of recorded documents for the property.
- Look specifically for documents titled:
- Tax Lien
- Mechanic's Lien
- Judgment Lien
- Notice of Federal Tax Lien
- Lis Pendens (notice of pending lawsuit)
Through the Circuit Court:
- Access the St. Louis County Circuit Court Records through Missouri CaseNet.
- Search by property owner's name.
- Review civil judgments that may have resulted in judgment liens.
Through the Collector of Revenue:
- Visit the St. Louis County Department of Revenue website.
- Search for the property by address or parcel number.
- Review tax status to identify any delinquent taxes that may constitute a lien.
Through a Title Company:
For the most comprehensive search, property owners or prospective buyers may engage a professional title company to conduct a title search, which will identify all recorded liens and encumbrances affecting the property.
St. Louis County Collector of Revenue
41 South Central Avenue
Clayton, MO 63105
(314) 615-5500
St. Louis County Department of Revenue
Liens are recorded and searchable pursuant to Missouri Revised Statutes § 429.080, which establishes requirements for filing and maintaining lien records.
What Is Property Owner Rule In St. Louis County?
The Property Owner Rule in St. Louis County refers to a set of regulations and responsibilities that govern property ownership within the county. These rules establish the legal framework for property rights, obligations, and restrictions. Key aspects of the Property Owner Rule include:
Ownership Registration Requirements:
Property owners in St. Louis County must ensure that their ownership is properly recorded with the Recorder of Deeds. This registration establishes legal title and provides public notice of ownership. Failure to record a deed may affect the priority of claims against the property.
Property Tax Obligations:
Property owners are responsible for paying property taxes as assessed by the St. Louis County Assessor and collected by the Department of Revenue. Tax bills are typically issued annually, with payments due by December 31. Failure to pay property taxes can result in:
- Penalties and interest charges
- Tax liens against the property
- Eventually, tax foreclosure and sale
Maintenance Requirements:
St. Louis County Code establishes minimum standards for property maintenance. Property owners must:
- Maintain structures in safe and sanitary condition
- Control vegetation growth
- Remove trash and debris
- Comply with zoning regulations
- Address code violations promptly
Transfer Disclosure Requirements:
When selling property in St. Louis County, owners must provide certain disclosures to potential buyers, including:
- Known material defects
- Environmental hazards
- Boundary disputes
- Flooding history
- Homeowners association information (if applicable)
Special District Assessments:
Properties within special taxing districts (such as fire districts, school districts, or community improvement districts) may be subject to additional assessments beyond standard property taxes.
These regulations are established under various Missouri statutes, including Missouri Revised Statutes § 442.380, which governs the recording of instruments affecting real estate, and local ordinances adopted by St. Louis County.
Property owners seeking specific information about their obligations should consult with the appropriate county department or seek legal advice from a qualified attorney specializing in real estate law.