Kossuth County Recorder

about THE RECORDER

As of 6/11/26 a sales condition reporting form is mandatory to accompany the DOV. (see department downloads on my page for this form)

As of 7/1/2026-a Declaration of value IS NO LONGER needed for exemptions 14, 15 & 22. (see department downloads on my page for this form)

As of 1/1/27—a Declaration of value WILL BE NEEDED for a new exemption number 23. (the form will be updated on 1/1/27 to reflect this)

The Office of the County Recorder was created by the First Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Iowa in 1839. Your County Recorder continues to maintain official records of documents affecting real estate in order to protect innocent third parties in real estate transactions.

Iowa’s County Recorders are proud of their tradition and looking forward to the future.

Responsibilities of the Kossuth County Recorder

Lands and Records Management

Deeds
Contracts
Mortgages
Assignments, Releases
Federal and State Tax Liens
Affidavits
Plats & Surveys
Section Corner Certificates
Military Service Records
Easements
Condemnations
Trade Names
Leases
28E & Drainage Agreements
Bills of Sale
Articles of Incorporation
Financing Statements

Vital Records (Available from County or State Offices)

Marriage Licenses
Birth/Death/Marriage Certificates
Certification of Vital Records

Licenses/Registrations

Boat Registrations/Titles/Liens
Snowmobile, ATV, ORV, ORM Registration/Titles/Liens
ATV Registrations
Hunting/Fishing Licenses
Fur Harvester Licenses
Habitat, Duck and Trout Stamps
Deer and Wild Turkey Applications
Landowner/Tenant Gun & Archery Permits
Various Veterans Hunting and Fishing Licenses

Passports

Assist in completing and mailing applications for passports

Other Responsibilities

Collect real estate transfer tax on conveyances of property
Perform federal and state tax lien searches and research of current records for the public
Collect and report auditor’s fee on transfer of property
Certify recorder’s records
Make records available for genealogy research
File detailed reports monthly and annually to the county and to state agencies