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The County Recorder is responsible for recording and maintaining real property records in Black Hawk County.
Recording Fees
The fee to record the first page of all documents is $7. Each additional page is $5.
An auditor’s fee of $5 per parcel for conveyances of property will apply to real property documents.
The fee shall not exceed $50 for a transfer of property on one document.
If a document releases or assigns more than one mortgage or contract, $7 is charged for each notation.
Nonstandard documents may face additional fees.
County recording fees are subject to change without notice. For the most current fees and further information, contact the local recording office directly.
Document Formatting Requirements
• Documents shall consist of one or more individual sheets of paper not permanently bound or in a continuous form. Paper should be at least 20 pound weight.
• Paper should be white, measure no larger than 8.5x14 inches and no smaller than 8.5x11 inches, and should have single-sided printing only. Attachments should not be stapled or otherwise affixed to a page except as necessary to comply with statutory requirements. Individual pages of a document may be stapled for presentation for recording. Firmly attached barcodes or labels are accepted.
• The first page should have a top margin of 3 inches. This is reserved for the recorder’s use. All other margins should be a minimum of ¾ of an inch. Non-essential information, such as page numbers or customer notations, may be placed in the margins, but not in the top margin.
• All pre-printed text should be at least 8 point in size. All other typed or computer generated text, including but not limited to all names of parties to an agreement, should be at least 10 point.
• All signatures in a document should be in dark black or blue ink. All names should be printed, typed, or stamped beneath the original signature.
• Embossed or inked stamps should not materially interfere with any part of the document.
• The grantor must sign the document. The signature must be acknowledged.
On the first page, below the 3-inch margin, the following information should be given: the name, address, and telephone number of the individual who prepared the document; the name of the taxpayer and a complete mailing address for any document of conveyance; return address; the title of the document; all grantor’s names; all grantee’s names; any address required by statute; and the legal description of the property and parcel identification number. If there is not sufficient space on the first page for all of this information, the page reference of the document where the information is contained should be given on the first page.
ADDITIONAL FORMS NEEDED
Iowa law requires that a Declaration of Value statement reflecting the full consideration paid in certain nonexempt real estate conveyances be submitted to the recorder at the time a deed, contract, instrument, or other writing is presented for recording. This form does not have to be completed for any document presented for recording that clearly states an exemption. If the contract is exempt but the reason for exemption is not stated on the actual document presented, Part I of the Declaration of Value form must be completed.
If the form is not accurate or complete, the recorder may refuse to record the document. The form, along with a list of exemptions, can be found on the Black Hawk County Recorder’s website.
The transferor of real property is required to complete a Groundwater Hazard Statement. The Department of Natural Resources does not approve or disapprove of property transfers based on the statements. This statement can be found on the Black Hawk County Recorder’s website.