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The County Recorder is responsible for recording and maintaining records related to real property located in Wapello County.
Recording Fees
The fee to record a document is $12 for the first page and $5 for each additional page.
Multiple assignments or releases in a document are $7 per reference after the first.
Non-standard documents will be $10, in addition to regular recording fees.
The auditor’s transfer fee is $5 per parcel after the first.
Note that recording fees are subject to change. Please verify the information with the local recorder's office.
Document Formatting Requirements
• Each document shall consist of one or more individual pages not permanently bound or in a continuous form. Documents shall not have any attachments stapled or otherwise affixed to any page. Individual pages of a document may be stapled together for presentation for recording. Firmly attached barcodes or labels are accepted.
• All pre-printed text should be at least 8 point. 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.
• Paper should be white and of at least 20 pound weight. Black ink should be used to ensure that the document is legible and can be reproduced.
• All signatures in the document should be in dark black or blue ink. The corresponding name should be typed, printed, or stamped beneath the original signature.
• On the first page, a 3-inch top margin should be provided. This is to be left blank for the county recorder. All other margins should be a minimum of ¾ of an inch.
• Below the 3-inch top margin, the following information should be given:
o the name, address, and telephone number of the individual who prepared the document.
o the name of the taxpayer and a complete mailing address.
o a return address.
o the title of the document.
o all grantor’s names.
o all grantee’s names.
o any address required by statute.
o the legal description of the property and a parcel identification number.
o a document or instrument number for statutory requirements, if applicable.
• If insufficient space exists on the first page for this information, the page reference of the document where the information is located should be given on the first page.
• The grantor must sign the instrument and must have it properly acknowledged.
Real Estate Transfer tax is imposed on the total amount paid for the property. The current rate is $1.60 per $1,000. The first $500 is exempt. The tax is owed when the deed is presented for recording.
A Declaration of Value statement reflecting the full consideration paid in certain non-exempt real estate conveyances should be submitted to the county recorder when the deed is presented for recording.
The Declaration of Value statement does not need to be completed if a document presented for recording clearly indicates an exemption. Refer to Iowa Administrative Code 701-79-5 for more instructions. If the transaction is exempt, but the reason for exemption is not stated on the actual document presented for recording, Part I of the Declaration of Value statement must be completed. If the form is not completed accurately and correctly for nonexempt transactions by the buyer or seller (or either’s agent), the county recorder is required by law to refuse to record the document.
A transfer of property requires the completion of a Groundwater Hazard Statement. The statement is used to satisfy legal requirements for filing instruments of conveyance of real property. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources does not approve or disapprove of transfers based off the statement. One of the persons transferring the property interest must sign the statement. The form can be obtained from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources website.