Real Estate
Document Recording Requirements
In order to comply with national standards, Iowa has adopted Document Formatting Standards. Effective July 1, 2009, all documents presented for recording meet the requirements outlined in chapters 331.606A and 331.606B, Code of Iowa.
Document Formatting Standards Here
To record a document in our office, please bring it in with payment during office hours, or mail the document and payment to:
Lucas County Recorder
916 Braden Avenue
Chariton, IA 50049
Fees
- The recording fee is $7 for the first page and $5 for each additional page. For any conveyance documents, there is a transfer fee of $5 per non-contiguous parcel (up to $50).
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Transfer tax is required on property conveyances with a value over $500.00.
If no transfer tax is due, the document must include a brief explanation of the exemption, as outlined in Iowa Code Chapter 428A.2. Need help calculating your transfer tax? Use the official Iowa Transfer Tax Calculator to estimate your amount. -
Copies of documents are $0.50 per page.
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For certified copies of documents, add $5 to the copy fee.
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Any document not conforming to the Iowa Document Formatting Standards will be charged an extra $10 non-standard document fee.
Uniform Commercial Code (UCC)
The Recorder's office maintains and retrieves liens for real estate only. All other UCC filings are handled through the Iowa Secretary of State. You may contact them at 515-281-5204.
Documents of Interest
Declaration of Value Instructions (PDF)
Ground Water Hazard Instructions (PDF)
Ground Water Hazard Statement (PDF)
Accessing Records
Documents from all 99 Iowa counties are available online at Iowa Land Records.
Please Note: The Lucas County Recorder’s Office cannot provide legal advice. For questions regarding the legal implications or preparation of documents, please consult a qualified attorney.
