Land Records and Records Management
The Cedar County Recorder’s office maintains and records official records of documents affecting title to property and miscellaneous documents. These records date back to 1838.

Most recorded documents are public record and can be viewed in-office.

• Deeds
• Contracts
• Mortgages
• Assignments, Releases
• Federal and State Tax Liens
• Affidavits
• Plats and Surveys
• Section Corner Certificates
• Military Service Records
• Easements
• Condemnations
• Trade Names
• Leases
• 28E & Drainage Agreements
• Bills of Sale
• Articles of Incorporation
• Financing Statements
• Other Numerous Documents
• The Iowa County Association of Recorders has a statewide website, titled Iowa County Land Record Information System or CLRIS.
• This website has indexing and images of recorded documents available for viewing.
• The website is found at http://iowalandrecords.org. Businesses and individuals need to register as a public user before using the website.
• The statewide Iowa County Land Record Information System (CLRIS) has the capability of accepting e-submission filings.
• These real estate documents are submitted over the Internet for official recording in a county in Iowa.
• Attorneys, real estate agents, closing agents and other authorized parties can submit documents to a website for recording.
• Go to http://iowalandrecords.org/portal for more information.

In order to comply with national standards, Iowa has adopted Document Formatting Standards. Effective July 1, 2009, all documents presented for recording (except those listed below) MUST meet the requirements outlined in chapters 331.606A and 331.606B, Code of Iowa. All documents shall consist of one or more individual pages not permanently bound or in a continuous form. A page means a writing, printing, or drawing, other than a plat of survey or a drawing related to a plat or survey, occurring on 1 side only, and not larger than 8 1/2 x 14. 

The document shall not have any attachment stapled or otherwise affixed to any page except as necessary to comply with statutory requirements. However, individual pages of a document may be stapled for presentation for recording. Labels that are firmly attached are acceptable.

The first page of each document shall have a top margin of at least 3 inches of vertical space from left to right which shall be reserved for the recorder’s use.

All other margins on the document shall be a minimum of ¾ of one inch. 

Nonessential information such as page numbers or customer notations may be placed in a margin except the top margin. All preprinted text shall be at least 8 point in size and no more than 20 characters and spaces per inch. 

All other text typed or computer generated, including but not limited to all names of parties to an agreement, shall be at least 10 point in size and no more than 16 characters and spaces per inch.

Each document shall be of sufficient legibility to produce a clear reproduction. Each document shall be on white paper of not less than 20 pound weight without watermarks or other visible inclusions.

All signatures on a document shall be in black or dark blue ink and of sufficient color and clarity to ensure that signatures are readable when the document is reproduced. All names shall be typed, printed, or stamped beneath the original signature. Embossed or inked stamps shall not cover or otherwise materially interfere with any part of the document.

Each document that is presented for recording shall have the following information on the first page below the 3 inch margin:

1.Prepared By: The name of the business, name of the individual, address and phone number

2.A return name and complete address

3.Taxpayer Info: The name and address of the taxpayer for any document of transfer

4.The title of the document

5.The names of all grantors and grantees

6.The legal description

If insufficient space exists on the first page for all of the information described in numbers 1-6 above, reference the page number where that information is located on the first page. Documents dated on or after July 1, 2007, may not include any personally identifiable information. Personally identifiable information is defined

as an individual’s Social Security number, bank account numbers, credit account numbers, or debit account numbers.

The following documents are exempt from document formatting requirements:

• A document that was signed before July 1, 2005.
• A military separation document.
• A document that was executed outside of the United States.
• A certified copy of a document issued by a governmental agency, including a vital record.
• A document where one of the original parties is deceased or otherwise incapacitated.
• A document formatted to meet court requirements.
• A federal tax lien.
• A filing under the uniform commercial code, chapter 554.
• A plat or survey or a drawing related to a plat or survey.

Non-standard Fee: On or after July 1, 2005, a document that does not conform to the document formatting standards shall not be recorded except upon payment

of an additional recording fee of $10.00 per document or instrument. However, the non-standard fee may not be applied to the following:

The legibility requirements

The requirement to include the taxpayer information on documents of conveyance

The requirement that all documents have original signatures in black or dark blue ink and the names of the parties typed below their signatures

Forms:

• Groundwater Hazard Statement Instructions
• Groundwater Hazard Statement Form
• Real Estate Transfer Declaration of Value Instructions
• Real Estate Transfer Declaration of Value Form

The Recorder’s office sells fishing, hunting, fur harvestor, deer and wild turkey licenses. Habitat, migratory bird and trout fees may be purchased as well.

Our office also has other special licenses available including:

• Lifetime Fishing License for persons with permanent severe physical or mental disabilities,
• Annual Hunting and Fishing License for low income or permanently disabled,
• Veteran Lifetime Hunting/Fishing License,
• Authorization to use Crossbow for Deer/Turkey Hunting
• Game Breeders License,
• Permit to use motor vehicle on game management areas or parks by non-ambulatory persons,
• Annual Fishing Permit for substance abuse/health care facilities or juvenile shelter care homes.

For additional hunting information visit the Iowa Department of Natural Resources at http://www.iowadnr.gov or contact the DNR in Des Moines at 515-281-8688.

Boat Registration and Title Information

The Cedar County Recorder has the responsibility of registering and titling vessels of Cedar County residents and non-residents if the vessel is principally used in Cedar County.

• Boat registrations expire on April 30th, every three years starting in 2007.
• Boat fees are based on the length of the boat.
• All boats 17 feet and longer require a title (except canoes and kayaks).

Items needed when transferring a boat:

• Bill of Sale
• Most recent registration (signature of seller required on front and backside of registration)
• Title, if applicable (signature of seller required on backside of title)
• Proof sales tax has been paid, if applicable
• Application for Registration, Title and Security Interest

State Sales Tax Information:
 

Sales of boats and other watercraft in Iowa are subject to the state sales tax of 5 percent plus local option taxes, if any. This applies to sales by Individuals, as well as, dealers. Anyone purchasing a boat from an individual should obtain a receipt that shows the cost of the boat. The buyer will then pay the sales tax on the cost

of the boat to the County Recorder. If a trailer is purchased with the boat, the 5% motor vehicle use tax is paid to the County Treasurer.

Boating Laws:
 

• For state boating law information, call the Iowa Department of Natural Resources at: (515) 281-5918 or click here to visit their website.
• For federal boating laws, call the U.S. Coast Guard’s Boating Safety Infoline at 1-800-368-5647.

Forms:

• Bill of Sale Boat
• Application for Registration, Title and Security Interest

Marriage Application
CLICK HERE FOR UPDATED MARRIAGE APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
You may apply for a Marriage License at any County Recorder’s office in Iowa as long as the ceremony is performed in Iowa. Marriage Applications are accepted in Cedar County between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 3:30 P.M.

To apply for a Marriage License in the Recorder’s Office:

Party A, Party B, and one witness (must be 18 years or older) must appear in person, All three must present photo identification (driver’s license or government issued ID), $35.00 fee includes a certified copy of the Marriage Certificate. There is a 3-day waiting period before the License is valid and the actual marriage may occur.

Once the marriage has been performed and the Certificate of Marriage has been returned to the Recorder’s office and placed on record, a total of one (1)

certified copy will be mailed to the applicants. Either Party may use this certified copy for a name change on social security and driver’s license, etc. Notarized marriage applications (see revised instructions on this page) may be mailed to our office and your marriage packet will be returned to you via mail.

License can be used anywhere in Iowa.

Forms:

• State of Iowa Marriage License Instructions (revised April 2009)
• Application for Marriage License in Iowa (revised April 2009)

Passport Information and Application

The Cedar County Recorder’s Office is a passport acceptance agent for the US Department of State Federal Passport Agency.

The friendly and knowledgeable staff at the Recorder’s office can assist U.S. citizens, who meet the passport application requirements, with obtaining a U.S. Passport Book or Passport Card. The passport application is available in our office or may be accessed by Clicking here.

Items needed to apply for a Passport Book or Passport Card:

1. Passport application – print legibly in black ink. DO NOT sign until the application is presented to the accepting agent.

2. Two identical passport photos – available at the Cedar County Recorder’s Office.

(Please DO NOT wear a White or Light Colored Shirt or a Uniform, clothing that looks like a uniform, Camouflage or attire with a logo when having your photos taken)

3. A certified copy of your birth certificate and/or previous passport. The birth certificate must be issued from the state or the county, NOT the hospital.

4. Driver’s license or other government issued photo ID.

5.Two checks for each application. Money orders are acceptable. We do not accept debit or credit cards.

6. Each person applying for a passport must present themselves to the acceptance agent, including children.

7. Parental consent is needed for minor children: If applicant is 16 or 17:

a. Applicant must appear in person, sign application and show driver’s license.

b.Parental consent is required by at least one parent appearing in person with their driver’s license. If applicant is UNDER 16: 

a. Applicant must appear in person.

b.Parental consent is required by BOTH parents appearing in person with their driver’s license.

Ask for details if one of the parents is unable to appear in person.

Passport applications are accepted in the Cedar County, Iowa Recorder's Office

Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 A.M. to 3:15 P.M.
For more information call the Recorder's Office at (563) 886-2230.

Passport Applications are accepted by appointment only. Please call (563)886-2230 to set up your appointment. Thank you!

Passport Information and Application (Cannot use credit card for U.S. Dept of State, Expedite and Express Mail payment) MasterCard and Visa are now accepted in our office. Debit cards with MasterCard or Visa Card logo are processed as credit cards. A non-refundable Service Delivery Fee will be applied to your total.