Mo. Rev. Stat. ch. 59

Mo. Rev. Stat. ch. 59
in effect

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.003 Requests for records dated after December 31, 1969 to be made at original ...

59.003. Requests for records dated after December 31, 1969 to be made at original recorder's office. — All requests for records filed or recorded by the recorder of deeds under this chapter dated after December 31, 1969, shall be made to the office of the recorder of deeds in which the record was originally recorded. (L. 2010 H.B. 1643)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.005 Definitions.

59.005. Definitions. — As used in this chapter, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the following terms mean: (1) "Copying" or "reproducing" , any recorded instrument or document, the act of making a single reproduction in any medium of a recorded document or instrument; (2) "Document" or "instrument" , any writing or drawing presented to the recorder of deeds for recording; (3) "Duplicate" , copies, copies requested concurrently with, but in excess of one reproduction in any medium of a recorded instrument or document or collection thereof; (4) "File" , "filed" or "filing" , the act of delivering or transmitting a document to the recorder of deeds for recording into the official public record; (5) "Grantor" or "grantee" , the names of the parties involved in the transaction used to create the recording index; (6) "Legal description" includes but is not limited to the lot or parts thereof, block, plat or replat number, plat book and page and the name of any recorded plat or a metes and bounds description with acreage, if stated in the description, or the quarter/quarter section, and the section, township and range of property, or any combination thereof. The address of the property shall not be accepted as legal description; (7) "Legible" , all text, seals, drawings, signatures or other content within the document must be capable of producing a clear and readable image from record, regardless of the process used for recording; (8) "Page" , any writing, printing or drawing printed on one side only covering all or part of the page, not larger than eight and one-half inches in width and eleven inches in height for pages other than a plat or survey; (9) "Record" , "recorded" or "recording" , the recording of a document into the official public record, regardless of the process used; (10) "Recorder of deeds" , the separate recorder of deeds in those counties where separate from the circuit clerk and the circuit clerk and ex officio recorder of deeds in those counties where the offices are combined. (L. 2001 H.B. 606 merged with S.B. 288 merged with S.B. 515, A.L. 2005 H.B. 58 merged with S.B. 210)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.010 Office created.

59.010. Office created. — There shall be an office of recorder in each county in the state to be styled "The Office of the Recorder of Deeds". (RSMo 1939 § 13147, A.L. 1941 p. 524, A.L. 1945 p. 1424) Prior revisions: 1929 § 11526; 1919 § 10551; 1909 § 10364

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.020 Election - term of office (first, second and third class counties).

59.020. Election — term of office (first, second and third class counties). — In all counties of the first and second classes, and in counties of the third class where the offices of clerk of the circuit court and recorder of deeds are separate, the qualified electors thereof, in the November election in the year 1946 and every four years thereafter, shall elect some suitable person as recorder who shall hold office for four years and until his successor is elected, commissioned, and qualified. He shall enter upon the duties of his office on the first day of January next following the election. (RSMo 1939 § 13155, L. 1945 p. 1424 § 13147a, A.L. 1959 S.B. 70) Prior revisions: 1929 § 11541; 1919 § 10566; 1909 § 10379

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.021 Qualifications when offices of clerk of the court and recorder of deeds are ...

59.021. Qualifications when offices of clerk of the court and recorder of deeds are separate. — A candidate for county recorder where the offices of the clerk of the court and recorder of deeds are separate, except in any city not within a county or any county having a charter form of government, shall be at least twenty-one years of age, a registered voter, and a resident of the state of Missouri as well as the county in which he or she is a candidate for at least one year prior to the date of the general election. Upon election to office, the person shall continue to reside in that county during his or her tenure in office. Each candidate for county recorder shall provide to the election authority a copy of an affidavit from a surety company authorized to do business in this state that indicates the candidate is able to satisfy the bond requirements under section 59.100 . (L. 2011 H.B. 186, A.L. 2021 H.B. 271)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.022 Vacancy when offices of clerk of the court and recorder of deeds are ...

59.022. Vacancy when offices of clerk of the court and recorder of deeds are separate, how filled. — In the event of a vacancy caused by death or resignation in the office of county recorder where the offices of the clerk of the court and recorder of deeds are separate, except in any city not within a county or any county with a charter form of government, the county commission shall appoint a deputy recorder or a qualified person to serve as an interim recorder of deeds until the unexpired term is filled under section 105.030 . (L. 2011 H.B. 186)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.041 Separation of offices of circuit clerk and recorder of deeds (certain ...

59.041. Separation of offices of circuit clerk and recorder of deeds (certain second class counties) — office to be placed on ballot, when. — 1. Notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter or chapter 478 , or any other provision of law in conflict with the provisions of this section, in any county which becomes a county of the second class after September 28, 1987, and wherein the offices of circuit clerk and recorder of deeds are combined, such combination shall continue until the governing body of the county authorizes the separation of the offices as provided in section 59.042 . 2. Each county in which the circuit clerk ex officio recorder of deeds was appointed to office before August 28, 2003, shall place the office on the ballot at the general election in November, 2006, and the person elected at the general election shall be the circuit clerk ex officio recorder of deeds of the county until a successor is elected and qualified pursuant to section 483.015 . The person in such office on August 28, 2003, shall continue to hold office until a successor is elected and qualified pursuant to this subsection unless sooner removed. In the event that the county separates the offices of circuit clerk and recorder of deeds before the general election in November, 2006, the person in office at the time of the separation shall continue to perform the duties of the offices until a successor is elected and qualified for each office pursuant to this section, section 59.020 , and section 483.015 , unless sooner removed. (L. 1987 S.B. 65, et al., A.L. 2001 S.B. 288, A.L. 2003 S.B. 186)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.042 Vote required to separate offices of circuit court clerk and recorder of ...

59.042. Vote required to separate offices of circuit court clerk and recorder of deeds, when. — In any county where the offices of clerk of the circuit court and the recorder of deeds are combined, the governing body of said county, by public vote, may authorize the separation of the two offices. In all counties where the offices are separated after August 28, 2003, the qualified voters shall elect a separate recorder of deeds at the next general election. Thereafter, the recorder of deeds shall be elected pursuant to section 59.020 . (L. 2001 S.B. 288, A.L. 2003 S.B. 186)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.043 Circuit court clerk elected, when.

59.043. Circuit court clerk elected, when. — In all counties where the recorder of deeds and the clerk of the circuit court are separated after December 31, 2003, in the next November general election, and every four years thereafter, the qualified voters of such county shall elect some suitable person as circuit court clerk who shall hold office for four years until a successor is elected, commissioned and qualified. Such person shall enter upon the duties of office on the first day of January next following the election. (L. 2001 S.B. 288) Effective 7-01-01

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.044 Certain recorders to be paid statutory compensation.

59.044. Certain recorders to be paid statutory compensation. — In any county, except counties with a charter form of government, counties of the first classification, and any city not within a county, where the recorder of deeds is separate from that of the clerk of the circuit court, each recorder of deeds shall be paid the statutory compensation provided for by sections 50.333 and 50.334 . (L. 2005 H.B. 58 merged with S.B. 210)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.080 Failure to give bond - penalty.

59.080. Failure to give bond — penalty. — No recorder shall enter upon or officiate in his office before he has given such security, upon pain of forfeiting the sum of three hundred dollars, one-half to the county and the other half to him who shall sue for the same, to be recovered by civil action. (RSMo 1939 § 13152) Prior revisions: 1929 § 11531; 1919 § 10556; 1909 § 10369

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.090 Circuit clerk to be ex officio recorder, exceptions (fourth class counties).

59.090. Circuit clerk to be ex officio recorder, exceptions (fourth class counties). — 1. In all counties of the fourth class, the clerks of the circuit court shall be ex officio recorder for their respective counties, unless the governing body of such county has separated the two offices pursuant to sections 59.042 and 59.043 . 2. With respect to any county that elects to separate the offices of clerk of the circuit court and recorder of deeds, all references in statutes to the "circuit clerk ex officio recorder of deeds" shall be deemed, after the separation, to refer to either the circuit clerk or the recorder of deeds, as appropriate in the context of the reference. (RSMo 1939 § 13149, A.L. 1945 p. 1424 § 13147b, A.L. 2001 S.B. 288) Prior revisions: 1929 § 11528; 1919 § 10553; 1909 § 10366 Effective 7-01-01

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.100 Bond.

59.100. Bond. — 1. Every recorder elected as provided in section 59.020 , before entering upon the duties of the office as recorder, shall enter into bond to the state, in a sum set by the county commission, with sufficient sureties, not less than two , to be approved by the commission, conditioned for the faithful performance of the duties enjoined on such person by law as recorder, and for the delivering up of the records, books, papers, writings, seals, furniture and apparatus belonging to the office, whole, safe and undefaced, to such officer's successor. 2. For a recorder elected after December 31, 2021, the bond shall be no less than five thousand dollars. For a recorder elected before January 1, 2022, the bond shall be no less than one thousand dollars. (RSMo 1939 §§ 13150, 13155, A.L. 1959 S.B. 70, A.L. 1994 H.B. 1528, A.L. 2001 S.B. 288, A.L. 2021 H.B. 271) Prior revisions: 1929 § 11529; 1919 § 10554; 1909 § 10367 CROSS REFERENCE: Sureties on bonds of county officers, qualifications, 107.010 to 107.070

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.110 Bond of clerk - deposited, recorded (fourth class counties).

59.110. Bond of clerk — deposited, recorded (fourth class counties). — Such bonds shall be deposited in the office of the secretary of state, and by him recorded. (RSMo 1939 § 13151) Prior revisions: 1929 § 11530; 1919 § 10555; 1909 § 10368

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.120 Place of office - record books.

59.120. Place of office — record books. — The recorder shall keep his office at the seat of justice, and the county commission shall provide the same with suitable books, in which the recorder shall record all instruments of writing authorized and required to be recorded. If there is no courthouse or other suitable county building at the seat of justice, the county commission shall provide an office for the recorder at any other place in the county where there is a courthouse and courts of record are held. (RSMo 1939 § 13148) Prior revisions: 1929 § 11527; 1919 § 10552; 1909 § 10365

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.130 Seal.

59.130. Seal. — Every recorder of deeds shall have a seal of office, and shall have power to take the acknowledgment of proof of deeds and instruments of writing. (RSMo 1939 § 13180, A.L. 2001 S.B. 288) Prior revisions: 1929 § 11561; 1919 § 10584; 1909 § 10397 Effective 7-01-01

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.140 Seal used by ex officio recorder.

59.140. Seal used by ex officio recorder. — When the clerk of the circuit court is ex officio recorder of the county, he shall use the seal of said court in all cases in which his official seal is to be affixed. (RSMo 1939 § 13153) Prior revisions: 1929 § 11532; 1919 § 10557; 1909 § 10370

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.150 Administration of oaths.

59.150. Administration of oaths. — Hereafter whenever, under any law of this state relating to the duties of the recorder of deeds in any county of this state, it becomes necessary for any person to be sworn to any statement, affidavit or other papers of any kind, the recorder of deeds shall be authorized to administer an oath to any person in matters relating to the duties of his office, with like effect as clerks of courts of record; provided, he use his seal of office to the jurat, as clerks of courts of record do. He shall receive the same compensation allowed by law for like service as clerks of courts are now allowed. (RSMo 1939 § 13181) Prior revisions: 1929 § 11562; 1919 § 10585; 1909 § 10398

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.160 Office hours, cities of 300,000 or more population.

59.160. Office hours, cities of 300,000 or more population. — It shall hereafter be the duty of recorders of deeds, in cities which now have, or may hereafter have, a population of three hundred thousand inhabitants or over to keep their offices open for the transaction of business between the hours of nine o'clock in the morning and five o'clock in the afternoon Monday through Friday, except on days which are now or which may be hereafter declared public holidays by the laws of this state. (RSMo 1939 § 7745, A.L. 1990 H.B. 1716) Prior revisions: 1929 § 7597; 1909 § 9007

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.163 Instruments where recorded or filed in counties of first class having two ...

59.163. Instruments where recorded or filed in counties of first class having two recording offices. — In any county of the first class in which the recorder of deeds is required by law to keep offices both at the county seat and at another place within the county, all deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, and other instruments affecting real property situated in that range in the county where the office outside of the county seat is located shall be recorded in such office and not at the county seat; and the proper place to file, or to file for record if goods are or are to become fixtures, is as follows: (1) When the collateral is goods which at the time the security interest attaches are or are to become fixtures, and the land to which the fixtures are or are to be attached is located in that range where the office outside the county seat is located, then in such office outside the county seat, and any such filing shall be for record; (2) In all other cases where the proper place, or one of the proper places, to file or to file for record is in the office of the recorder of deeds of such county, then only in such office at the county seat and not in such office outside the county seat; (3) All financing statements or other instruments or statements incidental thereto, such as continuation statements, termination statements, statements of assignment, in order to perfect, continue, terminate, assign, release, or affect a security interest in accordance with article 9, chapter 400 , the uniform commercial code, shall have priority over liens filed under this section for the time period after June 30, 2001, and before August 28, 2003. (L. 1957 p. 347 § 1, A.L. 1965 pp. 114, 170, A.L. 1969 H.B. 677, A.L. 2003 H.B. 221 merged with S.B. 346)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.167 Abstract of instruments in branch offices not required to be kept (first ...

59.167. Abstract of instruments in branch offices not required to be kept (first class counties). — Any recorder of deeds of a county of the first class who is required by law to keep an office at the county seat and also at another place within his county is not required to make or keep at his office at the county seat any abstract or index of instruments or papers recorded or filed in the office outside of the county seat and no such abstract or index of instruments recorded at the county seat is required to be made or kept at the office outside of the county seat, any other provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding. (L. 1957 p. 347 § 2)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.170 Branch of Jackson County recorder's office in Kansas City - recording of ...

59.170. Branch of Jackson County recorder's office in Kansas City — recording of documents at county seat of Jackson County permitted. — The recorder of deeds for Jackson County, Missouri, shall open an office at Kansas City, in which may be recorded deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages and other instruments affecting real property situated in that county, and in which may be filed or filed for record all financing statements and other instruments or statements incidental thereto affecting personal property, fixtures, or other collateral. Deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, and other instruments affecting real property, and financing statements and other instruments incidental thereto affecting personal property, fixtures, or other collateral may also be recorded or filed for record at the recorder's office located at the county seat of any county with a charter form of government and with more than six hundred thousand but fewer than seven hundred thousand inhabitants. (RSMo 1939 § 15662, A.L. 1965 p. 170, A.L. 1969 H.B. 677, A.L. 2006 H.B. 1707)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.180 County commission to provide office and supplies.

59.180. County commission to provide office and supplies. — It shall be the duty of the county commission to furnish a suitable room in which the office shall be kept, and to furnish all fuel, books, stationery, and supplies required in and about the office, and all deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, and other instruments affecting real property situated in range thirty-three, or fixtures attached or to be attached thereto, shall be recorded in a well-bound book or books, to be kept at the office in Kansas City. (RSMo 1939 § 15663, A.L. 1965 p. 170, A.L. 1969 H.B. 677)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.200 Recorder or deputy prohibited from making abstracts of title - penalty.

59.200. Recorder or deputy prohibited from making abstracts of title — penalty. — Every recorder of deeds or the deputy of any such officer, who shall engage in the business of making abstracts of instruments of record in his office affecting the title to lands, for profit or hire, or who shall furnish to any person or persons any written extract, excerpt, memoranda or copy of any such instrument of record, for profit or hire, otherwise than under and in pursuance of the statutes defining his duties as such officer and in his official capacity, duly authenticating each extract, excerpt, memoranda or copy of every such instrument so furnished under the seal of his office, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not less than twenty nor more than fifty dollars. (RSMo 1939 § 13189) Prior revisions: 1929 § 11570; 1919 § 10593

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.210 Accounts audited and settled by county commission.

59.210. Accounts audited and settled by county commission. — It shall be the duty of the county commission to audit and settle the accounts of recorders for books purchased for the use of their offices, and allow, in their discretion, such sums as shall be reasonable, to be paid out of the county treasury. (RSMo 1939 § 13186) Prior revisions: 1929 § 11567; 1919 § 10590; 1909 § 10403

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.220 Compensation of recorder of deeds (St. Louis City).

59.220. Compensation of recorder of deeds (St. Louis City). — Beginning January 1, 1998, in the City of St. Louis, the recorder of deeds shall receive as total compensation an annual salary of fifty-eight thousand three hundred dollars and beginning January 1, 1999, in the City of St. Louis, the recorder of deeds shall receive as total compensation an annual salary of sixty-four thousand one hundred thirty dollars. Thereafter, the compensation of the recorder of deeds of the City of St. Louis may be annually increased by an amount equal to the annual salary adjustment for employees of the City of St. Louis as approved by the board of alderman of said city. (L. 1945 p. 574 §§ 2, 3, A. 1949 H.B. 2017, A.L. 1957 p. 322, A.L. 1973 H.B. 685, A.L. 1978 S.B. 775, A.L. 1987 S.B. 65, et al., A.L. 1997 S.B. 11, A.L. 1998 H.B. 1480)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.227 Fees, record of and disposition of (certain first class counties).

59.227. Fees, record of and disposition of (certain first class counties). — The recorder of deeds in counties of the first class not having a charter form of government shall keep a full, true and faithful account of all fees of every kind received and shall make a report thereof at the end of each year to the county commission. All fees, charges and moneys collected or received by the recorder of deeds shall be paid by him into the county treasury. (L. 1973 H.B. 685)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.230 Fees received - reports - deposited where (second class counties).

59.230. Fees received — reports — deposited where (second class counties). — The recorder of deeds in counties of the second class shall keep a full, true and faithful account of all fees of every kind received and shall make a report thereof every year to the county commission. All fees received by him each year of his official term shall be paid by him into the county treasury, to form a part of the jury fund of the county, except that whenever there is in the county treasury to the credit of the jury fund six thousand dollars or more, the aforementioned fees received by the recorder of deeds shall be paid into the county treasury to the credit of the general revenue fund. (L. 1945 p. 1560 § 1, A.L. 1951 p. 381, A.L. 1959 S.B. 196, A.L. 1967 p. 137)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.240 Fees to be collected - affidavit required - report, contents of (second ...

59.240. Fees to be collected — affidavit required — report, contents of (second class and certain first class counties). — The recorder of deeds of each county of the first class not having a charter form of government and of each county of the second class shall charge, receive and collect in all cases every fee, charge, or money due his office by law. He shall also, when he makes and files the report required by section 59.227 or by section 59.230 at the end of each year of his official term, verify the same by affidavit, and the report shall show the source and amount of every fee or charge collected. All fees, charges and moneys collected by the recorder of deeds shall be the property of the county. (L. 1945 p. 1560 § 2, A.L. 1967 p. 137, A.L. 1973 H.B. 685)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.245 Record of conveyances to county assessor (second class and certain first ...

59.245. Record of conveyances to county assessor (second class and certain first class counties). — In all counties of the first class not having a charter form of government and in all counties of the second class, the recorder of deeds shall furnish the county assessor, upon the recording of conveyances of real estate, the legal descriptions and the names and addresses of the grantees of the property conveyed for the purpose of maintaining current tax lists and for properly sending out annual tax statements. (L. 1951 p. 381 § 59.241, A.L. 1967 p. 137, A.L. 1973 H.B. 685, A.L. 1990 H.B. 1327)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.250 Accounting of fees collected - annual report - moneys collected property of ...

59.250. Accounting of fees collected — annual report — moneys collected property of county. — 1. The recorder of deeds in counties wherein there is a separate circuit clerk and recorder, shall keep a full, true and faithful account of all fees of every kind received. The recorder shall make a report thereof each year to the county commission. 2. It shall be the duty of the recorder of deeds to charge, receive and collect in all cases every fee, charge or money due the recorder's office by law. The recorder of deeds shall also, when he or she makes and files the report required by this section at the end of each year of his or her official term, verify such report by affidavit, and the report shall show the source and amount of every fee or charge collected. All fees, charges and moneys collected by the recorder of deeds shall be the property of the county. Every recorder of deeds shall be liable on his or her official bond for all fees collected and not accounted for by him or her and paid into the county treasury as provided by this section. (L. 1945 p. 1526 § 1, A.L. 1953 p. 372, A.L. 1965 p. 172, A.L. 1969 H.B. 119, A.L. 2001 S.B. 288) Effective 7-01-01

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.255 Marginal release of deeds of trust book kept, certain counties.

59.255. Marginal release of deeds of trust book kept, certain counties. — The recorder of deeds in each county wherein the offices of circuit clerk and recorder of deeds are separate and the circuit clerk and ex officio recorder of deeds in each county wherein the offices are combined shall keep in his or her office a record known as the "Marginal Release of Deeds of Trust" in which was recorded, at the time of the execution of a marginal release of a deed of trust, executed prior to August 28, 1991, the names of the grantors and grantees, the book and page of release, the date of release and to whom delivered. (L. 1959 S.B. 171 § 1, A.L. 1965 p. 172, A.L. 2001 S.B. 288) Effective 7-01-01

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.257 Deputy recorders - appointment - qualifications - certain counties.

59.257. Deputy recorders — appointment — qualifications — certain counties. — The recorder of deeds in counties wherein there is a separate circuit clerk and recorder is entitled to appoint the deputies that the recorder of deeds, with the approval of the county commission, deems necessary for the prompt and proper discharge of the duties of his office. The deputies shall possess the same qualifications as the recorder and may, in the name of their principal, perform the duties of the recorder of deeds, but all recorders of deeds and their sureties are responsible for the official conduct of their deputies. The deputies appointed pursuant to this section shall receive the salaries that are fixed by the recorder of deeds, with the approval of the county commission, from the general revenue of the county. The appointment of every deputy shall be in writing, endorsed with an oath of office similar to that taken by the recorder of deeds and subscribed to by the deputy appointed, and filed by the recorder with the county commission. (L. 1969 H.B. 119, A.L. 2001 S.B. 288) Effective 7-01-01

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.260 Circuit clerk to collect and report fees as recorder, when.

59.260. Circuit clerk to collect and report fees as recorder, when. — It shall be the duty of the circuit clerk and recorder of counties wherein the offices are combined to charge and collect for the county in all cases every fee accruing to his or her office as recorder of the county to which he or she may be entitled under the law, and shall at the end of each month, file with the county clerk a report of all fees charged and accruing to his office during such month, together with the names of persons paying such fees. It shall be the duty of the circuit clerk and recorder, upon the filing of said report, to forthwith pay over to the county treasurer all moneys that shall have been collected by him or her as recorder during the month and required to be shown in such monthly report as herein provided, taking duplicate receipts therefor, one of which shall be filed with the county clerk; and every such circuit clerk and recorder shall be liable on his or her official bond for all fees collected and not accounted for by him or her, and paid into the county treasury as herein provided. (L. 1945 p. 1529 § 3, L. 1945 p. 1532 § 3, A.L. 1949 H.B. 2017, A.L. 2001 S.B. 288) Effective 7-01-01

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.270 Deputies - compensation (certain first class counties).

59.270. Deputies — compensation (certain first class counties). — The recorder of deeds of all counties of the first class not having a charter form of government shall appoint such assistants and deputies as he deems necessary for the proper discharge of the duties of his office, and may set their compensation within the limits of the allocations made for that purpose by the county commission. The compensation for the assistants and deputies shall be paid in equal installments out of the county treasury in the same manner as other county employees are paid. (RSMo 1939 § 13466, A.L. 1945 p. 1566 § 13135, A.L. 1947 V. I p. 520, A. 1949 H.B. 2017, A.L. 1951 p. 388, A.L. 1955 p. 354, A.L. 1959 S.B. 70, A.L. 1961 p. 267, A.L. 1971 H.B. 484, A.L. 1973 H.B. 685) Prior revisions: 1929 § 11834; 1919 § 11042; 1909 § 10738

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.290 Deputies - appointment - qualifications - compensation (second class counties).

59.290. Deputies — appointment — qualifications — compensation (second class counties). — The recorder of deeds, in counties of the second class, is entitled to appoint the deputies that the recorder of deeds, with the approval of the county commission, deems necessary for the prompt and proper discharge of the duties of his office. The deputies shall possess the qualifications of clerks of courts of record, and may, in the name of their principal, perform the duties of the recorder of deeds, but all recorders of deeds and their sureties are responsible for the official conduct of their deputies. The deputies, appointed as herein provided, shall receive the salaries that are fixed by the recorder of deeds, with the approval of the county commission. The appointment of every deputy shall be in writing, endorsed with an oath of office, similar to that taken by the recorder and subscribed to by the deputy appointed, and filed by the recorder of deeds with the county commission. (L. 1945 p. 1560 § 3, A.L. 1959 S.B. 70)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.300 Deputies, counties wherein clerk is ex officio recorder - appointment - ...

59.300. Deputies, counties wherein clerk is ex officio recorder — appointment — qualifications. — The circuit clerk and recorder in counties wherein the offices are combined, as recorder of the county, may appoint in writing one or more deputies, to be approved by the circuit judge of the circuit court, which appointment with the like oath of office as their principals, to be taken by them and endorsed thereon shall be filed in the office of the county clerk. Such deputy recorders shall possess the qualifications of clerks of courts of record, and may, in the name of their principals, perform the duties of recorders of deeds, but all circuit clerks and recorders and their sureties shall be responsible for the official conduct of their deputies. (RSMo 1939 § 13160, A.L. 1945 p. 1529 § 6, A.L. 1945 p. 1532 § 6, A. 1949 H.B. 2017, A.L. 1978 H.B. 1634, A.L. 2001 S.B. 288) Prior revisions: 1929 § 11542; 1919 § 10567; 1909 § 10380 Effective 7-01-01

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.310 Documents for recording - page, defined - size of type or print - signature ...

*59.310. Documents for recording — page, defined — size of type or print — signature requirements — recorder's fee. — 1. The county recorder of deeds may refuse any document presented for recording that does not meet the following requirements: (1) The document shall consist of one or more individual pages printed only on one side and not permanently bound nor in a continuous form. The document shall not have any attachment stapled or otherwise affixed to any page except as necessary to comply with statutory requirements, provided that a document may be stapled together for presentation for recording; a label that is firmly attached with a bar code or return address may be accepted for recording; (2) The size of print or type shall not be smaller than eight-point type and shall be in black or dark ink. Should any document presented for recording contain type smaller than eight-point type, such document shall be accompanied by an exact typewritten copy not smaller than eight-point type to be recorded contemporaneously as additional pages of the document; (3) The document must be of sufficient legibility to produce a clear and legible reproduction thereof. Should any document not be of sufficient legibility to produce a clear and legible reproduction, such document shall be accompanied by an exact typewritten copy not smaller than eight-point type to be recorded contemporaneously as additional pages of the document; (4) The document shall be on white or light-colored paper of not less than twenty-pound weight without watermarks or other visible inclusions, except for plats and surveys, which may be on materials such as Mylar or velum. All text within the document shall be of sufficient color and clarity to ensure that when the text is reproduced from record, it shall be readable; (5) All signatures on a document shall be in black or dark ink, such that such signatures shall be of sufficient color and clarity to ensure that when the text is reproduced from record, it shall be readable, and shall have the corresponding name typed, printed or stamped underneath said signature. The typing or printing of any name or the applying of an embossed or inked stamp shall not cover or otherwise materially interfere with any part of the document except where provided for by law; (6) The documents shall have a top margin of at least three inches of vertical space from left to right, to be reserved for the recorder of deeds' certification and use. All other margins on the document shall be a minimum of three-fourths of one inch on all sides. Nonessential information such as form numbers, page numbers or customer notations may be placed in the margin. A document may be recorded if a minor portion of a seal or incidental writing extends beyond the margins. The recorder of deeds will not incur any liability for not showing any seal or information that extends beyond the margins of the permanent archival record. 2. Every document containing any of the items listed in this subsection that is presented for recording, except plats and surveys, shall have such information on the first page below the three-inch horizontal margin: (1) The title of the document; (2) The date of the document; (3) All grantors' names and marital status; (4) All grantees' names; (5) Any statutory addresses; (6) The legal description of the property; and (7) Reference book and pages for statutory requirements, if applicable. If there is not sufficient room on the first page for all of the information required by this subsection, the page reference within the document where the information is set out shall be stated on the first page. 3. From January 1, 2002, documents which do not meet the requirements set forth in this section may be recorded for an additional fee of twenty-five dollars, which shall be deposited in the recorders' fund established pursuant to subsection 1 of section 59.319 . 4. Documents which are exempt from format requirements and which the recorder of deeds may record include the following: (1) Documents which were signed prior to January 1, 2002; (2) Military separation papers; (3) Documents executed outside the United States; (4) Certified copies of documents, including birth and death certificates; (5) Any document where one of the original parties is deceased or otherwise incapacitated; and (6) Judgments or other documents formatted to meet court requirements. 5. Any document rejected by a recorder of deeds shall be returned to the preparer or presenter accompanied by an explanation of the reason it could not be recorded. 6. Recorders of deeds shall be allowed fees for their services as follows: (1) For recording every deed or instrument: five dollars for the first page and three dollars for each page thereafter except for plats and surveys; (2) For copying or reproducing any recorded instrument, except surveys and plats: a fee not to exceed two dollars for the first page and one dollar for each page thereafter; (3) For every certificate and seal, except when recording an instrument: one dollar; (4) For recording a plat or survey of a subdivision, outlets or condominiums: twenty-five dollars for each sheet of drawings or calculations based on a size not to exceed twenty-four inches in width by eighteen inches in height. For recording a survey of one or more tracts: five dollars for each sheet of drawings or calculations based on a size not to exceed twenty-four inches in width by eighteen inches in height. Any plat or survey larger than eighteen inches by twenty-four inches shall be counted as an additional sheet for each additional eighteen inches by twenty-four inches, or fraction thereof, plus five dollars per page of other material; (5) For copying a plat or survey of one or more tracts: a fee not to exceed five dollars for each sheet of drawings and calculations not larger than twenty-four inches in width and eighteen inches in height and one dollar for each page of other material; (6) For a document which releases or assigns more than one item: five dollars for each item beyond one released or assigned in addition to any other charges which may apply; (7) For every certified copy of a marriage license or application for a marriage license: two dollars; (8) For duplicate copies of the records in a medium other than paper, the recorder of deeds shall set a reasonable fee not to exceed the costs associated with document search and duplication; and (9) For all other use of equipment, personnel services and office facilities, the recorder of deeds may set a reasonable fee. (RSMo 1939 § 13426, A.L. 1951 p. 396, A.L. 1977 S.B. 112, A.L. 1981 S.B. 348, A.L. 1985 H.B. 320, A.L. 2001 H.B. 606 merged with S.B. 515, A.L. 2022 H.B. 1606 merged with H.B. 1662) Prior revisions: 1929 § 11804; 1919 § 11012; 1909 § 10715 *Revisor's Note: This section was amended identically by both H.B. 1606 and H.B. 1662, 2022. In 2023, H.B. 1606 was declared unconstitutional (see annotation below). The H.B. 1662 language remains in effect. (2023) The inclusion of Section 67.2300 in H.B. 1606 from 2022 declared unconstitutional as violating the single subject rule of Article III, § 23 of the Missouri Constitution. The remaining provisions of H.B. 1606 could not be severed and the bill is declared invalid in its entirety. Byrd, et al. v. State of Missouri, et al., 679 S.W.3d 492 (Mo.banc).

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.313 Recorder's fees (St. Louis City) - page, defined - size of type or print - ...

59.313. Recorder's fees (St. Louis City) — page, defined — size of type or print — signature requirements. — 1. The recorder of deeds in a city not within a county may refuse any document presented for recording that does not meet the following requirements: (1) The document shall consist of one or more individual pages not permanently bound nor in a continuous form. The document shall not have any attachment stapled or otherwise affixed to any page except as necessary to comply with statutory requirements, provided that a document may be stapled together for presentation for recording; a label that is firmly attached with a bar code or return address may be accepted for recording; (2) The size of print or type shall not be smaller than eight-point type and shall be in black or dark ink. Should any document presented for recording contain type smaller than eight-point type, such document shall be accompanied by an exact typewritten copy not smaller than eight-point type to be recorded contemporaneously as additional pages of the document; (3) The document must be of sufficient legibility to produce a clear and legible reproduction thereof. Should any document not be of sufficient legibility to produce a clear and legible reproduction, such document shall be accompanied by an exact typewritten copy not smaller than eight-point type to be recorded contemporaneously as additional pages of the document; (4) The document shall be on white or light-colored paper of not less than twenty-pound weight without watermarks or other visible inclusions, except for plats and surveys, which may be on materials such as Mylar or velum. All text within the document shall be of sufficient color and clarity to ensure that when the text is reproduced from record, it shall be readable; (5) All signatures on a document shall be in black or dark ink, such that such signatures shall be of sufficient color and clarity to ensure that when the text is reproduced from record, it shall be readable, and shall have the corresponding name typed, printed or stamped underneath said signature. The typing or printing of any name or the applying of an embossed or inked stamp shall not cover or otherwise materially interfere with any part of the document, except where provided for by law; (6) Every document, except plats and surveys, shall have a top margin of at least three inches of vertical space from left to right, to be reserved for the recorder of deeds' certification and use. All other margins on the document shall be a minimum of three-fourths of one inch on all sides. Nonessential information such as form numbers, page numbers or customer notations may be placed in the margin. A document may be recorded if a minor portion of a seal or incidental writing extends beyond the margins. The recorder of deeds will not incur any liability for not showing any seal or information that extends beyond the margins of the permanent archival record. 2. Every document containing any of the items listed in this subsection that is presented for recording, except plats and surveys, shall have such information on the first page below the three-inch horizontal line: (1) The title of the document; (2) The date of the document; (3) All grantors' names; (4) All grantees' names; (5) Any statutory addresses; (6) The legal description or descriptions of the property; and (7) Reference book and page for statutory requirements, if applicable. If there is not sufficient room on the first page for all the required information, the page reference within the document where the information is set out shall be placed on the first page. 3. From January 1, 2002, documents which do not meet the requirements set forth in this section may be recorded for an additional fee of twenty-five dollars, which shall be deposited in the recorders' fund established pursuant to subsection 1 of section 59.319 . 4. Documents which are exempt from format requirements and which the recorder of deeds may record include the following: (1) Documents which were signed prior to January 1, 2002; (2) Military separation papers; (3) Documents executed outside the United States; (4) Certified copies of documents, including birth and death certificates; (5) Any document where one of the original parties is deceased or otherwise incapacitated; and (6) Judgments or other documents formatted to meet court requirements. 5. Any document rejected by a recorder of deeds shall be returned to the preparer or presenter accompanied by an explanation of the reason it could not be recorded. 6. Recorders of deeds shall be allowed fees for their services as follows: (1) For recording every deed or instrument: ten dollars for the first page and five dollars for each page thereafter; (2) For copying or reproducing any recorded instrument, except surveys and plats: three dollars for the first page and two dollars for each page thereafter; (3) For every certificate and seal, except when recording an instrument: two dollars; (4) For recording a plat or survey of a subdivision, outlots or condominiums: forty-four dollars for each sheet of drawings and calculations based on a size of not to exceed twenty-four inches in width by eighteen inches in height, plus ten dollars for each page of other materials; (5) For recording a survey of one tract of land, in the form of one sheet not to exceed twenty-four inches in width by eighteen inches in height: eight dollars; (6) For copying a plat or survey: eight dollars for each page; (7) For every certified copy of a marriage license or application for a marriage license: five dollars; (8) For releasing on the margin: eight dollars for each item released; (9) For a document which releases or assigns more than one item: seven dollars and fifty cents for each item beyond one released or assigned in addition to any other charges which may apply; and (10) For duplicate reels of microfilm: thirty dollars each. For all other use of equipment, personnel services and office space the recorder of deeds shall set attendant fees. (L. 1959 S.B. 26 § 1, A.L. 1984 S.B. 446, A.L. 1990 H.B. 1716, A.L. 1994 S.B. 567, A.L. 2001 H.B. 606 merged with S.B. 515) Effective 1-01-02

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.318 Donation for homeless, recording of certain instruments (Jackson County).

59.318. Donation for homeless, recording of certain instruments (Jackson County). — A donation of one dollar may be collected by the recorder of deeds for any county with a charter form of government and with more than six hundred thousand but fewer than seven hundred thousand inhabitants, over and above any fees required by law, when any instruments specified in subdivisions (3) and (5) of section 59.330 are recorded. The donations collected for the recorded instrument shall be forwarded monthly by the recorder of deeds to the county treasurer, and the donations so forwarded shall be deposited by the county treasurer into the housing resource commission fund to assist homeless families and provide financial assistance to organizations addressing homelessness in the county. The recorder shall provide a check-off box for such donation on the application form. (L. 2010 H.B. 1643)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.319 User fee and an additional fee required to record - collection, deposit, ...

59.319. User fee and an additional fee required to record — collection, deposit, distribution, use of — state treasurer, commissioner of administration, secretary of state, duties. — 1. A user fee of six dollars shall be charged and collected by every recorder in this state, over and above any other fees required by law, as a condition precedent to the recording of any instrument. The state portion of the fee shall be forwarded monthly by each recorder of deeds to the state director of revenue, and the fees so forwarded shall be deposited by the director in the state treasury. Three dollars of such fee shall be retained by the recorder and deposited in a recorder's fund and not in county general revenue for record storage, microfilming, and preservation, including anything necessarily pertaining thereto. The recorder's funds shall be kept in a special fund by the treasurer and shall be budgeted and expended at the direction of the recorder and shall not be used to substitute for or subsidize any allocation of general revenue for the operation of the recorder's office without the express consent of the recorder. The recorder's fund may be audited by the appropriate auditing agency, and any unexpended balance shall be left in the fund to accumulate from year to year with interest. 2. An additional fee of three dollars shall be charged and collected by every recorder in this state, over and above any other fees required by law, as a condition precedent to the recording of any instruments specified in subdivisions (1) and (2) of subsection 1 of section 59.330 . The fees collected from this additional three dollars per recorded instrument shall be forwarded monthly by each recorder of deeds to the state director of revenue, and the fees so forwarded shall be deposited by the director in the state treasury. 3. The state treasurer and the commissioner of administration shall establish an appropriate account within the state treasury and in accordance with the state's accounting methods. Any receipt required by this section to be deposited in the state treasury shall be credited as follows: (1) The amount of two dollars for each fee collected under subsection 1 of this section shall be paid to the state treasurer and credited to the "Missouri Land Survey Fund" which is hereby created to be utilized for the purposes of sections 60.510 to 60.620 and section 60.670 . The state treasurer shall be custodian of the fund and may approve disbursements from the fund in accordance with sections 30.170 and 30.180 . Any funds previously collected by the state treasurer to be utilized for the purposes of sections 60.510 to 60.620 and section 60.670 shall transfer to the Missouri land survey fund. Any portion of the fund not immediately needed for the purposes authorized shall be invested by the state treasurer as provided by the constitution and laws of this state. All income, interest, and moneys earned from such investments shall be deposited in the Missouri land survey fund. Any unexpended balance in the fund at the end of the fiscal year is exempt from the provisions of section 33.080 relating to the transfer of unexpended balances to the general revenue fund; (2) The amount of one dollar for each fee collected under subsection 1 of this section to an account to be utilized by the secretary of state for additional preservation of local records; and (3) The amount of three dollars collected under subsection 2 of this section into the Missouri housing trust fund as designated in section 215.034 . (L. 1969 p. 123 § 17, A.L. 1985 H.B. 320, A.L. 1989 H.B. 786, A.L. 1994 H.B. 1745, A.L. 2012 H.B. 1251, A.L. 2026 S.B. 938) CROSS REFERENCE: Recorder's funds may be used for matching funds requirements for grants for preservation of local records, 109.221

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.320 Fee to be paid before record made, exceptions.

59.320. Fee to be paid before record made, exceptions. — The recorder shall not be bound to make any record for which a fee may be allowed by law other than records made for a political subdivision of this state, unless such fee shall have been paid or tendered by the party requiring the record to be made. The recorder may make records for political subdivisions of this state or any officer thereof without payment or tender of payment prior to the making of the record and may bill the political subdivision on a monthly basis for fees due for the making of such records. (RSMo 1939 § 13185, A.L. 1986 H.B. 931) Prior revisions: 1929 § 11566; 1919 § 10589; 1909 § 10402

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.321 One dollar filing fee required, used for county employees' retirement ...

59.321. One dollar filing fee required, used for county employees' retirement system or general revenue account. — In addition to any other fee, the recorder of deeds in all counties and any city not within a county shall collect one dollar on all documents or instruments that are recorded. The recorder of deeds in all counties, except in counties with a charter form of government and any city not within a county, shall forward the fee to the county employees' retirement system pursuant to section 50.1190 , provided, however, that the recorder of deeds in any county with a charter form of government and any city not within a county whose employees are not members of the county employees' retirement system shall deposit the fee to the general revenue of that county or city not within a county. The provisions of this section shall become effective September 1, 2003. (L. 2003 H.B. 221 merged with S.B. 346) Effective 9-01-03

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.330 What shall be recorded - legal description required, when - validity.

59.330. What shall be recorded — legal description required, when — validity. — 1. It shall be the duty of recorders to record: (1) All deeds, mortgages, conveyances, deeds of trust, assignments, bonds, covenants, defeasances, or other instruments of writing, of or concerning any lands and tenements, or goods and chattels, which shall be proved or acknowledged, and authorized to be recorded in their offices; (2) All papers and documents found in their respective offices, of and concerning lands and tenements, or goods and chattels, and which were received from the Spanish and French authorities at the change of government; (3) All marriage contracts and certificates of marriage; (4) All commissions and official bonds required by law to be recorded in their offices; (5) All written statements furnished to him for record, showing the sex and date of birth of any child or children, the name, business and residence of the father and maiden name of the mother of such child or children. 2. All deeds, mortgages, conveyances, deeds of trust, assignments, bonds, covenants or defeasances, except supplemental indentures of utility companies and rural electric cooperatives, must contain a legal description of the lands affected. All deeds, except deeds of easement or right-of-way conveying any lands or tenements must contain a mailing address of one of the grantees named in the instrument. The recorder of deeds shall not record such instrument absent such address or legal description; provided, however, that the statutory constructive notice or the validity of the instrument shall not be affected by the absence of the address or the absence of the legal description. (RSMo 1939 § 13161, A.L. 1963 p. 115, A.L. 1985 H.B. 210, A.L. 1989 H.B. 786, A.L. 1990 H.B. 1190, A.L. 1997 S.B. 164, A.L. 2003 S.B. 383) Prior revisions: 1929 § 11543; 1919 § 10568; 1909 § 10381

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.331 Certain personal identifying information not to be included in certain ...

59.331. Certain personal identifying information not to be included in certain documents for recording, exceptions. — The preparer of a document shall not include an individual's sensitive personal identifying information in a document that is prepared and presented for recording in the office of the recorder of deeds. "Sensitive personal identifying information" includes federal Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card account numbers. This section does not apply to state or federal tax liens, military separation or discharge papers, and other documents required by law to contain such information that are filed or recorded in the office of the recorder of deeds. Should any person's sensitive personal identifying information appear on any document prepared or submitted for recording, the preparer, submitter, or anyone in an agency relationship with the person may redact, remove, or delete the sensitive personal identifying information before submission to the recorder of deeds. Any such redaction, removal, or deletion shall not in any way affect the legal status of the transaction described in the document. The recorder of deeds shall not alter or modify any document in the official record except as otherwise provided by law. (L. 2004 H.B. 795, et al., A.L. 2006 S.B. 932)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.332 Redaction or removal of sensitive personal identifying information ...

59.332. Redaction or removal of sensitive personal identifying information permitted, when, procedure (Jackson County) — 1. Should any sensitive personal identifying information, as defined in section 59.331 , appear in any record or image viewable on any publicly available internet website maintained or sponsored by a recorder of deeds, any person may apply to the recorder of deeds for redaction or removal of that sensitive personal identifying information. Any such application shall be made in writing, signed by the applicant, his or her attorney, or legal guardian, and shall specifically identify the document or documents containing the sensitive personal identifying information. The application shall be accompanied by a legible copy of each recorded document affected by the application, upon which the sensitive personal identifying information that is to be redacted is highlighted or otherwise indicated. Upon receipt of an application submitted in compliance with this section, the recorder of deeds may redact or remove the affected document from the records viewable on the publicly available internet website. 2. The provisions of this section shall only apply to any county with a charter form of government and with more than six hundred thousand but fewer than seven hundred thousand inhabitants. (L. 2006 S.B. 932)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.335 Bankruptcy, certified copies of papers to be recorded - fees.

59.335. Bankruptcy, certified copies of papers to be recorded — fees. — Any recorder of deeds shall receive for record and record any certified copy of any matter in reference to bankruptcy which any act of Congress of the United States may provide for as being necessary to be filed in the county or counties wherein lands of a bankrupt are situated in order to be notice of said bankruptcy. Such certified copy shall be recorded in the record of deeds and indexed in the general index of deeds in the name of the bankrupt, as grantor, and in the name of the trustee in bankruptcy or receiver, if any, as grantee. The recorder of deeds shall charge and collect the same fee for recording such certified copy as is provided by law for recording a deed of the same length. (L. 1951 p. 367)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.340 Records to be recorded in separate books by classes.

59.340. Records to be recorded in separate books by classes. — The several classes of instruments of writing mentioned in the several subdivisions of section 59.330 shall be recorded in separate books, according to their classification therein. (RSMo 1939 § 13162) Prior revisions: 1929 § 11544; 1919 § 10569; 1909 § 10382

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.350 Conveyances of personal property recorded, how.

59.350. Conveyances of personal property recorded, how. — Instruments in writing, conveying chattels or personal property alone, which by any law of this state are required to be recorded or admitted of record in any recorder's office in this state, shall be recorded in a series of volumes separate from those used for recording conveyances of real estate. (RSMo 1939 § 13163) Prior revisions: 1929 § 11545; 1919 § 10570; 1909 § 10383

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.380 Land patents recorded.

59.380. Land patents recorded. — All patents for lands lying within the state of Missouri, granted to any person or persons by the President of the United States or the governor of this state, may be recorded in the office of the recorder of the county in which the lands are situated; and the recorder shall be allowed the same fees for recording such patents as are allowed by law for recording deeds or other instruments of writing. (RSMo 1939 § 13171) Prior revisions: 1929 § 11552; 1919 § 10577; 1909 § 10390

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.390 Copies of land patents received in evidence.

59.390. Copies of land patents received in evidence. — All copies of patents so recorded, or which may have been heretofore recorded, duly certified by the recorder, under his official seal, shall be received in all courts in this state as prima facie evidence of the contents of such patents. (RSMo 1939 § 13172) Prior revisions: 1929 § 11553; 1919 § 10578; 1909 § 10391

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.400 Manner of recording.

59.400. Manner of recording. — The recorder shall record, without delay, every deed, mortgage, conveyance, deed of trust, bond, commission or other writing delivered to him for record, with the acknowledgment, proofs and certificates written on or under the same, with the plats, surveys, schedules and other papers therein referred to, and thereto annexed, in the order of time when the same shall have been delivered for record, by writing them word for word, in a fair hand, noting all interlineations and erasures and words visibly written on erasures, and noting the day and time of the day, month and year, when the instrument so recorded was delivered to him, or brought to his office for record; and the same shall be considered as recorded from the time it was so delivered. (RSMo 1939 § 13165, A.L. 1994 H.B. 1528) Prior revisions: 1929 § 11547; 1919 § 10572; 1909 § 10385

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.410 Photographic copies deemed recording - to be bound.

59.410. Photographic copies deemed recording — to be bound. — Wherever the statutes require deeds, mortgages, conveyances, deeds of trust, bonds, covenants, documents, marriage contracts, certificates of marriage, commissions, official bonds, statements, records, plats, surveys, schedules, papers, patents, or other instruments of writing to be recorded, the making of photographic copies of such deeds or other instruments of writing shall be deemed recording within the meaning of this chapter. Such photographic copies shall be bound, paged and indexed wherever it is so provided for deeds or other instruments recorded by hand, and such photographic copies when bound together shall be deemed record books within the meaning of this chapter. (RSMo 1939 § 13188) Prior revisions: 1929 § 11569; 1919 § 10592 CROSS REFERENCE: Photographic copies of records, deemed transcribing, 109.100

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.420 Manner of recording (first class counties and certain cities).

59.420. Manner of recording (first class counties and certain cities). — In all cities in this state which now have or which may hereafter have or contain six hundred thousand inhabitants or more and in all counties in class one, the recorder shall record, without delay, every deed, mortgage, conveyance, deed of trust, bond, commission or other writing delivered to him for record, with the acknowledgment, proofs and certificates written on or under the same, by writing them, word for word, in a fair hand, or by typewriting them or by photostating them, noting at the foot of such record all interlineations and erasures, and the words visibly written on erasures, and noting, at the foot of the record, the day and time of the day, month and year when the instrument so recorded was delivered to him, or brought to his office for record; and the same shall be considered as recorded from the time it was so delivered. Except when otherwise provided by law it shall be the duty of the recorder to deliver to the person holding his receipt therefor every instrument so recorded within sixty days from the date upon which it was presented for recording. (RSMo 1939 § 13166, A.L. 1945 p. 1426)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.430 Certificate on instrument recorded.

59.430. Certificate on instrument recorded. — The recorder shall certify, on or under such deed, mortgage, conveyance, deed of trust, bond, commission or other instrument, so recorded, the day and time of the day, month and year, when he received it, and the book and page or pages of the book in which it is recorded, and, when recorded, deliver it to the party or his order. (RSMo 1939 § 13167) Prior revisions: 1929 § 11548; 1919 § 10573; 1909 § 10386

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.440 Abstract and index of deeds.

59.440. Abstract and index of deeds. — The recorder of each county in this state shall keep in his office a well-bound book or books, to be known as "The Abstract and Index of Deeds", which shall have appropriate columns properly ruled and headed for each of the following items, namely: Names of grantors and grantees, date of instrument, date of filing instrument for record, nature of instrument, book and page where recorded, description of land conveyed or affected; said books shall be divided into two equal parts, the front part to be alphabetically arranged for the names of grantors, and the back part to be alphabetically arranged for the names of grantees. (RSMo 1939 § 13164) Prior revisions: 1929 § 11546; 1919 § 10571; 1909 § 10384

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.450 Index to marriage contracts and certificates.

59.450. Index to marriage contracts and certificates. — The recorder shall, in like manner, make, keep and preserve a similar index to all the books of record in his office wherein marriage contracts and certificates of marriages are recorded. (RSMo 1939 § 13169) Prior revisions: 1929 § 11550; 1919 § 10575; 1909 § 10388

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.460 Index to officers' commissions and bonds.

59.460. Index to officers' commissions and bonds. — He shall, in like manner, make, keep and preserve a similar index to all the books of record wherein commissions and office bonds are recorded, containing the names of the officers appointed, and of the obligee and obligators in any bond recorded. (RSMo 1939 § 13170) Prior revisions: 1929 § 11551; 1919 § 10576; 1909 § 10389

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.470 Index to instruments on file.

59.470. Index to instruments on file. — When any instrument of writing conveying or affecting real estate authorized by law to be recorded shall be filed in the recorder's office for record, the recorder shall enter the same in the names of the grantors and grantees in both parts of the abstract and index of deeds, filling each appropriate column with the several items contained in such instrument in alphabetical order, in the names of the grantors and grantees; and if the instrument be made by the sheriff, in the name of the sheriff, and the defendant in the execution, or of the person whose land is sold, and of the grantee; and if made by an executor or administrator, in the name of the executor or administrator, and of the testator or intestate, and of the grantee; and if by attorney, in the name of such attorney and of his constituent and of the grantee; and if by a commissioner, in the name of such commissioner, and of the person whose land is sold, and of the grantee. (RSMo 1939 § 13168) Prior revisions: 1929 § 11549; 1919 § 10574; 1909 § 10387

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.480 Recording of discharges from Armed Forces - definitions - duties of ...

59.480. Recording of discharges from Armed Forces — definitions — duties of recorders — certain discharge records open records — disclosure of records, when. — 1. As used in this section, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the following terms mean: (1) "Authorized party" , any of the following: (a) The person who is the subject of the document; (b) The representative of a person who is the subject of the document or the agent of a person who is the subject of the document, including but not limited to, relatives, attorneys, attorneys in fact, conservators, guardians, and funeral directors; and who has authorization in writing from the person who is the subject of the document, the spouse of the person who is the subject of the document, a relative who is the next of kin of the person who is the subject of the document, a court, in order to represent the person who is the subject of the document or the executor of the person who was the subject of the document who is acting on behalf of the deceased subject of the document; (c) Government agencies, including courts, that have an interest in assisting the subject of the document or in assisting the beneficiaries of the deceased subject of the document in obtaining a benefit; (2) "Military discharge document" , a discharge, separation notice, certificate of service, report of transfer or discharge, or any other notice or document which is evidence of severance or transfer from military service and which contains a service record from the Armed Forces of the United States, or any document that purports to represent a notice of separation from or service in any Armed Forces of the United States or any state, including but not limited to the Department of Defense form DD 214; (3) "Recorder of deeds" , the recorder of deeds in those counties where separate and the circuit clerk and ex officio recorder of deeds in those counties where the offices are combined. 2. Military discharge documents shall be accepted for filing by the recorder of deeds in all counties and the City of St. Louis in this state without any fee or compensation therefor. 3. The recorder of deeds may refuse to accept any military discharge document that: (1) Is not an original or does not contain an original signature of an officer of the Armed Forces of the United States or a federal or state agency; (2) Is not a certified copy from an agency of the federal or state government; or (3) Appears to have alterations or erasures. 4. On or after August 28, 2004, the recorder of deeds shall: (1) Maintain and make available to the public in its office an index containing only the name of the subject of a military discharge document; (2) Maintain a separate index from publicly available information that contains only: (a) The name of the subject of a military discharge document; and (b) The location of the image of the military discharge document; (3) Maintain the images of all military discharge documents separately from all other publicly available filed or recorded document images. 5. As part of any remote access system, the recorder of deeds shall not make available the location of the image or the image of the military discharge document. 6. Images of a military discharge document or copies thereof shall only be made available to an authorized party by submitting a notarized request form to the recorder of deeds. The recorder of deeds shall not receive a fee or compensation for a certified or uncertified copy of the military discharge document and shall not charge a notary fee for notarizing such request form. 7. All images of military discharge records older than seventy-five years are deemed principally of historical or genealogical interest, and shall be open records. 8. Prior to August 28, 2004, the Recorders Association of Missouri shall adopt a request form and any rules necessary to implement the provisions of this section. The recorder of deeds in all counties and the City of St. Louis shall use and furnish the forms adopted by the Recorders Association of Missouri and comply with the rules adopted by the Recorders Association of Missouri. 9. A request form that contains more than one military discharge document shall not be accepted by the recorder of deeds. 10. The recorder of deeds shall keep all completed request forms for a period of at least five years and such forms shall be made available only to an authorized party in accordance with the provisions of this section. 11. In the event that military discharge documents, prior to August 28, 2004, have been commingled, and to the extent possible, a recorder of deeds may choose to enact the provisions of this section regarding the indexes and images. 12. On or after August 28, 2004, military discharge documents kept pursuant to this section shall not be reproduced or used in whole or in part for any commercial or speculative purposes. 13. Any individual, agency, or court which obtains information pursuant to this section shall not disseminate or disclose such information or any part thereof except as authorized in this section or otherwise by law. 14. The recorder of deeds shall not be liable for any damages that may result from good faith compliance with the provisions of this section. (L. 1943 p. 643 § 15077A, A.L. 1973 H.B. 772, A.L. 2003 S.B. 61 merged with S.B. 325, A.L. 2004 H.B. 1634)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.510 Certified copy of deeds for land in different counties to be recorded, when.

59.510. Certified copy of deeds for land in different counties to be recorded, when. — Whenever any deed or other instrument of writing, conveying or affecting real estate situate in two or more counties in this state, has been or shall be duly recorded in any one of said counties, or where any new county heretofore has been or may hereafter be erected and organized, and such real estate or any part thereof shall be situate within such newly organized county, and the deed or other instrument of writing conveying or affecting such real estate has been or may be duly recorded in the county or counties from which such newly organized county has been or shall be taken, any person interested therein may procure from the recorder of deeds of such county a duly certified copy of such record, with his seal of office thereto affixed, and cause such certified copy, together with the certificate thereof, to be recorded in any other county where such real estate may be situated, in the same manner as the original instrument is or may be by law required to be recorded. (RSMo 1939 § 13175) Prior revisions: 1929 § 11556; 1919 § 10579; 1909 § 10392

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.520 Certified copy of record notice to purchasers.

59.520. Certified copy of record notice to purchasers. — The record of such copy and certificate shall, after the same has been duly made, thereafter impart notice to all persons of the contents of such record and of the original instrument from which such record has been made, and all subsequent purchasers and mortgagees shall be deemed to purchase with notice thereof; but this section shall not be so construed as to affect or impair in any wise the notice which the original record of such deed or other instrument of writing may have imparted or may hereafter impart of the contents of such original record. (RSMo 1939 § 13176) Prior revisions: 1929 § 11557; 1919 § 10580; 1909 § 10393

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.530 Force and effect of certified copy.

59.530. Force and effect of certified copy. — After such certified copy of such record, together with the certificate thereof, shall have been duly recorded as aforesaid, copies thereof, duly certified by the recorder of the proper county, with his seal of office thereto affixed, shall be received in evidence in the same manner and shall have the same force and effect as by law is or may be given to copies of the record of other deeds and instruments of writing affecting real estate which have been or may be hereafter duly recorded in the county in which such real estate is situated. (RSMo 1939 § 13177) Prior revisions: 1929 § 11558; 1919 § 10581; 1909 § 10394

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.540 United States land patents.

59.540. United States land patents. — It shall be the duty of the register of the United States land office of the state of Missouri, and he is hereby required, immediately after this section shall take effect, to forward by some convenient and safe means to the recorder of deeds in the various counties, and in the city of St. Louis, Missouri, all government land patents now on file or which may hereafter be filed in said office, affecting the title to any real estate in said counties or city, noting on the records of said office the disposition of such patents and the date when the same was forwarded. (RSMo 1939 § 13173) Prior revision: 1929 § 11554

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.550 United States land patents - duties of recorders.

59.550. United States land patents — duties of recorders. — It shall be the duty of the various recorders of this state to receive and receipt for such patents as may be forwarded to them by the register of the United States land office, and to list and preserve the same in their office until such time as they may be withdrawn on application of the owner of the property described in such patent; provided, that nothing in sections 59.540 and 59.550 shall prevent any person from having any patent withdrawn and recorded in such office upon payment to the recorder of the necessary recording fee. (RSMo 1939 § 13174) Prior revision: 1929 § 11555

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.560 New abstract and index of deeds, when made - fee.

59.560. New abstract and index of deeds, when made — fee. — When the county commission of any county in this state shall consider it necessary to provide a new abstract and index of deeds for the recorder's office of such county, in conformity to the provisions of this chapter, such commission may, by an order duly entered of record, direct the same to be done by the recorder or some other competent person, and when any such abstract and index shall become so worn and defaced as to be illegible, such commission shall, by order as aforesaid, direct the recorder or some other competent person to copy the same in a suitable book; the person making the new abstract and index shall be entitled to a fee of eight cents for each instrument entered in both parts of such abstract and index, and the person copying such abstract and index shall be allowed a fee of ten cents for every hundred words and figures, all of said fees to be paid out of the county treasury. (RSMo 1939 § 13182) Prior revisions: 1929 § 11563; 1919 § 10586; 1909 § 10399

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.563 Electronic format for documents may be established.

59.563. Electronic format for documents may be established. — The recorder of deeds in any municipality or county of this state may establish an electronic format for the recording or filing of documents which such recorder has a constitutional or statutory duty to maintain. Such documents may be recorded, filed, transmitted, stored and maintained in an electronic format as prescribed by the recorder of deeds of any municipality or county. No document presented pursuant to this section shall be required to be submitted in duplicate. Nothing in this section shall require any recorder of deeds to establish, accept or transmit any document in an electronic format. (L. 1999 H.B. 795 § 1)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.565 Electronically transmitted signature valid, when.

59.565. Electronically transmitted signature valid, when. — 1. Any statutory requirement that a document be signed by any person shall be satisfied by an electronically transmitted signature that is: (1) Unique to the person signing; (2) Capable of verification; (3) Under the sole control of the person signing; (4) Linked to the document in such a manner that if data is changed, the signature is invalidated; and (5) Intended by the person signing to have the same force and effect as a manual signature; provided that, the recorder of deeds has a security procedure in place so that the electronically transmitted signature is verified to detect forgeries and errors in transmissions, and a procedure to ensure that such signature was intended to be placed on such document by the authorized signer. A security procedure may require the use of algorithms or other codes, identifying words or numbers, encryption, call back procedures, or similar security devices. Comparison of a signature on a document with an authorized specimen signature shall not by itself be security procedure. 2. The execution of any document with a properly authenticated digital signature and acknowledgment pursuant to this section constitutes an affirmation, under penalty of perjury, that the facts stated in such document are true and that such person or persons are duly authorized to execute such document. (L. 1999 H.B. 795 § 2)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.567 Fees, collection procedure.

59.567. Fees, collection procedure. — The recorder of deeds in any municipality or county may establish a new revenue collection procedure of prepaid accounts for the payment of required recording or filing fees, including but not limited to the acceptance of credit or debit cards for such purpose. No person establishing an account pursuant to this section shall be entitled to payment of any interest on such account. Funds in prepayment accounts shall be refundable upon written order of the authorized party designated to transfer moneys from such account. (L. 1999 H.B. 795 § 3)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.568 Electronic records, requirements for certain documents.

59.568. Electronic records, requirements for certain documents. — 1. If a statute, regulation, or ordinance requires, as a condition for recording, that a document be an original, be on paper or another tangible medium, or be in writing, the requirement is satisfied by an electronic record that otherwise complies with the requirements of this chapter. 2. A requirement that a document or a signature associated with a document be notarized, acknowledged, verified, witnessed, or made under oath is satisfied if the electronic signature of the person authorized to perform that act, and all other information required to be included, is attached to or logically associated with the document or signature. A physical or electronic image of a stamp, impression, or seal need not accompany an electronic signature if the notary public has attached an electronic notarial certificate that meets the requirements of this chapter. 3. This section shall only apply to documents presented to a recorder of deeds for recordings pursuant to chapter 442 or 443 . (L. 2020 H.B. 1655)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.569 Electronic documents with electronic signatures, permissible, when - ...

59.569. Electronic documents with electronic signatures, permissible, when — requirements, certificate — notary public duties — inapplicability, when. — 1. If a law requires, as a condition for recording, that a document be an original, be on paper or another tangible medium, be in writing, or be signed, the requirement is satisfied by a paper copy of an electronic document bearing an electronic signature that a notary public has certified to be a true and correct copy of a document that was originally in electronic form and bearing an electronic signature pursuant to subsection 3 of this section. 2. A requirement that a document or a signature associated with a document be notarized, acknowledged, verified, witnessed, or made under oath is satisfied by a paper copy of an electronic document bearing an electronic signature of the person authorized to perform that act, and all other information required to be included, that a notary public has certified to be a true and correct copy of a document that was originally in electronic form and bearing an electronic signature of the person pursuant to subsection 3 of this section. 3. A clerk or recorder shall record a paper copy of a document that was originally in electronic form and that is otherwise entitled to be recorded under the laws of this state, provided that the paper copy has been certified to be a true and correct copy of the electronic original by a notary public duly commissioned under the laws of this state as evidenced by a certificate attached to or made a part of the document. The certificate shall: (1) Be signed and dated by the notary public, and be signed in the same manner as on file with the secretary of state; (2) Identify the jurisdiction in which the certification is performed; (3) Contain the title of the notary public; (4) Indicate the date of expiration, if any, of the notary public's commission; and (5) Include an official seal or stamp of the notary public affixed to or embossed on the certificate. 4. The following form of certificate is sufficient for the purposes of this section, if completed with the information required in subsection 3 of this section: 5. A notary public duly commissioned under the laws of this state has the authority to make the certification provided in this section. 6. A notary public making the certification provided in this section shall: (1) Confirm that the electronic document contains an electronic signature that is capable of independent verification and renders any subsequent changes or modifications to the electronic document evident; (2) Personally print or supervise the printing of the electronic document onto paper; and (3) Not make any changes or modifications to the electronic document other than the certification described in subsection 3 of this section. 7. If a certificate is completed with the information required by subsection 3 of this section and is attached to or made a part of a paper document, the certificate shall be conclusive evidence that the requirements of subsection 6 of this section have been satisfied with respect to the document. 8. A document purporting to convey or encumber real property or any interest therein that has been recorded by a clerk or recorder for the jurisdiction in which the real property is located, although the document may not have been certified in accordance with the provisions of this section, shall impart the same notice to third persons and be effective, from the time of recording, as if the document had been certified in accordance with the provisions of this section. 9. This section does not apply to a plat, map, or survey of real property if under another law of this state or under a rule, regulation, or ordinance applicable to a clerk or recorder: (1) There are requirements of format or medium for the execution, creation, or recording of such plat, map, or survey beyond the requirements applicable to a deed to real property; or (2) Such plat, map, or survey shall be recorded in a different location than a deed to real property. 10. This section shall only apply to documents presented to a recorder of deeds for recordings pursuant to chapter 442 or 443 . (L. 2020 H.B. 1655)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.570 Records rebound, when.

59.570. Records rebound, when. — When the county commission of any county in this state shall deem it necessary, it shall have power to order any of the books or records in or belonging to the office of recorder of deeds of such county to be rebound, and to allow a reasonable compensation therefor, to be paid out of the county treasury. (RSMo 1939 § 3635) Prior revisions: 1929 § 3245; 1919 § 10607; 1909 § 10418

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.580 Records transcribed, when.

59.580. Records transcribed, when. — When any of the books or records in or belonging to the office of recorder of deeds in any county are obliterated, torn, or in a ruinous condition, or when the writing in any such book or record is from any cause becoming so obscured, defaced or faded as to endanger its legibility, the county commission of any such county shall, by its proper order duly entered of record, direct the recorder of deeds to transcribe any such book or record in a new and suitable book, or in new and suitable books, to be provided by the county commission. (RSMo 1939 § 3636) Prior revisions: 1929 § 3246; 1919 § 10608; 1909 § 10419

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.590 New record books - designation - certification - validity.

59.590. New record books — designation — certification — validity. — Such new book or books shall be designated by the same letter or letters or the same figure or figures as that from which the transcript is to be made; and the recorder shall, at the end of every such new book containing such transcript, certify, under his hand and seal of office, that the same has been truly copied from the book or record of the corresponding letter or letters or figure or figures of his office, after which any book or record containing any such transcript, or copy therefrom duly certified, shall be entitled to the same faith and credit to which the book or record transcribed was entitled. (RSMo 1939 § 3637) Prior revisions: 1929 § 3247; 1919 § 10609; 1909 § 10420

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.605 Recorder to furnish assessor with list of mortgages and deeds of trust ...

59.605. Recorder to furnish assessor with list of mortgages and deeds of trust (second and certain third class counties). — It shall be the duty of the recorder of deeds in each county of the second class and the recorder of deeds in each county of the third class wherein the office is separate from the office of circuit clerk to furnish the assessor, on or before the fifteenth day of each month, a list of all real estate mortgages or deeds of trust recorded during the preceding month. The list shall contain the name of the grantor, a brief description of the real estate and the amount of the mortgage or deed of trust. (L. 1975 S.B. 70 § 1)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.610 Rerecording of conveyances - when - by whom.

59.610. Rerecording of conveyances — when — by whom. — In all counties of this state in which the records of deeds have been or shall hereafter be destroyed by fire or otherwise, it shall be lawful for the recorder of deeds to employ a suitable person to rerecord all conveyances that have been recorded, together with the certificate of record thereof. (RSMo 1939 § 3646) Prior revisions: 1929 § 3256; 1919 § 10618; 1909 § 10429 CROSS REFERENCE: Rerecording destroyed marriage records, 451.210

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.620 Rerecording - free of charge, when.

59.620. Rerecording — free of charge, when. — Such conveyances as have been spread of record, together with the certificate of record thereof, shall be rerecorded free of charge to the holders thereof, provided the same be offered for record within five years after the destruction of the record. (RSMo 1939 § 3647) Prior revisions: 1929 § 3257; 1919 § 10619; 1909 § 10430

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.630 Compensation for rerecording copyist.

59.630. Compensation for rerecording copyist. — The person employed as provided by section 59.610 shall receive such compensation as the county commission shall deem reasonable, not to exceed eight hundred dollars per annum, to be paid out of the county treasury, so long as his services may be required. (RSMo 1939 § 3648) Prior revisions: 1929 § 3258; 1919 § 10620; 1909 § 10431

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.640 Rerecorded conveyances admissible in evidence.

59.640. Rerecorded conveyances admissible in evidence. — The record of such rerecorded conveyances shall impart notice to the same extent and shall be admissible in evidence with like effect as the original record. (RSMo 1939 § 3649) Prior revisions: 1929 § 3259; 1919 § 10621; 1909 § 10432

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.650 Neglect of duty - liability.

59.650. Neglect of duty — liability. — If any recorder to whom any deed or other writing, proved or acknowledged according to law, is delivered for record (1) Neglects or refuses to make an entry thereof as required by section 59.470 , or (2) Neglects or refuses to record the deed or other writing within a reasonable time after receiving the same, or (3) Records any deed or other instrument in writing before another first brought into his office and entitled to be recorded, or (4) Records any deed or other instrument of writing untimely or in any manner other than as herein directed, or (5) Neglects or refuses to provide and keep in his office such an index as required by this chapter, he shall pay to the party aggrieved double the damages which may be occasioned thereby, to be recovered by civil action on the official bond of the recorder. (RSMo 1939 § 13183, A.L. 1957 p. 322) Prior revisions: 1929 § 11564; 1919 § 10587; 1909 § 10400

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.660 Neglect of duty - penalty.

59.660. Neglect of duty — penalty. — If any recorder shall willfully neglect or refuse to perform any of the duties required of him by this chapter, or shall willfully perform them in any other manner than is required by law, he shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor in office, and proceeded against accordingly; and shall, moreover, forfeit and pay to the use of the county a sum not exceeding three hundred dollars, to be recovered by civil action. (RSMo 1939 § 13184) Prior revisions: 1929 § 11565; 1919 § 10588; 1909 § 10401

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.700 Waiver of state's rights of reverter in certain property (Scott County).

59.700. Waiver of state's rights of reverter in certain property (Scott County). — The state of Missouri hereby waives all rights to its possibility of reverter in the real property particularly described in the quitclaim deed in book 279 at pages 76-77 of the office of the recorder of deeds of Scott County. (L. 2001 S.B. 86 § 1)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.800 Additional five dollar fee imposed, when, distribution - fund established, ...

59.800. Additional five dollar fee imposed, when, distribution — fund established, use of moneys — deficiency, effect of. — 1. Beginning on July 1, 2001, notwithstanding any other condition precedent required by law to the recording of any instrument specified in subdivisions (1) and (2) of subsection 1 of section 59.330 , an additional fee of five dollars shall be charged and collected by every recorder of deeds in this state on each instrument recorded. The additional fee shall be distributed as follows: (1) One dollar and twenty-five cents to the recorder's fund established under subsection 1 of section 59.319 , provided, however, that all funds received under this section shall be used exclusively for the purchase, installation, upgrade and maintenance of modern technology necessary to operate the recorder's office in an efficient manner; (2) One dollar and seventy-five cents to the county general revenue fund; and (3) Two dollars to the fund established in subsection 2 of this section. 2. (1) There is hereby established a revolving fund known as the "Statutory County Recorder's Fund", which shall receive funds paid to the recorders of deeds of the counties of this state under subdivision (3) of subsection 1 of this section. The director of the department of revenue shall be custodian of the fund and shall make disbursements from the fund for the purpose of subsidizing the fees collected by counties that hereafter elect or have heretofore elected to separate the offices of clerk of the circuit court and recorder. The subsidy shall consist of the total amount of moneys collected under subdivisions (1) and (2) of subsection 1 of this section subtracted from fifty-five thousand dollars, except under such circumstances where the annual average of funds collected under subsection 1 of this section during the previous three calendar years is * insufficient to meet all obligations calculated in this subdivision. In such cases the provisions of subdivision (2) of this subsection shall apply. The moneys paid to qualifying counties under this subsection shall be deposited in the county general revenue fund. For purposes of this section a "qualified county" is a county that hereafter elects or has heretofore elected to separate the offices of clerk of the circuit court and recorder and in which the office of the recorder of deeds collects less than fifty-five thousand dollars in fees under subdivisions (1) and (2) of subsection 1 of this section, on an annual basis. Moneys in the statutory county recorder's fund shall not be considered state funds and shall be deemed nonstate funds. (2) In the event funds collected under subdivision (3) of subsection 1 of this section are insufficient to meet the obligations set out in subdivision (1) of this subsection, the director of the department of revenue shall calculate the projected shortfall that would otherwise be incurred based on the formula outlined in subdivision (1) of this subsection. If the fund balance is greater than the annual average disbursement from the fund during the previous three years, up to thirty-three percent of the amount that exceeds the annual three-year average to meet the obligation may be used to meet the obligations. Should this amount be insufficient or unavailable to meet the shortfall, the director of the department of revenue shall set a new requisite amount to determine a qualified county under subdivision (1) of this subsection other than fifty-five thousand dollars, which reflects the revenue collected under subdivision (3) of subsection 1 of this section in addition to thirty-three percent of the excess fund balance. (L. 2001 S.B. 288, A.L. 2002 H.B. 1776 merged with S.B. 1078, A.L. 2018 H.B. 1291) *Word "are" appears in original rolls.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneChapter.aspx?chapter=59Fetched: 10/17/2026