Recording in Missouri

Requirements for recording deeds, real estate security instruments, and releases can be found in Section 59.330 Missouri Revised Statutes. Such instruments must be acknowledged according to law and contain a legal description. The mailing address of the grantee must be contained within the instrument. The name of any signatory must be typed, printed, or stamped below the signature line.

For property located in the City of St. Louis, the grantor and the grantee must sign deeds of conveyance, deeds of trust and leases.

A recorded quitclaim deed will prevail over a prior unrecorded warranty deed if the person receiving the quitclaim deed is a bona fide purchaser. (120 Mo. 498)

Regulatory Requirements

Unless otherwise instructed by the parties, a settlement agent must record all deeds and security instruments within five (5) business days after all of the conditions precedent to the completion of a transaction have been fulfilled. 381.026.

Deeds

There is a per page charge for recording deeds which is set by statute. There are no transfer taxes.

Security instruments

There is a per page charge for recording deeds of trust which is set by statute. There is no mortgage tax.

Leases

There is a per page charge for recording a lease or memorandum thereof which is set by statute. There are no other charges.

Transfers of shares in an ownership entity

There are no taxes or charges for transferring the shares of partnership interests in an entity owning real estate except for the standard per page recording fee.

Other recording charges

There are no other recording charges in addition to those previously detailed.