Pottawattamie County Recorder: Deeds & Records

The Recorder provides three main search routes. The right choice depends on the age and location of the document.

Step-by-step: Find a recorded deed using AVA

1. Open the official AVA portal.

   Start with the county’s recorded-documents search link.

2. Choose the appropriate search option.

   Use the available name, document or recording-reference search fields.

3. Enter the owner’s recorded name.

   Try the grantor or grantee involved in the property transaction.

4. Review matching entries.

   Compare document type, parties, dates and available recording references.

5. Open the correct document.

   Review the available image or record details and save the identifying information.

6. Request help if needed.

   Call the Recorder if the record is unclear or you need an official copy.

Pottawattamie County has digitized historical index books containing older property transactions.

This is particularly helpful when researching family property, historic ownership, old deed references or early land transfers.

How to request an older document

1. Open the Index Book Database.

   Choose the grantor or grantee index for the approximate year.

2. Browse using the surname initial.

   Find the entry that matches the person or business involved.

3. Write down the recording reference.

   Save the available book and page information.

4. Use the database Help link.

   The county provides a request form for obtaining a digital copy of an identified older record.

Google Map: Pottawattamie County Recorder

The office is in downtown Council Bluffs at the Pottawattamie County Courthouse.

These offices serve different purposes. Knowing which one to contact can save a second courthouse visit.

The Recorder accepts properly prepared real estate documents for recording.

Staff can answer recording questions, but they cannot draft deeds or provide legal advice about how property should be transferred.

Step-by-step recording procedure

1. Prepare the deed.

   Make sure the instrument contains the correct parties, legal description and required execution.

2. Check document formatting.

   Iowa has specific requirements for paper, margins, text, signatures and first-page information.

3. Prepare accompanying forms.

   A Declaration of Value and groundwater documentation may be required depending on the transfer.

4. Determine recording fees.

   Check document type, page count, number of parcels and other applicable charges.

5. Check real estate transfer tax.

   Iowa transfer tax is separate from the basic Recorder document fee.

6. Submit the completed package.

   Deliver it to the Recorder or use the approved Iowa Land Records e-submission process.

Iowa document formatting requirements

First-page information checklist

Pottawattamie County requires specific information on the first page or a cover sheet.

• Preparer’s name, address and telephone number
• Taxpayer’s name and complete address
• Document return address
• Document title
• Grantor and grantee names
• Legal description or a reference to the page containing it

Iowa recording charges depend on document type, page count and sometimes the number of parcels or transactions involved.

The Recorder’s published fee schedule lists these standard charges.

Deed recording examples

These examples assume one parcel, a standard document and no additional transaction or transfer-tax charges.

Additional parcel and transaction charges

The $12 first-page deed charge includes a $5 transfer fee for the first parcel.

The county lists $5 for each additional parcel, subject to a $50 maximum for additional-parcel fees.

A document containing more than one transaction may also incur an additional $7 charge per additional transaction.

Recording a deed may involve additional documents and taxes beyond the ordinary page-based fee.

These requirements can vary depending on the type of conveyance and whether a statutory exemption applies.

1. Declaration of Value

Iowa generally requires a Declaration of Value when a deed or other qualifying conveyance is submitted for recording.

Some transfers are exempt. Iowa Code Section 428A.2 identifies statutory exemptions.

2. Groundwater Hazard Statement

When a Declaration of Value is required, groundwater information must also be addressed.

The county explains that a Groundwater Hazard Statement or an appropriate disclaimer within the conveyance document may be used.

3. Real estate transfer tax

Pottawattamie County provides an official transfer-tax calculator.

The county states that the calculation is based on $1.60 per $1,000 of consideration, with the first $500 exempt.

This example assumes a taxable conveyance and does not determine whether the transaction qualifies for an exemption.

If your deed was recorded in Pottawattamie County, you can begin by finding it through AVA or the historical index books.

Save the available recording reference before requesting help from the office.

Need a certified deed copy?

Contact the Recorder and explain that you need an officially certified copy.

Provide the document reference and ask about current certification, copy and delivery charges.

Need a complete title abstract?

The county Auditor recommends contacting an abstract or title company.

Recorder staff can assist with locating documents, but the office does not provide a legal opinion that a property’s title is clear.

The Recorder offers free notification services designed to help residents and notaries identify potentially suspicious recording activity.

Pottawattamie County operates a traveling Recorder service for residents who cannot easily visit the Council Bluffs courthouse.

Traveling events generally take place on the second Tuesday of the month, with different locations across the county.

Remaining published 2026 locations

Services available during traveling office hours

• Deed-copy assistance
• Property Fraud Alert enrollment
• Marriage applications
• Boat and ATV registration renewals
• Passport-related services, subject to event arrangements
• Other Recorder questions and assistance

The Pottawattamie County Recorder handles several services beyond deeds and mortgages.

Each service has its own eligibility, application and documentation requirements.

This article is an independent informational guide. It is not operated by Pottawattamie County, the County Recorder, the State of Iowa or any government agency.

Recording fees, forms, services, hours and statutory requirements can change. Confirm important information with the responsible office before submitting documents or making payments.

This guide does not provide legal advice, a certified title examination, an abstract of title or a guarantee of ownership.

Do not use public land records for employment screening, tenant screening, credit eligibility, insurance underwriting or another purpose regulated by the Fair Credit Reporting Act. This website is not a Consumer Reporting Agency.

These resources provide the official office information, search tools, recording requirements and services covered in this guide.

Last reviewed against official county resources: October 26, 2026.