Kootenai County Recorder: Deeds & Records

The right starting point depends on whether you need an existing document, want to record a new one or are trying to find a property’s current owner.

Kootenai County maintains recorded documents dating back to 1881. Its official website identifies 1996 onward as a principal online-search period.

The county also provides online access to older records and has integrated plats, surveys and corner records into its public-access system.

After opening: search step by step

1. Open Search Real Estate Index.

   Start from the county’s real-estate records search area.

2. Select the appropriate search method.

   The county supports searching by party name, instrument number and legal description.

3. Enter the information you know.

   For a deed, try the grantor or grantee name. For a known document, use its instrument number.

4. Review the matching records.

   Check the document type, recording date, parties and recording reference before opening an image.

5. Open and inspect the document.

   Compare the legal description and names with the property you are researching.

6. Save the reference.

   Keep the instrument number or other recording details if you need a certified copy later.

Searching plats, surveys and land-corner documents

Kootenai County moved its existing plats, surveys and Corner Perpetuation and Filing (CP&F) records into the PA records system.

Use the Real Estate Index search and the county’s special document codes:

For a survey search, enter the Section, Township and Range, then select the SS document code.

Use SP for plats or SL for corner records. These codes are specific to Kootenai County’s index and should not be confused with other counties’ filing systems.

The Recorder’s index focuses on recorded instruments. If you only have a street address, the county recommends finding the legal description through the Assessor.

What the two systems tell you

The Recorder accepts documents by mail, in person or through an approved electronic recording vendor.

Documents cannot be submitted for recording by email. Paper submissions must be originals, while electronic submissions follow the county’s eRecording process.

Basic recording requirements

• Original document for paper filing
• Completed document
• Required grantor signature
• Proper notarization
• Real-property legal description or relevant recorded instrument reference when required
• Correct recording fee
• Self-addressed stamped envelope when mailing

The county notes that forms can be obtained from attorneys or title companies. A legally correct deed depends on the transaction and the parties involved.

Record a deed by mail

Send your original document, correct fee and a self-addressed stamped return envelope to:

The county does not publish one universal processing time for all mailed documents. Confirm the current handling procedure before mailing time-sensitive paperwork.

Record a deed in person

Visit 451 Government Way, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814 with your original document and payment.

The county’s recording instructions state that staff will return the original document at the time of an in-person recording transaction.

eRecording through approved vendors

Kootenai County lists three electronic recording providers: CSC, eRecording Partners Network and Simplifile.

This is useful for title companies, law firms and other frequent submitters. Vendor enrollment and any service charges are separate from the county’s recording fee.

Kootenai County publishes the following recording fees under Idaho Code §31-3205.

For listed flat-fee instruments, the amount generally covers up to 30 pages. Pages above that limit cost an additional $3 each.

How page counts change recording fees

Some recordings have special rules, including multiple instruments, releases, assignments and certain UCC filings.

Always check the current official schedule before sending payment.

Publicly available recorded documents can be viewed online without charge.

If you need an office-issued copy, Kootenai County lists $1 per page and an additional $1 for certification.

After opening: request a copy by mail

1. Open the request form.

   Choose the county’s recorded-document request form linked on the Records Research page.

2. Identify the document.

   Give the instrument number or book/page reference, parties, document type and recording date when known.

3. Specify certification.

   Say whether a regular or certified copy is needed.

4. Include payment.

   The county accepts a check or money order for mailed requests. Include the return-mailing amount specified by the office.

5. Provide your return information.

   Include your address, phone number and/or email address.

6. Mail the request.

   Send it to the Kootenai County Recorder’s Office, P.O. Box 9000, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83816.

Before visiting: bring the document or recording reference, a valid payment method and any required original paperwork. Call ahead for complex recording questions or holiday-hour changes.

Who is the elected Recorder?

In Idaho, the County Clerk also serves as Recorder. Kootenai County identifies Jennifer Locke as County Clerk.

The Clerk has five statutory roles: Auditor, Recorder, Clerk of the District Court, Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners and Chief Elections Officer.

Recording Manager Melinda Roeder is the practical contact for Recorder operations.

For a property purchase, reviewing the latest deed alone may not be enough. Mortgages, easements, restrictions, liens and other instruments may also affect the property.

The following government pages support the local procedures, search tools and published fees described in this guide.