St. One County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in St. One County in 2026
StOneRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Stone County, Missouri. Members of the public may find ownership history, recorded deeds, tax assessment data, mortgage filings, liens, plat maps, and related encumbrance documents. Available record categories may include:
- Deeds and title transfers
- Property tax assessments and payment history
- Recorded mortgages and satisfactions
- Judgment and mechanic's liens
- Easements and subdivision plats
- Building permit records
Records can be searched through official Stone County and Missouri state resources. The primary repositories are the Stone County Recorder of Deeds, the Stone County Collector of Revenue, and the Missouri Secretary of State for statewide filings.
Multiple Access Methods:
- Online searches — The most convenient option; available through county and state portals at no charge for basic inquiries
- In-person visits — Required for certified copies and access to older records not yet digitized
- By mail — Written requests submitted to the appropriate county office with applicable fees
- Through professionals — Title companies, real estate attorneys, and licensed abstractors provide comprehensive searches
Online Search Methods
1. Property Appraiser / Assessor Website
Stone County does not maintain a separate property appraiser office; property assessment functions are performed by the Stone County Assessor. Members of the public may access assessment data through the Stone County government portal.
Search Options:
- By property address
- By owner name
- By parcel ID number
- By subdivision or legal description
- By GIS map location
Information Available:
- Current owner name and mailing address
- Legal description and parcel number
- Land use and zoning classification
- Property characteristics (square footage, year built, lot size, building type)
- Assessed value (land and improvements)
- Taxable value and exemptions applied
- Sales history
- GIS map location
How to Search:
- Navigate to the Stone County government portal
- Select the Assessor or property search function
- Enter the property address, owner name, or parcel number
- Review the results list
- Select the property to view the full property card, assessment history, and sales data
- Print or save the information as needed
2. Recorder of Deeds Official Records Search
The Stone County Recorder of Deeds maintains all recorded instruments affecting real property. Under Missouri Revised Statutes § 59.330, the Recorder is required to record, index, and preserve all instruments presented for recording that affect title to real property.
Searchable By:
- Grantor name (seller/transferor)
- Grantee name (buyer/transferee)
- Document type
- Recording date range
- Book and page number or instrument number
Documents Available:
- Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Satisfactions and releases of mortgage
- Judgment liens and mechanic's liens
- Easements and declarations of restrictions
- Plats and surveys
- Powers of attorney affecting property
- Lis pendens notices
- HOA declarations
How to Search:
- Visit the Recorder of Deeds page on the Stone County website
- Select the search type (grantor, grantee, document type, or date range)
- Enter the search criteria
- Review the results and click to view document images where available
- Note the book and page or instrument number for reference or copy requests
Stone County Recorder of Deeds
Stone County Courthouse, 108 E. 4th Street
Galena, MO 65656
Phone: (417) 357-6127
Recorder of Deeds – Stone County
3. Tax Collector / Collector of Revenue Website
Property tax information for Stone County is maintained by the Stone County Collector of Revenue. Members of the public may inquire about personal property and real estate taxes through the Stone County government portal.
Search By:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Parcel or account number
Information Available:
- Current tax bill and amount due
- Payment history
- Outstanding balances and delinquency status
- Exemptions applied
- Millage rates by taxing district
- Installment plan status
The Missouri State Tax Commission provides additional guidance on how property tax bills are calculated, how to obtain a property tax receipt or waiver, and how to pursue assessment appeals.
Stone County Collector of Revenue
Stone County Courthouse, 108 E. 4th Street
Galena, MO 65656
Phone: (417) 357-6428
Stone County – Home
4. GIS / Mapping System
Stone County provides GIS mapping resources accessible through the county portal. The interactive mapping system allows members of the public to:
- Navigate to a specific parcel by address or owner name
- View property boundaries and aerial photography
- Access zoning and land use layers
- View flood zone designations
- Measure distances and view adjacent parcels
- Link directly to property records from the map interface
In-Person Searches
Stone County Assessor's Office
Stone County Courthouse, 108 E. 4th Street
Galena, MO 65656
Phone: (417) 357-6159
Stone County – Home
Services available in person include public access computers, staff assistance, property cards, plat maps, and exemption application forms.
Stone County Recorder of Deeds
Stone County Courthouse, 108 E. 4th Street
Galena, MO 65656
Phone: (417) 357-6127
Recorder of Deeds – Stone County
In-person services include viewing official records, requesting certified copies, searching grantor/grantee indexes, and accessing record books. Staff members are available to assist with document retrieval.
Stone County Collector of Revenue
Stone County Courthouse, 108 E. 4th Street
Galena, MO 65656
Phone: (417) 357-6428
Stone County – Home
By Mail Requests
Recorder of Deeds – Mail Requests:
- Address requests to: Stone County Recorder of Deeds, 108 E. 4th Street, Galena, MO 65656
- Specify the document by book and page, instrument number, or property address and approximate date range
- Include payment for applicable copy fees
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
- Certified copies are available upon request with the appropriate fee
Assessor – Mail Requests:
- Address requests to: Stone County Assessor, 108 E. 4th Street, Galena, MO 65656
- Include the property address or parcel number
- Specify the information requested
- Include a return envelope
Through Professionals
Title Companies conduct comprehensive title searches, prepare abstracts of title, and issue title insurance commitments. These services identify all recorded interests, encumbrances, and defects in title. Costs vary by transaction complexity.
Real Estate Attorneys provide legal title opinions, assist with complex ownership issues, and represent clients in title disputes. Fees vary by attorney and scope of work.
Real Estate Agents may access MLS data for listed properties, pull property histories, and provide comparable sales data as part of their representation services.
Search Tips
- By address: Use the complete street address; try with and without directional prefixes (N, S, E, W); check spelling variations
- By owner name: Try last name first; check variations with and without middle initials; consider business names versus individual names
- By legal description: Use the exact legal description from the deed, including subdivision name, lot and block numbers, and section/township/range
- For historical records: Records not yet digitized require an in-person visit or mail request; staff can assist with microfilm and bound record books
What Is St. One County Property Records
Property records in Stone County, Missouri are official documents related to real property — land and buildings — maintained by county government offices. These records constitute the legal documentation of property ownership, transfers, encumbrances, and assessments. Under Missouri Revised Statutes § 59.010, the Recorder of Deeds is charged with recording and preserving all instruments affecting title to real property within the county.
Purpose of Property Records:
- Establish legal ownership and chain of title
- Record encumbrances such as mortgages and liens
- Document property transfers and sale prices
- Support property tax assessment and collection
- Protect property rights and enable title insurance
- Facilitate real estate transactions
Types of Property Records
Ownership Records:
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
- Title documents and transfer records
- Ownership history and chain of title
- Life estate deeds and trust documents affecting property
Encumbrance Records:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Tax liens, judgment liens, and mechanic's liens
- Easements, restrictions, and covenants
- HOA documents and lis pendens notices
Tax and Assessment Records:
- Property tax assessments and tax bills
- Payment history and delinquency records
- Exemptions (homestead, senior, veteran, disability)
- Special assessments and millage rates
The Missouri State Tax Commission oversees the uniformity and equalization of property assessments statewide and provides guidance on how property tax bills are calculated and how owners may seek relief through the Property Tax Credit program.
Legal Descriptions:
- Plat maps and subdivision plats
- Surveys and metes and bounds descriptions
- Lot and block information
- Condominium declarations
Building and Permit Records:
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
- Code violations and zoning information
- Land use designations
Who Maintains Property Records
Stone County Recorder of Deeds maintains all official recorded instruments, including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and plats. The office records, indexes, and preserves these documents as required by Missouri law.
Stone County Assessor maintains property valuation records, assessment data, property characteristics, ownership information, and exemption applications.
Stone County Collector of Revenue maintains tax bills, payment history, delinquent tax records, and tax certificate information.
Stone County Planning and Zoning maintains building permits, zoning records, code enforcement actions, and land use designations.
As noted by the Missouri Secretary of State, Missouri's records and archives system supports public access to government documents, including those maintained at the county level.
Are Property Records Public Information in St. One County?
Property records in Stone County are public information. Missouri's Sunshine Law, codified at Missouri Revised Statutes § 610.010 et seq., establishes the right of members of the public to inspect and copy public records maintained by government bodies. Property records maintained by the Recorder of Deeds, Assessor, and Collector of Revenue are subject to this right of access. No special permission, stated purpose, or residency requirement is necessary to access these records.
Legal Basis for Public Access:
- Missouri Sunshine Law (§ 610.010 et seq.)
- Missouri recording statutes (§ 59.010 et seq.)
- Common law tradition of public land records
- Centuries-old practice in American property law establishing constructive notice through public recording
Why Property Records Are Public:
The public recording system serves multiple essential functions. Transparency in property ownership prevents fraudulent transfers and supports accountability in property taxation. The commercial real estate marketplace depends on open access to title information for transactions, lending, appraisals, and title insurance. Recording a document provides constructive notice to all subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers, which is a foundational principle of American property law.
What Property Information Is Freely Accessible:
- Current and historical property ownership
- Legal descriptions and parcel numbers
- Sale prices and transfer dates
- Recorded mortgage amounts and lender names
- Liens and encumbrances
- Tax assessments and payment history
- Property characteristics (size, age, building type)
- Deeds and all recorded instruments
- Plat maps and surveys
Privacy Considerations:
Missouri law requires that Social Security numbers and certain personal financial information be redacted from recorded documents before public release. Certain individuals — including law enforcement officers, judges, and victims of domestic violence or stalking — may be eligible for address confidentiality protections under Missouri's Address Confidentiality Program administered by the Missouri Secretary of State. Homestead exemption applications may contain financial information that is not fully subject to public disclosure; members of the public should contact the Stone County Assessor for specific policies.
Who Can Access Property Records:
Any member of the public may access Stone County property records regardless of residency, ownership status, or stated purpose. Common users include prospective buyers, real estate agents and brokers, title companies, appraisers, lenders, attorneys, investors, genealogists, historians, and journalists. Out-of-state inquirers and foreign nationals retain the same access rights as Missouri residents.
Commercial Use of Property Records:
Permitted commercial uses include real estate marketing, property valuation services, title insurance and searches, investment analysis, and market research. Commercial data aggregators such as CoreLogic and First American compile public property records into subscription databases. Such aggregation is lawful; however, anti-harassment laws, fair housing laws, and other applicable statutes continue to govern the use of information obtained from public records.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in St. One County?
Stone County charges fees for copies of recorded documents in accordance with Missouri law. Members of the public may inspect records at no charge during regular business hours. Fees apply when copies or certified copies are requested.
Standard Fee Schedule — Recorder of Deeds:
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Recording a document (first page) | $24.00 |
| Recording a document (each additional page) | $3.00 |
| Certified copy of a recorded document | $1.00 per page + $1.00 certification fee |
| Non-certified copy of a recorded document | $0.50 per page (varies) |
| Search fee (staff-assisted) | Varies |
Missouri recording fees are governed by Missouri Revised Statutes § 59.310, which establishes the maximum fees a Recorder of Deeds may charge for recording instruments and providing copies. Members of the public should confirm current fees directly with the Stone County Recorder of Deeds, as fee schedules are subject to legislative adjustment.
Tax Records — Missouri Department of Revenue:
The Missouri Department of Revenue has created standardized forms for requesting tax records. Fees for tax record copies vary depending on the type of record and the volume of pages requested. Requesters seeking their own tax records or those of another party (with proper authorization) may submit requests using the Department's official forms.
What Is Available at No Charge:
- Online viewing of assessment data through the county portal
- Online viewing of tax payment status
- Basic property information searches
- GIS map access
Accepted Payment Methods:
The Stone County Recorder of Deeds accepts cash, check, and money order for in-person and mail requests. Members of the public should confirm whether credit or debit card payments are accepted prior to submitting a mail request.
Fee Waivers:
Missouri law does not provide a general fee waiver for property record copies. Governmental entities and certain nonprofit organizations may be entitled to reduced or waived fees in specific circumstances; members of the public should inquire directly with the Recorder's office.
What's Included in a St. One County Property Record?
A complete Stone County property record encompasses information from multiple county offices. The following categories represent the full scope of data available through official sources.
Ownership Information
Current Ownership:
- Legal owner name(s) as recorded on the most recent deed
- Ownership type (individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, trust, LLC, corporation, life estate)
- Ownership percentage where multiple owners hold title
- Acquisition date and deed book/page or instrument number
- Mailing address for tax bill purposes
Previous Ownership:
- Chain of title with prior owners' names
- Transfer dates and historical deed references
- Ownership timeline from original conveyance to present
Property Identification
- Site address and mailing address (if different)
- Legal description (lot and block, subdivision name, plat book and page, section/township/range, metes and bounds)
- Parcel ID and tax account number
- Alternate or previous parcel numbers
Physical Characteristics
Land Information:
- Lot size in square feet or acres
- Lot dimensions, frontage, and depth
- Corner lot designation
- Land use designation and zoning classification
Building Information:
- Total living area in square feet
- Year built and effective year
- Number of stories and building type
- Construction type, exterior wall material, roof type, and foundation type
- Number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and total rooms
- Garage type and spaces, pool, porch/patio, fireplace, HVAC systems
- Water source and sewer system
- Condition and quality ratings
Valuation Information
- Land value, building value, and total assessed value
- Market value and just value
- Assessment year and historical values for prior years
- Agricultural classification where applicable
Tax Information
- Total tax amount due and taxable value after exemptions
- Millage rate breakdown by taxing authority (county, school district, city, special districts)
- Payment status, due dates, and discount information
- Tax payment history and delinquency history
- Exemptions applied (homestead, senior, disability, veteran, widow/widower, agricultural, conservation, historic preservation)
Sales History
- Sale dates, sale prices, and sale types (warranty deed, quitclaim, foreclosure, tax deed, gift, inheritance, divorce transfer)
- Grantor and grantee names for each transaction
- Deed document numbers and documentary stamp amounts
- Qualified/unqualified sale designation
Encumbrances and Liens
- Recorded mortgages with amounts, lender names, and recording dates
- Tax liens (federal, state, local), judgment liens, mechanic's liens, HOA liens, and code enforcement liens
- Easements (utility, access, conservation), restrictions and covenants, leases, life estates, and lis pendens notices
Legal and Regulatory Information
- Current zoning classification and permitted uses
- Land use code and future land use designation
- School district, fire district, water district, and other special taxing districts
- Deed restrictions, subdivision covenants, and HOA information
- Flood zone designation (FEMA), wetlands designation, and conservation areas
Maps and Images
- Property exterior photograph and aerial photograph
- GIS map with property boundaries
- Plat map and property sketch
- Historical aerial photographs where available
Building Permit Information
- Building permits issued with dates, descriptions, contractor information, and permit values
- Certificate of occupancy and inspection records
What Is Not Typically in Public Property Records:
- Current mortgage balances (only original amounts at recording)
- Personal financial information beyond recorded documents
- Interior photographs
- Social Security numbers (redacted by law)
- Private agreements not recorded
- Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
- Confidential exemption application details
How Long Does St. One County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Stone County are maintained permanently. The permanent retention of recorded instruments is a legal requirement under Missouri law and a practical necessity for establishing unbroken chains of title. No recorded deed, mortgage, lien, plat, or other instrument affecting title to real property is subject to destruction.
Legal Basis for Retention:
Missouri's records retention requirements for county recorders are established by statute and by the Missouri Secretary of State's records retention schedules. The Missouri Secretary of State publishes official retention schedules applicable to county government offices, which confirm that recorded instruments affecting real property are classified as permanent records.
Records Kept Permanently
Deed Records: All recorded deeds are retained permanently, including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, trustee's deeds, and all other conveyance instruments. Stone County's deed records date to the county's formation in 1851, with some records extending to original land grants and territorial period conveyances.
Mortgage Records: All recorded mortgages, deeds of trust, satisfactions, releases, modifications, and assignments are maintained permanently, even after the underlying loan has been paid in full.
Lien Records: All recorded liens — including judgment liens, tax liens, mechanic's liens, and releases thereof — are retained permanently.
Plats and Surveys: All recorded subdivision plats, re-plats, condominium declarations, and survey plats are permanent records.
Other Recorded Documents: Easements, restrictions, covenants, declarations, powers of attorney affecting property, and court documents affecting title are all maintained permanently.
Format and Storage
Historical Records:
- Pre-20th century records: Handwritten ledger books
- Early-to-mid 20th century: Typed entries in bound record books
- Mid-20th century onward: Microfilm
- Recent decades: Digital scans and electronic document management systems
Modern Format: Current recordings are maintained in electronic document management systems with scanned images of original instruments, digital backup systems, and off-site storage for disaster recovery.
Access to Historical Records
Online Access: Recent records — the scope of which varies by county digitization efforts — are accessible through the Stone County online portal. Members of the public seeking records from earlier decades may need to visit the courthouse or submit a mail request.
In-Person Access: All records, regardless of age or format, are available for public inspection at the Stone County Recorder of Deeds office. Records may be stored in bound books, on microfilm, or in digital access terminals. Staff members can retrieve records from storage; advance notice may be helpful for very old materials.
Stone County Recorder of Deeds
Stone County Courthouse, 108 E. 4th Street
Galena, MO 65656
Phone: (417) 357-6127
Recorder of Deeds – Stone County
Property Appraiser / Assessor Records
Assessment records, property cards, and assessment rolls are maintained permanently. Exemption applications are retained for a period determined by the Missouri Secretary of State's retention schedule, which is at present a minimum of several years. Recent assessment history is accessible online through the county portal; historical assessments are available at the Assessor's office.
Tax Collector Records
Tax payment records are retained for a minimum of seven to ten years under standard retention schedules. Tax deed records are permanent. Delinquency records are maintained for several years. Recent tax history is accessible online; older records are available at the Collector's office.
Chain of Title
Every transfer of real property in Stone County from the original land grant to the present is documented in the permanent record. Title searches conducted in connection with real estate transactions review the chain of title for a period of at least thirty to sixty years, though a full abstract may extend to the original conveyance. Gaps in the chain of title create title defects that must be resolved before clear title can be conveyed.
Digitization and Preservation
Stone County, in common with many Missouri counties, is engaged in ongoing digitization of historical records. Climate-controlled storage protects paper records and microfilm. Multiple digital backups and disaster recovery plans ensure the preservation of electronic records. Public access to all records — regardless of age or format — is guaranteed by law.
How To Find Liens on Property in St. One County?
Liens on real property in Stone County are recorded instruments and are therefore part of the public record maintained by the Stone County Recorder of Deeds. Members of the public may search for liens through the following methods.
Step-by-Step Search Process:
- Navigate to the Recorder of Deeds page on the Stone County website
- Access the official records search function
- Search by the property owner's name (as grantor or grantee) or by the property's parcel number
- Filter results by document type to identify liens, including judgment liens, mechanic's liens, tax liens, and HOA liens
- Review each result for recording date, lienholder name, amount, and instrument number
- Request copies of specific lien documents as needed, either online (if document images are available) or by contacting the Recorder's office directly
Types of Liens Searchable Through the Recorder:
- Judgment liens — Filed by creditors following a court judgment; indexed under the debtor's name
- Mechanic's liens — Filed by contractors, subcontractors, or material suppliers for unpaid work or materials
- HOA liens — Filed by homeowner associations for unpaid assessments
- Mortgage liens — Recorded deeds of trust and mortgages constitute voluntary liens on the property
- Lis pendens — Notices of pending litigation affecting title
Federal and State Tax Liens:
Federal tax liens are filed by the Internal Revenue Service with the Stone County Recorder of Deeds and are searchable through the recorder's index. Missouri state tax liens are filed by the Missouri Department of Revenue. Members of the public may also search for state tax lien information through the Missouri Department of Revenue.
Property Tax Delinquency:
Outstanding property tax obligations constitute a lien on real property under Missouri law. Members of the public may verify whether property taxes are current or delinquent through the Stone County Collector of Revenue's online inquiry system at the Stone County government portal.
Stone County Recorder of Deeds
Stone County Courthouse, 108 E. 4th Street
Galena, MO 65656
Phone: (417) 357-6127
Recorder of Deeds – Stone County
Stone County Collector of Revenue
Stone County Courthouse, 108 E. 4th Street
Galena, MO 65656
Phone: (417) 357-6428
Stone County – Home
Members of the public conducting a title search for purchase or refinance purposes are advised to engage a licensed title company or real estate attorney to ensure a comprehensive lien search is performed, as not all encumbrances may be apparent from a single index search.
What Is Property Owner Rule in St. One County?
In Stone County, Missouri, property ownership is governed by Missouri state law, which establishes the rights, responsibilities, and limitations applicable to owners of real property. The term "property owner rule" encompasses the bundle of rights held by a property owner and the legal framework within which those rights are exercised.
Ownership Rights Under Missouri Law:
A property owner in Stone County holds the right to use, enjoy, transfer, encumber, and exclude others from their real property, subject to applicable zoning regulations, deed restrictions, easements, and other recorded encumbrances. Missouri recognizes several forms of concurrent ownership, including joint tenancy with right of survivorship, tenancy in common, and tenancy by the entirety for married couples.
Recording Requirements:
Under Missouri law, a deed or other instrument affecting title to real property must be recorded with the Stone County Recorder of Deeds to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers. An unrecorded instrument is valid between the parties but may be defeated by a subsequent bona fide purchaser for value who records first. This principle, known as the race-notice recording rule, is codified in Missouri's recording statutes.
Property Tax Obligations:
Property owners in Stone County are subject to annual real property tax assessments conducted by the Stone County Assessor. Under Missouri law, real property is assessed at nineteen percent of its true value in money for residential property. Property owners who disagree with their assessment may appeal to the Stone County Board of Equalization and, thereafter, to the Missouri State Tax Commission, which serves as the state-level administrative body for property tax appeals.
Homestead and Exemption Rights:
Missouri does not provide a traditional homestead exemption that reduces assessed value for owner-occupied residential property in the same manner as some other states. However, Missouri's Property Tax Credit (Circuit Breaker) program, administered through the Missouri State Tax Commission, provides a credit to qualifying senior citizens and disabled individuals based on a portion of their property tax or rent paid. Certain property classifications — including agricultural land, historic properties, and properties owned by qualifying nonprofit organizations — may be eligible for reduced assessment rates or exemptions under Missouri law.
Zoning and Land Use Regulations:
Property owners in Stone County are subject to county zoning ordinances and land use regulations administered by the Stone County Planning and Zoning office. These regulations govern permitted uses, setback requirements, building heights, lot coverage, and subdivision standards. Owners seeking to use property in a manner not permitted by current zoning may apply for a variance or rezoning through the appropriate county process.
Adverse Possession:
Missouri law recognizes adverse possession as a means by which a person may acquire title to real property through open, notorious, continuous, hostile, and exclusive possession for a period of ten years. Claims of adverse possession must be adjudicated through the circuit court and, if successful, result in a court order that is recorded with the Stone County Recorder of Deeds.
Eminent Domain:
Property owners in Stone County retain constitutional protections against the taking of private property for public use without just compensation, as guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I, Section 26 of the Missouri Constitution. Any governmental taking of private property must be accompanied by fair market value compensation.
Stone County Assessor
Stone County Courthouse, 108 E. 4th Street
Galena, MO 65656
Phone: (417) 357-6159
Stone County – Home
Stone County Planning and Zoning
Stone County Courthouse, 108 E. 4th Street
Galena, MO 65656
Phone: (417) 357-6116
Stone County – Home