Iowa · Document Recording
Recording a Deed or Document in Howard County, IA
Howard County (population 9,469) records real-property documents through the Howard County Recorder. Below is what it costs, how to submit, and how Jurably can prepare, notarize, and record your document for you — without a trip to the courthouse.
Howard County recording — the essentials
- Recording office
- Howard County Recorder
- Recording fee
- $7.00 first page first / $5.00 each additional page add'l (+$5.00 auditor transfer fee per township section/city block for conveyance documents (records-management/archive surcharge not separately confirmed))
- Mailing address
- Howard County Recorder, Howard County Courthouse, 137 North Elm Street, Cresco, IA 52136
- Phone
- 563-547-9210
- Checks payable to
- Howard County Recorder
- Electronic recording
- Available via Simplifile, CSC, ePN, Indecomm
Formatting note: Not explicitly stated on official page; Iowa Code ch. 331.606A/606B statewide formatting standards apply (top 3-inch margin, 10-pt font, white 20lb paper, black/dark blue ink); non-conforming docs incur $10 additional fee statewide
Can you e-record in Howard County?
Yes. Howard County accepts electronic recording through Simplifile, CSC, ePN, Indecomm, so a properly formatted document can be recorded the same or next business day without mailing paper.
How to record a document in Howard County, Iowa
- Prepare the document so it meets Howard County formatting rules (legal description, grantee address, signature block, and the blank margin the recorder reserves for its stamp).
- Notarize it if the instrument requires acknowledgment — most deeds and affidavits do.
- Submit electronically through Simplifile, CSC, ePN, Indecomm, or by mail to Howard County Recorder at Howard County Recorder, Howard County Courthouse, 137 North Elm Street, Cresco, IA 52136.
- Pay the recording fee ($7.00 first page first / $5.00 each additional page add'l (+$5.00 auditor transfer fee per township section/city block for conveyance documents (records-management/archive surcharge not separately confirmed))).
- Receive the recorded instrument back with its book/page or instrument number as proof of record.
How Jurably helps in Howard County
Jurably isn’t a deed-filing desk — it’s how real-estate investors get the important paperwork done. If you’re under contract on a Howard County property, we file a memorandum of contract to secure your equitable interest so the seller can’t sell out from under you. Need it notarized first? We handle online notarization or send a mobile notary to your signer. Then we record it — electronically through the county’s approved network — and return the recorded instrument. It’s a self-help filing service, not legal advice.
Howard County recording — FAQ
How much does it cost to record a document in Howard County?
The Howard County Recorder charges $7.00 first page first / $5.00 each additional page add'l (+$5.00 auditor transfer fee per township section/city block for conveyance documents (records-management/archive surcharge not separately confirmed)), with checks payable to Howard County Recorder. Additional fees may apply for extra pages, indexing, or specific document types.
Can you record documents electronically in Howard County?
Yes. Howard County accepts electronic recording through Simplifile, CSC, ePN, Indecomm, so a properly formatted document can be recorded the same or next business day without mailing paper.
Where do I send documents for recording in Howard County?
Mail recordings to Howard County Recorder: Howard County Recorder, Howard County Courthouse, 137 North Elm Street, Cresco, IA 52136 (563-547-9210).
How can Jurably help with recording in Howard County?
If you’re securing a real-estate contract, Jurably files a memorandum of contract in Howard County to protect your equitable interest; we also notarize documents online or in person and record them for you. Upload your document and we prepare, notarize, and file it — so you never have to visit the Howard County recorder in person.
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Under contract in Howard County? Secure it.
Jurably files a memorandum to protect your deal, notarizes what you need, and records it — no courthouse trip.