Deeds
Documents that convey real estate.
Recording
Your milestones.
Your records.
Property records, marriage licenses, and the documents that help tell your story.
South Fork, Colorado · Leslie Cross / Unsplash
Documents you can record.
You can record many important documents through your county clerk and recorder. Recording offices are also a resource for exploring, researching, and obtaining copies of a wide array of public records—including real estate documents, deeds, military records, and more—often dating back many decades.
Deeds of trust
A lien or loan against property.
DD214 documents
Documents related to an individual’s military record.
Subdivisions
Documents that divide property into lots, blocks, and easements at the time of recording.
Liens
Documents that encumber real estate by businesses or individuals attempting to collect money due for services rendered.
Marriage & civil union licenses
Documents attesting to the legal joining of two individuals.
Other recorded documents may include judgments and decrees, federal and state tax liens, releases, public trustee documents, business incorporation documents, and Statements of Authority. Contact your county clerk’s office for specifics about what’s available.
Deeds & ownership
5 questionsI paid off my mortgage, how do I get my deed?
Deeds are recorded when you purchase a property. However, if any new deeds have been recorded to change the ownership by adding or removing someone, or putting it into a trust or LLC, that new deed is proof of current ownership. The Recording office can provide a copy of a recorded deed. Originals are mailed after recording unless they are submitted electronically.
I want to add/remove my spouse to my deed, can I do it myself or do I need an attorney?
A new deed will need to be recorded reflecting the change in ownership. Use of an attorney or a title company is not required, but it is highly recommended to ensure it’s done properly.
Can I get a Transfer on Death form?
In Colorado, they are called Beneficiary Deeds. Forms may be available at office supply stores, and they can be found online.
How can I get a deed form?
Forms are available at some office supply stores and online. A local library may have them.
I recorded a change in title 6 weeks ago and I don’t see it changed yet.
Contact your Assessor’s office to see what date they are updating. If it was missed, they can review the deed and make the change. If there was an issue with the conveyance, they will say so and usually send a letter reflecting this.
Property records & research
6 questionsDo I have any liens against my property? Are there any easements on my property? Who has the rights to the driveway we share? Do I own the water rights to my property?
A lien or title search is not performed by the county clerk. Owners may search records online themselves or pay a title company or land research company to perform the search for them.
How do I get a copy of my survey/plot plan/ILC for my property?
Most ILC surveys are not recorded. A title company only orders one prior to a closing if there is a concern about the accuracy of the property lines. An owner may pay to have their property surveyed and choose to record it, but it’s not required to be recorded.
What is a legal description?
A written description that specifically identifies a piece of property’s boundaries using permanent landmarks or monuments, and the lots and blocks on a recorded plat when applicable.
Who owns the house next to me? Or Unit next to mine? Who owns the alley behind me?
Property records can be searched using the local Assessor’s property search to identify ownership of surrounding property.
Where do I find info on a well on my property?
The county may have information on well testing, but the permits themselves are issued by the Colorado Division of Water Resources.
Can you tell me if my title is free and clear?
A title company can provide an Ownership & Encumbrances Report (O&E) that will show liens having been released, any open liens if applicable, and the owner per the current deed.
Liens & property protection
3 questionsHow can I protect my property against fraud?
Many county recording systems offer a free alert when something is recorded in the owner’s name or that has their property information. Please check the local county recording office for options and instructions.
I have a lien on my property, how do I get it off my record?
A Release of Lien must be recorded that references the lien has been paid or released. These are signed by the lien claimant and typically recorded by them as well.
Who is responsible for fence replacement?
This is between the property owners that are affected by the fence. Legal advice is recommended before proceeding.
Other records & documents
6 questionsWhere can I get a copy of my house plans/blueprints?
Blueprints are typically retained by the builder, though sometimes a copy is given to the original purchaser.
Where can I get my trust paperwork?
Irrevocable trusts are registered with the court in the county where it was administered.
Revocable trusts are not registered. It may be retained by the attorney that created it, or by the trustors themselves.
Where can I get a copy of my divorce decree?
The court in which the divorce was filed would provide a copy of the finalized decree.
Where do I file my will? And where can I find my will/family members’ will?
Check with the local court. Some courts still lodge them, some do not.
If they do not, it is recommended to keep it in a safe place. They should only be recorded after the person has passed as part of the property transfer if applicable.
How do I get an apostille?
The Secretary of State administers apostilles on certified copies of documents and notarization of documents.
Where can I get a small estate form?
Contact the Probate Division of the local District Court.
Start with your
county clerk.
Available records and services vary by county. Connect with your local clerk and recorder’s office for details.