Recorder Warns to be Wary of Mail Offers for Copies of Deeds

Boone County Recorder of Deeds Bettie Johnson urges county residents to be wary of mail offers to provide copies of legal documents.

The Recorders' Association of Missouri notified Recorders about a private company’s offer to obtain copies of property deeds that charge home owners an excessive fee. The Washington D.C. based National Deeds Service, Inc has mailed the offer to residents of Missouri's most populated counties and the Recorders’ Association of Missouri has contacted the Missouri Attorney General’s office regarding the matter.

Property owners in these areas have received a letter offering an official certified copy of their deed for $59.50. The mailing asks for the owner's name, address and credit card information.

Johnson said most property owners obtained their original property deed when their property was purchased.

In addition, this company's offer costs significantly more than obtaining certified property deeds directly from the Boone County Recorder’s Office. Fees are $1 per page, plus $1 for the certification and most property deeds are no more than one or two pages long.

"I am concerned about companies trying to take advantage of our citizens by not being truthful. If anyone receives one of these letters, I would urge them to ignore it and contact our office."

For information or to obtain a copy of your property deed, you may visit the Boone County Recorder’s Office in the Boone County Government Center at 801 E. Walnut Room 132, Columbia, MO, or call the office at (573) 886-4345.