Find Audrain County Public Records

Audrain County has about 25,000 residents and keeps its public records at the courthouse in Mexico, Missouri. The county was organized in 1836, making it one of the older counties in the state. Court files, land deeds, tax records, and marriage documents are all available through county offices. Some Audrain County records can be searched online through state tools, and others require a visit or call to the courthouse. This page walks through the main types of public records in Audrain County and how to access them.

Audrain County Recorder of Deeds

The Audrain County Recorder of Deeds manages land records, mortgage filings, liens, and marriage licenses at 101 N. Jefferson St. in Mexico. Records here go back to 1836. The Recorder files new documents, maintains the grantor and grantee indexes, and provides copies to the public. Call (573) 473-5830 to ask about a specific record or to get fee information before you visit.

The Audrain County government website has contact details and office hours for the Recorder and other county departments. The site is a good first stop when you need to figure out which office holds the records you want.

The Audrain County government portal shown above lists all county offices and provides direct links for record requests and county services.

Land records in Audrain County include warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, deeds of trust, releases, easements, plat maps, and survey records. Each document is indexed by the names of the parties and the date it was filed. If you are tracing property ownership, start with the grantee index and work backward through the chain of title. Staff at the Recorder's office can help if you get stuck.

Note: Audrain County land records from 1836 are among the oldest in central Missouri and are stored in the original record books at the courthouse.

Audrain County Court Records

The 12th Judicial Circuit handles all court matters for Audrain County. The Circuit Clerk at (573) 473-5123 files and maintains records for civil, criminal, family, and probate cases. The courthouse at 101 N. Jefferson St. in Mexico is where all case files are stored. You can visit during business hours to review records or request copies.

Online access to Audrain County court records is available through Missouri CaseNet. This free tool lets you search by party name, case number, or filing date. Results show the case type, parties, charges, and docket entries for cases in the 12th Judicial Circuit. CaseNet is the fastest way to check on a case without calling the clerk. It does not show full document text, so you will still need to request copies for complete pleadings and orders.

The Missouri Sunshine Law, Chapter 610 RSMo, gives the public a right to access most court records in Audrain County. Sealed records and juvenile cases are exceptions. If a record is closed, the clerk will let you know and cite the legal basis for the restriction.

Audrain County Tax and Assessment Records

The Audrain County Assessor determines the value of all real and personal property in the county for tax purposes. Assessment records are public and show the owner's name, property description, assessed value, and classification. You can view the Audrain County Assessor page for information about property valuations and assessment schedules.

The Audrain County Assessor's page shown above provides property search tools and assessment data for public review.

Tax payment records are kept by the Collector's office. These show what taxes have been paid or are owed on a given property. Tax lien records are filed with the Recorder of Deeds. Between these three offices, you can piece together a complete picture of a property's tax status in Audrain County. All of these records are open to the public.

Marriage Records in Audrain County

The Recorder of Deeds issues marriage licenses and stores marriage certificates in Audrain County. These records date to 1836. To get a copy, provide the names of both parties and an approximate date. The Recorder can pull the record and make a copy while you wait if you visit in person. Certified copies carry a higher fee than plain copies.

Birth and death records are not held at the Audrain County level. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services manages those records statewide. You can order birth and death certificates online, by mail, or in person through the state office in Jefferson City. Marriage records, however, stay local and are available at the Audrain County courthouse in Mexico.

How to Get Records from Audrain County

There are several ways to get public records from Audrain County offices. The method you pick depends on what type of record you need and how quickly you need it.

For court records, start with a CaseNet search online. If you find the case and need copies of specific documents, call the Circuit Clerk at (573) 473-5123 or visit the courthouse. For land and property records, contact the Recorder at (573) 473-5830. They can search by name, legal description, or book and page number. For tax and assessment records, reach out to the Assessor or Collector at the courthouse.

Mail requests are accepted by all Audrain County offices. Write to the specific office at 101 N. Jefferson St., Mexico, MO 65265. Include the details of the record you want, your contact information, and a check for the estimated copy fee. Allow up to two weeks for processing and return mail. In-person visits are usually faster. Bring a valid ID and be prepared to pay fees in cash or by check.

Note: Audrain County offices follow the Missouri Sunshine Law and must respond to written records requests within three business days.

Nearby Counties

Audrain County is surrounded by several other Missouri counties. If you are searching for a record and are not sure which county it belongs to, check the address or property location to confirm the correct jurisdiction.