Miller County Public Records
Miller County public records are kept by offices in Tuscumbia, the county seat. The Recorder of Deeds, Circuit Clerk, and other county staff each hold different types of documents that are open to the public. With about 25,000 residents and a spot right on the Lake of the Ozarks, Miller County has records going back to 1837. If you need land files, court case data, tax info, or marriage records from Miller County, there are ways to search both online and at the courthouse. The 26th Judicial Circuit Court handles all civil and criminal case filings for the county.
Miller County Quick Facts
Miller County Recorder of Deeds
The Miller County Recorder of Deeds is the main office for land and property records in the county. Recorder Kathy Plemmons and her staff file deeds, trust deeds, liens, plats, and other real estate papers. The office also handles marriage license filings. Records in this office go back to 1837, the year the county was formed. You can visit in person at the Miller County courthouse at 2001 Highway 52 in Tuscumbia, or call (573) 369-1935 to ask about a specific document. Staff can look up records by name, legal description, or document number and make copies for a small fee.
The Missouri Association of Counties profile for Miller County lists contact details for all elected officials in the county, including the Recorder.
Many people who own lake property in Miller County use the Recorder's office to check deed history and verify ownership. If you are buying or selling land near the Lake of the Ozarks, this is where you confirm that the title is clear and free of liens.
| Office | Miller County Recorder of Deeds |
|---|---|
| Recorder | Kathy Plemmons |
| Address |
2001 Highway 52 Tuscumbia, MO 65082 |
| Phone | (573) 369-1935 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
Miller County Court Records
Court records in Miller County are filed through the 26th Judicial Circuit. The Circuit Clerk handles civil cases, criminal cases, family law matters, and probate filings. You can reach the clerk at (573) 369-1983. Case files, judgments, and court orders are all public records unless a judge has sealed them. The office is in the courthouse in Tuscumbia.
Missouri's CaseNet system is the statewide tool for searching court records online. It covers all circuit courts, including the 26th Circuit that serves Miller County. You can search by name, case number, or date to find case details. CaseNet shows the case type, parties, charges, docket entries, and scheduled hearings. It does not show the full text of filings, but it gives you a good sense of what a case involves and where it stands. This is free to use and available around the clock.
Under Missouri's Sunshine Law, found in Chapter 610 RSMo, most government records are open to the public. Court records in Miller County follow this rule with a few exceptions. Sealed cases, juvenile records, and certain mental health proceedings are not open. For everything else, you can request copies from the Circuit Clerk or look them up on CaseNet.
Historical Records in Miller County
Miller County has some of the older records in central Missouri. The county was formed in 1837, and documents from that year are still on file. Early land grants, deeds, court minutes, and probate files are part of the county archive. Some of these older records have been sent to the Missouri State Archives in Jefferson City for long-term storage.
The State Archives holds copies of many Miller County records, including birth and death records from 1883 to 1893, marriage records from 1837, land records from 1837, and probate files. Researchers can visit the Archives in person or request copies by mail. For genealogy work, the Archives and the Miller County Recorder's office are both good starting points.
Miller County Vital Records
Birth and death certificates are handled at the state level in Missouri. The Bureau of Vital Records, part of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, is the main source for certified copies. You can order them online, by mail, or in person at a local office. Miller County does not issue birth or death certificates directly. The Recorder's office does keep local marriage records.
Marriage licenses in Miller County are filed through the Recorder of Deeds. Both people must show up in person with valid ID. There is no waiting period in Missouri. Once the license is issued, it is valid for 30 days. After the ceremony, the officiant sends the completed license back to the Recorder, and it becomes a permanent public record. Historical marriage records in Miller County date back to 1837.
Divorce records are court records. They are filed with the 26th Judicial Circuit Clerk in Miller County. You can search for them on CaseNet or request copies at the courthouse.
Tax and Property Records
The Miller County Collector handles property tax records. This office collects real estate and personal property taxes for the county. You can look up tax bills, check payment history, and see if there are any back taxes on a property. Tax records are public. Anyone can ask to see them.
The Miller County government website has contact info for the Collector and other county offices. Tax sale records are also on file. When an owner does not pay taxes, the county can sell a tax lien on the property. These sales are public, and the records from each sale are kept on file. If you are looking at a piece of land in Miller County, checking for back taxes should be one of the first things you do.
Note: Property tax records and payment history for Miller County may also be available through the county website.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Miller County in Missouri. If you are not sure which county holds the records you need, check the address of the property or person involved. Each county keeps its own set of public records.