Montgomery County Public Records

Montgomery County public records are stored at the courthouse in Montgomery City, the county seat. The Recorder of Deeds, Circuit Clerk, and other offices maintain different types of documents open to the public. This east-central Missouri county sits along the Missouri River and has about 11,500 residents. Land records go back to 1839, court records to 1886, and marriage records to 1864. If you need deeds, court filings, tax data, or vital records from Montgomery County, the 12th Judicial Circuit Court and the Recorder's office are your main sources for searching and getting copies.

Montgomery County Recorder of Deeds

The Montgomery County Recorder of Deeds is the primary office for land and property records. Recorder Sheila See and her staff file deeds, trust deeds, liens, plats, and other real estate documents. The office also handles marriage license filings. Land records date back to 1839 and marriage records to 1864. The courthouse is at 211 E. 3rd St. in Montgomery City. Call (573) 564-3157 to reach the Recorder.

The Missouri Association of Counties profile for Montgomery County has contact info for all elected officials.

Montgomery County sits in a part of Missouri with a long settlement history. The county was organized in 1818 and was one of the original five counties in the state. Land changed hands frequently in the early days, which means the deed records are deep and complex. Title researchers working in Montgomery County often need to trace chains of ownership back well over a century. The Recorder's office can help with these searches.

Court Records in Montgomery County

Court records in Montgomery County are filed through the 12th Judicial Circuit. The Circuit Clerk handles civil, criminal, family, and probate filings. Call (573) 564-3351 to reach the clerk. Court records in this county go back to 1886. Case files, judgments, and orders are public unless sealed by a judge.

Missouri's CaseNet system lets you search court records from any Missouri circuit court online for free. That includes the 12th Circuit serving Montgomery County. You can search by name, case number, or date range. CaseNet shows the case type, parties, charges, docket entries, and hearing dates. It does not display the full text of documents but gives you enough to understand what a case involves. The tool is free and runs around the clock.

Under Missouri's Sunshine Law in Chapter 610 RSMo, most government records are open to the public. Court records in Montgomery County follow this same rule. The main exceptions are sealed cases, juvenile files, and certain mental health records.

Note: Montgomery County court records start from 1886 because earlier records were lost or destroyed.

Montgomery County Historical Records

Montgomery County is one of the oldest counties in Missouri, organized in 1818. Despite this long history, some early records were lost. Land records start from 1839 and court records from 1886. Marriage records begin in 1864. The Missouri State Archives in Jefferson City holds copies of many Montgomery County records, including birth and death records from 1883 to 1893, marriage records from 1829, and land and probate files.

Researchers doing genealogy or property history work can visit the State Archives in person or order copies by mail. The Archives sometimes has records that predate what is available at the county level. Between the Archives and the Recorder's office in Montgomery City, most records from the mid-1800s forward can be located.

Vital Records in Montgomery County

Birth and death certificates come from the Missouri Bureau of Vital Records at the state level. Montgomery County does not issue these directly. You can order certified copies online, by mail, or at a local office.

Marriage licenses are filed through the Recorder of Deeds in Montgomery City. Both parties must appear with valid ID. Missouri has no waiting period. The license is valid for 30 days. After the ceremony, the officiant returns the completed license to the Recorder, and it becomes a permanent public record. Marriage records in Montgomery County go back to 1864.

Divorce records are court records filed with the 12th Judicial Circuit Clerk. Search on CaseNet or request copies at the courthouse.

Montgomery County Tax Records

The Montgomery County Collector handles property tax records. You can check tax bills, see payment history, and find out if a property has unpaid taxes. Tax records are public and open to anyone who asks. The office is in the courthouse in Montgomery City.

Tax sale records stay on file with the Collector. When an owner does not pay taxes, the county can sell a tax lien on the property. These are public proceedings. If you are buying land in Montgomery County, checking the tax status is a smart first step. The Assessor also keeps property value records, tax maps, and ownership data that connect to the tax system.

Montgomery County Public Records Requests

All Montgomery County offices must follow the Sunshine Law. It is in Chapter 610 RSMo. You can ask for any public record, and the office has three business days to respond. No reason is required. Copy fees for standard pages are about $0.10. Certified copies cost more.

Montgomery County does not have its own online records portal. CaseNet covers court records from the 12th Judicial Circuit. For land records, tax files, and vital documents, you need to contact the offices in Montgomery City. The Recorder is at (573) 564-3157 and the Circuit Clerk is at (573) 564-3351. Both are in the courthouse on East 3rd Street. The Missouri State Archives holds historical Montgomery County records from 1829, including early marriage files and land records. These digital documents are free to view online through the Secretary of State's website.

If a request is denied, the office must explain in writing. You can contact the Attorney General to file a complaint. Fines for purposeful violations run up to $5,000.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Montgomery County in east-central Missouri. Each one keeps its own public records, so check the address before you search.