New Madrid County Public Records

New Madrid County public records are held at the courthouse in New Madrid, a town in the Bootheel region of southeast Missouri along the Mississippi River. The Recorder of Deeds and Circuit Clerk each maintain different types of files. Land records and marriage files here go back to 1821, making this one of the oldest record collections in the state. Court cases can be searched through CaseNet for free. This page covers the main ways to find and get copies of public records in New Madrid County, Missouri.

New Madrid County Recorder of Deeds

The New Madrid County Recorder of Deeds keeps land records, liens, and marriage files at the courthouse. Recorder Kim Hall runs this office. Call (573) 748-5146 for help with copies or searches. The courthouse is at 450 Main St. in New Madrid.

Land records in New Madrid County date back to 1821, the year Missouri became a state. This makes the local collection one of the oldest in the entire state. The office maintains deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, liens, plat maps, and military discharges. Marriage records also start from 1821. These early documents are valuable for genealogy and property title research in the Bootheel region. To get a copy, call the Recorder or visit in person. Fees vary based on the type of document and whether you need a certified or plain copy.

Missouri's Sunshine Law under Chapter 610 RSMo gives the public a right to inspect and copy most government records. This applies to all New Madrid County offices. They must respond to requests within three business days and can charge reasonable fees for copies.

Court Records in New Madrid County

New Madrid County is part of the 33rd Judicial Circuit. The Circuit Clerk handles all court filings. Civil, criminal, family, and probate cases are managed here. Court records are public unless sealed by a judge.

You can search New Madrid County court cases through Missouri CaseNet, the state's free online case lookup. CaseNet lets you search by name, case number, or date range. It shows case type, parties involved, charges, and docket entries for most cases in the 33rd Judicial Circuit. The system is free and runs most days from 6 AM to 1 AM. No account is needed.

For older records or actual filed documents not on CaseNet, contact the Circuit Clerk at the courthouse. The clerk can pull paper files and make copies. Bring a valid ID if you visit. Copy fees follow statutory rates. Some older files may be stored off-site, so call ahead for records from before the 1990s.

The Missouri Association of Counties directory for New Madrid County, shown above, lists contact details for all elected officials. This is a useful starting point when you need to find the right phone number or address.

New Madrid County Vital Records

Marriage records in New Madrid County go back to 1821. The Recorder stores licenses and certificates. You can request copies by calling or visiting the office.

Birth and death certificates are not held at the county level in Missouri. Those go through the state Bureau of Vital Records in Jefferson City. The state keeps marriages and divorces from July 1, 1948 forward. For older marriage records from New Madrid County, the Recorder's office is the only local source. Certified copies cost a small fee. Provide the names of both parties and an approximate date so staff can find the right record.

Note: New Madrid County has some of the oldest marriage records in Missouri, dating back to 1821.

Historical Records for New Madrid County

The Missouri State Archives holds historical New Madrid County records including birth and death records from 1883 to 1893. Probate files, court dockets, and other early documents are also part of the collection. Marriage and land records from 1821 are in the Archives catalog.

Researchers studying genealogy or land title history in the Bootheel region often use the State Archives for New Madrid County. The records fill in gaps where local files may have been lost over the past two centuries. The Archives has a searchable online catalog and accepts mail requests. Staff can help with lookups if you provide a name, date range, and the type of record you need.

Records Laws in New Madrid County

Missouri's Sunshine Law covers all public records in New Madrid County. When you ask for records, the custodian has three business days to respond. Copy fees are permitted, but the office cannot charge for time spent looking. If access is denied, you get a written statement with the specific legal citation. Juvenile cases, active law enforcement investigations, and sealed files are closed. Most other New Madrid County records are open to anyone without restriction.

How to Get New Madrid County Records

Online searches are the fastest starting point. CaseNet covers court records. The Missouri Association of Counties links to county contacts statewide. These tools are free, though full document copies still need a direct request to the clerk or recorder.

In-person visits let you review files and get copies right away. The courthouse is at 450 Main St. in New Madrid. The Recorder and Circuit Clerk both have offices there. Bring cash or a check for copy fees. Hours are Monday through Friday during normal business hours. Call ahead to confirm the office will be open.

Mail requests work when you cannot make the trip. Write a letter with your name, contact details, the record type, and identifying information. Send it to 450 Main St., New Madrid, MO 63869. Include a check for the estimated fee. Allow one to two weeks for turnaround.

Nearby Counties

These counties border New Madrid County in the Bootheel region of southeast Missouri.