Search Phelps County Public Records
Phelps County public records are kept at the courthouse in Rolla, the county seat. Several offices hold different types of documents that you can search and copy. The Recorder of Deeds stores land records and marriage filings. The Circuit Clerk keeps court case files. The county has about 45,000 residents and sits along Interstate 44 in south-central Missouri. If you need to find deeds, court records, tax data, or vital documents from Phelps County, you can visit the courthouse or use online tools. The Recorder now accepts eRecording and started taking passport applications as of January 2, 2026.
Phelps County Quick Facts
Phelps County Recorder of Deeds
The Phelps County Recorder of Deeds is run by Robin Kordes. This office files deeds, trust deeds, liens, plats, and other land documents. Marriage licenses are also filed here. Records in Phelps County go back to 1821, which makes the archive one of the older collections in the state. The office is in the Phelps County Courthouse in Rolla. You can call at (573) 458-6095 to ask about a record or check hours before you visit.
Phelps County now supports eRecording for land documents. This means title companies and law firms can file deeds and other instruments online without mailing or hand-delivering paper copies. The system speeds up the filing process and cuts down on wait times at the Recorder's window. For individuals who need to file a document, you can still bring it to the office in person or send it by mail.
The Phelps County government website has contact details and office hours for all county departments. You can find the Recorder's page there along with links to other Phelps County offices that hold public records. The site also posts meeting agendas and commission minutes.
The Recorder's office in Phelps County processes passport applications as well. Starting January 2, 2026, residents can apply for passports at this office. You will need to bring your completed form, proof of citizenship, a photo, and the required fees. This is a new service that saves Phelps County residents a trip to a post office or federal building.
| Office | Phelps County Recorder of Deeds |
|---|---|
| Recorder | Robin Kordes |
| Phone | (573) 458-6095 |
| Location | Phelps County Courthouse, Rolla, MO |
Phelps County Court Records
Court records in Phelps County are filed through the 25th Judicial Circuit. The Circuit Clerk handles civil, criminal, family, and probate cases. Case files, orders, and judgments are all public records unless sealed by a judge. You can visit the clerk's office in the Rolla courthouse to search for records by name or case number.
Missouri's CaseNet system at courts.mo.gov lets you search Phelps County court records from any computer. CaseNet covers all Missouri circuit courts, including the 25th Circuit. You can look up cases by party name, case number, or date. The system shows case type, parties, charges, docket entries, and hearing dates. It does not show full document text, but it gives you a clear picture of what each case involves and its current status.
Under Missouri's Sunshine Law in Chapter 610 RSMo, most government records are open. Phelps County court records follow this rule with a few exceptions. Sealed cases, juvenile records, and certain mental health files stay closed. For everything else, you can ask the Circuit Clerk for copies or search CaseNet online.
Note: CaseNet records are updated regularly but may not show filings from the same day.
Phelps County Tax Records
The Phelps County Collector handles property tax records. This office collects real estate and personal property taxes each year. Tax bills, payment history, and delinquent tax data are all public records. You can call the Collector's office or visit in person to check the tax status of any parcel in Phelps County.
The Phelps County Assessor keeps property valuations and ownership data. When you need to know the assessed value of land or a building in Phelps County, this is the office to contact. Assessment records show the owner's name, legal description, acreage, and tax value. These records tie into the Collector's data and are used to figure tax bills each year. Both offices are in the courthouse in Rolla.
Vital Records in Phelps County
Birth and death certificates in Missouri are handled at the state level by the Bureau of Vital Records, part of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Phelps County does not issue these certificates directly. You can order certified copies online, by mail, or in person at a state office. The fee for a certified birth or death certificate is $15.
Marriage records in Phelps County go back to 1821. The Recorder of Deeds files marriage licenses and keeps them as permanent public records. Both parties must appear in person with valid ID to apply. There is no waiting period in Missouri. The license is good for 30 days. After the ceremony, the officiant returns the completed license to the Recorder's office, and it becomes part of the Phelps County public record.
Divorce records are court files. They are held by the 25th Judicial Circuit Clerk in Phelps County. You can search for them on CaseNet or request copies at the courthouse. The clerk can give you both plain and certified copies of divorce decrees and related court documents.
Historical Phelps County Records
Phelps County has records dating to 1821. Early land grants, deeds, court minutes, and probate files are part of the county archive. Some older documents have been moved to the Missouri State Archives in Jefferson City for long-term preservation. The Archives holds microfilm of many Phelps County records, including early circuit court files and tax lists.
For genealogy work, the Phelps County Recorder and the State Archives are both solid starting points. Marriage records from the 1800s can be found at the Recorder's office. Older court and probate records may be at the Archives. Researchers can visit in person or request copies by mail from either office.
Cities in Phelps County
Rolla is the largest city in Phelps County and serves as the county seat. It is home to Missouri University of Science and Technology. All public records for Rolla residents are filed at the Phelps County offices in the courthouse. Other communities in Phelps County include St. James, Edgar Springs, and Newburg. Records for these areas are also held by Phelps County offices.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Phelps 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.