Access Putnam County Public Records

Putnam County public records are kept at the courthouse in Unionville, the county seat. This is one of Missouri's smallest counties with about 4,700 residents, located in the far north part of the state near the Iowa border. The Recorder of Deeds holds land and marriage records. The Circuit Clerk stores court case files. Records in Putnam County go back to 1845 when the county was organized. If you need to search for deeds, court filings, tax data, or vital documents, you can visit the courthouse in person or use statewide online databases to look up what you need from Putnam County.

Putnam County Recorder of Deeds

The Putnam County Recorder of Deeds files land records, deeds, trust deeds, liens, and plats. Marriage licenses are also recorded through this office. Call (660) 947-2071 to reach the Recorder. The office is at the Putnam County Courthouse in Unionville. Staff can search for records by name, document type, or legal description and provide copies.

Because Putnam County is small, the volume of filings is lower than in metro areas. That can actually work in your favor when searching for records. Staff know the files well and can often locate a document quickly. Records go back to 1845. Early deeds and land transfers from the county's first years are part of the archive. If you are researching property history or doing genealogy work in Putnam County, the Recorder's office is the place to start.

Marriage licenses in Putnam County work the same as elsewhere in Missouri. Both parties bring valid ID and appear in person. No waiting period. The license is good for 30 days. The officiant returns the signed license to the Recorder after the ceremony, and it becomes a permanent public record.

Putnam County Court Records

Court records in Putnam County are filed through the 2nd Judicial Circuit. The Circuit Clerk handles civil, criminal, family law, and probate cases. Case files and court orders are public unless sealed by a judge. Visit the clerk's office in Unionville to search by name or case number.

CaseNet at courts.mo.gov lets you search Putnam County court records online for free. The system covers every circuit court in Missouri, including the 2nd Circuit. Search by party name, case number, or date. CaseNet shows case type, parties, charges, docket entries, and hearing dates. It does not show full document images, but it tells you what each case involves and where it stands in the process.

Under Chapter 610 RSMo, Missouri's Sunshine Law, most government records are open to the public. Putnam County follows this rule. Sealed cases, juvenile records, and certain protected files are the exceptions.

Tax and Property Records

The Putnam County Collector handles property tax billing and collection. Tax bills, payment records, and delinquent tax data are all public. The Assessor keeps property valuations and ownership records. Both offices are at the courthouse in Unionville.

In a rural county like Putnam, agricultural land makes up a large portion of the tax base. Farm and ranch properties are assessed differently than residential or commercial land. The Assessor's records show each parcel's classification, acreage, and assessed value. If you need to check the tax status of land in Putnam County, contact the Collector. For valuation questions, the Assessor is the right office.

Note: Agricultural land in Putnam County is assessed based on its productive use value, not market value.

Vital Records in Putnam County

Birth and death certificates are handled by Missouri's Bureau of Vital Records. Putnam County does not issue these. Certified copies cost $15 and can be ordered online, by mail, or in person at a state office. Marriage records are at the Putnam County Recorder's office. Divorce records are court files at the 2nd Judicial Circuit Clerk.

Older vital records from Putnam County may be available on microfilm through the Missouri State Archives in Jefferson City. The Archives holds copies of early marriage records, court files, and other documents from Missouri counties that researchers can access in person or by mail.

Putnam County Records Under the Sunshine Law

Missouri's Sunshine Law in Chapter 610 RSMo covers all Putnam County offices. Every office at the Unionville courthouse must answer your records request within three business days. No reason is needed. Just tell them what you want. Fees for copies follow state law at about $0.10 per page for plain copies.

Putnam County is one of Missouri's smallest counties with around 4,700 people. The offices in Unionville are small operations. Staff can often handle your request quickly, but hours may be limited. Call the Recorder at (660) 947-2071 or the Circuit Clerk at (660) 947-7201 before visiting. The Missouri State Archives has historical Putnam County records from 1845, including marriage files, land records, and early birth and death records from the 1880s. These documents are free to view online through the digital archive.

If a Putnam County office refuses your request, they must explain in writing. You can file a complaint with the Attorney General.

Note: Putnam County offices may keep shorter hours than larger counties, so always call ahead.

Cities in Putnam County

Unionville is the county seat and the main town in Putnam County. It is the center for all county government offices. Other small communities include Lucerne and Livonia. All public records for Putnam County residents are filed at the courthouse in Unionville.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Putnam County in north Missouri. Each county keeps its own set of public records at its own courthouse.