Find Reynolds County Public Records
Reynolds County public records are stored at the courthouse in Centerville, a small town in southeast Missouri in the Ozark region. With just 6,100 residents, this is one of the least populated counties in the state. The Recorder of Deeds and Circuit Clerk each manage different types of files. Land records, court cases, marriage certificates, and liens are all kept here. Records in Reynolds County go back to 1845. Court cases can be searched through CaseNet for free. This page explains how to find and get copies of public records in Reynolds County.
Reynolds County Quick Facts
Reynolds County Recorder of Deeds
The Reynolds County Recorder of Deeds keeps land records, liens, and marriage files at the courthouse in Centerville. Call (573) 648-2494 for help with copies or searches. The courthouse is at 2319 Green St. in Centerville.
Land and marriage records in Reynolds County go back to 1845 when the county was organized. The office holds deed transfers, mortgages, deeds of trust, liens, plat maps, and military discharges. To get a copy, call the Recorder or visit in person. Staff can look up records by grantor or grantee name, book and page number, or legal description of the property. Fees for copies vary based on the type of document.
Reynolds County is a small, rural county in the Ozark hills. The office staff is limited, so calling ahead is a good idea before visiting. Make sure the office will be open and that someone can help with your request. Most simple copy requests are handled the same day if staff are available.
Missouri's Sunshine Law under Chapter 610 RSMo gives the public a right to inspect and copy most government records. This applies to all Reynolds County offices. They must respond to records requests within three business days.
Court Records in Reynolds County
Reynolds County is part of the 42nd 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 Reynolds County court cases through Missouri CaseNet, the state's free online case lookup tool. CaseNet lets you search by name, case number, or date range. It shows case type, parties, charges, and docket entries for most cases filed in the 42nd Judicial Circuit. The system runs most days from 6 AM to 1 AM and does not need an account.
For older records or actual filed documents not on CaseNet, contact the Circuit Clerk at (573) 648-2491 or visit the courthouse. The clerk can pull paper files and make copies for a fee. Bring a valid ID. Call ahead since smaller county offices can have limited staff.
The Missouri Association of Counties directory for Reynolds County, shown above, lists contact details for all elected officials. This is a helpful reference when you need to reach the right office.
Reynolds County Vital Records
Marriage records in Reynolds County go back to 1845. The Recorder stores licenses and certificates. Call (573) 648-2494 to ask about copies.
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 has marriage and divorce records from July 1, 1948 forward. For older marriage records, the Reynolds County Recorder is the only local source. If you need a marriage certificate, the Recorder can pull it from their files. Provide the names of both parties and an approximate date. Certified copies cost a small fee. Walk-in requests are usually quick if the record is not too old.
Note: Reynolds County marriage records from 1845 forward are stored at the courthouse in Centerville.
Historical Records for Reynolds County
The Missouri State Archives holds historical Reynolds County records including birth and death records from 1883 to 1893. Probate files, court dockets, and other documents from the county's early years are part of the collection. Marriage and land records from 1845 are also cataloged.
Researchers studying genealogy or property history in the Ozark region often use the State Archives for Reynolds County. The records fill in gaps where local files may have been lost or damaged over the years. The Archives has a searchable online catalog and accepts mail requests. Staff help with lookups if you provide a name, date range, and the type of record you need.
The Missouri Recorder's Association also has a statewide directory of recorder offices. You can find Reynolds County along with all other county recorder contacts in Missouri.
How to Get Reynolds 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, but full copies need a direct request to the office in Centerville.
In-person visits let you review files and get copies right away. The courthouse is at 2319 Green St. in Centerville. The Recorder and Circuit Clerk both have offices there. Bring cash or a check for fees. Hours are Monday through Friday during normal business hours. Definitely call ahead at this smaller county office to make sure someone is available to help you.
Mail requests work well when you cannot make the drive to Centerville. Write a letter with your name, contact info, the record type, and identifying details. Send it to 2319 Green St., Centerville, MO 63633. Include a check for the estimated fee. Allow one to two weeks for turnaround.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Reynolds County in southeast Missouri.