Search Costilla County Deed Records
Costilla County deed records date back to the earliest days of Colorado settlement. The Clerk and Recorder maintains these historic documents. San Luis is the oldest town in Colorado. The area has deep Hispanic roots. Spanish and Mexican land grants shape local titles. Many properties trace to these original grants. The office serves a rural mountain community. Land ownership is central to local heritage.
Costilla County Deed Facts
Costilla County Clerk and Recorder Office
The Costilla County Clerk and Recorder preserves land history. This office holds records from 1861. That is when the county formed. It was one of the original 17 counties. The Spanish and Mexican influence remains strong. Many families descend from original settlers. Land has passed through generations.
The office sits in San Luis. This is Colorado's oldest permanent settlement. It was founded in 1851. The town predates Colorado statehood. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains tower above. The valley holds rich agricultural land. Deeds here tell stories of heritage and survival.
Staff handle diverse recording needs. Ranch deeds are common. Small farm transfers happen often. Family heirship documents are frequent. The office understands these traditions. They help families maintain their land. Recording protects these connections.
Water rights are critical in this arid region. The San Luis People's Ditch is historic. It dates to 1852. Deeds often reference ditch shares. These are property rights. They are bought and sold. The records track these transfers.
| Office Name | Costilla County Clerk and Recorder |
|---|---|
| Physical Address |
400 Gasper Street San Luis, CO 81152 |
| Phone | (719) 672-3301 |
| Hours |
Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Excluding Holidays |
Costilla County Recording Fees and Requirements
Recording fees follow Colorado state law. Recent changes came from HB24-1269. The law took effect July 1, 2025. The standard fee is $43 per document. This is the same across Colorado. Costilla County charges this amount.
The documentary fee may apply. It is $0.01 per $100 of value. This covers property sales over $500. The purchase price determines the fee. Higher prices mean higher fees. Exemptions exist. Some family transfers qualify. Always check current rules.
Payment methods should be confirmed. Call (719) 672-3301 before visiting. This ensures you bring proper payment. Processing takes 7 to 10 days. Documents are returned by mail. Include return postage if required. This speeds the process.
Understanding fees prevents delays. Come prepared. Ask questions if unsure. The staff wants to help. They serve the community daily. Proper preparation saves everyone time.
Costilla County Document Requirements
Documents must meet state formatting rules. C.R.S. § 30-10-406 sets these standards. Margins are critical. Leave 1 inch at the top. Sides and bottom need 0.5 inches. No bar codes in the top margin. The recording stamp occupies this space.
Quality matters for permanent records. Use clear printing. Dark ink works best. Avoid faint or smudged text. This ensures future readability. The records last for centuries. Make them legible.
Most transfers need a TD-1000 form. This declares the transfer details. It includes the sale price. Property type is described. File this with your deed. The Clerk needs both. Incomplete filings are rejected.
Colorado follows race-notice rules. C.R.S. § 38-35-109 establishes this. First to record wins. This protects your interest. Delay can cause loss. Record immediately after signing.
Costilla County Online Search Options
Costilla County offers online record access. You can search deeds remotely. This helps distant landowners. Many owners live outside the county. Online search is free. Copies cost a fee. The system is available anytime.
The database includes historic records. Some date to the 1800s. These are valuable for research. Genealogists use them. Property researchers need them. Title companies search them. The online access helps everyone.
Land grant research is common here. The Maxwell Land Grant affected local titles. Some properties were part of it. Understanding this history matters. The records show ownership changes. They document the region's past.
Searching online is simple. Use names to find owners. Try legal descriptions for land. Book and page work for old records. Reception numbers find new filings. Multiple methods ensure success. The system is user-friendly. Start at the county website.
Nearby Counties with Deed Records
Costilla County borders several other counties. The San Luis Valley connects them. Land and water rights cross boundaries. Research may span multiple offices. Check all relevant counties for complete title history.
Valley counties share history and resources. Water rights often connect them. Complete research requires checking multiple offices. Plan your search accordingly.