Search Dolores County Deed Records
Dolores County deed records are maintained in Dove Creek. The Clerk and Recorder preserves these important documents. The county is sparsely populated. It covers mountainous terrain in southwestern Colorado. The area is known for pinto beans. Agriculture and ranching dominate the economy. The county formed in 1881. Records date from that era forward.
Dolores County Deed Facts
Dolores County Clerk and Recorder Office
The Dolores County Clerk and Recorder serves a small rural population. The office handles all land recordings. Deeds, mortgages, and liens are filed here. The staff also manages elections. Marriage licenses are another service. Recording remains a core function.
Dove Creek is the county seat. It calls itself the Pinto Bean Capital of the World. Agriculture drives the local economy. Dryland farming is common here. Beans and hay are major crops. Some cattle ranching occurs. The recording office supports these industries.
The county is isolated and rural. It borders Utah to the west. The area has stunning scenery. Mountains and canyons dominate. Public lands are extensive. Many properties border BLM land. Access issues appear in some deeds.
The area has mining history. The name Dolores comes from the river. Gold and silver drew early settlers. Mining camps once dotted the mountains. Ranching eventually took over. Deeds reflect this transition. Historic claims may affect some titles.
Staff understand rural property needs. They handle farm and ranch documents regularly. Water rights are always important. Wells are critical in this dry area. The office records these rights. They help maintain property records.
| Office Name | Dolores County Clerk and Recorder |
|---|---|
| Physical Address |
409 North Main Street Dove Creek, CO 81324 |
| Phone | (970) 677-2381 |
| Hours |
Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Excluding Holidays |
Dolores County Recording Fees and Requirements
Dolores County charges state-mandated recording fees. The legislature passed HB24-1269. This updated fee structures statewide. The changes took effect July 1, 2025. The standard fee is $43 per document. This flat rate applies regardless of page count.
The documentary fee may apply to your transaction. It is $0.01 per $100 of consideration. This applies to sales over $500. The sale price determines the amount. Higher priced properties pay more. Some transfers are exempt from this fee.
Payment options should be verified before visiting. Call (970) 677-2381 for current information. Ask about accepted payment types. Policies may change. Checks and cash are typically accepted. Credit card availability varies by county.
Processing time is standard for Colorado. Documents are returned in 7 to 10 days. This allows for review and recording. Mailed submissions should include return postage. This ensures documents come back to you. Plan ahead for your recording timeline.
Dolores County Document Requirements
Documents must meet Colorado formatting standards. C.R.S. § 30-10-406 establishes these rules. The Clerk reviews each submission. Non-compliant documents are rejected. Proper formatting protects the record.
Margin requirements are strict. The top margin must be 1 inch. Sides and bottom need 0.5 inches. Keep the top margin empty. The recording stamp occupies this space. The stamp shows the official recording date. It also assigns a reception number.
Most transfers need a TD-1000 form. This is the transfer declaration. It reports sale details to the county. The assessor uses this data. File it with your deed. Both documents are required. Missing items cause rejection.
Colorado is a race-notice state. C.R.S. § 38-35-109 sets this rule. First to record wins in disputes. This assumes no prior notice. Quick recording protects buyers. Record immediately after closing.
Dolores County Online Search Options
Dolores County offers online access to records. You can search deeds from anywhere. This helps distant landowners. Many owners do not live in the county. The service is free for searches. You pay only for document copies.
The database contains various property records. Farm deeds are common. Ranch transfers happen regularly. Mining claims appear in older records. Some recreational properties are listed. The diversity reflects local land use.
Public land boundaries affect many properties. BLM land is extensive here. National Forest borders some parcels. Deeds may reference these boundaries. Access easements are sometimes needed. The records show these arrangements.
Researching property is important. Verify ownership before purchase. Check for liens or claims. Review access rights. The online search helps with this. It provides transparency. This protects buyers and sellers. Access the county portal to start your search.
Nearby Counties with Deed Records
Dolores County is in southwestern Colorado. It borders Utah and several Colorado counties. Properties near lines may need multi-county research. Water rights can span boundaries. Check all relevant offices for complete records.
Southwestern Colorado has varied terrain. Mountains and mesas are common. Each county has unique characteristics. Contact offices directly for specific requirements.