Montezuma County Property Deed Records Access
Montezuma County deed records serve the Four Corners region. Cortez is the county seat. The area has rich history. Ancestral Puebloan ruins dot the landscape. Mesa Verde National Park is here. Today ranching and tourism thrive. The Clerk and Recorder keeps land records. These include ranch deeds and irrigation rights. Many properties have water shares. The records help track these rights. This guide explains how to search. It covers fees and document rules.
Montezuma County Deed Facts
Montezuma County Clerk and Recorder Office
The Montezuma County Clerk and Recorder is in Cortez. The office is on Main Street. It is in the county building. The Clerk handles deed recordings. They also issue marriage licenses. The recording staff processes many ranch deeds. Water rights are common here. The office understands these complex filings.
Cortez is the largest town in the county. It serves a rural population. Farmers and ranchers depend on the office. They record land sales. They also record easements. Irrigation is vital in this dry climate. Water rights transfer with deeds. The Clerk tracks these carefully.
| Office Name | Montezuma County Clerk and Recorder |
|---|---|
| Physical Address |
140 West Main Street Cortez, CO 81321 |
| Phone | (970) 565-3728 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
Montezuma County Recording Fees
Montezuma County charges $43 to record a document. This is the state-mandated fee. It applies to all document types. The rate is flat. Page count does not matter. HB24-1269 set this amount. It took effect July 1, 2025.
Documentary fees may add to your cost. These are $0.01 per $100 of value. They apply to property sales. The sale must exceed $500. Calculate this carefully. Report it on the TD-1000 form. This form is required for most transfers.
Payment is accepted by check or cash. Make checks to Montezuma County Clerk. The office may accept cards. Call 970-565-3728 to confirm. Bring exact change for cash payments. Fees are due at recording. They are not refundable. The office provides receipts. Keep these for your records.
Cortez is a historic town. Ancestral Puebloans lived here centuries ago. Mesa Verde preserves their legacy. Modern residents farm and ranch. Tourism also thrives. Land records tell the story. They show property changes. They document water rights. The Clerk preserves this history. They also serve current needs. The office is a vital resource.
Montezuma County Deed Requirements
Documents must meet Colorado standards. C.R.S. § 30-10-406 lists the rules. The Clerk reviews each paper. Non-compliant items are rejected. This protects the record quality. It also prevents future disputes.
Margin requirements are specific. Leave 1 inch at the top. Leave 0.5 inches on sides and bottom. Do not place text in the top margin. Bar codes cannot go there. The recording stamp needs this space. It shows the date and document number. It must not cover any text.
The TD-1000 form is mandatory. This is the transfer declaration. It gives the county tax information. It includes the sale price. It also describes the property. Montezuma County uses this for assessments. File it with your deed. Without it, recording stops. E-recording may be available. Check with the office. It can speed up processing.
Montezuma County Deed Search Options
Montezuma County has limited online deed access. The county is working on digitization. Many records require in-person viewing. Visit the office in Cortez. The staff can help you search. They know the filing systems. They can locate ranch deeds. They can also find water rights.
When you visit, bring details. Know the property description. Or bring the owner's name. This speeds up the search. The office has public terminals. You can view records there. Copies are available for purchase. Certified copies cost extra.
Colorado is a race-notice state. C.R.S. § 38-35-109 governs priority. Record your deed quickly. This establishes your claim. It protects against competing filings. Montezuma County records daily. Your document will be on file soon. This gives you legal protection.
Nearby Counties with Deed Records
Montezuma County borders other counties. Some are in Colorado. Others are in Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico. The Four Corners is nearby. Properties may span state lines. Check these Colorado counties first.
Each county has unique procedures. Contact them directly. Verify current fees and hours.
The Four Corners region is unique. Four states meet nearby. Land records span boundaries. Check neighboring states if needed. Utah and Arizona records may help. New Mexico borders too. The Clerk in Cortez understands. They work with other offices. Cooperation is common. It serves the public well.