Ouray County Property Deed Records

Ouray County deed records are open to the public. You can search them at the Clerk and Recorder office. The office sits in Ouray, the county seat. This southwestern Colorado county is known as the Switzerland of America. Many people need these files when they buy or sell a home. Others use them to check who owns a piece of land. The county has stunning mountain scenery and historic mining areas. Property records here go back many decades. You can visit the office to view these documents. Staff can help you find what you need.

The town of Ouray sits in a box canyon surrounded by peaks. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Property in this area includes historic homes and mountain retreats. Recording your deed is essential to protect ownership. Colorado is a race-notice state, making timely recording critical.

Ouray County Clerk and Recorder Office

The Ouray County Clerk and Recorder handles all deed records. The office records deeds, mortgages, liens, and other land papers. The staff also issues marriage licenses and handles vehicle titles. But the main task for land owners is the recording section. They work hard to keep records accurate and up to date. The office follows all Colorado state laws for public records.

The Recording Department sits on 4th Street in Ouray. This city is the county seat. It sits in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado. The office is easy to reach from US Highway 550, the Million Dollar Highway. You can find parking near the courthouse. The staff welcomes walk-in visitors during business hours.

Ouray County Recording Fees

Recording a deed in Ouray County costs money. The fees are set by state law. Recent changes came from HB24-1269. This bill changed how much counties can charge. As of July 1, 2025, the base fee is $43 per document. This is a flat rate no matter how many pages you file.

The main fees for Ouray County deed recording are:

• Standard recording fee: $43.00 per document
• Documentary fee: $0.01 per $100 of consideration (if over $500)
• Copies: Contact office for current rates
• Certified copies: Additional fee applies

The documentary fee applies to sales. It is based on the price paid for the property. You pay one cent for each hundred dollars of value. This only applies if the sale is over $500. Not all documents need this fee. Gifts and some transfers are exempt. You can pay by check. Make checks payable to Ouray County Clerk. Call (970) 325-4961 to confirm current fees before you file.

Ouray County Deed Requirements

Deeds must meet rules to be recorded in Ouray County. Under C.R.S. § 30-10-406, the Clerk can reject papers that do not follow the rules. This protects the public record from errors. It also makes sure deeds are clear and legal.

Margins are very important. Do not put bar codes in the top margin. The upper portion must stay blank. This gives room for the recording stamp. The stamp shows the date and reception number. Without clear space, the stamp might cover text. That could make the deed hard to read. The required margins are 1 inch at the top and 0.5 inches on sides and bottom.

Most conveyance deeds need a TD-1000 form. This is a transfer declaration. It tells the county about the sale. The form includes the sale price and property type. Ouray County uses this for tax purposes. You must file it with the deed. Without it, the Clerk cannot record your deed. The grantee address is required on deeds. This is where tax notices go. The office returns documents after processing. This gives them time to check each file.

Ouray County Deed Search Options

Ouray County has limited online search options. Contact the office for details about available services. Many smaller counties rely on in-person searches. The staff can help you find the records you need. They have access to all recorded documents.

Under C.R.S. § 38-35-109, Colorado follows race-notice rules. This means the first person to record a deed wins if there is a conflict. That is why quick recording matters in Ouray County. You can check if your deed was recorded by calling the office. Visit the Clerk and Recorder during business hours to search records.

All recorded deeds are public records. Anyone can search them. You do not need to own the property. You do not need a reason. This open access is part of Colorado law. It helps buyers, sellers, and researchers. It also keeps the system honest. Title companies search them before sales. They look for liens or other claims. Lawyers use them in court cases. Genealogists trace family land history.

Nearby Counties with Deed Records

Ouray County sits in southwestern Colorado. Several other counties border it. Each has its own Clerk and Recorder. You may need to search more than one county. This happens when land is near a county line. It also happens with large properties that span borders.

Each county has its own search system. Fees and hours may vary. Always check the current rules before you visit. The online systems may look different too. But they all follow Colorado state law for recording deeds.