Frequently Asked Questions

In order to help prevent delays or errors when recording documents, please follow these guidelines:

• When recording a document, make sure that the quality of the document and text is good and legible. Documents with poor quality produce poor public records.
• When mailing, faxing, or emailing documents, please send documents in the order you would like them recorded.
• Colorado law (CRS 30-10-406(3)(a)) requires that all documents have a top and bottom margin of at least one inch and a left and right margin of at least ½ inch.
  • The recorder may refuse to file any document that does not meet these standards.
• A complete and accurate return address (to whom the original document should be returned after recording) should be clearly marked on each sheet of the document.
  • No return envelope is required but is appreciated.
• Please make sure documents are recorded in the appropriate county. Documents intended to be recorded in one county are sometimes sent to another by mistake.
• Please be aware that we will not reject any documents, nor, will we refund any recording fees.

Remember, any document that is recorded becomes part of the public records, so, please do not write any private personal information such as Social Security Numbers.

• Real Estate UCC's are filed in Alamosa County. All others are filed with the Secretary of State.
• UCC's Fees:
  • $13 for 1 to 2 pages
  • $18 for 3 or more pages

Colorado law (CRS 38-35-109(2)) requires that all deeds include a notation of the legal (mailing) address of the grantee. This address is used to determine where tax statements should be mailed after a property is sold. Individuals should verify the accuracy and completeness of such addresses before recording any deed.

Alamosa County employees cannot do lien searches. Anyone desiring a lien search may conduct a self-lien search, or have a third party come into our office and conduct the search. Individuals may also choose to hire a title company to conduct this type of search.

Recording fees are statutorily established and a fee will more than likely be collected when a document is recorded. Please make sure that all fees are correct and accurate. Documents received with insufficient fees will be returned.

• Please make checks payable to "Alamosa County Clerk and Recorder." Make sure checks are signed and dated.
• Document that transfers title with consideration exceeding $500 will be assessed a state documentary fee of 1 cent per $100 (State documentary fees are included).
  • Document Recording Fees:
    • $13 for the 1st Page
    • $5 for Each Additional Page

The Torrens title system operates on the principle of "title by registration" (i.e. the indefeasibility of a registered interest) rather than "registration of title." The system does away with the need for a chain of title (i.e. tracing title through a series of documents).

• Alamosa County uses the Torrens title system. Certain property in Alamosa County has a certificate of title; therefore, title insurance is not needed when property is sold because the property's history is already on the certificate memorialization.
• Torrens Fees:
  • $33 for an Owners Duplicate.
  • $13 for a Mortgage Duplicate.
  • $23 for a Deed of Transfer.
  • $13 for any other Memorial.
  • $8 for any withdrawal from Torrens Title.