The Office of the County Recorder was created by the First Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Iowa in 1839.  Iowa County Recorders continue to maintain official records of documents affecting real estate in order to disclose information about all real estate transactions.

Iowa County Recorders provide many other services to citizens including the management of vital records.  In many Iowa counties the County Recorder is also responsible for the registration of recreational vehicles, passport applications and the sale of hunting and fishing licenses.  A significant portion of duties performed by the County Recorder is in support of the work of other county officials.