SEARCH IOWA LAND RECORDS

WELCOME TO SEARCH TRAINING & FAQ

The next generation of the Iowa Land Records search application has arrived! Now, you can search by different categories, save common searches and more at faster speeds in a sleek, modern layout free of charge. For more information about the updated Terms of Service, search account definitions, and other updates please explore our video catalog and FAQ section below.

NOTICE: Iowa Land Record’s first-generation search application (legacy) was RETIRED in 2023.

Webinar – Search Demonstration

Upcoming Webinars

 

Navigating Between E-Submission & Search

 

Search Types &
Wildcards

 

Admins Manage
User Permissions

Search Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the difference between Business Accounts and Individual Accounts?

a. Business Accounts – These accounts are established for verified businesses in the real estate industry (examples: real estate, banking, surveying, abstracting, utilities, etc.) Businesses must complete an application form with specific details so we can verify their business functions. When applying for an account, the business may request access to Iowa Land Records (ILR) E-Submission (submit documents electronically to be recorded), Search (free access to search for all electronically recorded real estate documents in Iowa), or both.

Once verified and approved by the support team, the initial business applicant is established as a user on the account with administrative rights. As an Administrator, they may add/manage other users on the business account. Depending on what features the business application requested, the user(s) may have access to E-Submission and/or Search features.

b. Individual Accounts – Iowa Land Records Search contains public documents that users can search at no cost. Individual accounts allow individuals (not tied to a business-level account) to access Iowa Land Records Search features. All persons utilizing the search database are asked to complete an application requesting an account. We want to keep information safe and accessible, so please contact us for questions or registration assistance.

Q. My Search login looks different. Did something change?

The first-generation Search application, often referred to as “legacy search,” was discontinued in 2023. The Iowa Land Records Search interface may appear different, but continues to offer FREE access to archived real estate documents across all 99 counties in Iowa. We encourage you to explore Search demonstrations and tutorials by visiting our YouTube channel.

Q. Do all E-Submission users have access to the ILR Search application?

No. When a business application is completed, the applicant has the option to select which features and services are needed. This can also be tailored for each username on the account. Below are some user definitions and access permissions.

Search only users will go directly to the Search application. They will not see the E-Submission application displayed.

E-Submission only users will go directly to the E-Submission application and will not be enabled to access the Search application to look up archived documents. They can, however, access E-Search to look up documents the account or organization has recently submitted. This is not a permanent archive. Records here are accessible for a limited time, and the Iowa Land Records Search tools is where they will be permanently accessible.

E-Submission users with Search enabled will be directed to the E-Submission application upon logging in. Then can navigate to the search app by clicking on “ILR Search” in the menu bar. To see how to navigate with both applications, watch this video.

Q. Does the Search application allow E-Submission users to look up past E-Submissions?

Within E-Submission, the menu item “E-Search” shows documents recently submitted for recording by your organization. Since images are archived regularly, only recent documents may be visible. All documents, paper and electronic, are transferred to the ILR Search application by the counties, which can be accessed in the menu bar on the E-Submission home screen if Search is enabled.

Q. What happens if I don't log into my account for a few months?

Each user is required to update their password every 90 days. After 120 days without a successful login to the user account, the user becomes inactive. Steps to reactivate the account depends on the user situation.

a. Business User/ Non-Administrator (User belongs under a business account with an assigned account administrator) Contact your administrator. The administrator may choose to reactivate or delete any deactivated user accounts.

b. Business Administrator To reactivate the user or to request a new account administrator, please contact support HERE. Any other active administrator on the account may also reactivate the administrator.

c. Individual Search Only User Your account is not associated with a business or organization. Please contact support to be reactivated. CONTACT SUPPORT.

Q. What does the “# Views Remaining” counter at the top of Search Results page mean?

For security purposes, users have limited document views per day. The counter resets every 24 hours. If for any reason you need to view or download more records than your daily limit, please complete the following form with information about your project and needs. https://iowalandrecords.org/request-to-exceed-daily-limit-search-iowa-land-records/

Finding Property Records

Records from all 99 counties in Iowa are readily available for free to the public with our convenient online search tool. Find real estate documents from the comfort of your office, home, or even on the go!

 

 

 

Why Iowa Land Records

Founded and supported by the Iowa County Recorders Association, this one-stop-shop for land record data search and submission simplifies the entire process. By coordinating with Iowa County Recorders in every county in the state, Iowa Land Records helps save time, money, and resources by offering an online alternative to locating records.