Cherokee County Recorder's Office

04/01/2026

Know the law before you take your off road vehicles out on the roads!

03/26/2026

📢 Starting a Business in Iowa? Don’t Forget to file your Trade Name! If you’re operating a business in Iowa under a name different from your personal legal name, Iowa law requires you to file a Trade Name with the County Recorder’s Office in the county
where your business is located.

🔎 What is a Trade Name?
A trade name (sometimes called a “Doing Business As” or DBA) is the name your business uses that isn’t your own legal name.

📝 Who Needs to File?
Sole proprietors and partnerships operating under a business name must record a Trade Name Statement.

🏢 Where Do You File?
With our office or the County Recorder’s Office in the county where your business is based. Each county maintains its own records.

💲 Fees & Forms:
Filing fees and requirements may vary by county. Contact our office or your local County Recorder’s Office to obtain a form and inquire on the filing fee.

📌 Why It Matters:
Recording your trade name helps ensure transparency and lets the public know who is behind the business.

If you’re launching a new venture or updating your business name, make sure your paperwork is in order! ✔️

Have questions? Reach out to our office for guidance!

03/20/2026

Need a certified copy of a vital record in Iowa?

County Recorder offices can issue certified copies of Iowa birth records (1984–present), Iowa death records (1954–present), and Iowa marriage records (1954–present) at any county Recorder’s office in Iowa. For earlier records or plain paper copies, please contact the county in which the event took place.

If you have questions, give us a call! (712)225-6735.

03/03/2026

Just a reminder as we have seen an increase in these instances:

The ONLY official website for you to renew your passport is travel.state.gov.

If you use any other website, you are being overcharged and it adds an unnecessary step to the process and you basically end up paying double or more to renew.

If you ever have any questions about your passport and the process, please don’t hesitate to call us. We will gladly help!

We recommend the old fashion way - paper application and mail in your renewal since there are so many scam websites out there!

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/renew-online.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawQT2ptleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe8vUftJaMyEv8DVSjl01JLkSsdHjWxZF6uVU4SJWZ29SS5zB43irnHLILxdw_aem_lfIRQnZpqDWX9_Vaf8mD5Q

This page includes information about online passport renewal, and instructions to complete your application. This is the only official page to renew your U.S. passport online.

02/12/2026

Here are the 2026 hard card options available for printing your Hunting and Fishing Licenses on —a more durable choice. Let us know at checkout if you’d like your license(s) printed on one of these!

02/11/2026

Thinking about taking your kids hunting for the first time—or maybe trying hunting yourself?

Hunter Safety Education classes are a great place to start!

Hunter education is a required program that teaches students valuable, lifelong skills useful for many outdoor activities.

Classes are typically offered each year from March 1 through November 15.

The course covers:
• Basic survival and first aid
• Water safety
• Wildlife identification
• Basics of wildlife management
• Hunting laws
• Firearm and archery safety

Anyone 11 years old or older may enroll. Students who complete the course at age 11 will receive a certificate that becomes valid on their 12th birthday.

There is a class offered here in Cherokee on March 27, 2026.

To register or find a class, contact your local conservation office or visit the Iowa DNR website⤵

https://license.gooutdoorsiowa.com/Event/EventsHome.aspx

02/10/2026

Getting married in Iowa? Here’s what you need to know!
Marriage applications must be submitted at least 4 days before your wedding date. Iowa law requires a 3-day waiting period, meaning your license is valid on the 4th day after applying.

You may apply as early as you’d like, but the license must be picked up within 6 months of applying or it will be void. Once issued, the license remains valid until it is returned.

When signing the application, both applicants and one witness must present a photo ID. The cost of a marriage application in Iowa is $35.

If you apply for a marriage license in Iowa, your ceremony must take place within the state of Iowa. After the ceremony, the signed license must be returned to the Recorder’s Office where you applied.

Once the signed license is received and processed, you’ll be issued a certified copy of your marriage certificate, which you’ll need for name changes, insurance benefits, passport applications, and more.

10/29/2025

The Iowa County Recorders Association believes that the work we do is more than just a job.

Our team brings the skills, drive, and positive attitude needed to serve our communities with excellence. It’s not just about what we do; it’s about how we do it—with integrity, dedication, and a commitment to making a difference.

Thank you to all our County Recorders for your unwavering service and for embodying this philosophy every day!

10/13/2025

Don't forget all ORV's and Snowmobiles are due by December 31st! Contact your local Recorder's Office for information regarding fees.

10/08/2025

🌾 Did you know?

Customers of the Recorder’s Office frequently reach out to us for help locating records needed for Century Farm applications. 🏡

We’re proud to assist families in preserving their history and celebrating generations of dedication to Iowa agriculture. If you’re starting the application process, don’t hesitate to contact our office.

We’re happy to guide you in finding the documents you need!
➡Find additional information the Century Farm and Heritage Farm Program here:
https://iowaagriculture.gov/century-and-heritage-farm-program?fbclid=IwY2xjawNTgmRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFhdEdxTlc2bjBRYmNhOWlzAR7gftZWl6Dw__0LRQ6hu9KxV1r7hAdmODostcdg9FCW_8qJKYWZzJ5mOlkBUw_aem_uHSpcSWtufs6_oHxFxkG_g

09/24/2025

Just a reminder that the first half of property taxes are now due and payable to the County Treasurer's Office.

We often receive questions at the Recorder’s Office around this time—like how to remove a name from a property or whether a document was recorded correctly. We're here to help with those questions!

Keep in mind: changes to property ownership must be made by recording the appropriate legal documents. We strongly recommend consulting an attorney to make sure everything is done properly and meets formatting requirements.