Fillmore County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Fillmore County in 2026
FillmoreRecords.us and official county portals provide access to publicly available property records in Fillmore County, Minnesota. Members of the public may find ownership history, assessed values, tax information, recorded deeds, mortgages, and liens through these resources. Available record categories include real property assessments, transfer documents, tax payment histories, parcel maps, and vital encumbrance filings. Information presented through these systems reflects data maintained by county departments and may not capture the most recent transactions.
Members of the public may search Fillmore County property records through the following official resources:
- Fillmore County, MN Property Records — the county's online real property assessment portal maintained by the Assessor and Auditor-Treasurer Departments
- Recorder – Fillmore County, MN — for recorded deeds, mortgages, and vital document filings
- Assessor – Fillmore County, MN — for property valuation and classification data
- Property Tax Search & Information – Fillmore County, MN — for tax calculations, payment status, and billing history
- Auditor/Treasurer – Fillmore County, MN — for Truth in Taxation notices and property tax statements
- PRISM – Property Record Information System of Minnesota — the statewide parcel-level data system maintained by the Minnesota Department of Revenue
Multiple Access Methods:
- Online searches — the most convenient method; available at no cost through county and state portals
- In-person visits — required for certified copies and access to documents not yet digitized
- By mail — written requests submitted to the Recorder or Auditor-Treasurer with applicable fees
- Through professionals — title companies, real estate attorneys, and licensed abstractors conduct comprehensive searches on behalf of clients
Online Search Methods:
1. Property Appraiser Website
The Fillmore County property assessment portal serves as the primary online resource for real property information. Access is free and requires no registration.
Search Options:
- By property address
- By owner name
- By parcel ID number
- By legal description
- By map or GIS location
Information Available:
- Current owner name and mailing address
- Legal description and parcel number
- Land use and zoning classification
- Property characteristics (square footage, year built, lot size, building type)
- Assessed value of land and improvements
- Taxable value and exemptions applied
- Sales history
- GIS map location
How to Search:
- Navigate to the Fillmore County property records portal
- Select a search type (address, owner name, or parcel ID)
- Enter the applicable search criteria
- Review the results list returned by the system
- Select a specific parcel to view the full property card
- Review ownership, valuation, tax, and sales history data
- Print or save the information as needed
2. County Recorder Official Records Search
The Fillmore County Recorder's Office maintains recorded documents affecting real property. Members of the public may search these records by visiting the Recorder's Office in person or by submitting written requests.
Searchable By:
- Grantor name (seller)
- Grantee name (buyer)
- Document type
- Recording date range
- Book and page number or instrument number
Documents Available:
- Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
- Mortgages and satisfactions of mortgage
- Judgment liens and mechanic's liens
- Easements and declarations of restrictions
- Plats and surveys
- Powers of attorney affecting property
- Lis pendens filings
How to Search:
- Visit the Recorder's Office at the Fillmore County Government Center
- Request access to the grantor/grantee index
- Enter search criteria by name, document type, or date range
- Review the results and note the instrument number or book and page reference
- Request document images or certified copies as needed
- Pay applicable copy fees at the time of request
3. Tax Information Search
The Fillmore County Auditor-Treasurer provides online access to property tax data at no cost.
Search By:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Parcel number
- Tax account number
Information Available:
- Current tax bill and payment status
- Outstanding balances and delinquency information
- Exemptions applied
- Millage rates by taxing authority
- Installment plan status
4. GIS and Mapping System
The county's GIS system provides visual property boundary data, aerial photography, zoning layers, and flood zone designations. Members of the public may access parcel maps through the property records portal and navigate to specific locations by address or parcel number.
In-Person Searches:
Fillmore County Assessor's Office
101 Fillmore Street
Preston, MN 55965
Phone: (507) 765-3356
Assessor – Fillmore County, MN
Fillmore County Recorder's Office
101 Fillmore Street
Preston, MN 55965
Phone: (507) 765-4701
Recorder – Fillmore County, MN
Fillmore County Auditor-Treasurer's Office
101 Fillmore Street
Preston, MN 55965
Phone: (507) 765-3853
Auditor/Treasurer – Fillmore County, MN
By Mail Requests:
Requests for recorded document copies may be submitted in writing to the Fillmore County Recorder's Office at 101 Fillmore Street, Preston, MN 55965. Requestors should specify the instrument number, book and page reference, or property address and approximate recording date. Payment for copy fees must accompany the request. Certified copies are available upon written request with the applicable certification fee included.
Through Professionals:
Title companies and licensed abstractors conduct comprehensive title searches and produce abstracts of title that document the full chain of ownership. Real estate attorneys provide legal title opinions and assist with complex ownership disputes. These services involve fees that vary by provider and scope of work.
What Is Fillmore County Property Records
Fillmore County property records are official documents related to real property — land and buildings — maintained by county government departments as part of the public record. These records establish legal ownership, document the chain of title, record encumbrances such as mortgages and liens, and support the assessment and taxation of real property throughout the county.
Types of Property Records:
Ownership Records:
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and trustee's deeds
- Transfer records and ownership history
- Life estate deeds and trust documents affecting property
Encumbrance Records:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Tax liens, judgment liens, and mechanic's liens
- Easements, restrictions, and covenants
- Lis pendens filings
Tax and Assessment Records:
- Property tax assessments and annual tax statements
- Payment history and delinquency records
- Exemption filings
- Special assessments
Legal Descriptions and Plats:
- Subdivision plats and re-plats
- Survey plats and metes and bounds descriptions
- Lot and block information
Building and Permit Records:
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
- Zoning designations and land use codes
- Code violation records
Who Maintains Property Records:
The Fillmore County Recorder's Office is responsible for recording, indexing, and maintaining official instruments affecting real property, including deeds, mortgages, and liens. As stated on the Recorder's official page, the office "also maintains records on documentation of Vitals (birth and death records only)" in addition to property instruments.
The Fillmore County Assessor's Department is responsible for the valuation and classification of all real and taxable personal property within the county. The Assessor maintains property cards, assessment rolls, and exemption records.
The Fillmore County Auditor-Treasurer prepares Truth in Taxation notices and property tax statements for every taxable real and personal property in the county, and maintains and collects property taxes.
Legal Framework:
Under Minnesota Statutes § 272.01, all real property in Minnesota is subject to taxation unless expressly exempted by law. The recording of instruments affecting real property is governed by Minnesota Statutes § 507.0943, which establishes the requirements for valid recording and the constructive notice effect of recorded documents. At the state level, the Minnesota Department of Revenue oversees property tax administration and provides guidance to county assessors and auditors statewide.
Are Property Records Public Information in Fillmore County?
Property records in Fillmore County are public information. Under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, government data is presumed public unless classified otherwise by statute. Recorded instruments affecting real property — including deeds, mortgages, and liens — are available for public inspection without requiring the requestor to state a purpose or demonstrate a legal interest in the property.
Why Property Records Are Public:
The public nature of property records serves several essential functions:
- Transparency — Public access to ownership data prevents secret transfers and supports accountability in property taxation
- Commercial purposes — Real estate transactions, title insurance, mortgage lending, and property appraisals all depend on access to recorded instruments
- Legal protections — Recording provides constructive notice to all subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers, establishing priority of interests
- Public interest — Tax assessment transparency, community planning, historical research, and genealogical research all rely on open property records
What Property Information Is Freely Accessible:
- Current and historical property ownership
- Legal descriptions and parcel identification numbers
- Sale prices and transfer dates
- Recorded mortgage amounts and lender names
- Liens and encumbrances of record
- Tax assessments and payment history
- Property characteristics and building data
- Plat maps and surveys
Privacy Considerations:
Certain personal information is protected within property records. Social Security numbers and bank account numbers are redacted from recorded documents under current Minnesota law. Individuals in protected categories — including law enforcement officers, judges, and victims of domestic violence or stalking — may request address confidentiality protections through the Minnesota Safe at Home program. Homestead exemption applications may contain financial information that is not fully public; the Assessor's Office administers these applications and can advise on applicable data classifications.
Who Can Access Property Records:
Any member of the public may access Fillmore County property records regardless of residency, ownership status, or stated purpose. Common users include prospective buyers, real estate agents and brokers, title companies, lenders, appraisers, attorneys, investors, genealogists, and journalists. No registration or advance appointment is required for online access through the county's property records portal.
Commercial Use of Property Records:
Commercial use of public property records is permitted under Minnesota law. Title companies, data aggregators, appraisal firms, and marketing companies may compile and use property data for lawful business purposes. Anti-harassment statutes and fair housing laws continue to apply regardless of the public nature of the underlying records.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Fillmore County?
Viewing property records online through the Fillmore County property assessment portal and the property tax search system is free of charge. No registration or fee is required to search and view assessment data, tax information, or parcel maps through these online systems.
Fees apply when requesting physical copies or certified documents from county offices. Under Minnesota Statutes § 357.08, county recorders are authorized to charge established fees for recording and copying services. Current standard fees for the Fillmore County Recorder's Office are as follows:
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of recorded document (per page) | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copy of recorded document | $10.00 per document |
| Recording a deed or other instrument (first page) | $46.00 |
| Recording (each additional page) | $10.00 per page |
| Electronic Certificate of Real Estate Value (eCRV) | No fee (filed electronically) |
The Electronic Certificate of Real Estate Value (eCRV) is filed electronically with the Minnesota Department of Revenue at no cost to the parties. The eCRV is required for most real property transfers in Minnesota and is accessible through the state revenue system.
Accepted Payment Methods:
The Fillmore County Recorder's Office and Auditor-Treasurer's Office accept cash, check, and money order for in-person transactions. Mail requests must include a check or money order payable to Fillmore County. Requestors should contact the applicable office to confirm current accepted payment methods before submitting a mail request.
Fee Waivers:
No general fee waiver provision applies to property record copy requests in Minnesota. Government agencies and certain nonprofit organizations may be entitled to reduced fees in specific circumstances; requestors should inquire directly with the Recorder's Office regarding applicable provisions.
What Is Available at No Cost:
- Online viewing of assessment data and property characteristics
- Online property tax search and payment history
- Parcel map and GIS data viewing
- General ownership and valuation information through the county portal
What's Included in a Fillmore County Property Record?
A complete Fillmore County property record draws from multiple county departments and may include the following categories of information.
Ownership Information:
Current ownership data includes the legal owner's name or names, ownership type (individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, trust, LLC, or corporation), the acquisition date, and the deed instrument number or book and page reference. The mailing address on file for tax billing purposes is also included. Previous ownership information reflects the chain of title, listing prior owners, transfer dates, and historical deed references.
Property Identification:
Each parcel is identified by a unique parcel ID number, a site address, and a legal description. The legal description may reference a lot and block number within a recorded subdivision plat, a section-township-range designation, or a metes and bounds description. Condominium units carry a unit number in addition to the parcel identifier.
Physical Characteristics:
Land information includes lot size in acres or square feet, lot dimensions, frontage, zoning classification, and land use designation. Building information includes total living area, year built, number of stories, building type, construction materials, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, garage type and capacity, and the presence of additional features such as pools, fireplaces, and outbuildings. A condition and quality rating is assigned by the Assessor's Department as part of the valuation process.
Valuation Information:
Assessment records reflect the land value, building value, and total assessed value assigned by the Fillmore County Assessor. Historical assessed values for prior years are maintained in the property record and are accessible through the online portal. The PRISM – Property Record Information System of Minnesota aggregates parcel-level data submitted annually by each Minnesota county to the Department of Revenue, providing a statewide reference for assessment data.
Tax Information:
Tax records include the current year tax amount, taxable value after exemptions, millage rates by taxing authority (county, school district, municipality, and special districts), payment status, and delinquency history. Eligible property owners may apply for a property tax refund through the Minnesota Department of Revenue based on income and property tax burden.
Sales History:
Sales history reflects recorded transfers including sale dates, sale prices, deed types, grantor and grantee names, and instrument numbers. The Minnesota Department of Revenue uses eCRV data to monitor market values and assess the accuracy of county assessments statewide.
Encumbrances and Liens:
Recorded mortgages, satisfactions, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, tax liens, easements, and lis pendens filings are reflected in the official records maintained by the Recorder's Office. These instruments are indexed by grantor and grantee name and are available for public inspection.
What Is Not Typically Included:
- Current outstanding mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
- Social Security numbers (redacted under current law)
- Interior photographs
- Private agreements not submitted for recording
- Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
How Long Does Fillmore County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Fillmore County are maintained permanently. Recorded instruments affecting real property — including deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and easements — are never destroyed. This permanent retention requirement reflects both the legal necessity of an unbroken chain of title and the statutory obligations imposed on county recorders under Minnesota law.
Legal Basis for Retention:
Minnesota's records retention schedules, administered through the Minnesota Historical Society and the State Archives, classify recorded real property instruments as permanent records. The recording statutes require county recorders to maintain a complete and accessible index of all recorded documents. The chain of title for any parcel in Fillmore County may extend back to the original federal land patents issued in the mid-1800s when the county was established.
Records Kept Permanently:
- All recorded deeds (warranty, quitclaim, trustee's, and all other conveyance types)
- All recorded mortgages, assignments, and satisfactions
- All recorded liens and releases
- All subdivision plats, re-plats, and condominium declarations
- All recorded easements, restrictions, and covenants
- All court documents affecting title
- Assessment rolls and property cards maintained by the Assessor
Format and Storage:
Historical records in Fillmore County exist in multiple formats depending on the era of recording. Very early records are preserved in handwritten ledger books held in the Recorder's vault. Mid-twentieth century records are available on microfilm. Records from recent decades are maintained as digital scans within the county's electronic document management system. The county maintains backup systems to ensure preservation of digital records.
Online Availability by Time Period:
| Time Period | Availability |
|---|---|
| Recent (last 20+ years) | Online through county portal |
| Moderate age (20–50 years) | Microfilm or digital; staff retrieval |
| Historical (50+ years) | Original books or microfilm; in-person access |
| Very old (100+ years) | Archive storage; advance notice may be required |
Property Appraiser and Tax Records:
Assessment records and property cards are maintained permanently by the Assessor's Department. Online access through the county portal reflects current and recent historical assessment data. Tax payment records are retained for a minimum of seven years; tax deed records are permanent. The Fillmore County Auditor-Treasurer maintains property tax statements and Truth in Taxation notices as part of the permanent county record.
Accessing Historical Records:
Members of the public seeking historical property records that are not available online should contact the Recorder's Office directly. Staff can retrieve documents from microfilm or archival storage. Advance notice is helpful for very old records. Standard copy fees apply regardless of the age of the document.
Fillmore County Recorder's Office
101 Fillmore Street
Preston, MN 55965
Phone: (507) 765-4701
Recorder – Fillmore County, MN
How To Find Liens on Property in Fillmore County?
Liens on property in Fillmore County are recorded instruments and are therefore part of the public record maintained by the Recorder's Office. Members of the public may search for liens through the following methods.
Types of Liens Found in Property Records:
- Judgment liens — filed by creditors following a court judgment against a property owner
- Federal and state tax liens — filed by the IRS or Minnesota Department of Revenue for unpaid taxes
- Mechanic's liens — filed by contractors or suppliers for unpaid construction work
- HOA liens — filed by homeowner associations for unpaid assessments
- Child support liens — filed by the state for unpaid child support obligations
- Code enforcement liens — filed by local government for unresolved code violations
Search Methods:
Step 1 — Search the Recorder's Index: Visit the Fillmore County Recorder's Office in person and request access to the grantor/grantee index. Search the property owner's name as a grantor to identify any instruments recorded against the property. Lien documents are indexed under the debtor's name.
Step 2 — Search the Property Tax Records: Access the property tax search portal to identify any outstanding tax delinquencies or special assessments that may constitute a lien on the property.
Step 3 — Search Federal Tax Lien Records: Federal tax liens filed by the IRS are recorded with the county recorder in the county where the property is located. These are searchable through the Recorder's grantor index under the taxpayer's name.
Step 4 — Search Court Records: Judgment liens originate in court proceedings. Members of the public may search Minnesota court records through the Minnesota Judicial Branch's public access system to identify judgments that may have been docketed and recorded as liens against real property.
Step 5 — Engage a Title Professional: For a comprehensive lien search, members of the public and real estate professionals may engage a licensed title company or abstractor. Title professionals conduct searches of all recorded instruments and provide a written report identifying all encumbrances of record.
Fillmore County Recorder's Office
101 Fillmore Street
Preston, MN 55965
Phone: (507) 765-4701
Recorder – Fillmore County, MN
Fillmore County Auditor-Treasurer's Office
101 Fillmore Street
Preston, MN 55965
Phone: (507) 765-3853
Auditor/Treasurer – Fillmore County, MN
What Is Property Owner Rule in Fillmore County?
The property owner rule in Fillmore County refers to the body of Minnesota statutes and common law principles that govern the rights, responsibilities, and legal standing of real property owners within the county. Under Minnesota law, ownership of real property confers both rights and obligations that are defined by statute, recorded instruments, and applicable local ordinances.
Ownership Rights Under Minnesota Law:
A property owner in Fillmore County holds the right to use, occupy, transfer, encumber, and exclude others from their real property, subject to applicable zoning regulations, deed restrictions, easements of record, and state and federal law. The right to transfer real property is governed by Minnesota's recording statutes, which require that conveyances be executed in writing, signed by the grantor, and recorded with the county recorder to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers.
Recording and Constructive Notice:
Under Minnesota Statutes § 507.0943, every conveyance of real property is void as against any subsequent purchaser in good faith and for valuable consideration whose conveyance is first duly recorded. This "race-notice" recording rule means that a property owner who fails to record a deed promptly may lose priority to a subsequent purchaser who records first without knowledge of the prior transfer. The practical effect of this rule is that recording with the Fillmore County Recorder's Office is essential to protect ownership interests.
Property Tax Obligations:
Every owner of real property in Fillmore County is subject to annual property taxation under Minnesota Statutes § 272.01. The Fillmore County Assessor values and classifies all real property annually, and the Auditor-Treasurer prepares and collects tax statements. Property owners who believe their assessed value is incorrect may appeal to the county Board of Appeal and Equalization. Eligible homeowners may apply for a property tax refund through the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
Homestead Classification:
Property owners who occupy their property as their primary residence may apply for homestead classification, which results in a reduced classification rate and lower property taxes. Homestead applications are filed with the Assessor's Office. Misrepresentation of homestead status is a violation of Minnesota law and may result in back taxes, penalties, and interest.
Property Fraud Protections:
The Fillmore County Recorder's Office offers a Property Fraud Alert program that notifies enrolled property owners when a document is recorded against their property. This service is designed to protect owners from fraudulent deed transfers and unauthorized encumbrances. Property owners may enroll through the Recorder's Office at no cost.
Zoning and Land Use Compliance:
Property owners in Fillmore County are subject to the county's zoning ordinance and land use regulations, which govern permitted uses, setback requirements, building standards, and subdivision rules. Compliance with these regulations is a condition of lawful property use and is enforced by the county's planning and zoning department.
Fillmore County Assessor's Office
101 Fillmore Street
Preston, MN 55965
Phone: (507) 765-3356
Assessor – Fillmore County, MN
Fillmore County Recorder's Office
101 Fillmore Street
Preston, MN 55965
Phone: (507) 765-4701
Recorder – Fillmore County, MN
Lookup Property Records in Fillmore County
- Fillmore County, MN Property Records
- Property Tax Search & Information – Fillmore County, MN
- Recorder – Fillmore County, MN
- Assessor – Fillmore County, MN
- Auditor/Treasurer – Fillmore County, MN
- PRISM – Property Record Information System of Minnesota
- Minnesota Department of Revenue – Property Taxes
- Property Tax Refund – Minnesota Department of Revenue
- Electronic Certificate of Real Estate Value (eCRV)
- Minnesota Department of Revenue