Real Estate Records in Wyoming

In Wyoming, several types of real estate records are maintained by county clerk’s offices and other governmental agencies. These documents play crucial roles in establishing property ownership, boundaries, and legal status. Here’s an overview of the main types:

Deeds and Conveyances

Deeds are the most fundamental real estate records, documenting the transfer of property ownership from one party to another. In Wyoming, common types include:

• Warranty Deeds – Provide the strongest guarantees about property title
• Quitclaim Deeds – Transfer whatever interest the grantor has without warranties
• Special Warranty Deeds – Offer limited title guarantees
• Trustee’s Deeds – Used in foreclosure sales

Mortgages and Financing Records

These documents record financial interests in properties:

• Mortgages – Loans secured by real property
• Deeds of Trust – Alternative to mortgages in some transactions
• Satisfaction/Release of Mortgage – Documents showing paid-off loans
• Assignments – Transfers of mortgage interests between lenders

Land Records

Wyoming maintains several types of land documentation:

• Land Patents – Original transfers from government to private owners
• Homestead Records – Historical documents of land claimed under homestead acts
• BLM Records – Federal land records for Wyoming’s substantial public lands
• Mineral Rights Documents – Critical in Wyoming due to its rich natural resources

Liens and Encumbrances

Various claims against properties are recorded:

• Tax Liens – For unpaid property taxes
• Mechanic’s Liens – Filed by contractors for unpaid work
• Judgment Liens – Resulting from court judgments
• Easements – Rights for others to use portions of a property

Plats and Surveys

These documents define physical boundaries:

• Subdivision Plats – Maps showing how larger parcels are divided
• Surveys – Professional measurements of property boundaries
• Legal Descriptions – Written descriptions of property boundaries
• Condominium Maps – For condominium developments

Court Records Related to Real Estate

Important legal proceedings affecting property:

• Foreclosure Records – Legal proceedings to reclaim property
• Probate Records – Property transfers after death
• Divorce Decrees – Property division in divorces
• Bankruptcy Filings – Affecting property ownership

Where to Find Wyoming Real Estate Records

Most real estate records in Wyoming are maintained at the county level:

• County Clerk’s Offices – Primary repositories for property records
• County Assessor’s Offices – Tax assessment records
• Wyoming State Archives – Historical property records
• Online Portals – Many counties now offer digital access to records

Wyoming’s 23 counties each maintain their own records, though the format and organization are generally consistent throughout the state due to state regulations.