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Boone County Property Records

How To Search Property Records in Boone County in 2026

BooneCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Boone County. Members of the public may find data pertaining to the following record categories:

  • Real property ownership and transfer history
  • Property tax assessments and payment status
  • Recorded deeds, mortgages, and liens
  • Parcel identification and legal descriptions
  • Building characteristics and permit records
  • GIS mapping and parcel boundary data

Records are made available as a public service; completeness and currency of individual records may vary by source and document type.

Official property records in Boone County may be searched through the following resources:

1. Property Appraiser Website

The Boone County Assessor serves as the primary online resource for property valuation and ownership information. As stated on the official website, "The Assessor is an elected official responsible for developing and maintaining a current list of all taxable real and tangible personal property in Boone County." Access is free and requires no registration.

Search Options:

  • By property address
  • By owner name
  • By parcel ID number
  • By map or GIS location
  • By legal description

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 (land and improvements)
  • Taxable value and exemptions applied
  • Sales history and GIS map location

How to Search:

  1. Navigate to the Boone County Assessor website
  2. Select the preferred search type (address, owner name, or parcel ID)
  3. Enter the search criteria in the appropriate field
  4. Review the results list returned by the system
  5. Select a specific property to view the full property card, maps, and sales history
  6. Print or save the information as needed

Office Contact:

Boone County Assessor
200 State Street, Suite 102
Madison, WV 25130
Phone: (304) 369-7390
Boone County Assessor

2. County Clerk / Recorder Official Records Search

Recorded instruments affecting title — including deeds, mortgages, and liens — are maintained by the Boone County Clerk. Members of the public may search these records by grantor name, grantee name, document type, recording date range, or instrument number.

Documents Available:

  • Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
  • Mortgages and deeds of trust
  • Satisfactions and releases of mortgage
  • Mechanic's liens, judgment liens, and tax liens
  • Easements and declarations of restrictions
  • Plats and surveys
  • Lis pendens notices

How to Search:

  1. Visit the Boone County Clerk's office in person at the address below
  2. Request access to the grantor/grantee index
  3. Search by party name, document type, or recording date
  4. Note the book and page number or instrument number for any document of interest
  5. Request a copy from the clerk's staff; fees apply per page

Office Contact:

Boone County Clerk
200 State Street
Madison, WV 25130
Phone: (304) 369-7330
Boone County Clerk

3. Tax Collector / Sheriff's Tax Office

Property tax information for Boone County is administered through the County Sheriff's Tax Office. Members of the public may search current tax bills, payment history, outstanding balances, and delinquency status. The Boone County property records portal provides online access to property tax assessments and tax records.

Search By:

  • Property address
  • Owner name
  • Parcel or account number

Information Available:

  • Current tax bill and payment status
  • Outstanding balances and delinquency history
  • Exemptions applied
  • Millage rates by taxing authority

Office Contact:

Boone County Sheriff's Tax Office
200 State Street
Madison, WV 25130
Phone: (304) 369-7394
Boone County Property Records

4. GIS / Mapping System

The WV Property Viewer provides an interactive mapping interface for all West Virginia counties, including Boone County. In West Virginia, the county assessor is responsible for maintaining the surface property tax maps reflected in this system.

How to Use:

  • Navigate the map to the desired location
  • Click on a parcel to view ownership and assessment data
  • Access linked records and legal descriptions
  • View aerial photography and property boundaries
  • Measure distances and view multiple map layers

In-Person Searches

Members of the public who require certified copies or access to records not available online may visit the following offices during regular business hours:

Boone County Assessor
200 State Street, Suite 102
Madison, WV 25130
Phone: (304) 369-7390
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Boone County Assessor

Boone County Clerk
200 State Street
Madison, WV 25130
Phone: (304) 369-7330
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Boone County Clerk

By Mail Requests

Written requests for property record copies may be submitted by mail to the Boone County Clerk or Assessor. Requests should specify the property address, parcel number, or legal description, along with the document type and approximate recording date range. Payment for applicable copy fees must accompany the request. Certified copies are available upon request with the appropriate fee.

Through Professionals

Title companies, real estate attorneys, and licensed appraisers conduct comprehensive title searches and abstracts of title as part of real estate transactions. These professionals access the same public records described above and provide legal opinions on ownership and encumbrances. Costs vary by scope of work and provider.

What Is Boone County Property Records

Property records in Boone County are official documents related to real property — land and improvements — maintained by county government offices as permanent public records. These records establish legal ownership, document the chain of title, record encumbrances such as mortgages and liens, and support property tax administration. Under West Virginia law, § 11A-1-1 et seq. of the West Virginia Code governs the assessment and collection of property taxes, while § 40-1-1 et seq. governs the recording of instruments affecting real property.

Types of Property Records:

Ownership Records:

  • Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
  • Transfer records and chain of title
  • Life estate deeds and trust documents affecting property

Encumbrance Records:

  • Mortgages and deeds of trust
  • Tax liens, mechanic's liens, and judgment liens
  • Easements, restrictions, and covenants
  • Lis pendens notices

Tax and Assessment Records:

  • Property tax assessments and tax bills
  • Payment history and delinquency records
  • Exemptions (homestead, senior, veteran)
  • Special assessments

Legal Descriptions:

  • Plat maps and subdivision plats
  • Surveys and metes-and-bounds descriptions
  • Lot and block information

Building and Permit Records:

  • Building permits and certificates of occupancy
  • Code violations and zoning information

Who Maintains Property Records:

  • County Assessor — property valuations, assessment records, ownership information, and exemption applications. The Boone County Assessor maintains a current list of all taxable real and tangible personal property.
  • County Clerk — recorded instruments including deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and other documents affecting title.
  • Sheriff's Tax Office — tax bills, payment records, and delinquent tax information accessible through the property records portal.
  • WV State Auditor's Office — delinquent land records and county collections available through the Land/County Collections database.

Are Property Records Public Information in Boone County?

Property records in Boone County are public information. Under the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act, § 29B-1-1 et seq., all persons are entitled to inspect and copy public records maintained by government bodies, including property records held by the County Assessor, County Clerk, and Sheriff's Tax Office. No special permission, stated purpose, or residency requirement is necessary to access these records.

The public nature of property records reflects a centuries-old principle in American law: recorded instruments provide constructive notice to all persons of the interests they contain. This principle is codified in West Virginia's recording statutes, which require that instruments affecting real property be recorded with the county clerk to be effective against subsequent purchasers and creditors.

Why Property Records Are Public:

  • Transparency — Public access ensures accountability in property taxation and prevents fraudulent or secret transfers of title.
  • Commercial necessity — Real estate transactions, title insurance, mortgage lending, and property appraisals all depend on open access to recorded instruments.
  • Legal protection — Recording establishes priority of interests and protects owners and lienholders against competing claims.
  • Public interest — Tax assessment transparency, community planning, historical research, and journalistic investigation all rely on open property records.

What Property Information Is Freely Accessible:

  • Current and historical ownership
  • Legal descriptions and parcel data
  • Sale prices and transfer amounts
  • Recorded mortgage amounts
  • Liens and encumbrances
  • Tax assessments and payment history
  • Property characteristics
  • Deeds and recorded documents
  • Plat maps and surveys

Privacy Considerations:

Certain personal information is protected within otherwise public documents. Social Security numbers and bank account numbers are redacted from recorded instruments pursuant to state and federal law. Homestead exemption applications may contain financial information that is not fully subject to public disclosure. Individuals in protected categories — including law enforcement officers, judges, and domestic violence victims — may request address confidentiality under applicable state provisions.

Who Can Access Property Records:

Any member of the public — regardless of residency, ownership status, or stated purpose — may inspect and copy property records. Common users include prospective buyers, real estate agents, title companies, lenders, appraisers, attorneys, investors, genealogists, and journalists.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Boone County?

Members of the public may inspect property records at no charge. Fees apply when copies or certified copies are requested. Under West Virginia law, the County Clerk is authorized to charge fees for recording and copying instruments pursuant to § 59-1-10 of the West Virginia Code.

Current Standard Fee Schedule (Boone County Clerk):

ServiceCurrent Fee
Recording a deed or instrument (first page)$15.00
Each additional page$3.00
Certified copy of recorded instrument$1.50 per page + $1.00 certification fee
Uncertified copy of recorded instrument$0.50–$1.00 per page
Plat recordingVaries by size

Accepted Payment Methods:

  • Cash (in-person)
  • Check or money order (in-person and by mail)
  • Credit or debit card (varies by office; confirm in advance)

Fee waiver provisions are not broadly available for property record copies. Indigent requesters or nonprofit organizations should inquire directly with the County Clerk regarding any applicable accommodations.

What's Included in a Boone County Property Record?

A complete property record in Boone County encompasses multiple categories of information drawn from the Assessor, County Clerk, and Sheriff's Tax Office.

Ownership Information:

  • Current owner name(s) as recorded on the deed
  • Ownership type (individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, trust, LLC, corporation, life estate)
  • Acquisition date and deed book/page or instrument number
  • Mailing address for tax billing
  • Chain of title with previous owners, transfer dates, and historical deed references

Property Identification:

  • Site address and mailing address
  • Legal description (lot and block, subdivision name, plat book and page, metes and bounds)
  • Parcel ID number and tax account number

Physical Characteristics:

  • Lot size (square feet or acres), dimensions, and frontage
  • Zoning classification and land use designation
  • Total living area, year built, number of stories, and building type
  • Construction type, exterior wall material, roof type, and foundation
  • Number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and total rooms
  • Additional features: garage, pool, porch, fireplace, HVAC, water source, sewer system

Valuation Information:

Tax Information:

  • Total tax amount due, taxable value after exemptions, and millage rate
  • Breakdown by taxing authority (county, school district, special districts)
  • Payment status, due dates, and discount information
  • Tax payment history and delinquency records
  • Exemptions applied (homestead, senior, disability, veteran, agricultural)

Sales History:

  • Sale dates, sale prices, and deed document numbers
  • Grantor (seller) and grantee (buyer) names
  • Sale type (warranty deed, quitclaim, foreclosure, tax deed, gift, inheritance)

Encumbrances and Liens:

  • Recorded mortgages: lender name, original amount, recording date, book and page
  • Tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, HOA liens, and code enforcement liens
  • Easements, restrictions, covenants, and lis pendens notices

Maps and Images:

  • Property photograph and aerial image
  • GIS map with parcel boundaries
  • Plat map and property sketch

What Is Not Typically Included:

  • Current outstanding mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
  • Social Security numbers (redacted)
  • Interior photographs
  • Private agreements not recorded with the County Clerk
  • Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price

How Long Does Boone County Keep Property Records?

Property records in Boone County are maintained permanently. Recorded instruments affecting title — 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 clerks under West Virginia law.

Under West Virginia's records retention framework, the County Clerk is required to preserve all recorded instruments as permanent public records. The West Virginia Division of Culture and History administers the state's records management program, and county government records schedules confirm that instruments recorded in the official records books are retained indefinitely.

Records Kept Permanently:

  • All recorded deeds (warranty, quitclaim, trustee's, and all conveyance types)
  • All recorded mortgages, deeds of trust, satisfactions, and releases
  • All recorded liens and lien releases
  • All plats, subdivision plats, re-plats, and condominium declarations
  • Easements, restrictions, covenants, and declarations
  • Court documents and lis pendens notices affecting title

Format and Storage:

  • Very old records: handwritten ledgers and bound books
  • Mid-20th century: typed instruments in record books; microfilm
  • Recent records: digital scans and electronic document management systems
  • Multiple backup systems and off-site storage for digital records

Online Availability by Time Period:

Time PeriodTypical Access Method
Recent (last 20 years)Online via county or state portal
Moderate age (20–50 years)Microfilm or in-person at courthouse
Historical (50+ years)In-person; staff retrieval from vault or archive
Very old (100+ years)Advance notice may be required; same public access rights apply

Property Appraiser Assessment Records:

  • Current and historical assessments: permanent
  • Property cards: permanent
  • Assessment rolls: permanent
  • Exemption applications: retained for a minimum of several years; contact the Assessor for the current schedule

Tax Records:

  • Tax payment records: retained for a minimum of seven years
  • Tax deed records: permanent
  • Tax certificates: retained until redeemed or tax deed issued

Accessing Historical Records:

Members of the public seeking historical instruments should contact the Boone County Clerk directly. Staff can retrieve records from vault storage, microfilm, or digital archives. For very old records, advance notice is recommended. The same copying fees apply regardless of the age of the document.

Boone County Clerk
200 State Street
Madison, WV 25130
Phone: (304) 369-7330
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Boone County Clerk

How To Find Liens on Property in Boone County?

A lien is a legal claim recorded against real property to secure payment of a debt or obligation. In Boone County, liens are recorded with the County Clerk and are searchable through the official records index. Members of the public may identify liens on a specific property by searching the grantor/grantee index under the property owner's name or by parcel identification number.

Types of Liens Recorded in Boone County:

  • Federal and state tax liens (IRS, WV Tax Department)
  • Judgment liens arising from court proceedings
  • Mechanic's liens filed by contractors or materialmen
  • HOA assessment liens
  • Code enforcement liens
  • Child support liens

Step-by-Step Search Process:

  1. Search the WV Real Estate Assessment database at MapWV.gov to confirm the current owner of record and obtain the parcel ID number.
  2. Visit the Boone County Clerk's office in person and request access to the grantor/grantee index. Search under the current owner's name for any recorded instruments, including liens.
  3. Search the WV State Auditor's Land/County Collections database at wvsao.gov for delinquent land tax records, which may indicate outstanding state or county tax liens.
  4. Review the Boone County property records portal at boonemo.gov for property tax delinquency information.
  5. Search federal tax lien records through the IRS or the County Clerk's index, as federal tax liens are recorded at the county level in West Virginia.
  6. Request a title search from a licensed title company or real estate attorney for a comprehensive lien report, particularly prior to a real estate transaction.

Important Notes:

  • Liens recorded after the most recent online update may not appear in digital search results; in-person verification at the County Clerk's office provides the most current information.
  • Delinquent tax bill sale details, including properties with outstanding tax obligations, are published by the Boone County Clerk's Office in advance of annual tax sales.
  • A lien release or satisfaction must also be recorded with the County Clerk to remove a lien from the public record; the absence of a recorded release means the lien remains an encumbrance of record.

Boone County Clerk
200 State Street
Madison, WV 25130
Phone: (304) 369-7330
Boone County Clerk

What Is Property Owner Rule in Boone County?

The property owner rule in Boone County refers to the body of West Virginia law and local practice governing the rights, obligations, and legal standing of real property owners within the county. Under West Virginia law, property ownership is established by a recorded deed and is subject to the state's recording statutes, tax assessment requirements, and applicable zoning and land use regulations.

Establishment of Ownership:

Legal ownership of real property in Boone County is established by a deed recorded with the County Clerk pursuant to § 40-1-9 of the West Virginia Code, which provides that unrecorded instruments are void as to subsequent purchasers for value without notice. Recording a deed in the County Clerk's official records provides constructive notice to all persons of the ownership interest conveyed.

Assessment and Taxation Obligations:

Every property owner in Boone County is subject to annual property tax assessment. The Boone County Assessor is responsible for maintaining a current list of all taxable real and tangible personal property and for assessing that property at its fair market value as required by West Virginia law. Property owners are obligated to report changes in ownership, improvements, and use to the Assessor. As noted by the Boone County Collector, "Taxes are due for the entire amount assessed and billed regardless if property is no longer owned," underscoring that tax liability attaches to the assessed owner of record as of the assessment date.

Personal Property Tax Obligations:

In addition to real property taxes, owners of tangible personal property — including vehicles, machinery, and business equipment — are subject to annual personal property tax assessment. Owners may review personal property tax information through the County Collector's office and may pay personal property taxes online through the WV DMV portal.

Rights of Property Owners:

  • The right to inspect and copy all records pertaining to their property held by county offices
  • The right to appeal property tax assessments before the County Commission sitting as a Board of Equalization and Review
  • The right to apply for applicable exemptions (homestead, senior, disability, veteran) through the County Assessor
  • The right to receive notice of any lien, tax sale, or enforcement action affecting their property

Delinquent Tax and Tax Sale Provisions:

When property taxes remain unpaid, the property becomes subject to the delinquent tax sale process administered by the WV State Auditor's Office. Delinquent properties are listed in the Land/County Collections database and may ultimately be subject to a tax lien sale. Property owners retain the right to redeem delinquent taxes prior to the issuance of a tax deed.

Zoning and Land Use:

Property owners in Boone County are subject to applicable zoning ordinances and land use regulations administered by the county planning and zoning authority. Permitted uses, setback requirements, and development standards are determined by the zoning classification assigned to each parcel, which is reflected in the Assessor's records and the WV Property Viewer.

Lookup Property Records in Boone County

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