Silverbow County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Silverbow County in 2026
SilverbowRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Silver Bow County, Montana. Members of the public may find ownership histories, assessed values, recorded deeds, tax information, and encumbrance data through the resources described below. Record availability and completeness may vary depending on the age of the document and the digitization status of the originating office.
Records may be searched through the following official channels:
- Silver Bow County Clerk and Recorder – recorded deeds, mortgages, liens, and other instruments affecting title
- Montana Department of Revenue, Butte Field Office – property assessment and valuation records
- Silver Bow County Treasurer – tax payment history, delinquency records, and current tax bills
- Montana Cadastral – statewide GIS parcel mapping and ownership data
- Property.MT.Gov – property tax exemptions and personal property records
Online Search Methods
The most convenient method for accessing Silver Bow County property records is through online portals maintained by state and county agencies.
1. Montana Cadastral (Statewide GIS Parcel Search)
The Montana Cadastral system, maintained by the Montana State Library, provides a statewide interactive mapping tool that allows members of the public to search parcel data by owner name, address, or geographic location at no cost.
Search Options:
- By property address
- By owner name
- By geocode (parcel identifier)
- By map/GIS location
Information Available:
- Current owner name and mailing address
- Legal description
- Parcel geocode
- Assessed acreage
- Land use classification
- GIS map with property boundaries
- Linked assessment data
How to Search:
- Navigate to the Montana Cadastral mapping portal
- Enter an owner name, address, or parcel number in the search bar
- Select the matching result from the list
- Click on the parcel to view ownership and assessment details
- Use the map layers to view aerial photography, zoning overlays, and adjacent parcels
- Print or export the parcel report as needed
2. Property.MT.Gov – Montana Online Services
The Property.MT.Gov portal, administered by the Montana Department of Revenue, allows members of the public to view granted property tax exemptions by county and search personal property records statewide.
Search Options:
- By county
- By property type (real or personal)
- By exemption category
Information Available:
- Granted exemption status
- Exemption type (homestead, agricultural, nonprofit, etc.)
- Personal property account data
- Linked assessment records
3. Silver Bow County Clerk and Recorder – Recorded Documents
The Silver Bow County Clerk and Recorder maintains the official index of all instruments recorded against real property within the county. Members of the public may search recorded documents in person at the courthouse.
Searchable By:
- Grantor name (seller or transferor)
- Grantee name (buyer or transferee)
- Document type
- Recording date range
- Book and page number
- Instrument number
Documents Available:
- Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Satisfactions and releases of mortgage
- Mechanic's liens and judgment liens
- Easements and covenants
- Plats and subdivision documents
- Lis pendens notices
- Powers of attorney affecting real property
In-Person Search:
Silver Bow County Clerk and Recorder
155 West Granite Street, Room 204
Butte, MT 59701
Phone: (406) 497-6340
Silver Bow County Official Website
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding state and federal holidays.
4. Montana Department of Revenue – Butte Field Office
The Montana Department of Revenue's Property Assessment Division maintains assessment records for all taxable real property in Silver Bow County. As noted on the Field Office Locations page, the Butte Field Office serves Silver Bow County residents directly.
Silver Bow County – Butte Field Office
125 North Roberts Street, Room 210
Helena, MT 59601 (contact the Butte Field Office directly for local address confirmation)
Email: DORPADButte@mt.gov
Phone: (406) 496-3900
Montana Department of Revenue
Information Available:
- Property assessment values (land and improvements)
- Property classification
- Ownership information
- Exemption status
- Agricultural and forest land designations
5. GIS / Mapping System
The Montana Cadastral system serves as the primary GIS mapping resource for Silver Bow County parcels. Members of the public may use the interactive map to:
- Navigate to a specific location and click on a parcel
- View property boundaries and dimensions
- Access linked ownership and assessment data
- View aerial photography layers
- Measure distances and areas
- Export parcel data for further analysis
By Mail Requests
Members of the public who are unable to visit in person may submit written requests to the Silver Bow County Clerk and Recorder. Requests should specify the property by address, legal description, or instrument number, and should include the applicable copying fee and a self-addressed return envelope.
Silver Bow County Clerk and Recorder (Mail)
155 West Granite Street, Room 204
Butte, MT 59701
Phone: (406) 497-6340
Through Professionals
Title companies, real estate attorneys, and licensed abstractors operating in Silver Bow County provide comprehensive title searches, abstracts of title, and title insurance commitments. These professionals have direct access to the Clerk and Recorder's index and can identify all recorded interests affecting a given parcel. Costs vary by provider and scope of work.
What Is Silverbow County Property Records
Silver Bow County property records are official legal documents maintained by county and state government agencies that establish ownership, encumbrances, valuations, and other interests in real property located within the county's jurisdiction.
Purpose of Property Records:
- Establish legal ownership and chain of title
- Record encumbrances such as mortgages, liens, and easements
- Document property transfers and conveyances
- Provide the basis for property tax assessment
- Enable title insurance and real estate transactions
- Protect property rights through constructive notice
Types of Property Records:
Ownership Records:
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
- Trustee's deeds and personal representative's deeds
- Life estate deeds
- Transfer-on-death deeds
- Chain of title documentation
Encumbrance Records:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Tax liens (federal, state, and local)
- Mechanic's liens and judgment liens
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants and declarations
- Lis pendens notices
Tax and Assessment Records:
- Annual property tax assessments
- Tax bills and payment history
- Exemption records (homestead, agricultural, veteran, etc.)
- Special assessments
- Delinquency records and tax deed proceedings
Legal Descriptions:
- Plat maps and subdivision plats
- Metes and bounds descriptions
- Lot and block information
- Section, township, and range designations
Building and Permit Records:
- Building permits issued by the City-County of Butte-Silver Bow
- Certificates of occupancy
- Zoning designations
- Code enforcement records
Who Maintains Property Records:
Silver Bow County Clerk and Recorder:
The Clerk and Recorder is the official custodian of all recorded instruments affecting real property in Silver Bow County. This office records, indexes, and preserves deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and all other documents submitted for recording.
Montana Department of Revenue – Property Assessment Division:
The Department of Revenue assesses all taxable real and personal property in Montana pursuant to Mont. Code Ann. § 15-7-102, which establishes the state's property classification and valuation framework. The Butte Field Office serves Silver Bow County.
Silver Bow County Treasurer:
The County Treasurer collects property taxes, maintains payment records, and administers delinquent tax proceedings.
Butte-Silver Bow Planning and Community Development:
This department maintains zoning records, land use designations, building permits, and code enforcement files.
Legal Framework:
Montana's property recording statutes, codified at Mont. Code Ann. § 70-21-101, establish the legal framework for recording instruments affecting real property and provide constructive notice to all subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers. Under this framework, a recorded instrument is deemed notice to the world of its contents from the date and time of recording.
As stated by the Montana Department of Revenue: "The property tax system in Montana is designed to distribute the tax burden equitably among all property owners based on the market value of their property."
Are Property Records Public Information in Silverbow County?
Property records in Silver Bow County are public information. Under Montana's public records law, codified at Mont. Code Ann. § 2-6-1003, all public records are open to inspection by any person. No special permission, stated purpose, or residency requirement is necessary to access property records.
Legal Basis for Public Access:
- Montana Public Records Act (Mont. Code Ann. § 2-6-1003)
- Montana recording statutes (Mont. Code Ann. § 70-21-101)
- Common law tradition of public land records
- Constitutional protections for property rights under Article II, Section 3 of the Montana Constitution
Why Property Records Are Public:
Transparency:
The public has a recognized right to know who owns real property within their community. Open access to ownership records promotes accountability in property taxation, deters fraudulent transfers, and supports the integrity of the real estate marketplace.
Commercial Purposes:
- Enable title searches and title insurance
- Support property valuation and appraisals
- Facilitate mortgage lending and underwriting
- Provide data for market analysis and investment research
Legal Protections:
- Establish chain of title and priority of interests
- Provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers
- Enable enforcement of recorded encumbrances
- Protect against fraudulent conveyances
Public Interest:
- Support community planning and zoning decisions
- Enable historical and genealogical research
- Facilitate journalistic investigation of property ownership
- Provide transparency in tax assessment and collection
What Property Information Is Publicly Accessible:
- Current and historical ownership names
- Legal descriptions and parcel identifiers
- Sale prices and transfer dates
- Recorded mortgage amounts and lender names
- Liens, easements, and encumbrances
- Assessed and taxable values
- Tax payment status and delinquency information
- Property characteristics (size, year built, use classification)
- Plat maps and surveys
Privacy Considerations:
Social Security numbers and financial account numbers are redacted from recorded documents pursuant to Montana law. Certain individuals, including law enforcement officers, judges, and victims of domestic violence or stalking, may be eligible for address confidentiality protections under Montana's Address Confidentiality Program. Homestead exemption applications may contain personal financial information that is not fully subject to public disclosure; members of the public should contact the Montana Department of Revenue for applicable policies.
Who Can Access Property Records:
Any member of the public may access Silver Bow County property records, including:
- Prospective buyers and sellers
- Real estate agents, brokers, and appraisers
- Title companies and abstractors
- Lenders and financial institutions
- Attorneys and legal researchers
- Property owners reviewing their own records
- Investors and developers
- Genealogists and historians
- Members of the media
Commercial Use of Property Records:
Commercial use of publicly available property records is permitted under Montana law, subject to applicable anti-harassment statutes, fair housing laws, and other legal restrictions. Title insurance companies, data aggregators, and real estate information services routinely compile and redistribute property record data as part of lawful business operations.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Silverbow County?
Members of the public may inspect property records at no charge. Fees apply when copies or certified documents are requested. The following fee schedule reflects current standard charges applicable to Silver Bow County property records.
Silver Bow County Clerk and Recorder – Copy and Recording Fees:
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copy of recorded document | $2.00 per document + $1.00 per page |
| Recording a document (first page) | $7.00 |
| Recording a document (each additional page) | $3.00 per page |
| Search fee (staff-assisted) | No statutory search fee; copying fees apply |
Montana Department of Revenue – Assessment Records:
- Online access to assessment data via Property.MT.Gov and Montana Cadastral is provided at no cost.
- Copies of assessment records requested in person or by mail are subject to standard copying fees.
Online Access:
- Montana Cadastral parcel search: Free, no registration required
- Property.MT.Gov exemption and personal property search: Free, no registration required
- Viewing document images online (where available): Free
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash
- Check (payable to Silver Bow County Clerk and Recorder)
- Money order
Fee Waivers: Montana law does not provide a general fee waiver for property record copies. Indigent individuals or nonprofit organizations seeking fee waivers should inquire directly with the Clerk and Recorder's office.
Note: Recording fees in Montana are governed by Mont. Code Ann. § 7-4-2631, which establishes the maximum fees county clerks may charge for recording instruments and providing copies of public records.
What's Included in a Silverbow County Property Record?
A complete Silver Bow County property record may include the following categories of information, depending on the source agency and the nature of the property.
Ownership Information:
- Current owner name(s) and ownership type (individual, joint tenancy, tenancy in common, trust, LLC, corporation)
- Acquisition date and deed instrument number
- Mailing address for tax purposes
- Chain of title with previous owner names and transfer dates
Property Identification:
- Site address and mailing address
- Legal description (lot and block, subdivision name, plat book and page, or metes and bounds)
- Parcel geocode / tax account number
- Municipality and jurisdiction
Physical Characteristics:
- Lot size in acres or square feet
- Lot dimensions and frontage
- Land use designation and zoning classification
- Total living area (square feet)
- Year built and effective year
- Number of stories, bedrooms, and bathrooms
- Construction type and exterior wall material
- Roof type and foundation type
- Garage, pool, porch, and other accessory features
- Water source and sewer system type
- Condition and quality ratings
Valuation Information:
- Land value and improvement value (assessed)
- Total assessed value and market value
- Historical assessed values for prior years
- Agricultural classification value (if applicable)
Tax Information:
- Current tax amount due and taxable value
- Millage rate breakdown by taxing authority (county, school district, special districts)
- Payment status and due dates
- Tax payment history
- Exemptions applied (homestead, agricultural, veteran, senior, disability)
Sales History:
- Sale dates, sale prices, and deed types for recent transfers
- Grantor and grantee names
- Documentary stamp amounts
- Qualified or unqualified sale designation
Encumbrances and Liens:
- Recorded mortgages (lender name, original amount, recording date)
- Tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, and HOA liens
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants and declarations
- Lis pendens notices
Legal and Regulatory Information:
- Zoning classification and permitted uses
- Future land use designation
- Special taxing district assignments (school, fire, water)
- Flood zone designation (FEMA)
- Wetlands or conservation area designations
Maps and Images:
- Property photograph (exterior)
- Aerial photograph
- GIS map with parcel boundaries
- Plat map and property sketch
Building Permit Information (where integrated):
- Permit numbers, dates, and descriptions
- Contractor information
- Certificate of occupancy
- Inspection records
What Is Not Typically Included in Public Property Records:
- Current outstanding mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
- Social Security numbers (redacted by law)
- Interior photographs
- Private purchase contract terms beyond recorded sale price
- Confidential exemption application financial details
- Unrecorded private agreements
How Long Does Silverbow County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Silver Bow County are maintained permanently. Recorded instruments affecting real property title are never destroyed, as they form the legal chain of title upon which all subsequent ownership and encumbrance claims depend.
Legal Basis for Permanent Retention: Montana's records retention statutes and the Montana Secretary of State's records management program establish retention schedules for government records. Recorded instruments affecting real property are classified as permanent records under state law, consistent with the requirements of Mont. Code Ann. § 70-21-101, which mandates that recorded documents remain accessible as constructive notice to the public.
Records Kept Permanently:
- All recorded deeds (warranty, quitclaim, trustee's, personal representative's)
- All recorded mortgages, deeds of trust, satisfactions, and releases
- All recorded liens (tax, judgment, mechanic's, HOA)
- All recorded plats, subdivision plats, and condominium declarations
- All recorded easements, covenants, and restrictions
- All recorded lis pendens and court documents affecting title
- Assessment rolls and property tax records
Format and Storage:
Historical records in Silver Bow County exist in multiple formats depending on the era of recording:
- Pre-1900s through mid-20th century: Handwritten and typed ledger books stored in the Clerk and Recorder's vault
- Mid-20th century: Microfilm archives
- Recent decades: Scanned digital images maintained in electronic document management systems with off-site backup
Access to Historical Records:
Members of the public may access historical records in person at the Silver Bow County Clerk and Recorder's office. Staff can retrieve records from vault storage, microfilm archives, or digital systems. For very old records, advance notice may be helpful to allow staff to locate and retrieve materials.
Silver Bow County Clerk and Recorder
155 West Granite Street, Room 204
Butte, MT 59701
Phone: (406) 497-6340
Silver Bow County Official Website
Property Appraiser / Assessment Records: The Montana Department of Revenue maintains current and historical assessment records permanently. Recent years of assessment data are accessible online through the Montana Cadastral and Property.MT.Gov portals. Historical assessment records are available through the Butte Field Office.
Tax Records: The Silver Bow County Treasurer maintains tax payment records, delinquency records, and tax deed records. Tax deed records are permanent. Payment history records are retained for a minimum of seven years; permanent tax deed records are maintained by the Clerk and Recorder.
Chain of Title: A complete chain of title for Silver Bow County property may extend back to the original federal land patents issued in the territorial period. Title searches conducted for real estate transactions typically review a minimum of 30 to 60 years of recorded history, though a full abstract may trace ownership to the original grant. Gaps in the chain of title create title defects that must be resolved before clear title can be conveyed.
Digitization Status: Silver Bow County has undertaken ongoing digitization of historical recorded documents. Members of the public seeking records that predate the county's online index should contact the Clerk and Recorder's office directly to confirm availability and arrange retrieval.
How To Find Liens on Property in Silverbow County?
Liens on real property in Silver Bow County are recorded instruments and are therefore part of the public record maintained by the Silver Bow County Clerk and Recorder. Members of the public may search for liens using the following methods.
Step-by-Step Search Process:
-
Visit the Clerk and Recorder's Office in Person
- Request access to the grantor/grantee index
- Search by the property owner's name (as grantor or grantee) to identify all recorded instruments
- Filter results by document type to locate liens specifically
- Note the book and page or instrument number for each lien found
- Request copies of relevant documents at the applicable per-page fee
-
Search the Montana Cadastral System
- Navigate to the Montana Cadastral portal
- Locate the parcel by address or owner name
- Review linked assessment and ownership data
- Note that the Cadastral system provides parcel identification data; full lien document images require a search at the Clerk and Recorder's office
-
Search for Federal Tax Liens
- Federal tax liens are recorded with the Silver Bow County Clerk and Recorder pursuant to federal law
- Members of the public may also search the IRS Centralized Lien Operation by contacting (800) 913-6050
- Federal tax lien searches are available through the Clerk and Recorder's grantor/grantee index under the taxpayer's name
-
Search for State Tax Liens
- Montana state tax liens are filed with the county clerk in the county where the property is located
- Search the Clerk and Recorder's index under the property owner's name for Montana Department of Revenue lien filings
-
Search for Judgment Liens
- Judgment liens arise from court judgments and are recorded with the Clerk and Recorder
- Members of the public may also search the Montana Judicial Branch case management system at courts.mt.gov for civil judgments that may have been transcribed as liens
-
Search for Mechanic's Liens
- Mechanic's liens are recorded with the Clerk and Recorder and indexed under the property owner's name
- Montana's mechanic's lien statutes require filing within specific timeframes; a lien search should cover the relevant statutory period
-
Search for HOA Liens
- Homeowner association liens are recorded with the Clerk and Recorder
- Search under the property owner's name or the HOA's name as grantor
Types of Liens Searchable:
| Lien Type | Recording Location | Search Method |
|---|---|---|
| Federal tax lien | Clerk and Recorder | Grantor/grantee index by owner name |
| State tax lien | Clerk and Recorder | Grantor/grantee index by owner name |
| Judgment lien | Clerk and Recorder | Grantor/grantee index by judgment debtor name |
| Mechanic's lien | Clerk and Recorder | Grantor/grantee index by property owner name |
| HOA lien | Clerk and Recorder | Grantor/grantee index by owner or HOA name |
| Mortgage/deed of trust | Clerk and Recorder | Grantor/grantee index by owner name |
Silver Bow County Clerk and Recorder
155 West Granite Street, Room 204
Butte, MT 59701
Phone: (406) 497-6340
Silver Bow County Official Website
Members of the public conducting lien searches for real estate transactions are advised to engage a licensed title company or real estate attorney to ensure a comprehensive search of all recorded and statutory lien types.
What Is Property Owner Rule in Silverbow County?
The property owner rule in Silver Bow County refers to the body of Montana statutes, constitutional provisions, and local regulations that govern the rights, responsibilities, and limitations of real property ownership within the county's jurisdiction.
Ownership Rights Under Montana Law:
Montana recognizes fee simple ownership as the highest form of real property interest, granting the owner the right to possess, use, transfer, encumber, and exclude others from the property, subject to applicable laws and regulations. Article II, Section 3 of the Montana Constitution guarantees the inalienable right to acquire, possess, and protect property.
Recording Requirements:
Under Mont. Code Ann. § 70-21-101, every conveyance of real property in Montana must be recorded with the county clerk and recorder of the county in which the property is situated to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers. An unrecorded instrument is valid between the parties but is void as against a subsequent purchaser in good faith and for value whose conveyance is first recorded.
Property Tax Obligations:
All owners of real property in Silver Bow County are subject to annual property taxation administered by the Montana Department of Revenue and collected by the Silver Bow County Treasurer. Property is assessed at market value pursuant to Mont. Code Ann. § 15-7-102, and taxes are due in two installments each year. Failure to pay property taxes may result in the imposition of a tax lien and, ultimately, a tax deed proceeding.
Homestead and Tax Relief Provisions:
Montana currently provides tax relief for qualifying homeowners and long-term rental property owners. As described on the Tax Relief for Homesteads and Long-term Rentals page maintained by the Montana Department of Revenue: "The enrollment portal is now open for 2027 tax year applications." Qualifying property owners may apply for reduced assessment rates on their primary residence. The Montana Department of Revenue administers the enrollment process through its online portal and Butte Field Office.
Zoning and Land Use Regulations:
Property owners in Silver Bow County are subject to the zoning and land use regulations administered by Butte-Silver Bow's Planning and Community Development Department. Permitted uses, setback requirements, building height limits, and subdivision regulations are established by the Butte-Silver Bow Unified Development Code. Property owners must obtain required permits before undertaking construction, renovation, or change of use.
Adverse Possession:
Montana law recognizes adverse possession as a means by which a person may acquire title to real property through open, notorious, exclusive, hostile, and continuous possession for a period of five years, provided the claimant has paid all property taxes assessed against the property during that period, pursuant to Mont. Code Ann. § 70-19-411.
Eminent Domain:
The government retains the power of eminent domain to acquire private property for public use upon payment of just compensation, as guaranteed by Article II, Section 29 of the Montana Constitution and the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution.
Mineral Rights:
Montana recognizes the severance of surface and mineral estates. Property owners in Silver Bow County may own surface rights without owning the underlying mineral rights, or vice versa. Mineral rights are separately assessed and taxed by the Montana Department of Revenue.
Butte-Silver Bow Planning and Community Development
155 West Granite Street
Butte, MT 59701
Phone: (406) 497-6285
Butte-Silver Bow Official Website
Montana Department of Revenue – Butte Field Office
Email: DORPADButte@mt.gov
Phone: (406) 496-3900
Field Office Locations