About the Recorder

Rita Vargas

Recorder Rita Vargas resides in Davenport with her husband Kenneth Krayenhagen. They have a blended family of three children and one grandchild.

Rita began her career with Scott County in 2003 after spending 13 years serving the public as a district representative/caseworker for U.S. Senator Tom Harkin.

Rita graduated from Davenport Central High School, Marycrest College ('89) with a BA in Social Behavioral Science, and Drake University ('05) Masters of Public Administration.

Major goals that have been initiated in the Recorder’s office include the conversion of electronic records into a data system (Cott) to facilitate Internet access to land records, the redaction of sensitive personal information from such records, and the continued use of technology to make the office more accessible to the public.


The Recorder/Registrar issues marriage license, registers births and deaths, issues certificates on vital records and processes passport applications.

The Recorder's Office is responsible for recording and maintaining official records effecting title to real estate.

The Recorder's office also issues hunting and fishing licenses and registers and titles recreational vehicles; i.e., Boats, ATV's, and Snowmobiles.

The Recorder's Office was created by the First Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Iowa in 1839.