Recording Requirements

Documents Must be Signed & Notarized

Signatures and notary statements must be original. Copies cannot be recorded unless they are a certified copy from another office where the document has been recorded. Notary seals must be legible and copyable. If a raised seal is used, the notary's name must be typed or printed below their signature line. An additional $1 per document fee will be charged if this typed or printed name is missing.

Legal Description of the Real Property

Examples for use on property located in the city are: lot, block and addition or subdivision name. In the county outside the city the legal description will be described by section, township and range. If the legal description is missing, the document will be entered into the computer, but not indexed to the land.

Documents Must be Legible

The document shall be of sufficient legibility so as to produce a clear and legible reproduction. The register of deeds may reject any document which is not of sufficient legibility so as to produce a clear and legible reproduction.

Fees Must be Paid When Recording

Fees are set by state statute. Checks are made out to the Register of Deeds.

View full fee schedule.

Return Real Estate Documents

Real estate documents are returned the next day after they are received and recorded. The original document is mailed back to the person or persons it came from. Personal property records (UCCs) are filed and kept until released by statute. An acknowledgment copy is sent back.