Register of Deeds
Recording Requirements
- The name of each person executing the instrument is legibly printed, typewritten, or stamped beneath the original signature or mark of the person, and the signature or mark is in black or dark blue ink. MCLA 565.201
- No discrepancy shall exist between names printed in the notary acknowledgement and as printed beneath signatures. MCLA 565.201 Sec. 1
- The address of grantees in each deed of conveyance or assignment of real estate shall contain the street number address or post office address. MCLA 565.201
- The name and address of the person who drafted the document must appear on the documents executed in Michigan. MCLA 565.201a, 565.203
- Documents purporting to convey or encumber real estate executed in Michigan must have an acknowledgement by a notary public. MCLA 565.8
- A certified copy of the death certificate must be filed concurrently as a separate document if an instrument of conveyance states "survivor of" in the grantor's section, or shall show by liber and page or instrument reference that the death certificate has been recorded in the Register of Deeds office. MCLA 565.48
- Court orders must be certified and sealed by the clerk of the court to be eligible for recording. MCLA 565.401, 565.411
- The document submitted for recording must be legible. MCLA 565.201 (g) (iii)
- Documents executed in the State of Michigan after April 1, 1997, must have a margin of unprinted space at least 2 1/2 inches at the top of the first page and at least 1/2 inch on all remaining sides of each page. Exemptions to this include certified documents, surveys and land corners.
- Documents must display on the first line of print on the first page, a single statement identifying the recordable event that the instrument evidences. MCLA 565.201
- The type on the form must be printed with black ink; type size at least 10-point type. MCLA 565.201
- The paper on which the document is printed must be white and not less than 20 pound weight. MCLA 565.201
- The size of the document and any attachment thereto must be at least 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches; at most 8 1/2 inches by 14 inches. MCLA 565.201
- All Warranty Deeds, Land Contracts, or an Assignment thereof, or any Deed that contains a covenant of Warranty must have a Tax Certification from the County Treasurer's office. View fee schedule »
- A trust agreement or certificate of trust existence and authority must be recorded as a separate document if it accompanies an instrument that is the subject of or is affected by the trust. MCLA 565.434
- If the instrument or any part of it is in a language other than English, a written English translation is attached to the instrument. MCLA 565.201
| Specific Document Recording Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Affidavit | Needs notary & "drafted by" - no witnesses needed |
| Articles of Incorporation | Record only if certified, otherwise record in Lansing |
| Bankruptcy | Needs black or raised seal |
| Certificate of Trust | Needs "drafted by" and notary |
| Claim of Lien | Needs notary and "drafted by" |
| Circuit Court | Needs to be certified (seal) only if signed by judge and if it comes from court |
| Death Certificate | Certified (seal) from County Clerk's office. |
| Execution | Must be certified (seal) |
| Easements | Needs notary and "drafted by" |
| Judgment of Divorce | Certified (seal) |
| Lis Pendens | Signed only |
| Notice of Commencement | Needs notary and "drafted by" |
| Notice of Levy | Signed only |
| Power of Attorney | Needs notary & "drafted by" |
| Probate Court | Needs to be certified (seal) |
| 61st District Court | Needs to be certified (seal) |
*Marginal requirements do not apply to court documents