Register of Deeds

‘Next to the right of liberty, the right of property is the most important individual right guaranteed by the Constitution.’ – Warren Harding, U.S. President 1921-23

200 Division St., Suite 150
Petoskey, MI 49770
Phone: 231.348.1761
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday


Welcome

We hope you find this site useful but please remember that we also deliver service the old-fashioned way. Just call or come in to speak with any of our staff members. We are happy to serve you!

 

Shelly Foltz, Deputy Register of Deeds [email protected]

Karen Cosens, Register of Deeds [email protected]

Terri Teuscher, Deputy Register of Deeds [email protected]

The Register of Deeds office records, files, maintains, and retrieves all documents relating to real property in Emmet County.

History

Adopted by the United States Congress in 1835, the first constitution of the State of Michigan established the Register of Deeds as the official recording office for all legal instruments pertaining to the transfer and encumbrances of properties in each county.

Documents recorded in the county’s official records publicly declare their existence and enactment. Anyone can research these records to identify property ownership and liens placed against property. In addition to members of the public, those checking the records and filing instruments of the office include lending institutions, credit bureaus, title companies, realtors and attorneys.

Emmet County records date back to 1852. Indexed images of records date back to 1922, with indexing of records before then occurring daily. For security purposes, duplicate microfilmed copies of all documents are stored in an underground storage facility.

Michigan has a “race-notice” statute. Recording a deed places subsequent purchasers on constructive notice. Thus, it is important that document recording occurs in the exact order in which first presented for recording at the Register of Deeds office. First in time is first in line. A recording error might cost a property owner a hefty sum if forced to prove title or ownership of their property.

The Register must constantly study and be aware of the laws governing the office. The only documents recorded are those meeting the recording requirements set by the Michigan Legislature. The office cannot determine legal sufficiency or intent of any document offered for recording.

The Register of Deeds also serves as Chairman of the County Plat Board that reviews and approves all new subdivisions within the County.

Services

Records are available to search online or in the office. Record printing is available for $1 per page or $1.05 per page online. The vault is available for searching all records Monday thru Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Documents may also be brought in for recording during these hours.

We provide copies of all real estate conveyances to all assessing offices in the county for use in preparing tax rolls.

Other services for residents include notarial services for recorded documents, document certification and record copying.

Emmet County, Michigan
200 Division Street, Petoskey MI 49770
(231) 348-1700 | Contact Us