Register of Deeds FAQs

Can you prepare my document or give me the forms to use?

No, the Register of Deeds does not prepare any legal document, nor do we give legal advice. Some forms may be obtained from an office supply store. If you need assistance, please contact an attorney, title company or real estate agent.

A few local title companies include:

Do you furnish abstracts/titles to property?

No.

What payment methods do you accept?

For recording documents: cash or check

For document copies purchased in the office: cash, check or escrow account
Online copies: escrow account or credit card

Can I record a fax or a copy of a document?

No, only documents with original signatures can be recorded.

Can I record a TRUE COPY court document?

No. Court documents must be certified with the court seal to be recorded. Death certificates must be certified with the Clerk’s seal.

Can you fax or e-mail me a copy of a recorded document?

We accept cash, check, credit card and escrow payments. All charges are paid in advance of the service.
For this service please email: [email protected]
For immediate service please visit www.emmetcounty.org/registerofdeeds/

Do you have standard document requirements?

Yes, see Recording Requirements.

What types of documents do you record?

Documents recorded:

  • We record over 240 different types of documents; for example:
  • Deeds
  • Mortgages, including assignments and discharges
  • Court orders
  • Probate orders
  • Condominium documents
  • Certified surveys
  • Government corners
  • Land contracts
  • Leases
  • Liens
  • Plats
Can I get documents through the Freedom of Information Act?

No, all documents in this office are public information or covered by state statute. The copy fees for documents are set by state statute.

When will you record my document and what do you do with the document after recording?

We generally record your document the day of receipt, as long as it meets the recording requirements, and hold it for one day. We return the document the following business day to whomever sent or brought it to us, unless other specific instructions are given. If the document came to us through an attorney/bank/title agency, etc., it is up to them when they return it to you.

If my property goes into mortgage foreclosure can I redeem it in your office?

Yes, we accept redemption payments. You can also make arrangements through the involved companies, financial institutions, or their legal counsel, and redeem directly from them. After the redemption period has expired, only they can help you.

When was my house built?

While we don’t have specific information regarding when your house was built, you are welcome to search our records to see the history of the land ownership. You may stumble on information that may help you determine when your house was constructed. You may also visit Planning & Zoning, your city or township. IT’S FUN TO LOOK!

Do you have a survey of my property?

Only if it has been surveyed and recorded.

Do you have or record mortgage surveys?

No.

How can I find out who owns certain property?

Search the tax record information by going to the online Property Search. You can search by name, address or parcel number.

How do I search for a deed?

You can search by name on this website at no charge or contact our office for assistance.

Does the document need to be witnessed and notarized?

Documents executed in Michigan no longer require witnesses. Each state has its own laws regarding the need for witnesses. Most documents require notarization. Please check our “Recording Requirements” link to see which documents require a notary.

What documents have to be tax certified?

Warranty Deeds, Land Contracts/ Assignments and Master Deeds required a tax certificate from the Treasurer’s Office. Please check our “Recording Requirements.”

Will you record a copy of a death certificate?

We will record a County Clerk certified copy (with embossed seal) of a death certificate.

Do you have or record mortgage surveys?

No.


Didn’t find the answer to your question?

Call the ROD office at 231.348.1761 or email us at [email protected].

HELPFUL LINKS

Construction Lien Act
Instructions are available in our office or michigan.gov

Michigan Uniform Commercial Code

State of Michigan

MARD (Michigan Association of Registers of Deed)

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