Recordings / Basic Requirements

This office records all types of documents relating to interests and transfers of property, including: deeds, mortgages, land contracts, financing statements and other liens. This office DOES NOT PREPARE DOCUMENTS and we DO NOT ANSWER LEGAL QUESTIONS. Please contact an attorney if you need legal assistance.

• Documents must have all original signatures and the names must be printed, stamped or typed beneath the signatures.
   
• Documents executed in Michigan which convey or encumber real estate require a notary’s acknowledgment.
   
• Documents must be on 8 ½" x 11" or 8 ½" x 14" paper and must have a 2 ½" top margin for the first page, and a minimum ½" margin on the other three sides of all pages.
   
• The document must be on white paper with black ink and have 10 point minimum type size.
   
• The title or type of a document must be identified on the first line of print.
   
• The property tax identification number and the commonly known address of the property should be on the document.
   
• Warranty deeds, deeds which contain a Convenant of Warranty, Land contracts and assignments of Land Contract must be certified for payment of property taxes by the Wayne County Treasurer before recording with our office.
   
• City of Detroit property requires tax certification by the City of Detroit Treasurer and Wayne County Treasurer.
   
• Court orders cannot be recorded unless they are certified and sealed.
   
• The name and address of the person who drafted the document must appear on documents executed in Michigan.
   
• Death Certificates must be a certified copy with the raised seal. A copy will not be recorded.
   
• Documents can be recorded in person or by mail.

Our office accepts money orders, cashier’s checks, certified checks, corporation checks and law firm checks. Cash and personal checks are accepted only in person.

Certified funds are REQUIRED for fees and taxes totaling more than $250.

Bernard J. Youngblood
Register of Deeds

International Center Building
400 Monroe St.
7th Floor
Detroit, MI 48226

Ph: (313) 224-5854
Fx: (313) 224-5884