What needs to be on a document for recording purposes?

All Documents

  • Document dated
  • Document signed
  • Notary acknowledgment requirements: 
    • Date
    • Individual names being notarizing
    • Legible notary seal or stamp
    • Notary signature
    • Notary commission expiration date
  • Marital status must be on the form:
    • "A Single Person"
    • "Husband and Wife"
    • "Divorced and Not Remarried"
    • "Widowed and Not Remarried"
    • "Married to Each Other"
    • “Spouses Married to Each Other”
    • Marital status shown as "Married" is ambiguous and unacceptable.
  • Full legal description (tax statements use brief legal descriptions and are not sufficient)
  • Draftsman Statement - Include name and address of party drafting the instrument 
  • Recording Fees
    • $46 per document* - Payable to the Carlton County Treasurer 
    • *Some exceptions may apply. Torrens property and plats may have additional fees
  • White-out is unacceptable as this creates an altered document
  • When a document is delivered for recording please note the following (preferably on your cover letter):
    • Telephone number with contact information
    • Address of where to return the document (original document is returned after recording process). Documents are returned within 10 business days
    • Whether the document is to be recorded in the "Abstract" or "Torrens" Department
    • Specific recording order if multiple documents are being submitted in one package
  • Contact Recorder’s Office/Registrar of Titles before mailing Torrens documents as additional requirements may apply 
  • To ensure same day recording, early day document delivery is suggested

Transfer Deeds

  • State Deed Tax required (purchase price times .0033 - Payable to Carlton County Auditor/Treasurer)
  • Completed Electronic Certificate of Real Estate Value (ECRV) number noted on deed 
  • If applicable, statement regarding "Total consideration for this transfer of property is $500 or less."
    • State Deed Tax in case shown above the tax will be the minimum of $1.65
  • Tax Statement: Include name and address of person to receive the Tax Statement
  • All delinquent taxes must be paid before a property can be transferred.
  • If splitting a tax parcel - all current taxes must be paid and split must be previously approved.  This may require a survey or in the case of Torrens property, a Registered Land Survey
  • Completed Electronic Well Disclosure Certificate (EWell) number noted on Deed and $50 fee (payable to Carlton County Recorder) OR one of the statements that apply:
    • "The Seller certifies that the seller does not know of any wells on the described real property,” OR "I am familiar with the property described in this instrument and I certify that the status and the number of wells on the described real property have not changed since the last previously filed well disclosure certificate."
    • In fulfillment of a contract for deed either:  
      • "The Grantee certifies that the Grantee does not know of any wells on the described real property,"
        OR 
      • "The Grantee is familiar with the property described in this instrument and certifies that the status and the number of wells on the described real property have not changed since the last previously filed well disclosure certificate."
        • Grantee must sign the given statement

Miscellaneous Documents

  • Correction Documents (Must have new signatures, new acknowledgements, and a correction statement)
  • Mortgage Registration Tax included (Mortgage amount times .0023 - Payable to Carlton County Auditor/Treasurer)
  • Carlton County does not have a conservation fee.
    When drafting a legal document, it is advisable to seek legal advice from an attorney to ensure that the document has the intended effect. 
    •  County staff cannot provide legal assistance or advice

Show All Answers

1. Where are real estate property forms available?
2. Where do I find my property information?
3. How do I obtain a copy of recorded documents or my Certificate of Title?
4. How do I calculate State Deed and Mortgage Registration Tax?
5. What is a standard document?
6. What needs to be on a document for recording purposes?
7. What form(s) do I need to change my name (marriage/divorce)? How do I add a person to the ownership/title?
8. Where can I get a plat map?