Legal documents from real estate transactions related to property within Hennepin County and other documents such as military separations and tax liens are recorded here. The most commonly recorded documents are mortgages, deeds, assignments, releases and satisfactions.
Legal help
For legal forms, assistance completing them and legal advice, please consult your legal advisor. Per Minnesota Statute, we can only review a document to make sure it contains the required elements in order to be recorded. Once you record a document it is permanent and can't be removed or altered.
- Mortgage registry and deed tax calculator
- eCRV - Electronic Certificates of Real Estate Value
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How to record your documents
For recording options in meeting immediate statutory deadlines, call 612-348-5139 or email recordinginfo@hennepin.us.
Recording of all subdivision or CIC plat mylars must be arranged and scheduled with the County Surveyor's office.
In person appointment
Appointments are available from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each business day. They are on the 7th floor of the Hennepin County Government Center's A-tower.
Hennepin County Government Center, A-tower
300 South 6th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55487
Hennepin County Government Center map
If you walk in without an appointment, your name will be placed on a wait list. You will be helped during regular business hours when staff become available.
eRecord
Title companies, lenders, law firms and other real estate professionals can electronically record documents with us. eRecording is the preferred method for all commercial entities. Documents are recorded over the internet utilizing an interface provided by an authorized eRecording vendor:
Processing time
Documents are recorded within 1–3 days of submission. Processing time varies based on recording volume.
Benefits
- It saves time and money by automating the processing, receipt and payment of real estate documents.
- Original documents never leave your possession.
- Faster communication and resolution of rejection issues.
Online
The general public can now submit documents for recording online through the Virtual Recorder website. Submissions are secure and can be paid with a credit/debit card or eCheck.
You must first register and create a user account. Once logged in, select “Create Package” to begin the process. Terms of use and instructions for submitting can be found on the site.
All orders are subject to a $3 service fee.
Processing time
An initial review for recordability will be completed before you pay. You will receive an email with payment instructions if your documents can be recorded. Once you have completed payment, documents are recorded within 1-3 business days.
By mail
Mail (USPS, UPS, FedEx, etc.) documents for recording to:
County Recorder/Registrar of Titles
Attn: Document recording
Hennepin County Government Center
300 S Sixth St, MC 074
Minneapolis, MN 55487
Processing time
Original documents will be recorded and returned within 1–2 weeks of receipt by county.
Recording fees
Payment options
Make checks payable to Hennepin County Recorder. A single check may be written to cover both the recording fee and the tax.
Fees
Abstract or Torrens Memorial
- $46 per document
Additional Torrens Memorial
- $20 per each additional certificate
Assignments, satisfactions, partial releases
- Abstract – $46 per document ($10 additional for each referenced number over the first four)
- Torrens – $46 per document
Common interest community certificate
- $40
Condominium, Plats, CIC condominium plats and surveys
- Abstract – $56 minimum for first 112 units ($.50 per each additional unit over 112)
- Torrens – $56 (additional $40 if an old one has to be canceled)
Conservation fee
- $5 Minnesota Conservation Fund fee collected on each instrument where state deed tax or mortgage registration tax has been paid
Exchange certificate
- $20 for each certificate cancelled
- $20 for each new certificate issued
First certificate or possessory title
- $46
Memorial plat
- $46 pursuant to Section 508.23 or Section 508.671
Residue or additional certificate
- $40 for each residue certificate issued
- $40 for each additional certificate issued
State tax lien
- No charge for recording of lien itself
State tax lien release
- $30
Transfer of fee ownership certificate
- $46 for the first certificate cancelled and issued
- $40 for each additional certificate issued
Well disclosure certificate
- $50
Extra copies submitted at time of filing
- $2
More information
Fees detailed in Minnesota Statutes 357.18.
Recording checklist
Use our property information search to find out whether a property is Torrens or abstract along with additional property and tax information.
Many commonly recorded documents require payment of a tax in addition to the recording fee. See the Recording fees section of this page to determine recording fee and use our mortgage registry and deed tax calculator to determine the amount of deed or mortgage registration tax. A $5 agricultural conservation fee is due when mortgage registry of deed tax is collected.
The following lists are general items to consider prior to submitting documents to our office for recording.
All types of documents
Include date and signature.
Verify that the legal description is complete and correct.
Provide "drafted by" statement, which includes both the name and address of the document drafter.
Acknowledgment must include: date, legible notary seal, notary signature and commission expiration date.
- Individual acknowledgements require signor names and marital status.
- Corporate acknowledgements require business name as well as the name and corporate title of the signer.
Include the electronic certificate of real estate value (eCRV) number on the first page of the document.
- Effective October 1, 2014, the Minnesota Department of Revenue - Property Tax Division, will no longer accept paper versions of the CRV.
- Paper CRV’s for sales that occur on October 1 or after will cause the recording package to be rejected.
Do not alter legal documents with strikeouts, line throughs, whiteout, correction tape, or staple removal.
Transfer deeds
Use our online calculator to determine the correct State Deed Tax (SDT) amount (the tax is .0034 of the net consideration or purchase price) to include.
For values of more than $3,000 complete and submit an eCRV (Minnesota Statute 272.115).
For values of $3,000 or less, submit a check for SDT of $1.70 and write "Total consideration for this transfer is $3,000 or less" on the deed.
An Agricultural Conservation fee of $5 is due on any transfer deed in which SDT is payable (Minnesota Statute 40A.152).
Grantors must include marital status.
Properties with delinquent taxes may not be transferred (Minnesota Statute 272.12).
Include a “Send Tax Statements to” statement, which has both the names and addresses of all of the grantees on the document.
Submit one of the following:
- A completed Well Disclosure Certificate (WDC) and a $50 fee (for each WDC submitted), or
- A statement: “The Seller certifies that the seller does not know of any wells on the described real property.” or
- A statement: “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.”
Mortgages
- Use our online calculator to determine the correct Mortgage Registry Tax (MRT) (the tax is .0024 of the net consideration or purchase price) to include.
- An Agricultural Conservation fee of $5 is due on any mortgage in which MRT (Minnesota Statute 40A.152) is payable.
Contract for deeds
- Must include either a well statement signed by the buyer or a WDC and the $50 fee.
- SDT not required on a Contract for Deeds.
- A value of more than $3,000 of consideration must be accompanied by an eCRV (Minnesota Statute 272.115).
* Recommended and prepared in part by the Minnesota County Recorder’s Association. Revised: 08-01-2008
Document recording resources
Real estate document templates
The Minnesota Department of Commerce maintains free downloadable templates that allow for more efficient processing by the county with fewer rejects.
Uniform conveyancing forms / Minnesota.gov (mn.gov)
eCRV (electronic certificate of real estate value)
The State of Minnesota maintains this real property sales data. An eCRV is required with the recording of any deed with a taxable consideration of $3,000 ore more.
Electronic certificate of real estate value (eCRV)
Wells
The Minnesota Department of Health maintains records on the state of wells, including Well disclosure certificates.
Well disclosure/property transfer
Homestead
Homestead designation applies to properties occupied as primary residences by their owners or relatives, and may qualify the property for a reduced classification rate, reduced taxable market value, property tax refund, and special program eligibility.
Homestead
Legal help
Law Help MN provides free legal information on topics such as housing, debt collection and citizenship, and provides help finding legal services and resources.
The Volunteer Lawyers Network answers civil and criminal legal questions and helps with legal forms. Locations throughout the metro include Minnesota District Court Self-Help centers.
Restrictive covenants affecting protected classes
Restrictive covenants are restrictions on the use of land detailed in the body of recorded legal documents. In the past (primarily between 1910 and 1960) these were sometimes used to restrict the sale, lease, or transfer of property to specific groups based on race, religion, ethnicity, sex, disability and other groups.
These restrictive covenants against protected classes are illegal and no longer enforceable after various court rulings and legislation, beginning in 1948.Statute now allows for property owners to file a discharge disavowing past inclusion of discriminatory covenants in their property’s history (Minnesota Statute 507.18, subd. 5).
The County Board passed a resolution disavowing the use of restrictive covenants for this purpose. Read the resolution (PDF).
How to check for restrictive covenants
- Mapping Prejudice – this is not a definitive list of properties, but it is the most comprehensive.
- Recent recording history search – per the County Board resolution, notice has been provided in the Abstract tract against all (both Abstract and Torrens) land potentially containing restrictive covenants in a property’s history based on Mapping Prejudice research.
- Just Deeds – property owners or the public can get free legal and title services, including finding and disavowing restrictive covenants.
- Consult a licensed abstract professional or a title company who is familiar with researching real property records.
What to do if you find these restrictive covenants
Because restrictive covenants affecting protected classes are no longer enforceable, you can choose to do nothing, or you can act based on whether your property’s land type is abstract or Torrens.
- Torrens – most of these restrictive covenants have already been removed or will automatically be removed upon the next transfer of title. For information on how to remove one, see how to request an examiner's directive.
- Abstract – you can disavow it by contacting Just Deeds or take the following steps.
1. Obtain the following information from the document containing the restrictive covenant affecting protected classes:
- Document number
- Date of recording
- Names of owners
- Legal description
2. Complete the Discharge of Restrictive Covenant Affecting Protected Classes form.
3. Have the form notarized.
4. Record the document with Hennepin County (See Conventional and eRecording information section). There is no fee for this type of recording.
Frequently asked questions and additional information
My lender just sent me a document stating my mortgage has been satisfied (paid off) and told me I should record it, what should I do?
The document should be recorded in our office. Please look at the Recording fees section of this page to determine cost. Once the document is recorded, the original will be returned to you.
I owned property with someone as a joint tenant who has died. How do I remove that person from being an owner?
You must record an Affidavit of Survivorship with a certified copy of the decedent's death certificate to have the records updated.
Can I view recorded documents such as deeds, mortgages, and liens online?
We offer two online options.
What does "Torrens" mean?
Torrens describes land which has been registered by order of either District Court or the Examiner of Titles.
What is a Certificate of Title?
This certificate is issued when land is registered. It contains the name of the owner, a description of the land and all encumbrances, liens and interests in which the estate of the owner is subject.
How do I get a copy of a Torrens Certificate of Title?
If you are the owner of the property you may obtain a copy for free by calling 612-348-5139. If you are not the owner of the property, a Torrens Certificate is available for fee. See the Document copy fees on this page to determine cost.
Can I obtain a copy of a DD214 military separation?
If the military release is yours and it was recorded in Hennepin County after your discharge, you may obtain a copy. Federal regulations and data privacy rules require that military separations be available only to the veteran or those with a tangible interest (spouse, family member, etc.).
Additional information
- Employees can ONLY review a document to make sure it contains the required elements in order to be recordable per Minnesota Statute.
- If there is a well on the premises, the deed must be accompanied by a well disclosure certificate unless the face of the deed contains a statement to the effect that the number and status of the well(s) have not changed since the last recorded well disclosure certificate.
- Employees of the Registrar of Titles/County Recorder cannot supply legal forms, help a submitter fill out documents, or provide legal advice. Consult your legal adviser.
- Download legal forms, known as uniform conveyancing forms.
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