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Recording Requirements
Although we review documents prior to recording, the final responsibility for completeness and accuracy rests with the parties drafting the documents. Please review your documents prior to submitting for recording to ensure they meet the following requirements.
Transfer Returns & Recording Fees
- All Conveyances require a Real Estate Transfer Return (eRETR) be filed electronically thru the Wisconsin Department of Revenue website. The eRETR Receipt and applicable Transfer Fee must be submitted along with the Conveyance Document to the Register of Deeds office.
- Information on the eRETR Receipt Must Match the Conveyance Document Exactly.
- Correct Recording Fee required. WI Statute 59.43(2)(e)
Legal Descriptions
- Complete Legal Description required on all documents pertaining to real estate. WI Statute 706.05(2m)(a) as defined in 66.0217(1)(c).
- Referenced Property must be located in St Croix County. WI Statute 706.05(1)
- Click on Tabs below for more information on each Category:
- Metes & Bounds descriptions must include a minimum of the Quarter Section, Section, Township, Range and then the exact legal description of the parcel.
- To correct an old or non-complying legal description, add a preliminary statement such as:
“A parcel of land within St Croix County, being part of [Quarter Section, Section, Township, Range], further described as:” and then follow with the old or non-complying
legal description.
- Parcels within a Plat must include "St Croix County", Subdivision Name, Lot Number & Block Number (if applicable). A legal description within a Plat cannot simply state “commencing at” and then trace around the parcel. WI Statute 236.28
- To correct an old or non-complying legal description, add a preliminary statement such as:
“A parcel of land within St Croix County, being part of [Subdivision Name, Lot #,
Block #], further described as:” and then follow with the old or non-complying legal description.
- Parcels within a County Plat must include "County Plat" within the Subdivision Name, along with Lot Number & Block Number (if applicable). WI Statute 236.45(2)(am)
- Please check the "County Plat" List (PDF) to see if your Subdivision is a County Plat.
- Parcels within a Certified Survey Map must include "St Croix County", Lot Number, Certified Survey Map Volume Number, Page Number & Document Number. WI Statute 236.34(3)
Document Requirements
- Date required on all documents.
- Name of Person –or– Government Agency who Drafted document required if executed in Wisconsin (company name alone is not sufficient). WI Statute 59.43(5)
- Prior recorded documents being referenced must include Document Number and Volume and Page. WI Statute 706.05(2m)(a)
- Ink must be Black, Blue or Red, except for original signatures.
- Click on Tabs below for more information on each Category:
- Document format must include 3x3 blank space in upper right hand corner, minimum ½” margins at top of each page, minimum ¼” margins on sides & bottom of each page, name of document not more than 3” from top of page, white standard weight paper, no hinged pages. Standard Document Cover Sheet (PDF) available online. WI Statute 59.43(2m)
- Return Name & Address must be entered on the First Page of the document either under the recording area on the right or in the upper left corner. Documents are returned to address that appears in this designated area. WI Statute 59.43(2m)(a)4
- The Entire Document must be Legible and Reproducable. Faxed copies are discouraged. WI Statute 59.43(2m)(b)4
- Parcel Identification Numbers (PINs) required on all documents and to be placed directly under the return address. Include PINs for ALL parcels on document. WI Statute 59.43(7)(b)
NOTE: The PIN is the computer number that appears on the property tax notice in this format (000-0000-00-000).
- Original Signatures required. WI Statute 706.05(2)(a)
- Type or Print Name Below All Signatures on document. WI Statute 59.43(1)(a)
- Acknowledgement –or– Authentication must include Signature, Typed Name below signature, and Notary Expiration date. Notary Commission cannot be expired prior to execution of the document. WI Statute 706.05(2)(b)
- Trace Over, Whiteout or Correction Tape not accepted on any document.
- Multiple Mortgages may not be placed on the same instrument, such as an Assignment, Partial Release or Satisfaction. WI Statute 59.43(2)(ar)
- Documents that contain Social Security Numbers may not be recorded. WI Statute 59.43(1m)(a)