Recording Requirements
Below is a list of some of the recording requirements for the State of Michigan.
- Signatures must be original and names must be typed, stamped, or printed beneath all written signatures. MCLA 565.201 Sec. 1 (a)(e)
- No discrepancy in the names shall exist between the printed names of such person, as appears either in the body of the instrument, the signature, the acknowledgement, or jurat. MCLA 565.201 Sec. 1 (b)
- Instruments conveying or mortgaging any interest in real estate shall state the marital status of any male grantor. MCLA 565.221
- The addresses of all parties must appear on any instrument by which title to any interest therein is conveyed, assigned, encumbered, or otherwise disposed of. MCLA 565.201 Sec. 1
- The name and address of the person who drafted the document must appear on documents executed in Michigan. MCLA 565.201A, 565.203
- Documents purporting to convey or encumber real estate executed in Michigan must be acknowledged by a notary public. MCLA 565.8
- A certified copy of the death certificate or proof of death must be recorded or have been recorded as a separate document and referenced by Liber and Page or other unique identifying number on the document when “survivor” is indicated on the instrument. MCLA 565.48
- Court orders must be certified and sealed by the clerk of the court to be eligible for recording. MCLA 565.401, 565.411
- The documents submitted for recording must be legible. MCLA 565.201 Sec. 1 (f)(iv)
- Documents must have a margin of unprinted space at least 2 1/2 inches at the top of the 1st page and at least 1/2 inch on all remaining sides of the 1st page, on each additional page there must be a margin of 1/2 inch on all sides. MCLA 565.201 Sec. 1 (f)(i)
- Documents must display on the first line of print on the first page a single statement identifying the recordable event that the instrument evidences. MCLA 565.201 Sec. 1 (f)(ii); 565.201 Sec. 3
- The type of the form must be printed with black ink and with type size of at least 10-point type. MCLA 565.201 Sec. 1 (f)(iii)(iv)
- The paper on which the document is printed must be white and not less than 20-pound weight. MCLA 565.201 Sec. 1 (h)(iv)
- The size of the document and any attachment thereto must be at least 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches, and at most 8 1/2 inches by 14 inches. MCLA 565.201 Sec. 1 (f)(v)(vi)
- If a trust document is presented for recording it shall be recorded as a separate document. MCL 565.434
- If the instrument, or part of the instrument, is in a language other than English, an English translation must be attached to the instrument. MCL 565.201 (1)(h)
(From Schedule of Fees for Recording and Filing Instruments; Office of Register of Deeds in the State of Michigan, document MLM 904, Revised 2001.)