Where can I purchase a plat book?
Where do I pay my taxes?
Do you require a parcel identification number (PIN) for recording, if so, how do I obtain a number?
Yes we do require a PIN for recording, you will find this number on your tax bill or contact our office.
Where do I go to find out who owns a piece of property if I only know the address?
You may access this information on the county web site or contact the Land Information office.
How can I find out if there is a lien on some property?
Mortgages and federal tax liens are filed in the Register of Deeds Office. Mechanics or construction liens and State tax liens are filed in the Clerk of Courts Office.
Where can I get a copy of my divorce?
The Clerk of Courts office will have a copy of your divorce decree. The Register of Deeds office can print certified divorce certificates if the divorce occurred January 1, 2016 or after.
Can the Register of Deeds tell me if I have a clear title?
No. The Register of Deeds office is not authorized to render opinions regarding the status of title.
Will the Register of Deeds staff help me draft my real estate document?
The only area we can assist you in is general process questions. We cannot assist you in the actual drafting of documents, as we are not licensed to practice law. We highly recommend that you obtain legal counsel for these transactions.
Where do I get a legal description of my property?
The legal description of your property appears on your deed.
Can I do my own title search?
Strictly speaking, the answer is "yes". Practically speaking, the answer is probably "no". Our records are open for public inspection; however, it is our experience that the expertise a professional title searcher offers is well worth the money you will spend.
What type of documents do I need to record to transfer my property?
Legal instruments such as warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, etc., that convey title from one property owner to a new owner, are usually drafted by attorneys, or paralegals or legal secretaries under the supervision of an attorney.
The forms used for various types of deeds are available on our website under real estate forms. You should contact your attorney to determine the appropriate deed for your situation. The entire document must be legible and black or blue ink must be used so that the document will scan properly.
The grantor (seller) and grantee (buyer) must be identified on the deed. The grantor's signature which has been notarized, and a legal description of the property being conveyed must be on the deed. The return address of the person who is to receive the deed after it has been recorded is required. The parcel identification number, found on the property tax bill, must be placed on the document under the return address. Only the original deed with original signatures may be recorded with the Register of Deeds-- not photocopies. The name of the person who drafted the document must be listed.
An Electronic Transfer return receipt must accompany a deed for it to be recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds. The Transfer Return must be filled out entirely, the fee to be paid (if any) calculated and the recording fee must accompany the deed when you submit it for recording. See guidelines at the Wisconsin Department of Revenue website.
If you have any questions regarding filling out the deed form, contact your attorney.
How do I change my deed so that it reflects my married name?
You are not required to change your name after marriage. However, your tax bill will always come in your prior name. We recommend that you update your deed. To do so you may seek the help of an attorney to draft a deed from yourself to yourself. Sometimes people who are knowledgeable about real estate matters draft their own quit claim deed. If the deed is only from yourself (old name) to yourself (new name) you are still required to fill out a Wisconsin Real Estate Transfer Return.
If you wish to convey the property from yourself (old name) to yourself (new name) and add another person such as your spouse, then you must use a deed. To record the deed, it must be accompanied by a completed Wisconsin Real Estate Transfer receipt. You must complete the return online at http://www.revenue.wi.gov/retr/index.html, the receipt needs to be sent with any monies due along with the deed to the Register of Deeds office for recording.
Where can I get my passport?
You can apply for your passport in the County Clerks office. You will need to have a certified copy of your birth certificate which you can obtain from the Register of Deeds office.
