What gets recorded
Deeds, mortgages, assignments, satisfactions, easements, powers of attorney tied to property, and certain liens are commonly recorded. The document usually must be signed, acknowledged before a notary and legally describe the property.
Not everything needs recording. Ask the title company or an attorney what applies.
What a recorder checks
County offices look at format rather than merits. Typical requirements include legible text, a required margin at the top of the first page, the right paper size, a proper legal description, a notarial certificate, and the names of the parties. Many require a return address.
A document that fails one of these checks can be rejected, and the fix may require another signature.
Fees and cover sheets
Recording fees are set by the county or state and often vary by page count and document type. Some transfers require extra forms or transfer tax filings. Because fees change, ask the recorder's office for the current schedule rather than relying on old numbers.
A cover sheet or recording request may accompany the documents, listing the document title and the return address.
Ways to deliver documents
Documents can be taken in person, mailed, sent by courier, or submitted electronically where the county accepts e-recording through an approved vendor. Each route has its own cutoff times and proof of delivery.
Courier delivery gives a time stamp and receipt, which is useful when timing matters.
After recording
The recorder stamps the document with a recording date and an instrument or book and page number, and returns the original to the address shown. Search the index later to verify the entry. If an error shows up in the recorded copy, a corrective document is normally needed. MCC Solutions can help deliver documents for recording, but legal questions about what to record belong with an attorney or title company.
A walk through one recording and fixing a rejection
A deed is signed and notarized at closing. The title company reviews the set, adds a cover sheet and fee, and submits it electronically or by courier. The recorder checks format, stamps the date and time, assigns an instrument number and returns the original.
From that stamp on, the public record shows the transfer. Competing claims are usually ranked by recording order in many states, which is why speed matters.
A rejection letter usually lists the reason. Fix the issue exactly as stated, for instance by adding a return address or reprinting a page with correct margins. If the problem lies in the signature or the notary certificate, new signatures may be needed. Contact the preparer before resubmitting, so the same error does not repeat.
Remember that the date and time of recording can matter. In many places, documents are ranked by when they were recorded, and a later filing can lose priority to an earlier one. That is why title companies record promptly after funding. If you hold an unrecorded deed or lien, speak with an attorney about whether and how to record it as soon as possible.
Common questions
How long does recording take?
It ranges from same day to several weeks depending on the county and method. Check the recorder's current processing time.
Do I have to record my deed?
Recording is generally what protects your ownership against later claims. Ask an attorney about your situation.
Can I record a document myself?
In most places an individual can submit documents for recording, provided they meet the county's rules.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Fees and procedures change; check with the office involved or an attorney for your situation.