FAQs • Cass County, MN • CivicEngage

How do I obtain a copy of my deed?: You may request a copy either in person or by mail or fax with payment upfront. Copies are $1 per page with a $2 minimum when mailed out. Copies can be faxed or emailed with payment up front at a cost of $4 for the first page and $3 for every page thereafter. (Note: It is helpful if you know the approximate year the deed may have been recorded and the abbreviated legal description from the tax statement. A parcel ID number is also helpful, but please keep in mind that documents are recorded by the legal description, not the parcel ID number. Parcel ID numbers are for tax purposes only.) If you need the copy immediately, then you should use a credit card to search via the internet. It is a little bit more expensive but you can print your copy right away or download to your computer by printing it as a PDF.

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Recorder

1. How do I obtain a copy of my deed?: You may request a copy either in person or by mail or fax with payment upfront. Copies are $1 per page with a $2 minimum when mailed out. Copies can be faxed or emailed with payment up front at a cost of $4 for the first page and $3 for every page thereafter. (Note: It is helpful if you know the approximate year the deed may have been recorded and the abbreviated legal description from the tax statement. A parcel ID number is also helpful, but please keep in mind that documents are recorded by the legal description, not the parcel ID number. Parcel ID numbers are for tax purposes only.) If you need the copy immediately, then you should use a credit card to search via the internet. It is a little bit more expensive but you can print your copy right away or download to your computer by printing it as a PDF.

2. Will the Recorder/Registrar's Office help me fill out my forms?: No. Please consult a legal advisor for assistance on types of forms, how to complete forms or for legal advice. The Recorder's Office personnel cannot provide assistance in these areas as it is against the law to give legal advice unless you are a licensed attorney.

3. Where are real estate forms available?: Minnesota Uniform Conveyance Blank forms are available from area attorney's offices or abstract/title companies or from the Minnesota Department of Commerce website (PDF). The Recorder's Office does not create any documents for liability reasons (Also see question number 2).

4. How can I search a property?: You may either contact an abstract/title company, an attorney, or come in to the office and do the research yourself. Office personnel will be happy to show you how to get started. Due to time constraints, it is our policy that office personnel will only do a two-year tract check.

We recommend that you do multiple separate searches:

6. How do I homestead?: Contact the Assessor's Office at 218-547-7298 or visit the Homestead page.

7. How do I figure deed tax or mortgage registration tax?: View the Mortgage Registration Tax (PDF) for information on figuring deed taxes or mortgage registration taxes.

See the attached listings.

Examples:

Platted Property has a lot number, block number and plat name, such as: Lot 1, Block 2, Park Lawn.
Unplatted Propertyis described by section number, township number, range number and either by government lot or by forty, such as:
- East 230 feet of Government Lot 3, Section 5, Township 140, Range 29 or that part of the NE¼ SW¼, 8-136-30 lying west of County Road Number 5