Calhoun County Recorder

The County Clerk serves as Register of Deeds and is responsible for recording and maintaining records for real property located in Calhoun County.

Regardless of the number of pages, all documents will cost $30.00 to record, this cost is inclusive of the Michigan Remonumentation and Register of Deeds Automation fees.

For a document that assigns or discharges more than 1 instrument $3.00 for each instrument assigned or discharged (in addition to the $30.00 flat fee).

Warranty deeds, land contracts or an assignment thereof, or deeds that contain a convenant of warranty must have a tax certificate from the County Treasurer's office. The fee is $5.00.

The county transfer tax is $1.10 per $1,000. The state transfer tax is $7.50 per $1,000.

* Signatures must be original and names must be typed, stamped, or printed beneath all written signatures. There should not be any discrepancy between the printed names of such person as it appears in the body of the instrument, the signature, and the acknowledgment.

* The top margin on the first page should be at least 2.5 inches. All other margins should be at least 1/2 an inch.

* Paper should be white and not be larger than 8.5 x 14 inches or smaller than 8.5 x 11 inches. Printing is to be single-sided only. A font size of at least 10 point is required. The document must be legible throughout.

* Documents purporting to convey or encumber real estate executed in Michigan must have an acknowledgment by a notary public.

* On the first line of print on the first page, provide a document title.

* Instruments conveying or mortgaging any interest in real estate should state the marital status of any male grantors.

* The address of all grantees must appear on any instrument by which title to any interest therein is conveyed, assigned, encumbered, or otherwise disposed of.

* A conveyance of land must have a legal description of the real property.

* The name and address of the person who drafted the document must appear on documents executed in Michigan.

* A survivor deed or survivor mortgage should be accompanied by a certified copy of the death certificate, or shall show by liber and page reference that the death certificate has been recorded with the Register of Deeds.

* Court orders must be certified and sealed by the clerk of court to be eligible for recording, unless otherwise ordered by the court.


A written instrument subject to transfer tax shall state on its face the total consideration of the real property. Transfer tax imposed by each act shall be collected unless the instrument of transfer is exempt from either or both acts and such exemption is stated on the deed.

Transfer tax is imposed on the grantor. In the case of an exchange of two properties, the deeds transferring title to each are subject to transfer tax, and in each case, shall be computed on the basis of the actual value of the property conveyed.

Conveyances affecting property situated in more than one county must state the portion of the sale price attributable to each parcel lying in the separate counties. Transfer tax must be paid to each county for that portion of the sale price. Documentary stamps shall be purchased only in the county where the property is located.