Clare County Recorder Information

The Register of Deeds is responsible for recording and maintaining records for real property located in Clare County.

These government fees are separate from any Deeds.com service fees. Confirm current charges with the recorder's office.

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).

A tax certificate must be obtained from the County Treasurer's Office prior to recording a warranty deed, any deed which contains a covenant of warranty, a land contract, or an assignment of land contract with a warranty clause. Tax certificates are $5 for up to five descriptions and $0.20 for each description over five.

For a document that assigns or discharges more than one instrument, $3 will be added to the recording fee for each additional instrument assigned or discharged.

If the value of the real estate transferred is $100 or more, payment of state and county transfer tax is required. The transfer tax stamps are to be purchased in the county where the property is located.

County tax is $0.55 for each $500 or fraction thereof.
State tax is $3.75 for each $500 or fraction thereof.

Confirm current requirements with the recorder's office before submitting documents.

* Use a font size of at least 10 point and black ink. Documents should be on paper not larger than 8.5 x 14 inches or smaller than 8.5 x 11 inches. Paper should not be less than 20 pound weight. Any attachments included must also conform to these standards.

* On the first page, provide a blank top margin of at least 2.5 inches. All other margins on the first page and on subsequent pages should be at least 1/2 an inch.

* On the first line of print on the first page, provide a single statement evidencing the recordable event.

* Documents purporting to convey or encumber real estate in Michigan require acknowledgment by a judge, clerk of a court of record, or a notary public in the state of Michigan.

* The name of each person purporting to execute the instrument should be legibly printed, typed, or stamped beneath the original signature. There should not be any discrepancies between the name of each person as printed, typed, or stamped beneath their signature and their name as recited in the acknowledgment.

* The name of any notary public whose signature appears on the instrument should be legibly printed, typed, or stamped beneath the signature.

* The name and address of the preparer of the document should be given on the first page of documents executed in Michigan. If the document is prepared by a company, an individual's name is still needed.

* The address of each of the grantees listed in the conveyance or assignment of real estate, including the street number or post office address should be legibly printed, typewritten, or stamped upon the instrument.

* When "survivor" is indicated on a document, a certified copy of the death certificate or proof of death must be recorded or have been recorded. This should be referenced by liber and page on relevant documents.

* Any instrument conveying or mortgaging property should state the marital status of all male grantors or mortgagors.

* A legal description of the real property is required. This can be included in the document or as an attachment. A tax parcel ID or street address is not sufficient as a legal description.


TRANSFER TAX

A written instrument subject to the tax imposed by MCL 207.505 section 5 and MCL 207.526 section 6 shall state the total consideration of the real property on the face of the instrument. Alternatively, a Real Estate Transfer Valuation Affidavit disclosing the total consideration can be filed when the instrument is presented for recording.

There is not a filing fee for the Real Estate Transfer Valuation Affidavit, but a statement must be made on the face of the instrument that said affidavit is being filed. The transfer tax is imposed on the grantor.

The transfer tax imposed by each act shall be collected unless the instrument of transfer is exempt from either or both acts. Any exemptions should be stated on the face of the instrument presented for recording.

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

Instruments of foreclosure and easements or a right of way are also subject to transfer tax.