Jackson County Recorder Information

Land records in Jackson County are recorded by the Register of Deeds. The office is held by Cierra L. Sowle.

Grantor/Grantee name searches online cover 1965 to the present. Copies of documents are available in the office or can be downloaded and printed online. The Register of Deeds does not prepare documents or have forms.

Checked September 2026 against official publications. Sources: MCL 600.2567 Register of deeds; fees · Statutory Fees | Jackson County, MI · FAQs | Jackson County, MI

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

Other charges

Fee schedule effective October 1, 2016.

StatewideThe $30.00 recording fee includes the survey and remonumentation fee under MCL 600.2567a ($4.00 before January 1, 2043; $2.00 beginning January 1, 2043), and $5.00 of each fee goes to the county automation fund. A charter county may set its own fee schedule by ordinance or resolution, not greater than the cost of the service. Grantor/grantee searches: 50 cents per year searched, $5.00 minimum.

The $4.00 M.S.S.R. fee is not assessed on Fixture Filings, State and Federal Liens, State Deeds, Plats, or Treasurer's tax reversion documents. U.C.C. filing copies are $2 per page; State or Federal tax lien copies and plats of record are $1 per page. State Tax Lien and Federal Tax Lien searches are $3 per name. A tax certificate from the County Treasurer is required before recording any deed containing a covenant of warranty, land contracts, and assignments of land contracts with a warranty clause (MCLA 211.135); the tax certificate fee is $5, by separate check payable to Jackson County Treasurer.

Paying the office

Transfer tax fees may be added to the recording fees and one check made out to Register of Deeds. If a document requires a tax certification, a separate check is required made payable to the Jackson County Treasurer.

Transfer tax

State Real Estate Transfer Tax. $3.75 for each $500.00 or fraction of $500.00 of the total value of the property being transferred. The tax is collected when the document is recorded. (statewide, MCL 207.525(1))

StatewideCounty real estate transfer tax (1966 PA 134): 55 cents for each $500.00 or fraction thereof of the total value in a county with a population of less than 2,000,000, and not more than 75 cents as authorized by the county board of commissioners in a county with a population of 2,000,000 or more (MCL 207.504). It is imposed on deeds and land contracts when recorded (MCL 207.502). The State Real Estate Transfer Tax is paid to the county treasurer where the property is located (MCL 207.523(3)). A taxable instrument must state the total value on its face or have a value affidavit attached.

Checked September 2026 against official publications. Sources: MCL 600.2567 Register of deeds; fees · MCL 207.525 State Real Estate Transfer Tax Act · MCL 207.504 Rate of tax · Statutory Fees | Jackson County, MI · FAQs | Jackson County, MI · Transfer Tax | Jackson County, MI

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

StatewideThe first line of print on the first page must be a single statement identifying the recordable event the instrument evidences. Printed names must match the acknowledgment or jurat. The notary's name must be printed near the notary's signature. Attachments must also be 8-1/2 x 11 to 8-1/2 x 14 inches. The first 5 digits of any social security number must be obscured or removed unless law requires otherwise. A non-English instrument must have an English translation attached. The size rules do not apply to instruments executed outside Michigan or to plats. Deeds and other conveyances of title require county and local treasurer tax certificates showing taxes paid for the 5 preceding years, except for listed exceptions such as quitclaim deeds (MCL 211.135).

Forms filed along with a transfer

• Property Transfer Affidavit (Form 2766, L-4260) Statewide Michigan Department of Treasury (State Tax Commission form)
  Within 45 days of a transfer of ownership, filed with the assessing office of the local unit where the property is located

Submitting documents

Only documents with original signatures can be recorded. Court documents must be certified with the court seal, and death certificates must be certified with the Clerk's seal.

Checked September 2026 against official publications. Sources: MCL 565.201 Requirements for recording with register of deeds · MCL 211.27a General Property Tax Act · FAQs | Jackson County, MI