Lewis And Clark County Recorder

The Clerk and Recorder is responsible for recording and maintaining real property records in Lewis And Clark County.

To record a standard document, the fee is $8 per page.

For non-standard documents, add a $10 document fee.

EXAMPLES OF RECORDING FEES
Pg. / Standard Fee / Non Standard Fee
1...............$8.00.......................$18.00
2...............$16.00......................$26.00
3...............$24.00......................$34.00
4...............$32.00......................$42.00
5...............$40.00......................$50.00
6...............$48.00......................$58.00
7...............$56.00......................$66.00
8...............$64.00......................$74.00
9...............$72.00......................$82.00
10.............$80.00......................$90.00
etc

* A document must be legibly printed or typed in blue or black ink on white paper that is either 8.5 x 11 inches or 8.5 x 14 inches.

* A whole document legibly printed in blue or black ink, meeting all other document standards, is a standard document. A whole document written in cursive is non-standard.

* A document that includes highlighting will be non-standard.

* At the top of the first page, a 3 inch margin should be provided. Top and bottom margins on subsequent pages should be at least 1 inch. Side margins should be a least 1/2 an inch. If an insignificant portion of a signature (such as the tail end of the last letter) extends into the margin, the document is still treated as standard. If a significant portion of the signature (such as a designation like Jr., Sr., or Attorney --in- Fact) extends into the margin, this will cause the document to be non-standard.

* An acknowledgment by a notary is exempt from the color and margin requirements. The notary seal must be legible. Documents must be acknowledged as a prerequisite of recording.

* In the upper left-hand corner of the 3-inch top margin on the first page, include the name and mailing address of the person to whom the document will be returned after recording. If a return address is not listed in this section, the document will be non-standard. The document will be returned to the address listed in this section. If a customer wants a document sent to an alternate address, the address must be written on the document before it is recorded.

* The addresses of grantees must be in blue or black ink when legibly printed on the document.

* All documents conveying an interest in real property must include a legal description of the real property. A street address or a deed reference is not a legal description. The full metes and bounds description or subdivision with lot or certificate of survey number must be included in the description.

* On the first or second page of a document with more than one page, provide the names of the parties to the conveyance.

* The grantor must sign the document and must have his/her signature notarized.

A completed Realty Transfer Certificate is required with all transfers of real property, regardless of whether or not the transfer is or is not evidenced by a deed or instrument. This is a confidential tax document and can be accessed via the Montana Department of Revenue website.