Lewis And Clark County Recorder Information

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

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

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

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

* 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.