Register of Deeds

COVID-19 NOTE

The Gratiot County Register of Deeds are limiting the number of searchers allowed in our office at this time. Please call 989-875-5217 to set up an appointment. Thank you.

Updated processing time for U.S. passports. Customers can apply at our office for routine and expedited services. Per the US Dept of State processing times are now:

  • Routine processing time is taking 6-9 weeks.
  • Expedite processing time (for an additional $60) is taking 3-5 weeks.
  • Note from US Dept of State: It may take up to 2 weeks from the day you apply until your application is "In Process"
  • Check your application status online at passportstatus.state.gov
  • For the latest passport information on Passport Services operations, please visit their website at www.travel.state.gov.

What We Do

The Register of Deeds is the official recording office for all land records in Gratiot County. The Register of Deeds is a constitutional office established by the Michigan State Legislature as the custodian of legal documents pertaining to real property. We record over 200 types of documents including:

  • Land Contracts
  • Liens
  • Mortgages
  • Oil and Gas Leases
  • Powers of Attorney
  • Quit Claim Deeds
  • Releases
  • Warranty Deeds

Lending institutions, abstract offices, surveyors, and the general public are among the many researching the recordings and filings housed at the Register of Deeds. In addition, the courts depend on the Register of Deeds Office to record documents and give notice to the public where property is concerned, including judgments of divorce, orders, liens and numerous others. Local government units, Equalization Department, and the Treasurer's Office all receive their first notice of sales from our office, which enables them to prepare valuations for the tax rolls each year.

Document Procedures

All documents presented are carefully checked to determine if they are eligible to record in accordance with the Compiled Laws of Michigan. All recorded documents are scanned exactly and in full for permanent record. All documents must be numbered consecutively, timed, and properly cross indexed and verified. Proof of property ownership is established according to the records of the Register of Deeds, making the job of indexing and the handling of real estate documents a very responsible operation, and the importance of such a task should not be negated or overlooked. The Register of Deeds staff must constantly be aware of the laws which govern documents.

The work of the Register of Deeds Office does not end after a document is recorded. After the document is imaged certain important information contained on the document such as the legal description and the name of the buyer and seller is indexed on our computer system so that the public can easily review information regarding the ownership history of a particular piece of property. Maintaining an accurate index system is crucial as it is used to prove a chain of title or property ownership. All documents are handled many times before the recording process is complete and the instruments are ready to be returned.

Using Our Records

Our office uses the latest technology available to maintain land records for Gratiot County that date back to the mid-1800's. Once a document is recorded it can be reviewed and/or copied by anyone. All records are open to the public during business hours.

This office does not prepare documents and we do not answer legal questions. Please contact an attorney if you need legal assistance. We recommend that all documents be carefully reviewed to assure compliance with recording requirements before being submitted.

If you are interested in learning how to use our records, please stop in or give us a call, and any member of our friendly staff will be happy to help get you started!