Hennepin County Recorder: Deeds, Land Title Records, Copies & Recording Guide
The Hennepin County Recorder / Registrar of Titles records and maintains legal property documents for Hennepin County, Minnesota, including deeds, mortgages, assignments, liens, releases, satisfactions, certificates of title and many other land-title records.
This guide explains how to search Hennepin County deed records, use RecordEASE, request a deed or certificate of title copy, record a deed, understand Abstract vs Torrens land, calculate common recording/deed-tax costs, and decide when to contact the Recorder, Assessor, Property Tax office, Examiner of Titles, title company or attorney.
What Does the Hennepin County Recorder Do?
The Hennepin County Recorder / Registrar of Titles records legal property documents and provides access to land title records. The office is used for recording deeds, mortgages, assignments, releases, satisfactions, liens and related real-estate instruments. It is not the right office for property-tax payment, valuation disputes, homestead classification, court cases or legal advice about which deed form to use.
Use Recorder / Registrar For
- Recording deeds, mortgages, assignments, releases and satisfactions.
- Searching land title records through RecordEASE or research center access.
- Requesting deed, certificate of title, plat or recorded-document copies.
- Filing documents on Abstract or Torrens property.
- Certified copies and Virtual Recorder copy requests.
Use Property Tax / Assessor Tools For
- Property ID number, address and legal description lookup.
- Taxes due and prior-year tax details.
- Assessment values and property-tax information.
- Sales information and parcel description.
- Taxpayer name or mailing-address correction.
Use Examiner / Legal Help For
- Torrens Examiner approval questions.
- Certificate of title corrections or directives.
- Divorce, probate, trustee and TODD issues on Torrens property.
- Choosing or completing deed forms.
- Title opinions, liens and ownership disputes.
Abstract vs Torrens in Hennepin County
Hennepin County land records use two systems: Abstract and Torrens. This distinction is more than a label. It affects where the document is recorded, whether a certificate of title exists, and whether Examiner of Titles approval may be needed.
Abstract Property
Abstract land is handled under the recording-act system. The recorded documents create a chain of title that may need to be searched by names, legal descriptions and document numbers.
- Search by name, legal description or document number.
- Use RecordEASE or the Government Center research center.
- Title companies often review the full chain of title.
Torrens Property
Torrens property is registered land. Hennepin County explains that a certificate of title shows the current owner, legal description and listed encumbrances, liens and interests.
- Record documents on the certificate of title.
- Do not file Torrens documents in abstract records by mistake.
- Some documents need Examiner of Titles approval.
How to Search Hennepin County Deed Records Online
Hennepin County provides land title record access through RecordEASE and other official tools. For most users, start with the property information search to find the property ID number, legal description and recent recording history, then use RecordEASE or a copy request when you need the actual deed or certificate.
Start With the Property Information Search
Search by property address, property ID number, addition name or the interactive map. This helps confirm the parcel, tax description, sales information and recent recorded-document history before you move into land-record research.
Decide Whether You Need Free Public Index Access or Paid Document Images
RecordEASE Public Search gives limited free access to online search indexes. RecordEASE Pro is the subscription option that allows document, certificate of title and plat viewing at a per-item charge.
Search by Legal Description or Name
Hennepin’s RecordEASE guidance says real property records are best searched by legal description or name. Try owner names, former owners, business names, trust names, mortgage company names and document numbers when available.
Use the Research Center for Self-Service Searches
Hennepin County lists self-service property-record kiosks on the Skyway level of the Government Center in room SK-0353. This can help users who do not need a full RecordEASE subscription but need in-person record research.
Request Help for a One-Time Basic Search
Hennepin says assistance with one-time basic searches can be requested without RecordEASE access by emailing recordsrequest@hennepin.us. Include the property address, PID if known, owner name and the document type you are trying to find.
Hennepin County Recording Options: Appointment, eRecord, Online or Mail
Hennepin County allows several recording paths. The right choice depends on whether you are a real estate professional, a one-time public submitter, or someone trying to meet an immediate statutory deadline.
In-Person Appointment
Appointments are listed from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM each business day on the 7th floor of the Hennepin County Government Center’s A-tower. Walk-ins are placed on a wait list.
eRecording
Title companies, lenders, law firms and real estate professionals can electronically record through recognized vendors. Hennepin says eRecording is preferred for commercial entities.
Virtual Recorder Online
The general public can submit documents online through the Virtual Recorder website. Users must register, create an account and select “Create Package.” A $3 service fee applies to orders.
By Mail
Mail recording packages to County Recorder / Registrar of Titles, Attn: Document recording, Hennepin County Government Center, 300 S Sixth St, MC 074, Minneapolis, MN 55487.
How to Record a Deed or Land Title Document in Hennepin County
Many recording problems are caused by missing deed tax, eCRV, well-disclosure, legal-description, notary or drafting information. Use this checklist before submitting a deed, mortgage, assignment, release, satisfaction, TODD-related affidavit or Torrens document.
Basic Recording Package
- Complete document with date and required signatures.
- Correct, complete legal description.
- “Drafted by” statement with drafter name and address.
- Proper acknowledgment with date, notary signature, commission expiration and legible seal.
- Individual acknowledgments with signer names and marital status where required.
- Corporate acknowledgment with business name, signer name and corporate title.
- Return-address information.
- Correct recording fee and any required tax payment.
- eCRV number on the first page when required.
- Well Disclosure Certificate or proper well statement when required.
Common Rejection or Delay Reasons
- Paper CRV submitted instead of eCRV for a transaction that requires eCRV.
- Missing eCRV number for taxable consideration over $3,000.
- Incorrect or incomplete legal description.
- Missing “Drafted by” statement.
- Notary acknowledgment missing required details.
- Alterations with strikeouts, whiteout, correction tape or staple removal.
- Missing deed tax or mortgage registry tax payment.
- Missing $5 agricultural conservation fee when applicable.
- Delinquent property taxes on transfer deed property.
- Recording a Torrens document in the wrong land-record system.
Hennepin County eCRV, State Deed Tax and Mortgage Registry Tax
Recording a deed is not always just a $46 recording fee. Minnesota real estate transfers may require deed tax, mortgage registry tax, eCRV filing, well disclosure and conservation fees. Hennepin also has an additional Environmental Response Fund tax component.
| Requirement | When It Matters | Hennepin-Specific Detail | What to Check Before Recording |
|---|---|---|---|
| eCRV | Minnesota real property sold or conveyed for consideration greater than $3,000 generally requires an electronic Certificate of Real Estate Value. | Hennepin says include the eCRV number on the first page of the document. | Submit eCRV through Minnesota DOR, then place the eCRV number on the deed before recording. |
| State Deed Tax | Paid when recording an instrument conveying Minnesota real property. | Hennepin’s calculator page shows state deed tax at 0.0033 plus Hennepin ERF tax of 0.0001, totaling 0.0034 for Hennepin/Ramsey-type transactions. | Use the official calculator for the current amount and exemption/minimum-tax scenario. |
| Mortgage Registry Tax | Paid when recording a mortgage securing debt on Minnesota real property. | Hennepin’s calculator shows MRT at 0.0023 plus Hennepin ERF tax of 0.0001, totaling 0.0024 for Hennepin County. | Use the official calculator and MRT1 form when claiming an exemption or documenting the tax basis. |
| Well Disclosure Certificate | Transfer deeds may need a Well Disclosure Certificate or a proper well-status statement on the deed. | Hennepin lists the Well Disclosure Certificate fee at $54. | Use the proper Minnesota Department of Health form or required statement before recording. |
| Delinquent Tax Certification | Transfer deeds can be blocked if current property taxes are delinquent. | Hennepin’s checklist says properties with delinquent taxes may not be transferred. | Check tax status before signing and submitting the deed package. |
| Torrens Examiner Approval | Some Torrens documents need Examiner of Titles review before they can be memorialized on the certificate. | Hennepin has separate Examiner of Titles guidance for directives, transfers, TODD, probate, trustee and divorce-related issues. | Confirm Torrens status first, then ask whether Examiner approval is required. |
How to Get a Copy of a Hennepin County Deed or Certificate of Title
If you only need a copy of an existing deed, do not record a new deed. First find the property and document details, then choose the right copy path. Property owners have a simpler free electronic-copy option for their own deed or certificate of title.
Free Owner Copy
Hennepin says property owners may request a free electronic copy of their deed and certificate of title without a paid subscription by emailing recordsrequest@hennepin.us.
Include: property address, PID if known, owner name and the document you want.
RecordEASE Access
RecordEASE Public Search offers limited index access. RecordEASE Pro offers document, certificate of title and plat viewing for a flat per-item amount after account access.
Good for: title researchers, repeat users and professional searches.
Certified Copies
Certified copies can be purchased online for mail delivery through Hennepin’s Virtual Recorder service. Use certification when a court, lender, government agency, title company or estate process requires an official certified document.
Hennepin County Recorder Fee, Deed Tax and MRT Estimator
This calculator is for planning only. Use Hennepin County’s official recording page and tax calculator for final amounts, especially if the document is Torrens, includes multiple certificates, has more than four referenced numbers, includes a well disclosure certificate, or requires deed tax / mortgage registry tax.
Assumptions: $46 standard Abstract/Torrens memorial; $20 additional Torrens certificate/memorial estimate; $10 for each referenced number over the first four on certain Abstract assignments/satisfactions/partial releases; $2.50 per RecordEASE Pro item; $10 certified document/certificate estimate; $54 Well Disclosure Certificate; deed tax uses 0.0034 in Hennepin County; MRT uses 0.0024 in Hennepin County; conservation fee estimate is $5 when deed tax or MRT is entered.
Property Watch and Restrictive Covenant Research in Hennepin County
Hennepin County offers more than deed recording. Property owners can use notification tools to watch for newly recorded documents, and the county also provides guidance connected with discriminatory restrictive covenants in older land records.
Property Watch Notification Service
Hennepin says property owners can sign up for email notification when a document associated with their property is recorded. You need an email address and either your address or property ID number.
- Useful for monitoring suspicious recordings.
- Does not block recording by itself.
- Does not decide whether a document is valid or fraudulent.
Restrictive Covenant Review
Hennepin references recent recording history and restrictive covenant research connected with Mapping Prejudice. If an older covenant appears in a property’s history, use official county and Minnesota statutory guidance before recording a discharge form.
- Search the property history carefully.
- Consult a title professional if needed.
- Use the statutory discharge process when applicable.
Hennepin County Recorder Office Address, Phone, Email & Map
The Recorder / Registrar of Titles is located in the Hennepin County Government Center in downtown Minneapolis. In-person recording appointments are on the 7th floor of the A-tower, and visitors must pass security screening on the Skyway level before using the elevators.
Hennepin County Recorder / Registrar of Titles
In-person location:
Hennepin County Government Center
300 South 6th Street, A-tower
Minneapolis, MN 55487
Mailing address for recording:
County Recorder / Registrar of Titles
Attn: Document recording
Hennepin County Government Center
300 S Sixth St, MC 074
Minneapolis, MN 55487
Phone: 612-348-5139
Recording email: recordinginfo@hennepin.us
Owner deed/COT copy email: recordsrequest@hennepin.us
Appointments listed: 8:30 AM–3:30 PM each business day.
Open Recorder Map ↗Recorder vs Assessor / Property Tax vs Examiner of Titles vs Court
Hennepin County property questions often involve several offices. Use this table before calling or visiting so your issue reaches the correct team.
| Your Task | Best Starting Office | Why | Ask For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Find or record a deed, mortgage, assignment, lien, release or satisfaction. | Recorder / Registrar of Titles | This office records and maintains land title documents. | Document search, recording fee, copy request, Abstract/Torrens filing path. |
| Find PID, taxes due, assessed value, parcel description or sales information. | Property information / Property tax team | The property search page covers tax, assessment, sales and parcel data. | Property ID number, tax statement, assessed value, tax parcel description. |
| Ask whether land is Torrens or needs Examiner approval. | Recorder / Registrar first; Examiner of Titles when needed | Torrens documents must be recorded on the certificate of title and may need approval. | Certificate of title number, Examiner directive, Torrens document approval. |
| Change title after death, divorce, trust transfer or transfer on death deed. | Attorney/title professional first; Recorder after preparation | These are legal-title issues and may require certified court/death documents or Examiner review. | Correct deed, TODD affidavit, survivorship affidavit, certified death certificate, clearance certificate. |
| Need probate, divorce decree, judgment or court order. | Hennepin County District Court / Minnesota court records | Court files are different from recorded land-title documents. | Case number, certified court order, probate or family court document. |
Official Hennepin County Recorder Links
Use these official links before paying a third-party deed-copy website, mailing a deed, using a random form, or assuming a document is ready to record. Each link includes exactly what to do after opening it.
Hennepin County — Record Land Title Documents
Official page for recording methods, Recorder contact, fees, document checklist, deed tax, eCRV and common deed-recording questions.
- Start with the “How to record your documents” section.
- Choose appointment, eRecord, Virtual Recorder online submission or mail.
- Review the recording fees before writing a check.
- Read the recording checklist before signing, notarizing or mailing a deed.
- Call 612-348-5139 or email recordinginfo@hennepin.us if a statutory deadline is urgent.
Hennepin County — Land Title Records Access
Official guidance for RecordEASE, research center access, property watch, certified copies, mailed copies and free electronic owner copies.
- Use “Property information search” if you only know the address.
- Choose RecordEASE Public Search for limited index access.
- Use RecordEASE Pro or the research center for deeper record/image work.
- Use “Purchase certified copies online” if a certified copy is required.
- Email recordsrequest@hennepin.us if you are the owner requesting a free deed or certificate copy.
RecordEASE Web Access
Official Hennepin land-record access portal with public-search, Pro access and system-help information.
- Use Chrome or the latest version of Edge for best access.
- Use Public Search for limited online index searching.
- Use Pro access when document images, certificates of title or plats are needed.
- Email ts.recordease.support@hennepin.us for access or system-help questions.
- Search by legal description or name for best real-property results.
Hennepin County Property Information Search
Official property search for taxes due, tax statements, assessed values, parcel descriptions, sales information and recent recording history.
- Search by property address, PID, addition name or interactive map.
- Copy the PID and legal description before using RecordEASE.
- Review recent recording history for the parcel.
- Use taxinfo@hennepin.us or 612-348-3011 for property-tax information questions.
Hennepin County Mortgage Registry and Deed Tax Calculator
Official calculator for mortgage registry tax, state deed tax and Hennepin’s Environmental Response Fund tax component.
- Select Mortgage Registry Tax or Deed Tax.
- Enter the mortgage amount or deed amount of sale without commas or decimals.
- Review the state tax and Hennepin ERF amount.
- Use the state MRT1 or DT1 form if an exemption or tax basis must be documented.
Minnesota DOR — Electronic Certificate of Real Estate Value
Official state eCRV rules explaining when eCRV is required and what information is collected.
- Check whether the transfer consideration is greater than $3,000.
- Review the list of documents requiring eCRV.
- Submit or edit the eCRV through the official DOR eCRV system.
- Put the eCRV number on the first page of the Hennepin recording document.
Hennepin County — Torrens Document Approval
Official Examiner of Titles guidance for Torrens deeds, powers of attorney, divorce decrees, probate transfers, TODD and trustee issues.
- Confirm whether the property is Torrens before using this page.
- Find the document type, such as TODD, trustee deed, probate transfer or divorce decree.
- Review required documents before submitting for approval.
- Email or call the Recorder / Examiner office if the certificate number or approval need is unclear.
Minnesota Commerce — Uniform Conveyancing Blanks
Official Minnesota deed and real-estate form library. Use it for forms, not legal advice.
- Use the series filter to find deed, mortgage, TODD or related forms.
- Do not send completed forms to the Department of Commerce.
- File completed forms with the correct county recorder, registrar, court or other required office.
- Contact an attorney if you do not know which form fits your situation.
Common Hennepin County Recorder Mistakes
Mistakes That Delay Users
- Recording a Torrens document in the abstract records instead of on the certificate of title.
- Forgetting to include the eCRV number on a qualifying transfer deed.
- Using a paper CRV for a transaction that requires electronic CRV.
- Skipping deed tax, MRT or conservation-fee review.
- Leaving off the “Drafted by” statement.
- Using a deed without proper notary acknowledgment or marital-status details.
- Changing signed legal documents with whiteout, correction tape or strikeouts.
- Asking Recorder staff to choose the legal form for a transfer.
- Searching only by street address when legal description or name is better.
- Confusing a property-tax question with a recording question.
Better Workflow
- Use property information search first to confirm PID and legal description.
- Check whether the property is Abstract or Torrens.
- Use RecordEASE or the research center for land-record searching.
- Use a title company or attorney for deed-preparation decisions.
- Complete eCRV before recording when required.
- Use Hennepin’s deed tax / MRT calculator before payment.
- Schedule an appointment or use the correct online/mail/eRecording path.
- Keep proof of submission and search later for the recorded document.
What Should You Do Next?
| Your Situation | Best Next Step | Do Not Confuse It With |
|---|---|---|
| You need a free electronic copy of your own deed or certificate of title. | Email recordsrequest@hennepin.us with the property address, PID if known, owner name and requested document. | Paying for a third-party deed-copy solicitation. |
| You need to search land records yourself. | Use property information search first, then RecordEASE Public Search, RecordEASE Pro or the Government Center research center. | A tax parcel lookup only. |
| You are recording a deed with consideration over $3,000. | Complete eCRV through Minnesota DOR, put the eCRV number on the first page, and calculate deed tax. | Only paying the $46 recording fee. |
| You are recording a mortgage. | Use Hennepin’s mortgage registry tax calculator and check whether the Hennepin ERF tax applies. | A deed-tax-only transaction. |
| The property is Torrens or might be Torrens. | Confirm certificate of title details and whether Examiner of Titles approval is required. | Recording only in abstract records. |
| You need to add/remove a person, transfer after death, or deed into trust. | Use an attorney, title company or legal resource before recording the finished document. | A simple Recorder counter request. |
Hennepin County Recorder FAQs
Where is the Hennepin County Recorder office?
The Hennepin County Recorder / Registrar of Titles is at the Hennepin County Government Center, 300 South 6th Street, A-tower, Minneapolis, MN 55487. In-person recording appointments are listed on the 7th floor of the A-tower.
What is the Hennepin County Recorder phone number?
The Recorder / Registrar of Titles phone number is 612-348-5139. For recording questions, email recordinginfo@hennepin.us. For a property owner’s free electronic deed or certificate copy, email recordsrequest@hennepin.us.
How do I search Hennepin County deed records?
Start with Hennepin County property information search to find the PID, legal description and recent recording history. Then use RecordEASE Public Search, RecordEASE Pro, the Government Center research center, or a recordsrequest@hennepin.us copy request depending on what you need.
What is RecordEASE?
RecordEASE is Hennepin County’s land records site. Public Search provides limited free index access, while RecordEASE Pro provides fuller online access to documents, certificates of title and plats for a per-item charge after account access.
What is the difference between Abstract and Torrens property?
Abstract property uses the recording-act system, while Torrens property is registered land with a certificate of title. Hennepin County says that once land is registered, documents should be recorded on the certificate of title, not in the abstract records.
How much does it cost to record a deed in Hennepin County?
Hennepin County lists Abstract or Torrens memorial recording at $46 per document. Additional Torrens certificates, assignments with extra references, plats, well disclosures, deed tax, mortgage registry tax and conservation fees can add to the total.
When is an eCRV required in Hennepin County?
Minnesota DOR says an eCRV must be filed when Minnesota real property is sold or transferred for consideration greater than $3,000. Hennepin County says the eCRV number should be included on the first page of the document when required.
Can the Hennepin County Recorder prepare my deed?
No. Hennepin County states that Recorder / Registrar employees cannot supply legal forms, help fill out documents or provide legal advice. Use an attorney, title company or qualified legal resource when ownership rights are changing.
How can I get a copy of my Hennepin County deed?
Property owners may request a free electronic copy of their deed or certificate of title by emailing recordsrequest@hennepin.us. Certified copies can be purchased through the county’s Virtual Recorder copy process when certification is required.
Is this website the Hennepin County Recorder?
No. County-Appraisal-District.org is an independent educational resource. It is not the Hennepin County Recorder / Registrar of Titles, Hennepin County Government, Minnesota Department of Revenue, Minnesota Department of Commerce, a title company, a law firm or a consumer reporting agency.
Independent Educational Guide
County-Appraisal-District.org is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with Hennepin County, the Hennepin County Recorder / Registrar of Titles, the Hennepin County Examiner of Titles, Minnesota Department of Revenue, Minnesota Department of Commerce, any court, any title company or any law firm.
Recorded documents, Abstract/Torrens status, title status, recording acceptance, eCRV requirements, deed tax, mortgage registry tax, conservation fees, copy fees, certified copies and legal outcomes are controlled by official offices, Minnesota statutes, courts and qualified legal professionals. This page is not legal, tax, financial or title advice.
Public property records should not be used for employment screening, tenant screening, credit eligibility, insurance underwriting or other regulated consumer-reporting purposes. This website is not a Consumer Reporting Agency.