Kenosha County Recorder of Deeds: Search & Office

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Kenosha County, Wisconsin | Register of Deeds | Reviewed October 2026

Kenosha County Deed Search, Register of Deeds Office and Recording Guide

Looking for the Kenosha County Recorder of Deeds? In Wisconsin, the correct official title is Register of Deeds. The Kenosha County Register of Deeds records and preserves deeds, mortgages, land contracts, satisfactions, subdivision plats and other eligible real-estate documents.

The main office is at 1010 56th Street, Kenosha, Wisconsin. Property owners and researchers can access recorded real-estate documents through the county’s LandShark system.

This guide explains how to search records, obtain copies, prepare a deed, complete Wisconsin’s electronic real-estate transfer return (eRETR), calculate fees and contact the correct office.

Search Deeds Office & Map Recording Fees
The Correct Office

Who Records Deeds in Kenosha County?

The Kenosha County Register of Deeds handles recording and maintaining public land records. It is a different office from the County Clerk, Treasurer and local property assessors.

Register of Deeds

For recorded instruments

Deeds, mortgages, satisfactions, land contracts, certified survey maps, plats and record copies.

Property Assessment & Tax Records

For parcel and tax information

Property assessments, tax bills, tax payments, parcel details and property-sale information.

Attorney or Title Company

For legal title questions

Deed drafting, ownership disputes, estate transfers, mortgage priority, title insurance and legal effect of documents.

Important distinction: A deed recorded with the Register of Deeds provides a public record of an instrument. It does not, by itself, establish that a property has clear title or that the instrument was legally drafted correctly.
Search by Address

How to Find a Kenosha County Deed if You Only Know the Property Address

A street address may not be the best starting field for a recorded deed. First collect parcel information from the county’s Property Inquiry system, then use that information to narrow the LandShark research.

Step 1: Locate the Property

  1. Open the county Property & Taxes page.
  2. Select Property Inquiry.
  3. Search using the available address or property-search option.
  4. Identify the matching parcel and note the parcel identification number.
  5. Record the owner and relevant legal-description information.

Step 2: Search the Recorded Documents

  1. Open LandShark.
  2. Search using the available owner-name or document-reference fields.
  3. Compare the legal description and parcel details.
  4. Check deeds and related mortgage records.
  5. Purchase or request the correct recorded document.
Useful local detail: Kenosha County Property Inquiry provides tax bills, assessments, sales and building information. LandShark provides the recorded-document research path. Use both when you need to connect a property address with its deed history.
Office & Map

Kenosha County Register of Deeds Office Address, Phone and Hours

The main Register of Deeds office is located in the Kenosha County Administration Building. Kenosha County also lists a satellite office at the County Center in Bristol.

Main Register of Deeds Office

Register: Jennifer Mack

Address:
Kenosha County Administration Building
1010 56th Street
Kenosha, WI 53140

Main phone:
262-653-2444

Real estate records:
262-653-2441

Office hours:
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Real-estate recording hours:
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM

Get Directions

The Kenosha County Administration Building is not the same as the county courthouse at 912 56th Street. Verify your destination before traveling.

Kenosha County Center — Bristol Satellite Office

Address: 19600 75th Street, Bristol, WI 53104
Phone: 262-857-1845
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Lunch closure: Noon–1:00 PM

If you plan to submit a real-estate document at the satellite location, call first to confirm that the specific recording transaction can be completed there.

View Bristol satellite office on Google Maps
Recording cutoff matters: Even though the main office is open until 5:00 PM, the Register accepts real-estate documents for recording only until 4:30 PM on weekdays. Items received later are handled the next business day.
Recording Workflow

How to Record a Deed in Kenosha County, Wisconsin

Wisconsin deed recording involves both county document requirements and state real-estate transfer-return rules. The Register of Deeds records eligible instruments but does not replace a legal professional for choosing or drafting a deed.

1

Prepare the Correct Legal Deed

Make sure the grantor, grantee, complete legal description, signatures, execution date and required acknowledgment or attorney authentication are correct.

Kenosha County publishes warranty deed and quitclaim deed forms, but the correct document depends on the transaction.

2

Include the Parcel Identification Number

The Kenosha County recording checklist requires a valid parcel ID directly below the return address.

Check the county’s Property Inquiry system if you are unsure of the parcel number. Do not substitute an incomplete street address for the legal description.

3

Check the Document’s Recording Space

Leave an entirely blank 3 × 3-inch space in the upper-right corner. The first page must also meet the county’s margin, title and return-address requirements.

Use a compliant cover page where appropriate instead of obscuring recording space.

4

Complete the Wisconsin eRETR When Required

Conveyances generally require an electronically filed Real Estate Transfer Return. File through the Wisconsin Department of Revenue’s online RETR system and obtain the required receipt.

Certain statutory conveyances are exempt from the return or fee; other fee-exempt transfers still require a return. Verify the exact treatment before filing.

5

Confirm Fees and Submit the Document

Kenosha County lists a $30 standard recording fee per qualifying instrument. A taxable deed may also require Wisconsin’s real-estate transfer fee.

Completed documents can be submitted in person or mailed to the Register of Deeds at 1010 56th Street, Kenosha, WI 53140. Eligible documents may be submitted through an electronic recording vendor.

6

Verify the Recorded Instrument

Save the recording information and confirm that the names, legal description and document reference are correct.

If your transaction includes a mortgage or later satisfaction, check whether the related instruments have also been recorded.

Legal caution: A quitclaim deed, warranty deed, termination of a decedent’s interest, trust deed or corrective deed can have different ownership consequences. Do not select a document merely because a template is available on the county website.
Recording Checklist

Kenosha County Recording Requirements That Can Delay a Deed

The county publishes an acceptance checklist based on Wisconsin Statutes §59.43(2m). Review these requirements before notarizing or delivering a document.

Document Formatting

  • Completely blank 3 × 3-inch upper-right recording space.
  • Minimum 1-inch top margin on each page.
  • At least ¼-inch side and bottom margins on the first page.
  • White standard 20-pound paper.
  • Standard or legal paper size; no hinged pages.
  • Document title within six inches of the top.
  • Return address properly positioned.
  • Valid parcel ID below the return address.

Content and Execution

  • Legible grantor and grantee names.
  • Complete reproducible legal description.
  • Black, blue or red document ink, except original signatures.
  • Required original signatures properly notarized or authenticated.
  • Execution and acknowledgment dates included.
  • Previous recording reference included where applicable.
  • Drafting individual’s name on applicable real-estate instruments.
  • Correct eRETR receipt or documented exception where required.
Referenced instruments: Kenosha County says documents referencing a previously recorded instrument must identify its recording data and that only one prior document may be referenced per document under its published acceptance checklist.
Wisconsin-Specific Requirement

Wisconsin eRETR: The Transfer Return Required for Kenosha County Deeds

Wisconsin Statutes §77.22 generally requires a Real Estate Transfer Return to be submitted electronically when a conveyance is recorded. The state system is called eRETR.

When a Transfer Return Is Required

Most conveyances require the electronic return, including transactions where a transfer-fee exemption applies.

The Kenosha County Register explains that conveyances qualifying under Wisconsin Statutes §77.25(1) are exempt from both the return and fee requirements.

A claim under that provision must be reflected appropriately on the face of the document.

What the Electronic Return Does

The state filing records information about the conveyance, its value, the parties and any claimed exemption.

The system calculates applicable transfer fees and provides a receipt for the recording process.

Filing the return does not replace signing, notarizing or recording the actual deed.

How to Complete the Wisconsin Transfer Return

  1. Open the Wisconsin Department of Revenue RETR page.
  2. Choose File a RETR.
  3. Enter the property, transferor, transferee and transaction information.
  4. Identify the value subject to transfer fee or the applicable exemption.
  5. Complete the return and obtain the receipt or submission reference.
  6. Provide the required receipt with the deed recording package.
Exemption warning: A family transfer, inheritance or transfer into a trust is not automatically exempt merely because no money changes hands. Wisconsin exemptions depend on the specific statute and transaction facts.
Fees & Copies

Kenosha County Recorder of Deeds Fees in 2026

Recording fees are generally uniform across Wisconsin counties. Kenosha County separately lists fees for deeds, certified survey maps, plats, real-estate fixture filings and document copies.

Service Official Fee Important Detail
Deeds and mortgages $30 Standard recording fee per qualifying document.
Land contracts and satisfactions $30 Same standard document recording fee.
Non-probate joint-property transfer $30 Applies to qualifying non-probate transfer documents.
Certified Survey Map $30 Filed map fee.
Subdivision, cemetery or condominium plat $50 Specific plat filing charge.
Transportation Project Plat $30 Separate transportation plat category.
Real-estate UCC fixture filing $30 Ordinary non-real-estate UCC filings go to Wisconsin DFI.
Paper copy of recorded document $2 first page + $1 each additional page Copy fee from the county’s recording schedule.
Certification $1 Added when applicable; UCC financing copies have no certification fee.
County real-estate record search $7 Listed county search fee; not a statement of LandShark portal pricing.
Wisconsin real-estate transfer fee $0.30 per $100 of value, or fraction thereof For taxable conveyances; exemptions and special valuation rules can apply.
Flat recording fee: The standard $30 recording charge is per qualifying instrument, not a first-page price with an automatic additional-page charge. Wisconsin transfer fees and service-specific costs are separate.

Kenosha County Deed Recording Cost Estimator

Enter the value subject to Wisconsin transfer fee. This tool estimates the standard recording charge and transfer fee for an illustrative taxable conveyance.

Estimated total $780.00
Recording fee: $30.00 | Transfer fee: $750.00 | Optional copies: $0.00

Formula: $30 standard recording fee + $0.30 for every $100 or fraction of taxable value + optional county paper-copy charges. “Recording fee only” does not establish eligibility for a transfer-fee exemption. The official eRETR and Register determine the actual amount due.

Example: A taxable conveyance with $250,000 subject to the transfer fee produces a $750 Wisconsin transfer fee. Adding the $30 deed recording charge gives an illustrative $780 total before other services or special costs.
Document Copies

How to Get a Copy or Certified Copy of a Kenosha County Deed

Online Document Copy

Use the county’s LandShark service to locate and purchase an available recorded document image.

  1. Open LandShark.
  2. Register or sign in.
  3. Find the matching recorded instrument.
  4. Review the portal’s current copy charges.
  5. Complete the purchase and retain the document reference.

Confirm separately whether the format you purchase satisfies any certification requirements.

Copy From the Register of Deeds

Contact the office if you need a paper copy, certified copy, older document or assistance identifying the correct record.

Ordinary copy: $2 first page plus $1 per additional page.

Certification: $1 additional when applicable.

Office-assisted real-estate search: $7 according to the fee schedule.

Phone: 262-653-2444

Example: A certified three-page deed copy would ordinarily cost $5 under the posted county paper-copy schedule: $2 for page one, $1 for each of two additional pages, and $1 certification. Online LandShark purchase pricing may differ.
Local Recording Details

Important Kenosha County Real-Estate Record Situations

Paid-Off Mortgage

A mortgage payoff does not automatically prove a satisfaction was recorded.

Search for a satisfaction or related release and compare the original mortgage’s recording information.

Inherited Property

Kenosha County links to a Termination of Decedent’s Property Interest form.

Whether that form is appropriate depends on the ownership arrangement and applicable Wisconsin law.

Survey or Plat Research

The county has separate certified survey map and plat filing categories.

The Land Survey Viewer can help locate archived surveys, but a recorded plat or archived survey is not a substitute for legal boundary advice.

UCC filings: Kenosha County records real-estate-related fixture filings. Other Uniform Commercial Code filings generally belong with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions rather than the county Register of Deeds.
Free Property Monitoring

Kenosha County Land Notification: Free Deed Fraud Alerts

In October 2025, Kenosha County announced an enhanced Land Notification service. It provides free email or text-message notifications when relevant recorded activity matches a registered property, parcel or name.

How to Register

  1. Open the official Kenosha County Land Notification service.
  2. Choose New User or the registration option.
  3. Complete the account registration process.
  4. Add the names or parcels you want monitored.
  5. Choose the available email or text-message notification settings.
  6. Investigate any unexpected recorded-document activity.

What the Alert Does and Does Not Do

Alerts may help identify potentially fraudulent or unexpected recordings earlier.

Kenosha County’s updated service supports monitoring multiple names and properties.

The system does not prevent a document from being recorded, verify the legal validity of an instrument or remove a fraudulent deed.

If suspicious activity appears, contact the Register of Deeds and seek appropriate legal or law-enforcement assistance.

Useful detail for existing users: Kenosha County says alerts from the earlier notification system were migrated. To add text alerts or change monitored names or properties, users may need to register in the enhanced system.
Electronic Recording

Does Kenosha County Accept E-Recording?

Yes. Kenosha County works with electronic recording vendors for eligible real-estate documents.

The county currently lists CSC, Simplifile, eRecording Partners Network, Indecomm Global Services and hopdox as participating providers.

For attorneys, lenders and title companies: Choose an approved vendor, confirm account requirements and vendor charges, and check that the submitted document meets Wisconsin recording and eRETR requirements. E-recording is a delivery method, not a substitute for legal document preparation.

View Kenosha County’s official e-recording vendor list

Official Sources and Actions

Official Kenosha County Register of Deeds Links

Use these government resources to complete your search, recording or copy request. The steps below explain what to do after opening each link.

1. Kenosha County Register of Deeds Office

Official Register of Deeds homepage

  1. Confirm Jennifer Mack, current office contacts and the main Kenosha location.
  2. Check office hours and the real-estate recording cutoff.
  3. Open the real-estate records or recording information sections.
  4. Use the county’s appointment scheduler if you prefer an appointment.

2. LandShark Real-Estate Records Search

Official LandShark document-search information

  1. Follow the LandShark portal link.
  2. Choose New User Registration or sign in.
  3. Use available property-party and document-reference search options.
  4. Review charges before purchasing document images.

3. Recording Forms and Document Requirements

Official recording forms and checklist

  1. Review the Cover Page, Quit Claim Deed, Warranty Deed and decedent-property-interest forms.
  2. Read the Wisconsin Statutes §59.43(2m) recording checklist.
  3. Confirm the blank 3 × 3-inch recording area and valid parcel ID.
  4. Have the appropriate deed prepared and reviewed before recording.

4. Kenosha County Recording Fees

Official recording fee and copy schedule

  1. Identify whether your document is a deed, mortgage, certified survey map, plat or UCC fixture filing.
  2. Check the correct standard recording charge.
  3. Review paper-copy and certification fees.
  4. Confirm the amount with the office for any specialized filing.

5. Wisconsin Electronic Real Estate Transfer Return

Wisconsin Department of Revenue eRETR portal

  1. Select File a RETR.
  2. Enter the conveyance and property information.
  3. Review Wisconsin transfer-fee exemptions where applicable.
  4. Complete the filing and retain the receipt for the recording process.

6. Kenosha County Property Inquiry

Official county Property & Taxes resources

  1. Select Property Inquiry.
  2. Find the relevant address, parcel or owner record.
  3. Note the parcel ID, assessment, sale or tax information you need.
  4. Return to LandShark for the actual recorded deed or mortgage.

7. Free Kenosha County Land Notification

Register for property-recording alerts

  1. Create an alert account.
  2. Add monitored names and parcel information.
  3. Select notification methods supported by the service.
  4. Review alerts for unexpected filings.

8. Electronic Recording Vendors

Official Kenosha County e-recording providers

  1. Review the county’s participating vendors.
  2. Ask the provider which documents are eligible.
  3. Compare transmission fees and account requirements.
  4. Confirm that all required Wisconsin forms and recording information are included.
What to Do Next

Which Kenosha County Service Should You Use?

Your Situation Recommended Next Step
Find an existing deed Use LandShark to search available documents, or contact the Register for a copy.
Only know the address Start with county Property Inquiry and collect parcel and owner clues.
Record a new deed Prepare the legal instrument, check the parcel ID, complete eRETR where required and pay the proper fee.
Need a certified deed copy Contact the Register, identify the instrument and confirm copy plus certification requirements.
Need a survey or subdivision plat Use county land survey or recorded plat resources; obtain professional survey advice for boundary disputes.
Suspect a fraudulent deed Review the recorded instrument, activate Land Notification and seek appropriate professional help.
Need property-tax amounts Use Property Inquiry or the responsible tax office rather than the land-record index.
Need legal title advice Consult a Wisconsin real-estate attorney or title company.
Frequently Asked Questions

Kenosha County Recorder of Deeds FAQs

Is there a Kenosha County Recorder of Deeds office?

In Wisconsin, the correct official title is Register of Deeds. The Kenosha County Register of Deeds records and maintains deeds, mortgages, land contracts, plats and other eligible land records.

Who is the Kenosha County Register of Deeds?

Kenosha County lists Jennifer Mack as the Register of Deeds.

Where is the Kenosha County Register of Deeds office?

The main office is in the Kenosha County Administration Building at 1010 56th Street, Kenosha, WI 53140. The county also lists a satellite office at 19600 75th Street, Bristol, WI 53104.

What is the Kenosha County Recorder of Deeds phone number?

The main Register of Deeds phone number is 262-653-2444. The county directory also lists 262-653-2441 for real-estate records.

Can I search Kenosha County deeds online?

Yes. Kenosha County provides LandShark for real-estate document searching and purchasing copies. The county says users must create an account with a username and password and use a credit card for applicable fees.

How much does it cost to record a deed in Kenosha County?

The standard Kenosha County recording fee for a qualifying deed is $30 per document. Wisconsin real-estate transfer fees may apply separately.

What are the Kenosha County real-estate recording hours?

Real-estate documents are recorded Monday through Friday between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM. The main Register of Deeds office remains open until 5:00 PM, except holidays.

Does a Wisconsin deed need an electronic real-estate transfer return?

Most conveyances require an electronic Real Estate Transfer Return (eRETR) and a receipt for recording. Certain statutory exceptions apply, including qualifying conveyances under Wisconsin Statutes §77.25(1).

How much does a certified Kenosha County deed copy cost?

Under the county’s posted paper-copy fee schedule, copies of most recorded documents cost $2 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. Certification adds $1 when applicable. LandShark online purchase charges may differ.

Does Kenosha County offer free deed fraud alerts?

Yes. Kenosha County provides a free Land Notification service with email or text-message alerts for monitored names or properties. The service can help detect unusual recordings but does not prevent fraud.

Independent Information and Editorial Notice

This article is an independent informational guide and is not an official Kenosha County government publication. It is not affiliated with the Kenosha County Register of Deeds, Wisconsin Department of Revenue, LandShark or other government offices.

This content is not legal advice, a certified title search or a title insurance opinion. Filing requirements, recording fees, transfer-tax rules and online portal services may change. Always confirm consequential details directly with the Register of Deeds or the responsible state agency.

Public-record information should not be used as a consumer report for employment screening, tenant screening, credit eligibility, insurance underwriting or other regulated eligibility decisions. This website is not a Consumer Reporting Agency.

Editorial review: October 14, 2026. Primary sources: Kenosha County Register of Deeds, Recording Information, Real Estate Recordings & Forms, LandShark, Land Notification, Property & Taxes, and Wisconsin Department of Revenue Real Estate Transfer Return instructions.

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