Rice County Recorder: Deeds & Records

The Recorder is responsible for recording, indexing and preserving documents affecting real property.

Property valuations, assessment classifications and annual property-tax payments are handled by other Rice County departments.

Rice County uses LandShark for online research and retrieval of recorded land documents.

The system includes recorded instruments affecting Abstract and Torrens property. Remote access is subscription-based.

1. Open the official LandShark website.

   Start with the Rice County recording system. Existing subscribers can use their account credentials.

   Open Rice County LandShark
2. Sign in or arrange an account.

   New subscribers must complete the county’s remote-access forms and payment requirements.

3. Search for the recorded party.

   Start with the owner, former owner, business or trust name associated with the document.

4. Use additional search details.

   Document number, recording date and legal description can help narrow results when the search supports them.

5. Review the matching instrument.

   Compare the parties, document type, recording date and property description before selecting a record.

6. Save the recording information.

   Keep the document number and any relevant recorded references for future research or copy requests.

Which documents can be researched?

The Recorder maintains more than 300 document types. Not every document listed above will exist for every property.

LandShark offers remote access for people who regularly research real-estate documents.

If you only need one deed, the subscription may cost more than an office-assisted copy request.

How to request a LandShark account

The county provides an Enhanced Remote Access Agreement, LandShark User Profile and related escrow authorization paperwork.

How to research records without a subscription

Visit the Recorder’s public research area at the Government Services Building during current office hours.

Rice County states that public records can be viewed there without a research-access fee. Copies still cost extra.

The county’s Beacon service is useful when you know a property’s address but not its recorded deed information.

Beacon provides property, assessment, tax and geographic information for Rice County parcels.

What information should you note?

Minnesota uses two real-estate recording systems. Rice County maintains records under both.

This distinction matters when preparing a deed, researching ownership or requesting title-related documents.

How can you tell which system applies?

Rice County states that most local property is in the Abstract system.

It also maintains a reference list of Torrens property. The county recommends a proper title search before determining a parcel’s recording status.

Examiner of Titles

Certain Torrens matters may involve the county’s Examiner of Titles.

Recording a deed is different from searching one. The document must satisfy applicable Minnesota law and Rice County filing requirements.

Recorder staff can explain administrative procedures, but they cannot select or draft a deed for you.

1. Confirm the property is in Rice County.

   Verify the county, legal description and whether the property is Abstract or Torrens land.

2. Prepare the legal instrument.

   Check the correct grantor and grantee names, legal description, signatures, acknowledgment and drafting information.

3. Check tax certification.

   A qualifying conveyance may require certification concerning delinquent property taxes before it can be recorded.

4. Determine whether an eCRV is required.

   An electronic Certificate of Real Estate Value is generally required when consideration exceeds $3,000.

5. Check well-disclosure requirements.

   Qualifying transfers must include appropriate well information or a Well Disclosure Certificate.

6. Calculate the recording fees and taxes.

   Confirm the recording fee, applicable deed tax and other charges before submitting the instrument.

7. Submit and retain the recording reference.

   Use an accepted paper or electronic method. Keep the recorded instrument number and receipt.

Minnesota document-format checklist

Minnesota Statutes section 507.093 establishes standards for many documents submitted to county recorders and registrars.

Electronic Certificate of Real Estate Value (eCRV)

Minnesota generally requires an eCRV when a real-estate transfer involves more than $3,000 in consideration.

This document reports qualifying transaction details for state and county purposes.

Well Disclosure Certificate

Rice County requires appropriate well information when the transferring instrument requires a Certificate of Real Estate Value.

If no wells are known to exist, the deed may need an appropriate statement. A previously filed disclosure may affect the required wording.

Tax certification before recording

The county must address applicable delinquent-tax certification requirements before certain ownership transfers can be recorded.

A property split may involve additional current-year tax requirements.

Confirm the correct transaction procedure with Property Tax & Elections or your closing professional.

Rice County’s fee schedule effective April 1, 2026 lists $46 for a standard recorded document.

Deed tax and mortgage registration tax are calculated separately from this filing charge.

Other published Recorder fees

Torrens certificate transactions, multiple satisfactions and other specialized filings may have additional fees.

Minnesota State Deed Tax

The general state deed-tax rate is 0.33% of taxable net consideration.

When consideration is $3,000 or less, the general minimum tax is $1.65. Qualifying statutory exemptions may apply.

Mortgage Registration Tax

Minnesota’s general Mortgage Registry Tax rate is 0.23% of the qualifying debt secured by a mortgage on real property.

For a taxable $200,000 mortgage, the general calculation is $460.

A regular copy is usually sufficient for personal research. Certain legal or government purposes may require a certified copy.

1. Find the document reference.

   Search LandShark or the Recorder’s public research area.

2. Record the identifying details.

   Note the document type, recording number, parties and approximate date.

3. Contact the Recorder.

   Call 507-332-6114 to confirm copy and certification options.

4. Confirm fulfillment and payment.

   Ask about pickup, mailing, emailing and any applicable delivery charges.

Important address distinction

The current Recorder office page identifies 320 Third Street NW as the official location.

Some older county FAQ content still mentions 302 Third Street NW. Use the current office address for your visit.

The historic Rice County Courthouse at 218 Third Street NW is a different county building.

Electronic document recording

Rice County accepts qualifying electronic recordings through approved providers. This is commonly used by attorneys, lenders and title companies.

The county lists CSC, eRecording Partners, Hopdox, Indecomm and Simplifile among its eRecording providers.

Rice County offers a free Land Notification service for residents.

It sends an email when a newly recorded document matches a registered personal or business name.

How to enroll

1. Open the county’s Land Notifications page. Open Land Notifications
2. Follow the official enrollment link.

   The county describes using a Google or Yahoo account for registration.

3. Enter the name you want monitored.

   Register the personal or business name associated with the recorded property.

4. Review future notifications.

   Alerts begin after signup. Investigate unfamiliar recordings using official county records.

Recording requirements differ across the United States. These related guides explain other county systems and common deed-research procedures.