Find Ingham County Deeds, Land Records and the Recording Office
Searching for the Ingham County Recorder of Deeds? In Michigan, the correct government office is the Ingham County Register of Deeds. It records and preserves deeds, mortgages, land contracts, releases and other documents affecting real property located in Ingham County.
The office is in Mason, not downtown Lansing. Its online records have an important distinction: free Direct Search provides index information, while document images are obtained through paid search tools or the office.
This guide explains the three official online search options, historical record coverage, $30 recording fee, Michigan transfer taxes, document standards, copy requests, vault appointments and property fraud alerts.
Ingham County Recorder of Deeds vs. Register of Deeds
“Recorder of Deeds” is a common search term, but Michigan counties use the title Register of Deeds. Ingham County’s elected Register is Derrick Quinney, and the office is responsible for recording, indexing and retaining documents affecting land in the county.
Register of Deeds
Use for: Deeds, mortgages, assignments, discharges, land contracts and recorded real-estate instruments.
Also handles document copies, certified copies and historical land-record research.
Local Assessors & Equalization
Use for: Property assessments, taxable value, parcel mapping and Principal Residence Exemption questions.
The Register records legal instruments but does not determine the property’s taxable value.
County Treasurer
Use for: Certain tax certificates, county tax administration and delinquent property-tax questions.
A tax certificate required for a deed is different from the deed-recording fee.
Ingham County Deed Search: Direct Search, Tapestry or Laredo?
Ingham County provides three online search choices. They are not interchangeable: the free system is primarily for finding document references, while paid options provide access to available document images.
| Search Tool | Cost | Coverage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Search | Free index search | 1956–present, excluding the most recent 7 days | Finding recorded-document references before ordering images or copies. |
| Tapestry | $8.95 per search; $1 per printed image page | Records from 1956; images from 1960 | Occasional users who need to view and obtain a particular deed or mortgage image. |
| Laredo | Subscription-based; images $1 per page | Records from 1956; images from 1960 | Title companies, attorneys, lenders and frequent land-record researchers. |
| Office Vault | Research by appointment; copies $1 per page | Historical records, including documents predating online imaging | Older deeds, missing images and verification of early indexes. |
How to Find a Deed Using Free Direct Search
Open the Official Records Online Page
Visit Ingham County Records Online and choose Direct Search. This is the county-linked free index-search option.
Search by the Recorded Party
Start with the current owner, a prior owner or another party named on the instrument. Use grantor and grantee information when available. Try surname-only or name variations if a full-name search fails.
Identify the Document Reference
Note the recording date, document type, instrument number or Liber/Page reference. These details help you request the correct document without paying for unrelated records.
Check Related Mortgages or Releases
For a deed history, examine related mortgages, assignments and discharges. A recorded mortgage by itself does not prove the loan remains unpaid, and a later discharge may be recorded separately.
Choose How to Obtain the Image
Direct Search now provides index information only. Use Tapestry, Laredo or the office copy-request process to obtain the actual recorded pages.
Verify the Record Before Relying on It
Compare party names, legal description, recorded date and document reference. For early records, consult the vault; for ownership or lien-priority questions, use a title professional.
What if the Ingham County Deed Is Too Old to Find Online?
Online document coverage is not the same as the full historical collection. Ingham County maintains older public land records in its courthouse vault and asks researchers to schedule an appointment.
Vault Research in Mason
Location: Ingham County Courthouse, 2nd Floor, 341 S. Jefferson Street, Mason, MI 48854.
Vault hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:00 PM.
Appointment: Call 517-676-7216 before visiting.
Public computers and research for pre-1960 recorded documents also require a vault appointment.
How to Prepare for an Older Deed Search
- Gather current and former owner names.
- Find an approximate transaction year.
- Save any known Liber/Page references.
- Bring parcel or legal-description clues.
- Ask staff which index books cover the period.
Ingham County Register of Deeds Office Address, Phone and Map
Ingham County Register of Deeds
Register: Derrick Quinney
Chief Deputy: Trisha Gerring
Office address:
Ingham County Courthouse
341 S. Jefferson Street, 2nd Floor
Mason, MI 48854
Mailing address:
Ingham County Register of Deeds
P.O. Box 195
Mason, MI 48854
Main phone:
517-676-7216
Chief Deputy / search assistance:
517-676-7294
Office hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Vault hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:00 PM, by appointment.
Open Google MapsHow to Record a Deed in Ingham County, Michigan
A deed must meet Michigan recording standards. The Register of Deeds cannot draft a new deed, change ownership language or provide a title opinion. Prepare the legal instrument before presenting it for recording.
Document Preparation Checklist
- Include original signatures for paper recording.
- Type or legibly print each signer’s name below the signature.
- Use black or dark blue ink for signatures.
- Include a proper notarial acknowledgment where required.
- Show the grantee’s mailing address on conveyance documents.
- Include the name and address of the document preparer.
- Use a complete legal description of the property.
- Check consideration, transfer tax and exemption statements.
Michigan Page Formatting
- 8½ × 11-inch to 8½ × 14-inch paper.
- White paper weighing at least 20 pounds.
- Black-ink printed text.
- Font size of at least 10 points.
- Blank top margin of at least 2½ inches on page one.
- At least ½-inch margins elsewhere.
- A single statement identifying the recordable event on the first page.
- No white-out or corrective tape.
Additional Requirements for Certain Documents
| Document Situation | Important Requirement |
|---|---|
| Warranty deed, covenant deed or certain land contracts | A tax certificate must be obtained from the County Treasurer before recording when the county’s published rule applies. |
| Document conveying a taxable property interest | State the total consideration on the instrument or provide the applicable transfer-tax valuation affidavit. |
| Trust certificate or trust amendment | Certain trust documents must be recorded separately when accompanying another recordable instrument. |
| Survivorship with a deceased owner | A certified death certificate or other qualifying proof of death must be recorded as a separate document and properly referenced where required. |
| Court order affecting property | A qualifying court order must be certified and sealed by the court clerk. |
| Document partly or entirely in another language | Attach an English translation when required by Michigan recording law. |
Review the official Ingham County recording requirements before signing and submitting a document.
Ingham County Register of Deeds Fees and Michigan Transfer Tax
Ingham County’s published schedule lists a flat $30 recording fee for most deeds, mortgages and other real-property instruments. Michigan state and county transfer taxes are separate from the recording fee.
| Fee | Amount | When It Applies |
|---|---|---|
| Document recording | $30 per document | Most deeds, mortgages, lis pendens and other qualifying real-property instruments, regardless of page count. |
| Extra assigned or discharged instrument | $3 each | Additional referenced instruments when one document assigns or discharges more than one instrument. |
| Treasurer tax certificate | $5 for first five parcels; $0.20 per additional parcel | Certain warranty deeds, land contracts and other instruments specified in the county fee schedule. |
| Michigan state transfer tax | $3.75 per $500 of consideration | Taxable transfers unless a statutory exemption applies. |
| County transfer tax | $0.55 per $500 of consideration | Taxable transfers unless a statutory exemption applies. |
| Recorded document copy | $1 per page | Ordinary copies of recorded instruments. |
| Certified recorded copy | $5 per document + $1 per page | Certified copy of the entire recorded document. |
Michigan Deed Recording and Transfer-Tax Estimator
Enter the consideration amount for an illustrative taxable transfer. The estimator separates recording fees, possible transfer tax and the Treasurer tax certificate.
The illustrative calculation uses $30 recording, $3.75 state tax and $0.55 county tax per $500 or fraction of consideration where taxable. It excludes transaction-specific exemptions, title fees, legal fees, search subscription charges and special filing requirements. Confirm the actual payable amount with the Register and Treasurer.
How to Get a Copy of an Ingham County Deed
Request Copies by Mail
Address the request to:
Register of Deeds Copies
P.O. Box 195
Mason, MI 48854
Include the recorded party name, property description, or document number / Liber and Page reference.
Enclose payment for the number of pages requested. Call the office if you are unsure of the page count.
Request Copies at the Office
Visit the Register of Deeds at 341 S. Jefferson Street, 2nd Floor, Mason.
Bring the document reference from Direct Search when possible.
Ordinary copy: $1 per page.
Certified copy: $5 certification plus $1 per page for the complete document.
If the document is historical, schedule a vault appointment first.
Important Ingham County Deed and Property-Record Situations
Paid-Off Mortgage
A loan payoff does not itself prove that the recorded mortgage has been discharged.
Search for a later discharge or satisfaction and compare the referenced mortgage instrument.
Property In a Trust
Michigan recording rules can require trust-related instruments to be recorded separately.
Do not assume a trust certificate and deed can always be submitted as one combined recordable event.
Death of a Co-Owner
Survivorship questions can require proof of death to be separately recorded and properly referenced.
The effect depends on how title was held; seek legal advice before preparing a new deed.
Ingham County Property Fraud Alert and Electronic Recording
Free Property Fraud Alert
Ingham County links to the Property Fraud Alert notification service operated through its land-record system.
The service can notify registrants when recorded-document activity matches a registered name.
- Open the official Register of Deeds homepage.
- Select Property Fraud Alert Notification Service.
- Follow the provider’s account or enrollment instructions.
- Choose Ingham County and enter the name variations to monitor.
- Investigate unfamiliar alerts with the Recorder.
An alert does not prevent a fraudulent recording or replace a title search.
Electronic Recording
Ingham County publishes an eRecording Vendors page listing electronic submission providers.
Listed providers include CSC, eRecording Partners Network, Simplifile and Indecomm.
Professional submitters should confirm vendor eligibility, transmission fees, document requirements and accepted electronic submission types before opening an account.
Official Ingham County Recorder Links and What to Do After Opening Them
Use the following county-controlled pages for office information, search access, fees and recording rules.
1. Ingham County Register of Deeds Office
Open the official Register of Deeds homepage
- Confirm Derrick Quinney, office address and current office hours.
- Select Records Online, Recording Requirements or Fee Schedule.
- Check holiday closure notices.
- Schedule a vault appointment before requesting older documents.
2. Ingham County Records Online
Open free Direct Search, Tapestry and Laredo options
- Read the 1956–1981 index accuracy notice.
- Choose Direct Search for free index research.
- Choose Tapestry if you need to purchase document images occasionally.
- Use Laredo for frequent searches after reviewing subscription requirements.
- Save the Liber/Page or instrument number before requesting a copy.
3. Ingham County Recording Requirements
Review Michigan deed recording and formatting rules
- Check original signatures, printed names and notary acknowledgment.
- Verify the grantee address and document preparer information.
- Review the first-page 2½-inch top margin.
- Confirm special trust, survivorship and court-order requirements if relevant.
4. Ingham County Recording Fee Schedule
Check official recording, transfer-tax and copy fees
- Check the $30 recording-fee provision.
- Determine whether a Treasurer tax certificate is required.
- Review Michigan state and county transfer tax.
- Check the copy and certification charges if requesting official documents.
5. Ingham County Register Contact Page
Confirm office location, mailing address and vault appointment instructions
- Confirm 341 S. Jefferson Street, 2nd Floor, Mason.
- Use P.O. Box 195 for mailed copy requests.
- Call 517-676-7216 for vault access.
- Ask about payment and return-mailing requirements before sending documents.
6. Ingham County eRecording Vendors
View the county’s approved electronic-recording provider information
- Review the listed providers.
- Contact your chosen vendor about accepted instruments and setup.
- Check vendor transmission charges separately from government filing fees.
- Confirm final recording instructions with the Ingham County Register.
What Should You Do Next?
| Your Situation | Recommended Next Step |
|---|---|
| I only need a deed reference | Use free Direct Search and save the instrument number or Liber/Page reference. |
| I need an actual document image | Compare Tapestry image charges with the Register’s direct copy-request cost. |
| The deed was recorded before 1960 | Call the Register and arrange historical vault access in Mason. |
| My search involves 1956–1981 | Verify important matches against the original index books because of the county’s indexing warning. |
| I want to record a warranty deed | Check deed preparation, Treasurer tax certificate, transfer-tax rules and the $30 recording fee. |
| My mortgage has been paid off | Search for the related discharge and contact the lender or title professional if it is missing. |
| I want to change the deed after a death | Obtain Michigan legal guidance; death certificates, survivorship documents or probate instruments may be required. |
| I need my property-tax assessment or PRE | Contact the appropriate local city or township assessor, not the Register of Deeds. |
Ingham County Recorder of Deeds FAQs
Is there an Ingham County Recorder of Deeds office?
In Michigan, the official name is Register of Deeds. The Ingham County Register of Deeds records and maintains deeds, mortgages and other real-property documents.
Who is the Ingham County Register of Deeds?
The current Ingham County Register of Deeds is Derrick Quinney. The county lists Trisha Gerring as Chief Deputy Register of Deeds.
Where is the Ingham County Register of Deeds office?
The office is at the Ingham County Courthouse, 341 S. Jefferson Street, 2nd Floor, Mason, MI 48854. The mailing address is P.O. Box 195, Mason, MI 48854.
What is the Ingham County Recorder phone number?
The Ingham County Register of Deeds phone number is 517-676-7216. For online record search assistance, the Chief Deputy can be reached at 517-676-7294.
Can I search Ingham County deeds online for free?
Yes. The county offers a free Direct Search of the recorded-document index from 1956 onward, excluding the most recent seven days. Direct Search does not provide document images.
How much does Ingham County Tapestry cost?
The county lists Tapestry at $8.95 per search and $1 per printed document-image page. Tapestry indexes start in 1956, while available document images begin in 1960.
How much does it cost to record a deed in Ingham County?
The published base recording fee is $30 per document, regardless of the number of pages. Applicable Michigan transfer taxes, Treasurer tax certificates or additional instrument-reference fees are separate.
How do I search Ingham County deeds recorded before 1960?
Contact the Register of Deeds at 517-676-7216 to schedule a courthouse vault appointment in Mason. The county also recommends original index-book verification for important records from 1956 through 1981.
What is the cost of a certified Ingham County deed copy?
Ingham County lists a $5 certification fee per recorded document plus $1 for each page of the entire document.
Can the Ingham County Register prepare or change my deed?
No. The county states that its Register of Deeds office does not prepare or change documents and cannot provide legal assistance. Consult a qualified Michigan attorney or title professional for deed drafting, corrections or ownership questions.
Independent Information and Editorial Review
County-Appraisal-District.org is an independent educational website. It is not affiliated with the Ingham County Register of Deeds, Ingham County government, Fidlar Technologies, Tapestry, Laredo or any Michigan government agency.
This guide is not legal advice, a certified title search, a title insurance opinion or a guarantee of property ownership. Recording requirements, fees, online search access, office hours and tax rules may change. Verify important information directly with the Register of Deeds and other responsible offices.
Recorded property information must 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. Official references reviewed: Ingham County Register of Deeds, Records Online, Recording Requirements, Fee Schedule, Contact Us and eRecording Vendors; Michigan Register of Deeds directory.