Macomb County Recorder of Deeds: Search Property Records & Office Guide
Trying to find a recorded deed in Sterling Heights, Warren, Clinton Township, Shelby Township, St. Clair Shores or another Macomb County community? Michigan calls the responsible office the Macomb County Register of Deeds, part of the County Clerk/Register of Deeds.
Macomb County offers two different online search options: a free Basic Search by name and a paid Advanced Search supporting property addresses, parcel IDs, legal descriptions and names. The difference matters because you do not need to buy advanced access just to start checking a name.
This guide walks through both portals, recording fees, mortgage discharges, certified deed requests and the Mount Clemens office—including details that can prevent wasted searches and rejected recordings.
Where to Search Macomb County Recorder of Deeds Records
The official Macomb County Register of Deeds Search Options page is the safest starting point. It lets you choose between a free name-based search and a subscription-style advanced search.
Basic Document Search
Search cost: Free.
Search by grantor, grantee or either-party name. View indexed details and a degraded preview image. A purchased document costs $6 through the Basic portal.
Best for: Looking up a deed, mortgage or discharge when you know a person’s name.
Follow Basic Search steps →Advanced Document Search
Paid access: 24 hours, one week or one month.
Offers searching by parcel ID, address, legal description and name, plus copy and certified-copy request options.
Best for: Property research when the parcel ID or street address is more reliable than a person’s name.
View advanced search costs →In-Person or Mail Search
The Mount Clemens office provides public computer terminals for free index viewing. A search performed by Register of Deeds staff costs $5, with $1 per page for copies.
Best for: Historical document questions, certified copies or help identifying difficult records.
Mail and office instructions →How to Search Macomb County Deeds by Owner Name for Free
Macomb County’s own Search Help page describes a specific process using the Tyler self-service system. Follow these steps rather than guessing which search field to use.
Open the Official Search Options Page
Go to Macomb County Search Options.
Under Basic Document Search and Copies, select Launch Basic Search.
Accept the Portal Disclaimer
The county uses a Tyler Self-Service Web system. Read the disclaimer and select I Accept to continue.
On the next screen, select Document Search & Copies (Web) to reach the main search interface.
Enter the Name in the Correct Field
Use one of these fields:
- Either Party / Notation
- Grantor / Party 1 / Notation
- Grantee / Party 2 / Notation
Enter personal names in Last Name First Name order.
Search Both Parties if You Are Unsure
If you do not know whether the person transferred or received the property, choose Either Party / Notation.
For broad results, the county recommends avoiding extra filters at first.
Review Matching Results
Click a result line to view partial information and related documents.
Select View to inspect full available index details, legal descriptions and the degraded image preview.
Verify the Correct Property
Compare the grantor/grantee names, recording date, document type, legal description and instrument information.
Someone having the same name as a property owner does not prove that the document concerns your property.
Purchase the Document if Needed
Use the document’s purchase icon or shopping-cart option. Follow the checkout instructions and pay the displayed charge.
The Basic portal lists a $6 document purchase.
Download or Print the Purchased Image
Save the purchased file immediately. Macomb County warns that a purchased document cannot simply be reopened after the image is closed unless you saved it to your computer; otherwise another purchase may be necessary.
Macomb County Advanced Deed Search: Address, Parcel ID and Legal Description
The county’s Advanced Search supports more detailed research, including parcel-linked document searches. Unlike Basic Search, access to Advanced Search is paid.
| Advanced Access Plan | Access Charge | Document Purchase Price |
|---|---|---|
| 24-hour access | $25 | $1 per purchased document |
| One-week access | $75 | $0.75 per purchased document |
| One-month access | $250 | $0.50 per purchased document |
Search by Parcel ID
Macomb County specifically recommends Parcel ID only as one of the best Advanced Search combinations.
- Open the official Search Options page.
- Choose Advanced Search.
- Complete the required access process.
- Enter the parcel ID without unnecessary additional criteria.
- Review the matching and related property documents.
Search by Street Address
Use the House # and Street fields together.
The county recommends an asterisk after the street name to catch variations.
Check the resulting legal description and parties before purchasing the document.
Search by Subdivision or Condominium
When available, the county suggests combinations such as:
- Subdivision/Condo + Lot
- Subdivision/Condo + Lot + Block
- Subdivision/Condo + Unit
- Subdivision/Condo + Unit + Building
Filter by Municipality and Date
The county recommends using a recording-date range and City / Village / Township (CVT) when narrowing property records.
Do not choose a document-type filter unless you know the category. Similar documents can be indexed under different document types.
What the Macomb County Register of Deeds Records
Warranty Deeds
Documents transferring real-property interests with stated or implied warranties. Compare the parties, legal description and recording details.
Quitclaim Deeds
Instruments transferring whatever property interest the grantor may have. A quitclaim deed does not necessarily guarantee that the grantor holds good title.
Mortgages
Recorded mortgage documents may identify security interests affecting property. Search assignments and discharges when following a loan history.
Mortgage Discharges
A discharge may show the recorded release of a particular mortgage. Check the original mortgage’s liber and page to identify the correct discharge.
Land Contracts
Michigan land contracts can involve installment purchases with the seller retaining legal title until contractual conditions are met. The recorded instrument and later conveyances may both matter.
Liens and Lis Pendens
Recorded claims and notices may affect property rights. A lien or lis pendens should be interpreted in its legal context rather than treated as automatic proof of an enforceable debt.
How to Find a Macomb County Mortgage, Assignment or Discharge
Mortgage searches can be more demanding than looking for a single purchase deed. Macomb County provides a specific list of information for staff-assisted mortgage, discharge and assignment searches.
| Document | Useful Information | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Mortgage | Mortgagor, mortgagee, legal description and approximate lien year | Helps identify the original security instrument |
| Discharge of mortgage | Original mortgage liber and page, parties and discharge year | Connects the release to the correct recorded mortgage |
| Assignment | Assignor, assignee and original mortgage liber/page | Helps follow a recorded change in the mortgage holder |
Macomb County Deed Recording Fees, Certified Copies and Searches
Macomb County’s fee schedule lists a flat $30 recording fee for standard real-property instruments. This differs from counties that charge a larger amount for each extra recorded page.
| Service | Published Fee | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Standard deed or mortgage recording | $30 | Flat fee regardless of page count |
| Additional instrument assigned/discharged | $3 | For each additional referenced instrument after the first |
| Register staff real-estate search | $5 minimum | Applies to staff-performed in-person or mail searches |
| Real-estate record copy | $1 per page | Office copy charge |
| Copy certification | $5 per record copy | Added when certification is needed |
| Basic online document purchase | $6 per document | Separate from free index searching |
| Tax certificate | $5 per legal description, up to five | Additional descriptions: $0.20 each |
| Plat copy, 11 × 17 inches | $3.50 per page | Office plat-copy charge |
| Plat copy, 18 × 24 inches | $4.50 per page | Mail shipping charge may be extra |
Example: Five-Page Deed Recording
If a standard five-page deed meets the recording requirements and no other charges apply, the recording fee remains:
$30
The basic fee does not increase simply because the document has five pages.
Example: Certified Three-Page Deed
Three pages at $1 each: $3.
Certification: $5.
Illustrative office copy total: $8
Excludes postage or other applicable service charges.
Macomb County Real Estate Transfer Tax: State and County Charges
Michigan transfer taxes are generally separate from a recorder’s basic document fee. Macomb County publishes state and county rates for taxable transfers and a schedule based on increments of consideration.
Michigan State Transfer Tax
$3.75 per $500, or fraction thereof, of taxable consideration.
Equivalent published rate: 0.75% for values divisible by $500.
Macomb County Transfer Tax
$0.55 per $500, or fraction thereof, of taxable consideration.
Equivalent published rate: 0.11% for values divisible by $500.
Michigan state tax: $1,875.
Macomb County tax: $275.
Combined illustrative transfer tax: $2,150.
This is before the recording fee and other applicable charges. It assumes the full value is taxable and no exemption applies.
Macomb County explains that transfer-tax exemptions must be properly stated on the face of an instrument when claimed. The county’s published guidance generally identifies the seller or grantor as the party responsible for the transfer tax.
How to Record a Property Deed in Macomb County, Michigan
Macomb County publishes a detailed recording checklist under Michigan law. The following points are especially important if you are submitting a warranty deed, quitclaim deed or land contract.
Prepare a Legally Appropriate Document
Identify the correct instrument type, parties and property. The county records qualifying documents but does not determine whether a deed is the right way to change ownership.
Check Original Signatures and Notarization
Macomb County generally requires original signatures and printed or typed names beneath them. Names must correspond to the notary acknowledgment.
Review the current Michigan legal requirements for the particular instrument.
Check Required Names and Addresses
The document must identify required parties and grantee addresses. Instruments prepared in Michigan must include the preparer’s name and address when applicable.
Review the Page Format
Macomb County lists a 2.5-inch top margin on the first page and half-inch margins on remaining sides, with black text, legible 10-point or larger print and permitted paper sizes of 8.5 × 11 or 8.5 × 14 inches.
A cover page may be needed when the first-page recording margin is missing.
Determine Whether a Tax Certificate Is Required
Macomb County requires a Treasurer’s tax certificate before recording specified warranty deeds, deeds with warranty or covenant clauses, land contracts and land-contract assignments.
Check this before bringing the document to the Register of Deeds.
Calculate Transfer Taxes and Recording Charges
Review the $30 standard recording fee, any additional instrument-reference charges, the tax-certificate fee and the state/county transfer-tax schedule when applicable.
Submit and Preserve Your Recording Information
Use the office’s current submission instructions. Include a proper Return To name and address so the recorded instrument can be returned.
Keep your recording reference and check the county’s recording-status page or official index as appropriate.
How to Request Macomb County Deed Records by Mail
The Register of Deeds accepts written real-estate record search requests. The information needed depends on whether you are looking for a deed, land contract, mortgage, assignment or discharge.
For a Deed or Land Contract
- Grantor or grantee name.
- Legal description, not just a street address.
- Approximate recording year.
- Any known book/page or instrument reference.
- Stamped, self-addressed return envelope.
- Appropriate search and copy payment.
For a Mortgage or Discharge
- Mortgagor and mortgagee names.
- Legal description.
- Approximate recording or lien year.
- Original mortgage liber/page when requesting a discharge.
- Assignor/assignee details for an assignment.
- Required payment and return envelope.
Office mailing destination:
Macomb County Register of Deeds
120 N. Main Street
Mount Clemens, MI 48043
Macomb County Recorder of Deeds Office Address, Hours and Phone
Macomb County Register of Deeds
120 North Main Street
Mount Clemens, MI 48043
Phone:
(586) 469-7953
Fax:
(586) 469-5130
Email:
registerofdeeds@macombgov.org
Hours:
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:15 PM, excluding holidays.
Before Visiting Mount Clemens
- Use the official Register of Deeds appointment link if scheduling is required for your service.
- Bring the document’s recording reference if known.
- Confirm whether you need an uncertified or certified copy.
- Prepare payment for the applicable service.
- Allow extra time if you need staff to search an older instrument.
- Ask the office about accessibility and parking arrangements if needed.
Important service detail: Macomb County says record copies are not made after 4:30 PM under its published search procedures, while the main Register of Deeds page lists office closing at 4:15 PM. Follow the earlier published office closing time when planning your visit.
Map shows the Macomb County Register of Deeds office in Mount Clemens. Check holiday closures and appointment requirements before traveling.
Register of Deeds vs. Treasurer vs. City or Township Assessor
| Your Question | Responsible Office | Best Action |
|---|---|---|
| Where is a deed recorded? | Macomb County Register of Deeds | Search the official deed index |
| Can I get a certified mortgage discharge? | Register of Deeds | Request the recorded document and certification |
| Who appears on property-tax records? | Local assessor / Macomb County Land File Office | Use the property-account information |
| What is the parcel’s legal description? | Macomb County Land File Office | Call (586) 469-5313 for assistance |
| What are the property taxes? | County Treasurer or local taxing office | Call (586) 469-5190 or the city/township assessor |
| Do I need a deed tax certificate? | Macomb County Treasurer | Check requirements before recording |
| Can the county resolve an ownership dispute? | Qualified Michigan attorney / title professional | Obtain legal/title review |
Why a Macomb County Deed Search May Show No Results
Basic Name Search Returns Nothing
- Use Last Name First Name order.
- Try with and without a middle initial.
- Search Either Party instead of only grantor or grantee.
- Remove punctuation from company names.
- Try business names with and without spaces.
- Search a prior owner when appropriate.
Address Search Misses the Property
- Use Advanced Search rather than Basic Search.
- Try parcel ID by itself.
- Use House # and Street together.
- Add an asterisk after the street name.
- Try subdivision/condominium and lot fields.
- Narrow using the correct city, village or township.
Document Appears Incomplete
Macomb County says newly recorded documents can appear before all indexed information has been fully verified.
Search by the first grantor or grantee name, inspect the available result and use the recording-status information if necessary.
Purchased Image Was Closed
The county’s Basic Search instructions warn that purchased images should be downloaded or printed before closing.
If you did not save the image, the system may require another purchase to reopen it.
Macomb County Fraud Notify Alerts: Monitor New Recordings
The county offers Fraud Notify, a name-based alert service. When a document is recorded using a registered name, the service can send an email notification.
Open the Official Search Options Page
Visit the Register of Deeds Search Options page and find the Fraud Notify section.
Select Fraud Notify Alerts
Follow the county’s registration link and review the service instructions.
Register the Name You Want Monitored
Enter the appropriate name and notification information requested by the system.
Check Unexpected Notifications
If an unfamiliar instrument is recorded under the registered name, inspect the document details before taking further action.
Macomb County Recorder of Deeds Links With Step-by-Step Instructions
Each resource below is an official Macomb County government page. Follow the corresponding instructions to reach the correct search, document request or recording service.
1. Register of Deeds — Search Options
Basic name search, Advanced Search, fraud alerts and mail/in-person search instructions.
- Choose Basic Search for a free name lookup.
- Choose Advanced Search for parcel, address or legal-description research.
- Review the access and document-purchase fees.
- Use the county’s search-help instructions if the portal does not return the expected record.
2. Search Help — Portal-Specific Instructions
County guidance on name format, address wildcards, result details and document purchases.
- Read the Basic Search instructions.
- Use the correct party-name field and surname-first order.
- For Advanced Search, try the county-recommended parcel/address combinations.
- Save purchased images before closing them.
3. Recording Requirements
Michigan document signatures, notarization, formatting, grantee-address and preparer requirements.
- Check the document against the recording checklist.
- Confirm the legal description, original signatures and acknowledgment.
- Review margins, paper size and preparer information.
- Determine whether a Treasurer’s tax certificate is needed.
4. Recording Fees
Current document fees, office search charges, certified copies and tax-certificate fees.
- Identify your document type.
- Check the standard $30 recording charge.
- Review extra instrument-reference fees where applicable.
- Add copy, certification and tax-certificate charges only when needed.
5. Transfer Tax Schedule
Michigan state and Macomb County transfer-tax calculations.
- Determine taxable consideration for the transfer.
- Check the state and county columns.
- Use the correct $500 increment.
- Review statutory exemptions before declaring the tax amount.
6. Recorded Document Status
County guidance for documents still being indexed or verified.
- Review the county’s status explanation.
- Search using the first grantor or grantee name.
- Check whether the result is marked as still being indexed.
- Contact the Register of Deeds if you need confirmation.
After Finding a Macomb County Deed or Property Record
Found the Correct Deed?
Save the instrument information, legal description and purchased image. If an official certified copy is required, use the Register of Deeds’ certified-copy request procedure.
Found a Mortgage but No Discharge?
Verify the original mortgage reference and search for a later discharge. If none appears following payoff, contact the lender or servicer responsible for the release.
Owner Name Looks Incorrect?
Compare the deed with your closing documents and local assessment records. A legal ownership correction may require a properly prepared new instrument rather than an index edit.
Found a Suspicious Recording?
Keep the recording reference and obtain the document image. Contact the responsible parties and seek appropriate professional or legal assistance if the recording may be fraudulent.
Macomb County Recorder of Deeds FAQs
1. Who is the Recorder of Deeds in Macomb County, Michigan?
The official recording office is the Macomb County Register of Deeds, part of the County Clerk/Register of Deeds. The office maintains recorded real-estate documents including deeds, mortgages, liens and related instruments.
2. Can I search Macomb County deeds online for free?
Yes. The Basic Document Search allows free name-based searches. Purchased documents cost $6 each through the Basic system. Advanced address, parcel and legal-description search options require paid access.
3. Can I search Macomb County deeds by property address?
Yes, through the county’s paid Advanced Search. The county recommends using House # and Street together, with an asterisk after the street name to catch variations. Parcel ID searches are also supported.
4. How much does it cost to record a deed in Macomb County?
The published standard recording charge is $30 per document regardless of the number of pages. State and county transfer taxes, tax certificates and certain additional instrument-reference fees may apply separately.
5. Where is the Macomb County Register of Deeds office?
The office is located at 120 North Main Street, Mount Clemens, MI 48043. The telephone number is (586) 469-7953. Published office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:15 PM.
6. How do I order a certified Macomb County deed copy?
The Register of Deeds accepts certified-copy requests through the U.S. Mail using its official request instructions. Office real-estate copies are $1 per page, and certification is $5 per record copy.
7. What is the Macomb County Advanced Search price?
The county lists $25 for 24-hour access, $75 for one week and $250 for one month. Document purchase charges are $1, $0.75 or $0.50 respectively, depending on the access plan.
8. How do I find a discharge of mortgage in Macomb County?
Search using the mortgage parties and recording details. For staff-assisted discharge searches, the county asks for the original mortgage liber and page, the applicable year, and other identifying information.
9. Does Macomb County offer property fraud alerts?
Yes. The Register of Deeds provides a Fraud Notify service that can email a registered user when a document is recorded using the monitored name. The service does not prevent fraudulent recordings.
10. Do I need a tax certificate before recording a warranty deed?
Macomb County requires a Treasurer’s tax certificate for certain warranty deeds, deeds containing warranty or covenant clauses, land contracts and land-contract assignments. Check the official recording requirements before submitting the document.