Ramsey County Recorder: Deeds, Land Records, RecordEASE, Fees & Torrens Guide
The Ramsey County Recorder and Registrar of Titles maintains the official real-estate records for property in Saint Paul and the rest of Ramsey County, Minnesota. The office records deeds, mortgages, satisfactions, liens, plats and many other instruments affecting real property.
Ramsey County is more complex than a simple “deed search” county because Minnesota uses both Abstract and Torrens land-record systems. Ramsey County’s RecordEASE system provides access to both, while the Property Records Resource Center offers in-person research assistance.
What Does the Ramsey County Recorder Handle?
The Ramsey County Recorder and Registrar of Titles Office is the land-record office for property located in Ramsey County. Use it when you need to find, record or obtain copies of deeds, mortgages, satisfactions, liens, plats, certificates and other instruments affecting real estate.
Recorded Documents
Search or obtain deeds, mortgages, releases, easements, liens, plats and other real-estate instruments recorded against Ramsey County property.
Property Value & Taxes
If your real question is assessed value, taxable market value, current property tax, payment history or a tax statement, use Ramsey County’s Property Tax and Value Lookup instead of RecordEASE.
Title Questions
RecordEASE is a research tool, not a substitute for professional title work. Ramsey County’s own search disclaimer warns that search results may not show every encumbrance affecting property.
How to Search Ramsey County Deeds With RecordEASE
Ramsey County provides online land-record access through RecordEASE. The system contains Recorder and Registrar of Titles records and supports research involving deeds, certificates, plats, grantor/grantee information, document types and other indexed land-record data.
Decide Whether You Need a Quick Parcel Search or Full RecordEASE Access
Ramsey County provides a self-authenticated property-oriented search as a convenience, while full RecordEASE access uses an account/subscription model.
Identify the Property Before Searching
Start with the property address or parcel information when possible. If you do not know the correct parcel, use the county’s Property Tax and Value Lookup first, then return to RecordEASE with more precise property information.
Search by the Most Precise Record Information Available
For deed-chain research, grantor/grantee names, recording dates, document type and document numbers are generally more reliable than relying on a map result alone.
Check Whether the Property Is Abstract or Torrens
The correct search path depends on the title system. Abstract documents are maintained through the County Recorder side of the system. Registered Torrens land is maintained through the Registrar of Titles and Certificate of Title system.
Open the Recorded Document or Certificate
Full RecordEASE subscribers can view recorded document, certificate and plat images subject to current portal fees. Save the document number and recording date for future copy or certification requests.
Use the Resource Center When the Online Search Is Not Enough
Ramsey County provides a Property Records Resource Center with workstations for in-person land-record research. Contact the Recorder’s Office before visiting if you need help with availability or older records.
Current RecordEASE Web Fees
$25 Monthly Account
RecordEASE currently lists a monthly subscription rate of $25 per customer account.
$0.85 Search
The portal currently lists $0.85 per document or certificate search for subscribing users.
$1 Image View
The portal currently lists $1 per document, certificate or plat viewed.
Abstract vs Torrens Property in Ramsey County
This distinction is one of the most important things to understand when researching Ramsey County deeds. Minnesota maintains two title-record systems, and one Ramsey County parcel can even involve both systems in some situations.
Abstract Property
Abstract property relies on the chain of recorded deeds, mortgages, liens, releases and other documents. These instruments are recorded through the County Recorder.
- Research the chain of recorded instruments.
- Grantor/grantee indexes can be important.
- The complete chain is evaluated in title work.
- RecordEASE includes Abstract records.
Torrens / Registered Property
Torrens property is registered land maintained through the Registrar of Titles. The Certificate of Title is central to the registered-title system.
- Look for the Certificate of Title.
- Documents are registered against Torrens land.
- The Examiner of Titles may become relevant for complex title proceedings.
- RecordEASE includes Torrens records.
What Ramsey County Land Records Can Tell You
| Record / Field | What It Helps You Determine | What Not to Assume |
|---|---|---|
| Deed | Shows a recorded conveyance from one party to another and its legal description. | A deed search alone is not a complete title examination. |
| Mortgage | Shows a recorded security interest against real estate. | The recorded amount is not necessarily the current payoff balance. |
| Satisfaction / Release | Can show that a previously recorded mortgage or lien was released or satisfied. | Do not assume every obligation is cleared without matching the release to the correct prior document. |
| Document Number | Best identifier for retrieving an exact recorded instrument. | Do not confuse it with a parcel identification number. |
| Certificate of Title | Key registered-land record for Torrens property. | Do not treat an Abstract parcel as if it should have a Torrens certificate. |
| Plat | Shows recorded subdivision or plat information. | A recorded plat does not replace a current boundary survey for every purpose. |
How to Record a Deed or Real-Estate Document in Ramsey County
Recording a deed is more than paying the $46 recording fee. A transfer may also involve deed tax, an electronic Certificate of Real Estate Value, well disclosure rules, delinquent-tax certification and document-specific legal requirements.
Determine Whether the Property Is Abstract or Torrens
This controls whether the document is recorded by the County Recorder or registered with the Registrar of Titles. Title companies and attorneys commonly confirm the status before preparing the instrument.
Prepare the Correct Legal Instrument
The deed or other instrument should contain the legally required parties, signatures, acknowledgments, legal description and other document-specific information. Recorder staff record documents but do not replace legal counsel for deed drafting.
Calculate Recording Fees and Applicable Taxes
Minnesota law currently lists $46 to record a deed or other standard instrument. A taxable conveyance may also trigger State Deed Tax plus Ramsey County’s Environmental Response Fund component.
Complete Transfer Documentation When Required
Depending on the transaction, the filing may involve an eCRV, deed-tax information, well disclosure documentation or other statutory forms. Do not assume that every deed has identical requirements.
Submit the Document
Ramsey County supports electronic recording for professional submitters and also handles land-record services through its Recorder/Registrar operation. The RecordEASE portal states that Ramsey County began eRecording on April 24, 2014 and accepts Abstract and Torrens document types electronically.
Save the Recorded Document Number
Keep the document number, recording date and any Certificate of Title reference with your permanent property records. These identifiers make later searches, satisfactions, title work and certified-copy requests easier.
Ramsey County Recorder Fees & Minnesota Statutory Charges
Ramsey County’s 2026 approved fee schedule and Minnesota’s 2025 statutes provide the clearest current baseline for common recording and copy costs.
| Service | Current Amount | Important Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Record deed or other instrument | $46 | Minnesota Statutes §357.18 statutory recording fee. |
| Multiple assignment / satisfaction document | $46 base | If more than four recorded instruments are cited, state law adds $10 for each additional instrument beyond the first four. |
| Certified photocopy | $10 | Listed in Ramsey County’s approved 2026 fee schedule. |
| Fax request | $5 | Listed in Ramsey County’s approved 2026 Recorder fee schedule. |
| Federal tax lien | $46 | Ramsey County’s 2026 approved schedule lists $46. |
| Official plat recording | $56 | Current Minnesota statute lists $56 for recording a plat. |
| Official plat copy | $10 | Minnesota statute adds $5 when certification is requested. |
Why Ramsey County Deed & Mortgage Taxes Differ From Most Minnesota Counties
Ramsey County is one of the Minnesota counties with an additional Environmental Response Fund tax. That means the effective deed-tax and mortgage-tax calculations differ slightly from most other Minnesota counties.
Deed Tax
Minnesota’s state deed-tax rate is 0.0033 of net consideration. Ramsey County has an additional 0.0001 Environmental Response Fund tax.
That produces an effective Ramsey County calculation of approximately 0.0034, or 0.34%, where the tax applies.
Mortgage Registry Tax
Minnesota’s state mortgage tax rate is 0.0023 of secured debt. Ramsey County adds another 0.0001.
That produces an effective Ramsey County calculation of approximately 0.0024, or 0.24%, where the mortgage tax applies.
Ramsey County Deed & Mortgage Tax Estimator
Enter the applicable net consideration or secured mortgage debt. This tool uses the general Ramsey County rates described above and is only an estimate; exemptions and transaction-specific rules can change the actual amount.
Formula used: deed tax estimate = net consideration × 0.0034; mortgage registry tax estimate = secured debt × 0.0024. This does not determine whether a transaction is taxable or exempt and does not replace Minnesota Revenue or county calculations.
How to Get a Ramsey County Deed Copy
Search First
Find the exact document number, recording date and parties through RecordEASE or in-person research whenever possible.
Decide Whether a Plain or Certified Copy Is Needed
A normal working copy may be sufficient for personal research. A lender, court, government agency or legal transaction may require a certified copy.
Contact the Recorder With the Exact Reference
Ramsey County’s Recorder contact number is 651-266-2050. Providing the document number makes the copy request more precise.
Confirm the Current Copy Cost
Ramsey County’s 2026 approved fee schedule lists $10 for a certified photocopy. Ask about current noncertified, mailing or other delivery costs before submitting payment.
Need an Address, Parcel Value or Tax Statement Instead?
RecordEASE is designed for recorded real-estate documents. Ramsey County maintains separate property-tax and value information for tasks such as checking assessed value, taxable market value, tax statements, payment history and sales information.
Tax Information
Use Property Tax and Value Lookup for tax statements, current tax information, payment transactions and special assessments.
Property Value
Use the value side of the county system for valuation, estimated market value, taxable market value and building/property information.
Recorded Deed
After identifying the property and owner, move to RecordEASE when you need the actual recorded deed, mortgage, satisfaction or other land instrument.
Recorder vs Registrar of Titles vs Assessor vs Property Tax
| Your Task | Best Office / System | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Find an Abstract deed or mortgage | County Recorder / RecordEASE | Abstract instruments are recorded through the County Recorder system. |
| Find a Torrens Certificate of Title | Registrar of Titles / RecordEASE | Torrens land is registered rather than handled only as an Abstract chain. |
| Resolve complex Torrens title issue | Examiner of Titles / legal counsel | Some registered-land issues require Examiner review, directives or court proceedings. |
| Check market value or classification | County Assessor / Property Value Lookup | Assessment records are separate from recorded land documents. |
| View tax statement or payment history | Property Tax services | Recorder staff do not substitute for the county’s tax billing system. |
| Determine whether title is legally clear | Title professional / attorney | RecordEASE itself warns that its data should not replace actual title work. |
Ramsey County Recorder Address, Phone & Resource Center
Ramsey County Recorder / Registrar of Titles
Property Records location:
90 W. Plato Blvd
Saint Paul, MN 55107
Mailing address:
PO Box 64099
Saint Paul, MN 55164-0099
Recorder phone: 651-266-2050
Property Records Resource Center:
The county’s recorded-document access information lists the center in the Plato Building and provides public research workstations.
Resource Center hours:
8:00 a.m.–4:15 p.m.
Call the Recorder’s Office before traveling to confirm current availability, appointment requirements and holiday closures.
Official Ramsey County & Minnesota Land-Record Resources
Ramsey County — Access to Recorded Documents
County page explaining RecordEASE and the Property Records Resource Center.
- Choose online RecordEASE access or the in-person Property Records Resource Center.
- Read current subscription/setup instructions before creating an account.
- Call 651-266-2050 before visiting if you need workstation availability or assistance.
RecordEASE Web Access
Ramsey County’s land-record portal for Recorder and Registrar of Titles records.
- Review current notices and subscription fees.
- Use the appropriate document, certificate, plat, Tract Book or Index Book search.
- For plats, search by Addition/Plat Code/name and open Plat Map.
- Save the document or certificate number after finding the correct record.
RecordEASE Self-Authenticated Search
Convenience search for recording information tied to an individual property parcel.
- Enter the property information requested by the portal.
- Review the disclaimer before relying on map-based results.
- Remember that tax descriptions and legal descriptions may differ.
- Use professional title work if you need a complete encumbrance determination.
Minnesota Statutes §357.18 — Recorder Fees
Current statutory schedule covering the $46 recording fee, certified copies and plats.
- Review subdivision 1 for standard Recorder charges.
- Check additional-document-reference charges when one instrument affects multiple prior instruments.
- Confirm the current statute again before a high-volume filing.
Minnesota Revenue — Deed Tax Rate
Official state guidance showing Ramsey County’s extra Environmental Response Fund component.
- Identify the net consideration subject to tax.
- Use the 0.0033 state rate.
- Add Ramsey County’s 0.0001 Environmental Response Fund rate when applicable.
- Do not assume the sale price is always identical to statutory net consideration.
Minnesota Revenue — Mortgage Tax Rate
Official calculation rules for mortgage registry tax in Ramsey County.
- Identify the debt being secured by the mortgage.
- Apply the state 0.0023 rate when taxable.
- Add Ramsey County’s 0.0001 Environmental Response Fund component.
- Check exemption rules before treating every mortgage as taxable.
Avoid These Deed & Recorder Search Problems
What Often Goes Wrong
- Searching property-tax data when the real need is a recorded deed.
- Assuming all Ramsey County land is handled under one title system.
- Ignoring the distinction between Abstract and Torrens property.
- Treating a map-based RecordEASE result as a complete title search.
- Confusing a parcel ID with a recorded document number.
- Budgeting only the $46 recording fee and forgetting deed or mortgage taxes.
Better Workflow
- Identify the correct property and parcel first.
- Determine whether title is Abstract or Torrens.
- Use exact document or certificate numbers whenever possible.
- Save recording dates and document references.
- Use certified copies only when certification is actually required.
- Use a title professional when the task requires a full title opinion.
What Should You Do Next?
| Your Situation | Best Next Step |
|---|---|
| You need a deed or mortgage image. | Search RecordEASE or use the Property Records Resource Center. |
| You know only the street address. | Identify the parcel through Property Tax and Value Lookup, then move to RecordEASE. |
| The parcel is Torrens property. | Research the Certificate of Title and Registrar of Titles records, not only Abstract instruments. |
| You need a certified deed copy. | Find the document number first, then contact the Recorder and confirm the current certified-copy fee. |
| You are recording a purchase deed. | Confirm document requirements, deed tax, Ramsey ERF tax, eCRV/well requirements and the $46 recording fee. |
| You want to know whether title is clear. | Use a Minnesota title professional or real-estate attorney; do not rely solely on the convenience search. |
Ramsey County Recorder FAQs
Where can I search Ramsey County deeds online?
Ramsey County provides online access to Recorder and Registrar of Titles land records through RecordEASE. A self-authenticated parcel-oriented search is also available, while full RecordEASE access uses a subscription and usage-fee model.
How much does Ramsey County charge to record a deed?
Minnesota Statutes section 357.18 currently lists a $46 fee for indexing and recording a deed or other instrument. Separate deed tax, mortgage tax, conservation, well or transaction-specific charges may also apply.
What is the difference between Abstract and Torrens property in Ramsey County?
Abstract property relies on a chain of recorded instruments maintained by the County Recorder. Torrens property is registered land maintained through the Registrar of Titles and Certificate of Title system. Ramsey County RecordEASE includes both.
How much does a certified Ramsey County deed copy cost?
Ramsey County’s approved 2026 fee schedule lists $10 for a certified photocopy. Confirm any mailing, delivery or other copy charges with the Recorder before ordering.
What are the current RecordEASE fees?
The RecordEASE portal currently lists a $25 monthly subscription per customer account, $0.85 for a document or certificate search, and $1 to view a document, certificate or plat.
Can I use RecordEASE as a complete title search?
No. Ramsey County’s search disclaimer says the data is provided as a convenience and should not replace actual title work. Map results may not include every encumbrance affecting the property.
What is Ramsey County’s deed tax rate?
Minnesota Revenue lists a 0.0033 state deed-tax rate plus an additional 0.0001 Ramsey County Environmental Response Fund component, producing a general combined rate of 0.0034 where the tax applies.
What is Ramsey County’s mortgage registry tax rate?
Minnesota Revenue lists a state mortgage-tax rate of 0.0023 plus a 0.0001 Ramsey County Environmental Response Fund component, producing a general combined rate of 0.0024 where applicable.
Where is the Ramsey County Property Records Resource Center?
The Property Records Resource Center is in the Plato Building at 90 W. Plato Blvd, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55107. The county Recorder can be reached at 651-266-2050. The access page lists Resource Center hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.; call before visiting to confirm availability.
Should I use RecordEASE to check my property-tax bill?
No. Use Ramsey County’s Property Tax and Value Lookup for assessed values, tax statements, payment information and property-tax data. RecordEASE is for recorded land documents and title-related records.
Independent Ramsey County Records Guide
County-Appraisal-District.org is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with Ramsey County Government, the Ramsey County Recorder, Registrar of Titles, Examiner of Titles, Minnesota Department of Revenue or any Minnesota government agency.
Land-record search results, tax calculations, recording requirements, fees and office availability can change. Verify time-sensitive information with Ramsey County and Minnesota Revenue before recording a document or making a financial or legal decision.
Recorded deeds and mortgages are public records, but a convenience search is not a professional title examination. Complex Abstract chains, Torrens certificates, liens, boundary disputes, ownership questions and title defects may require a Minnesota attorney or title professional.
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.