Saginaw County Recorder of Deeds: Search Deeds, Mortgages & Official Records
Need a deed for a property in Saginaw, Frankenmuth, Birch Run, Bridgeport, Freeland or elsewhere in Saginaw County? Michigan calls this office the Saginaw County Register of Deeds, not a separately titled Recorder of Deeds.
Use the county-linked Tapestry land-record search to research recorded deeds, mortgages and other property documents. This guide also explains the county’s $30 recording fee, certified-copy costs, deed requirements, e-recording options and courthouse contact details.
Where Can You Search Saginaw County Deed Records?
Open the county’s Search Public Records page and select Register of Deeds Search (Tapestry). This is the correct starting point for recorded property instruments. It is separate from the county’s Property Search and Court Cases & Hearings services.
Find a Recorded Deed
Search through the county-linked Tapestry system, identify the relevant parties and recording information, and review available document details.
See the search walkthrough →Start with an Address
Use county property information to identify the parcel, owner or legal description when an address alone is not enough for the deed index.
Find the address workflow →Order a Certified Copy
The county charges $1 per page for copies and $5 per document for certification. Save the deed’s reference before requesting it.
Copy ordering instructions →How to Search Saginaw County Recorder of Deeds Records Online
Saginaw County identifies Tapestry as its public online land-record system. The county does not publish a complete current screen-by-screen manual on the linked directory page, so the following steps distinguish confirmed links from search options you should check inside Tapestry.
Open Saginaw County’s Public Records Menu
Visit Search Public Records. Choose Register of Deeds Search (Tapestry), not Property Search or Court Cases & Hearings.
Review Access Terms and Select Saginaw County
Follow the Tapestry interface and any login, county-selection or payment instructions that appear. The online service may charge for searches or document access, so read the displayed terms before paying.
Search with a Party Name or Available Reference
Use the available name or recording-reference search fields. For deeds, a grantor generally transfers an interest and a grantee receives it. Search the former owner as well if the present owner’s name does not produce the needed deed.
Review the Recording Date and Document Type
Where date and instrument filters are offered, narrow the results to the likely recording period. A deed’s signing date may differ from its official recording date.
Verify the Matching Instrument
Review the party names, document type and any liber/page or document number shown. Michigan offices commonly use the term liber for a recorded volume or book reference.
Read the Available Recorded Image
If the portal provides an image, compare the legal property description and the names on the document. Do not assume a matching surname alone identifies the correct property.
Save the Recording Reference
Write down the liber/page or document number, recording date, document type and relevant names. These details are helpful when requesting a certified copy or tracing a prior transfer.
Request Help or a Certified Copy
If online search is unavailable or you need an official copy, use the county’s Search Requests page. You can request assistance by phone, fax, email or in person.
How to Find a Saginaw County Deed Using a Street Address
If you only know the home address, begin with property records to identify the owner and legal description. Then research the actual recorded conveyance through the Register of Deeds.
First: Identify the Property
- Open the county’s Search Public Records menu.
- Choose Property Search rather than the Register of Deeds link.
- Use the property lookup fields made available by the county.
- Check the address, owner and property description.
- Record the details needed for your deed search.
Second: Verify the Recorded Deed
- Return to Register of Deeds Search (Tapestry).
- Search by the relevant owner or former owner.
- Check the recorded instrument and date.
- Compare the deed’s legal description.
- Save the liber/page or document number.
Which Documents Can the Saginaw County Register of Deeds Provide?
The office records instruments affecting real property, preserves indexes and maintains original subdivision plats. The meaning of each document matters when you are researching a purchase, inheritance, refinance or property dispute.
| Record | What It May Show | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Warranty Deed | Property conveyance with warranties specified in the instrument. | Grantor, grantee and legal description. |
| Quitclaim Deed | Transfer of the grantor’s interest without equivalent title guarantees. | Earlier conveyances and the exact deed wording. |
| Mortgage | Recorded security for real-estate financing. | Borrower, lender and later discharge. |
| Discharge of Mortgage | Release of an identified recorded mortgage. | Original liber/page or document number. |
| Easement | Recorded access or use rights affecting real property. | Burdened land, benefit and attached exhibits. |
| Subdivision Plat | Recorded lot or subdivision information. | Plat name, lot number and legal description. |
| Tax Lien or Other Instrument | Recorded claims or legal interests where applicable. | Parties, recording reference and subsequent releases. |
Saginaw County Deed Recording, Search and Certified-Copy Fees
Michigan’s recording structure differs from Ohio’s page-based fees. Saginaw County publishes a flat $30 standard recording charge per document, regardless of the number of pages. Separate charges can apply for extra instruments assigned or discharged, copies, staff searches and certification.
| Service | Published Charge | Important Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Standard recording | $30 per document | Flat charge under MCL 600.2567. |
| Additional instruments assigned or discharged | $3 each additional instrument | Applies to documents assigning or discharging more than one instrument. |
| Ordinary copy | $1 per page | Page-copy charge. |
| Certification | $5 per document | Added when an official certified copy is required. |
| Staff over-the-counter search | $5 per search | Distinct from self-service research. |
| Public in-office workstation | No charge for workstation use | County lists a public research workstation at no cost. |
| Online Tapestry search | Check displayed portal charges | Third-party online service charges can differ. |
| Real estate transfer tax / tax certification | Separate transaction costs | Do not confuse these with the $30 recorder fee. |
Example: Recording a Six-Page Deed
The standard recording fee is $30, not $30 plus a charge for each of the six pages.
Transfer taxes, tax certification and specialized charges may still apply to the transaction.
Example: Certified Five-Page Copy
At the published county rate:
5 pages × $1 + $5 certification = $10.
This is an illustrative office-copy calculation, excluding delivery or other applicable charges.
Saginaw County Michigan Deed Recording Requirements
The Register publishes a detailed recording checklist under Michigan law. A document must meet legal and formatting requirements before the office can accept it; the $30 recording payment alone is not enough.
Document Preparation Checklist
- Use a legible recordable instrument.
- For covered documents, use at least 10-point type and the required paper format.
- Maintain the statutory first-page top margin and other margins.
- Identify the recordable event at the beginning of the document.
- Include required signatures and printed signer names.
- Include a proper acknowledgment or notarization where required.
- Supply the grantee’s address and drafter’s name/address where applicable.
- Include a sufficient legal property description.
Michigan-Specific Checks
- A transfer subject to real estate transfer tax must disclose consideration or use the permitted valuation-affidavit method.
- When an exemption is claimed, identify the applicable state or county tax exemption on the instrument.
- Ask about the Treasurer’s tax certificate requirement.
- For a discharge or assignment, reference the correct earlier recorded instrument.
- Check whether the document contains information that must be obscured or redacted under Michigan law.
Review the County’s Recording Requirements and Quitclaim Deed Information ↗
The county offers access to a blank quitclaim deed form for a stated charge. It also warns that Recorder staff cannot prepare documents or provide legal advice. The appropriate form depends on the transaction.
How to Get a Certified Saginaw County Deed Copy
Identify the Deed
Use Tapestry to find the instrument or prepare the property owner’s name, address and approximate purchase date for a staff request.
Save the Liber/Page or Document Number
If known, provide the precise recorded reference. If not, provide the three identification details the county requests.
Request the Correct Copy Type
Contact the Register at (989) 790-5270 or email ROD@saginawcounty.com. Specify whether you need an ordinary document copy or a certified copy.
Confirm Fees and Delivery
Ask for the document page total, the $5 certification charge where needed, any search charges and current mail or pickup procedures.
E-Recording and SWIFT: Two Different Saginaw County Services
Electronic Recording
Saginaw County accepts electronic submission of real-estate documents for qualified submitters, including certain documents requiring tax certification.
Its official page lists these vendors:
- Simplifile: (800) 460-5657
- CSC eRecordingSolutions: (866) 652-0111
- eRecording Partners Network: (608) 616-2314
SWIFT Electronic Return
SWIFT is not e-recording. The county describes it as a free electronic-return service for paper documents submitted by mail or over the counter.
It was introduced in 2017. Check the county’s current enrollment instructions if you regularly submit physical recordings and prefer electronic return.
Saginaw County Register of Deeds Address, Phone and Office Hours
Saginaw County Courthouse
Office: Saginaw County Register of Deeds
Register: Katie Albosta Kelly
Address:
111 S. Michigan Avenue
Saginaw, MI 48602
Phone: (989) 790-5270
Fax: (989) 790-5278
Email: ROD@saginawcounty.com
Published hours:
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:45 PM, excluding holidays.
Before Visiting the Courthouse
Contact the Register to confirm:
- Whether the desired document can be viewed online.
- Current counter and certified-copy services.
- Available public workstation access.
- Payment methods for your transaction.
- Whether the document requires Treasurer tax certification.
- Current drop-box or mail submission arrangements.
- Holiday closures and building-entry details.
Note: Older COVID-era county notices contain appointment and lunch-hour restrictions that may no longer apply. Use the current department page and phone confirmation rather than relying on those dated notices.
Official Recorder Contact ↗The map shows the Saginaw County Courthouse. Verify current parking and accessible-entry information with the county before visiting.
Register of Deeds vs. Equalization vs. Treasurer vs. County Clerk
| Your Task | Best Starting Point | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Find a deed or mortgage | Register of Deeds | Search Tapestry or request staff help. |
| Order a certified recorded deed | Register of Deeds | Provide the liber/page or owner information. |
| Find a parcel or property valuation | Property Search / Equalization | Use county property records. |
| Verify tax certification requirements | Saginaw County Treasurer | Ask about the tax certificate required for applicable recordings. |
| Check delinquent property taxes | Treasurer | Use the official tax collection services. |
| Marriage, vital or court-related county clerk record | County Clerk or appropriate court | Use the applicable records service, not Tapestry. |
| Determine clear legal title | Michigan real-estate attorney / title professional | Request an appropriate title examination. |
Why a Saginaw County Deed May Not Appear in Your Search
No Match for the Current Owner
Try a former owner, other recorded party or business/trust name. Broaden the recording period if the portal offers date filters.
You Only Have an Address
Use Property Search first. Identify the owner and parcel details, then search the Register’s records. The county can also accept search requests with an address and approximate purchase date.
The Document Is Very Old
Ask whether a liber/page reference or archive search is needed. A missing online image does not automatically establish that no document was recorded.
A Mortgage Still Appears
Search for its discharge, assignment or related instruments. Historic mortgages can remain searchable after payoff; a title professional can help resolve an unclear record.
Your Next Step After Finding a Saginaw Property Record
You Found the Correct Deed
Save its reference and review the legal description. Order a certified copy only when required by the recipient.
You Need to Record a New Deed
Have it legally prepared, check Michigan formatting, transfer tax, applicable Treasurer certification and recording payment before submission.
The Property Listing Has a Different Owner
Compare the latest deed and local assessing records. Contact the assessor or Equalization service for assessment-record issues, or a title professional for ownership disputes.
You Found a Possible Lien or Title Issue
Save all related document numbers and review subsequent releases. Do not use a single online index result as a complete legal title determination.
Saginaw County Recorded Deed Search, Fees and Forms
1. Saginaw County Search Public Records
Official county menu linking to Tapestry, property records and court records.
- Select Register of Deeds Search (Tapestry).
- Follow access and payment information.
- Research the relevant instrument and save its reference.
2. Register of Deeds — Search Requests
Lists the details needed for phone, fax, email and in-person research requests.
- Prepare the owner’s name and property address.
- Add the approximate date of purchase.
- Choose your request channel and confirm charges.
3. Official Recording & Copy Fees
Flat recording charges, extra-reference fees, copy fees, certification and payment methods.
- Review recording and copying charges separately.
- Check whether certification is needed.
- Ask the Treasurer about a tax certificate when applicable.
4. Saginaw County E-Recording
Current county-listed authorized submission vendors for qualified electronic filers.
- Review Simplifile, CSC and ePN information.
- Confirm your instrument is eligible for submission.
- Check recording requirements and vendor costs.
5. Michigan Register of Deeds County Directory
State government directory confirming the recording office for Michigan counties.
- Find Saginaw County in the county listing.
- Confirm the office location and phone.
- Use the linked county website for actual record requests.
Saginaw County Recorder of Deeds FAQs
1. Does Saginaw County have a Recorder of Deeds office?
The office is officially called the Saginaw County Register of Deeds. It records and preserves real-property instruments, including deeds, mortgages and subdivision plats.
2. Where can I search Saginaw County deeds online?
Open Saginaw County’s Search Public Records page and select Register of Deeds Search (Tapestry). Follow the portal’s current access instructions and search the relevant recorded document.
3. Who is the Saginaw County Register of Deeds?
The county’s official website identifies Katie Albosta Kelly as Register of Deeds. The office phone number is (989) 790-5270.
4. Where is the Saginaw County Register of Deeds office?
The office is located at the Saginaw County Courthouse, 111 S. Michigan Avenue, Saginaw, MI 48602. Published hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:45 PM, excluding holidays.
5. Can I search Saginaw County property deeds for free?
Saginaw County provides a public research workstation at the Register of Deeds office at no cost. Staff-assisted over-the-counter searches cost $5 each, and the online Tapestry service may have separate charges.
6. How much does it cost to record a deed in Saginaw County?
The county lists a standard $30 recording fee per document, regardless of page count. Extra charges may apply when a document assigns or discharges multiple instruments, and real-estate transfer taxes or tax certification may apply separately.
7. How do I order a certified Saginaw County deed?
Contact the Register of Deeds with the recorded reference or the owner name, address and approximate purchase date. The county lists a $1-per-page copying fee and a $5 certification fee per document.
8. Does Saginaw County accept electronic recording?
Yes. The county lists Simplifile, CSC eRecordingSolutions and eRecording Partners Network as available vendors for qualified electronic recording submitters.
9. What is Saginaw County SWIFT?
SWIFT is a free electronic-return service for eligible paper documents submitted by mail or over the counter. It is not the same as electronic recording of a new document.
10. Does the Saginaw County Register of Deeds handle property taxes?
The Register handles recorded real-property documents. Property assessment information belongs with local assessment and equalization services, while the Treasurer handles county tax functions, including relevant tax certification.