What are the hours of the Register of Deeds Office?
The office in open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Why record documents?
Documents are recorded in the county's official records to publicly declare their existence and enactment. Anyone can research these records to identify property, ownership and liens placed against property.

What payment methods do you accept?
Cash and check, we do not accept credit cards.

Is there a limited number of documents we can send with one check?
No.

Can I have my recording fees billed to me?
Recording fees are due and payable at time of recording. They cannot be billed.

Can I record a fax or copy of a document?
No, only documents with original signatures can be recorded.

Can I record a TRUE COPY court document?
No, court documents must be certified to be recorded. This applies to Death Certificates, as well.

How can I get a copy of a document?
When a document is recorded in the Official Records of the Leelanau County Register of Deeds, it can be retrieved by anyone. This can be done by visiting our office in the Governmental Center in Suttons Bay. A minimum processing fee will be charged.

How do I search for a deed?
You need a grantor or grantee name to search any land record information and you should have an approximate year to search.

How do I find who owns certain property?
If you do not know the property owner's name, you may contact the County Equalization Department, the County Treasurer's Office, the Township Treasurer or the Township Assessor.

Can you prepare my document, or give me the forms to use?
No, the Register of Deeds does not prepare any legal document, nor do we give legal advice. Some forms may be obtained from our office. If you need assistance, please contact an attorney or a real estate agent. They also have forms available.

When an instrument is recorded that legally removes the name of an owner (like a death certificate), why don't you simply issue a new document showing the current owners?
State law mandates that if a document meets state requirements, then the Register of Deeds must accept and record that document. The Register of Deeds is a recording office.

Is this where I come to redeem my property?
No, you must contact the attorney noted on the Sheriff's Deed to redeem property.

When are Sheriff's Deeds recorded?
A Sheriff's Deed is recorded at the close of the auction.

What is transfer tax?
Tax paid by the seller of the property on the amount of money the property sold for.

Are there any Notaries on your staff?

Yes, for the purpose of document recording.

Where do I go to apply for a Passport?

As of May 1, 2011, the Register of Deeds office is now the Acceptance Agent for new Passport Applications.  Passport photos can be taken at the Clerks office for a $10.00 charge and it only takes a few minutes.  Forms are available from our office or they can be completed on-line and brought in to our office in order to save time.  Expect to spend at least one-half hour in our office as we need to make sure that you have all the required documentation that is required to be submitted with the application.   More information about passports and traveling abroad can be found at www.travel.state.gov.  Passports take approximately 4-6 weeks to process.