Register of Deeds

What We Do

The Register of Deeds is the official recording office for all land records in Ionia County. The Register of Deeds is a constitutional office established by the Michigan State Legislature as the custodian of legal documents pertaining to real property. We record over 200 types of documents including:

• Land Contracts
• Liens
• Mortgages
• Oil and Gas Leases
• Powers of Attorney
• Quit Claim Deeds
• Releases
• Warranty Deeds

Lending institutions, abstract offices, surveyors, and the general public are among the many researching the recordings and filings housed at the Register of Deeds. In addition, the courts depend on the Register of Deeds Office to record documents and give notice to the public where property is concerned, including judgments of divorce, orders, liens and numerous others. Local government units, Equalization Department, and the Treasurer’s Office all receive their first notice of sales from our office, which enables them to prepare valuations for the tax rolls each year.

The Register of Deeds office also accepts passport applications.

Document Procedures

All documents presented are carefully checked to determine if they are eligible to record in accordance with the Compiled Laws of Michigan. All recorded documents are scanned exactly and in full for permanent record. All documents must be numbered consecutively, timed, and properly cross-indexed and verified. Proof of property ownership is established according to the records of the Register of Deeds, making the job of indexing and the handling of real estate documents a very responsible operation.