The following list is intended to be used as a guideline only for the most commonly referenced requirements. Many documents have additional requirements beyond this list. Please consult your attorney or a title company for additional information.
- Signatures must be original and in black or dark blue ink; and names must be typed or printed beneath signatures. MCL 565.201 Sec 1 (1)(a)(c)
- No discrepancy shall exist between names printed in the notary acknowledgment or jurat and as printed beneath signatures. MCL 565.201 Sec 1 (1)(b)
- The address of the grantees in each deed of conveyance or assignment of real estate shall contain the street number address or post office address. MCL 565.201 Sec 1 (1)(d)
- The name of the notary public must be printed or typed on the same page as the notary public's signature. MCL 565.201 Sec 1 (1)(c)
- The name and address of the person who drafted the document must appear on documents executed in Michigan MCL 565.201 Sec 1 (1)(i)
- Documents purporting to convey or encumber real estate executed in Michigan require an acknowledgement by a judge, clerk of court of record, or a notary public within this State. MCL 565.8
- Documents must include the date the instrument is signed, sealed, and acknowledged by the grantor. MCL 565.8
- A certified copy of the death certificate or proof of death must be recorded concurrently (as a separate document) or must have been recorded previously and referenced by Liber and Page or Instrument Number on any document that conveys property by a “survivor” or “survivors”. MCL 565.48
- Court orders must be certified and sealed by the clerk of the court. MCL 565.401, MCL 565.411
- The document submitted for recording must be legible. MCL 565.201 Sec 1 (f)(iv)
- Documents must have a margin of unprinted space of at least 2 1/2 inches at the top of the first page and at least 1/2 inch on all remaining sides of each page. MCL 565.201 Sec 1 (f)(i)
- Documents must display on the first line of print on the first page, a single statement identifying the recordable event that the instrument evidences. MCL 565.201 Sec 1 (f)(ii)
- Document shall not purport to evidence more than one recordable event. MCL 565.201 Sec 1 (3)
- The type on the form must be printed in black ink; type size at least 10 point font. MCL 565.201 Sec 1 (1)(f)(iii)(iv)
- The paper must be white and not less than 20-pound weight. Paper size (including attachments) must be at least 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches and no larger than 8 1/2 by 14 inches. MCL 565.201 Sec 1 (1)(f)(v)(vi)
- The total value of real property must be stated on the face of the document or a real estate transfer tax valuation affidavit must be attached. MCL 207.502; MCL 207.504; MCL 207.511; MCL 207.525(2); MCL 207.533
- Any transfer not subject to State and/or County Transfer Tax must state the exemption on the face of the document. MCL 207.526; MCL 207.505
