(1) Signatures must be original; names must be typed or printed beneath all signatures. MCLA 565.201 Sec. 1(a)
(2) No discrepancy shall exist between names printed in notary acknowledgement and as printed beneath signatures. MCLA 565.201 Sec. 1(b)
(3) The address of grantees in each deed of conveyance or assignment of real estate shall contain the street number address or post office address. MCLA 565.201 Sec. 1(d)
(4) The name and address of the person who drafted the document must appear on documents executed in Michigan. MCLA 565.201a “Person” is defined as a corporation, partnership, trust, association or other legal entity. MCL 55.2651(g)
(5) Documents purporting to convey or encumber real estate executed in Michigan require an acknowledgement by a judge, clerk of a court of record or a notary public within this state. MCLA 565.8; form: LAND 565.47, MCLA 565.265; 565.267
(6) A certified copy of a death certificate or proof of death must be recorded or have been recorded and referenced by Liber and Page on said document when “survivor” is indicated on the document.
MCLA 565.48
(7) Court orders must be certified and sealed by the clerk of the court. MCLA 565.401; 565.4111
(8) The document submitted for recording must be legible. MCLA 565.201 Sec. 1(f)(iv)
(9) Documents must have a margin of unprinted space of at least 2½ inches at the top of the first page and at least ½ inch on all remaining sides of each page. MCLA 565.201 Sec. 1(0)(i)
(10) Documents must display on the first line of print on the first page, a single statement identifying the recordable event that the instrument evidences. MCLA 565.201(3)
(11) The type on the form must be printed in black ink; type size at least 10-point type. MCLA 565.201 Sec. 1(f)(iii)(iv)
(12) The paper on which the document is printed must be white and not less than 20-pound weight. MCLA 565.201 Sec. 1(f)(iv) The size of the document and any attachment thereto must be at least 8½ inches by 11 inches; at most 8½ inches by 14 inches. MCLA 565.201 Sec. 1(f)(v)(vi)
(13) Unless required by state or federal law or court order, no more than 4 sequential digits of any social security number may appear on the instrument. MCLA 565.201 Sec. 1(g)
(14) When a subdivision plat has been recorded, the lots in the plat shall be described by the caption of the plat and the lot number for all purposes. MCLA 560.255
(15) 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
(16) An instrument or any part of an instrument in a language other than English must have an English translation attached to the instrument when presented for recording. MCL 565.201(1)(h)
The above 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 an attorney or a title company for additional information.
