The Wadena County Recorder is the custodian of all legal records pertaining to real estate transfers, vital records, personal property (UCC) and federal and state tax liens.  This office also serves as a Passport Acceptance Agency for the U.S. Department of State Passport Services.

             The Recorder’s Office provides the following services:  
□               Real Estate Recordings (Abstract and Torrens)
□               Federal and State Tax Lien Filings and Searches
□               UCC Filings and Searches
□               Vital Statistics
□               Passport Acceptance Agency
□               Military Discharge Filing
□               Notary Public Commission Filing
□               Ministerial Credential Filing   

 REAL ESTATE:
            There are two real estate recording systems in Minnesota – Abstract and Torrens.  With the “abstract system” an abstract is evidence of title.  In the “Torrens system” the certificate of title is the title.  There are different requirements for recording the documents in each system. 

             ABSTRACT:  Abstract Title property is the most common form of title found in the United States.  An Abstract of Title is a summarized history of all recorded documents relating to particular tract of land affecting the title. It begins with a legal description of land covered by the abstract and then shows the original patent and all subsequent recorded documents.

 ABSTRACT RECORDING FEES:  Minnesota Statues Section 357.18
□               Record documents  -  $46.00 for each document
□               Multiple filing of satisfactions, partial releases, and assignments: 
          Additional $10.00 per document cited after 4
□               Certified Copies of Documents - $10.00
□               Real Estate Document copies –  $1.00 per page
□               Attested Copies - $2.00
□               Plat Filing  -  $56.00
□               Real Estate Lien Search - $10.00 per name or parcel (*There are no licensed abstractors employed in our office. No searches performed by members of the recording staff are certified searches.*)
□               Well Certificates - $45.00*
□               Return Check Charge - $30.00
 *For all deeds with a State Deed Tax over $1.65, you must disclose whether or not there is a well on the property.  For information pertaining to well certificates, visit www.health.state.mn.us.

             TORRENS:  Torrens Title property is property in which the title is under the supervision of the District Court.  Under the supervision of the court, the Registrar of Titles issues an original certificate of title, which is kept in the office of the Registrar. The owner of the property receives a copy of this certificate. 

             TORRENS RECORDING FEES:  Minnesota Statutes Section 508.82
□               Document Transferring a Certificate  -  $46.00
□               Entry of Memorial - $46.00
□               Multiple Certificates entered thereafter  - $20.00
□               Exchange Certificates $20.00 for each certificate canceled and $20.00 for each new    
          certificate issued.
□               Certified Copies of Documents - $10.00
□               Real Estate Document copies –  $1.00 per page
□               Attested Copies - $2.00
□               Plat/Registered Land Survey  -  $56.00
□               Real Estate Lien Search - $10.00 per name or parcel
□               Well Certificates - $45.00*
□               Return Check Charge - $30.00
 *For all deeds with a State Deed Tax over $1.65, you must disclose whether or not there is a well on the property.  For information pertaining to well certificates, visit www.health.state.mn.us

RECORDING CHECKLIST

 Please check the following BEFORE SENDING in for recording:
 ALL DOCUMENTS:
□              Document dated
□              Document signed
□              Acknowledgement needs:  - Date
                       - Legible Notary Seal, Notary Signature, Notary Commission Expire Date
                       - Names & marital status (single or husband and wife) of signatures being acknowledged
                  - Corporate Acknowledgement (business name, who signs and their titles)
□              Legal Description  (Check to see if complete)
□              Exhibits are attached
□              “Drafted by:”  include Name and Address
□              Filing Fees  (see above)
□              White-out is unacceptable on any legal documents
□              Please present all appropriate documents Registered Land to ensure filing in the appropriate office per the following statute:

                      508.76 Subd 2.  Documents misfiled.  The registrar may reasonable rely on the affirmative  representation of the party presenting instruments for filing as to whether the land described in the  instruments or any part of it is registered or unregistered.  A party who request that misfiled  instruments be refiled with the registrar is responsible for paying any additional fees required  to   properly file any instrument misfiled because of an incorrect representation and, if applicable, to enter a new certificate of title.

 TRANSFER DEEDS:
□            State Deed Tax included (Purchase price times .0033 “ Deed Tax)  
             “Exception:  Hennepin and Ramsey counties (Purchase price times .0034 = Deed Tax
□            Completed certificate of Real Estate Value
□            “Send Tax Statements to:” Include Name and Address
□            Are there delinquent taxes due?
□            If split in tax parcel – all current taxes must be paid
□            If applicable, statement regarding “Total Consideration for this transfer is $500 or less”
            (enclose $1.65 Deed Tax)  *Exception: Hennepin and Ramsey Counties enclose $1.70 Deed Tax
□            Completed Well Certificate and $45.00 fee  OR one of the statements that apply: 
                   “The Seller certifies that the Seller does not know of any wells on the described real property.”  OR “I  am familiar with the property described in this instrument and I certify that the status and number of   wells on the described real property have not changed since the last previously filed well disclosure  certificate.”

MISCELLANEOUS DOCUMENTS:
□       Correction Documents (Need to have new signatures and new acknowledgement along with a  
        correction statement).
□       Mortgage Registration Tax included (Mortgage amount times .0023 – Mtg. Reg. Tax)
        *Exception:  Hennepin and Ramsey Counties (Mortgage amount times .0024 – Mtg. Reg. Tax)
□       Warranty Deed completing a Contract for Deed must have a well statement signed by the buyers OR
        a Well  Certificate with the $45.00 fee.
□       For transfer documents and Mortgages, an agricultural conservation fee of $5.00 is due in  
        the following  counties:  Anoka, Dakota, Ramsey, Wright, Carver, Hennepin, Scott, Washington, 
        Waseca, Winona.

 FEDERAL AND STATE TAX LIENS:
            Federal and State tax liens are recorded at the Wadena County Recorder’s Office and are indexed by taxpayer name.  Tax lien searches can be completed by the Recorder’s office for a fee.
             FEES: 
□             Federal Tax Lien Search - $10.00 per name
□             State Tax Lien Search - $10.00 per name

 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 
            E-RECORD:
         LandShark
            For more information on LandShark, click the above link and then click the About Tab. 

UCC FILINGS AND SEARCHES:
            The County Recorder’s office is a satellite office for the Minnesota Secretary of State.  Any Minnesota UCC original filings, amendments or searches can be filed here regardless of county of origin.  Forms for UCC Filings can be found at: http://www.sos.state.mn.us.

             FEES:
□               UCC Filings - $20.00 per document
□               UCC Information Request - $20.00 per name searched 
        (NOTE:  CNS Filings are now filed with the MN Secretary of State as of Feb 1, 2007)

 VITAL STATISTICS: 
            The County Recorder’s office is a local Registrar of the Vital Records for the Minnesota Department of Heath.  Records include births, deaths, and marriages for Wadena County.  Birth certificates from 1935 to the present and death certificates from 1997 to the present can be obtained at any Recorder’s office in Minnesota.  Any person interested in genealogy may come into the office and research family history.  All records in the office date back to 1875.

 □           Birth and Death Certificates: 
     You can print a Birth or Death Application and bring the completed application to the Recorder’s Office.  You will need to have a valid picture ID when applying.  You can also mail the completed application to the Recorder’s Office.  If applying by mail, your application will need to be notarized.  Certified copies of birth certificates can only be issued to parties demonstrating a tangible interest, (see Minnesota Statutes, section 144.225, subdivision 7).  For additional information about birth and death certificates, go to:  www.health.state.mn.us

 MARRIAGE LICENSE:
            Marriage licenses are available at the Recorder’s Office.  Both applicants must complete an application, provide social security numbers and have a valid picture ID when applying.  There is a 5-day waiting period after applying for a marriage license.  The license is valid for six months. 

             FEES: 
□                   Regular Marriage License - $115.00
□                   Reduced Fee Marriage License:  $40.00*
 *Educator’s Statement of pre-marital classes submitted in format required by MN Statutes 517.08 subdivision lb (b).

 MARRIAGE CERTIFICATES:
            Copies of Marriage Certificates are available from the county that issued the marriage license.  To obtain a certified copy of a marriage certificate, contact the Recorder’s office either in person or by mail, with the names of both parties and the date of marriage. 

             FEES:
□                   Certified Marriage Certificate - $9.00   
          To print MARRIAGE RECORD APPLICATION, please click on this link:  
                                                      MARRIAGE RECORD APPLICATION                 

PASSPORTS:
            The Recorder’s Office is a Passport Agent for the U.S. Department of State Passport Services.  You may obtain a new passport application form from our office or print one from the website http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/forms.   To apply for a new passport, you will need a completed application form (DS-11), 2 passport photos, which can be taken at the Recorder’s Office, a certified copy of your birth certificate, and your driver’s license.  You must have a valid picture ID for identification purposes.  The passport application form must be signed in front of passport agent.  All passport applications for minors, ages 0-15 will require the consent and appearance by both parents.  Allow 4 to 6 weeks for the passport to be issued to you. 

 To renew a soon-to-expire passport, you will need a completed application form (DS-82), 2 passport photos, and your old passport.  Renewal application forms (DS-82) can also be obtained from the Recorder’s Office or visit the website listed above to print application forms. 

FEES:

     * The $25 Execution Fee is not charged when adults 16 and over with fully valid
passport books apply for the passport card using a DS-82 (Renewal) form. 

            If your departure date is earlier than 6 weeks from the date you are applying, you will need to expedite your passport application.  An additional fee of $74.96 (including expedite return postage from the passport agency) is required to the U.S. Department of State, plus expedite postage fees of $18.30 payable to the USPS.  Your passport should arrive within approximately 2 weeks.   

For current information regarding passports, please visit:  www.travel.state.gov/passport/. 

MILITARY DISCHARGE FILING (DD-214):
            Military Discharge papers, DD-214, can be filed with your county of residence. We will record the original and return it back to you.  If you need a certified copy of your DD-214 and have previously filed it, you can obtain this from the recorder's office.  As a courtesy to our veterans, there is no fee for this service, but you will be required to complete an application and to show identification.   Access to these records is restricted.   

NOTARY PUBLIC COMMISSION FILING:
            Notary Public Commissions are issued by the Minnesota Department of State.   Processing applications and renewals is completed by the Secretary of State’s office.  Applications can be completed online at https://notary.sos.state.mn.us. After receiving your Notary Commission card, register in your county of residence in Minnesota. 

MINISTERIAL CREDENTIALS:
            To perform marriages in the state of Minnesota, the credentials must be recorded.  You can record your credentials in any county in Minnesota.  Bring the original license or certificate to the Wadena County Recorder’s Office to be copied, recorded, and returned to you.
            FEES:
□                 Record Credentials - $5.00