Frequently Asked Questions

Do you furnish abstracts/titles to property?  NO.

Can I get forms at your office? No, you may obtain your forms from an office supply store.

What payment methods do you accept? Cash and Check.  We do not accept credit or debit cards.

Do you have standard document requirements? Yes.  See Document Requirements Page.

What information is needed to do a search? A search may be done by: name, tax code, or legal description (obtain from Equalization Department or local township).

Is there a fee to search records by Grantor (seller)/Grantee (buyer)? No, grantee (buyer)/grantor (seller) searches are free.

What is a tract index search? A search done by the legal description.

Is there a fee to search property other than my own? Yes, $10 per hour or any portion thereof.

Do you do genealogy searches? We do not do the searches for you.  However, you may use our records for your inquiries.

How long have you been keeping your records on computer?  Since Oct. 1, 1984

How long have you been imaging on computer?  Since March 16, 1995

When was my house built? We cannot answer that.  We only deal with land records.  Check with your township or the State Archives.

Where do I go to get a new address assigned? See the Addressing Page, for more information.

Are there notaries on your staff? Yes, for the purposes of document recording.

When do your records begin? Livingston County Register of Deeds records date back to 1836.

Can you give me a copy to the deed for my house? NO, deeds are only for the land, not the structures that sit on the land.

Do you know my lot dimensions? If it is a recorded subdivision or recorded site condominium.

Do you have a survey of my property? Only if it has been surveyed and recorded.

Do you have or record mortgage surveys? NO.

Do you require a SASE (self-addressed stamped) envelope? No, it is not required.

Is there a limit of documents we can send you with 1 check? NO.

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

Can I bill my recording fees? Recording Fees are due and payable at time of recording.  They cannot be billed.

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

Can you fax me a copy of a recorded document? Only if you have a current account, in good standing, with us.

When are Sheriff's Deeds recorded? A Sheriff's Deed is recorded at the close of the auction.  Prior to recording, contact the Sheriff's Department (517.546.2440).

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

How much is transfer tax? There is a county transfer tax fee of $1.10 per thousand dollar transaction.  The state transfer tax fee is $7.50 per thousand dollar transaction.

Are there any transfer tax exemptions?
TRANSFER TAX EXEMPTIONS:
County Transfer tax link

State Transfer Tax link

What if my property is located in more than one county? The document must be recorded in each county.  The Transfer Tax is pro-rated and paid to each county.

How do I get to the Register of Deeds office? We are located in downtown Howell in the brick and sandstone old courthouse with a clock tower. The old courthouse is in the 200 block of E. Grand River Avenue.   Our office is located on the ground floor.