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Register of Deeds

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1. Where is the Register of Deeds Office located?

The office is located in the Berrien County Administration Center at 701 Main Street, St. Joseph, MI  49085. 

2. What are the Register of Deeds Office hours?

M-F, excluding County recognized holidays, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Please arrive 45 minutes prior to closing to ensure ample time to complete your transaction.

3. Do you furnish abstracts / titles for property?

No.

4. How can I get a copy of a deed?

• Self-search online at regofdeeds.berriencounty.org. Copies will be $1/page + a $5 credit card fee.
• At the ROD office located at 701 Main St., St. Joseph, MI. Copies will be $1/page.
• ROD staff can search and forward a copy. Copies are $1/page + a $5 credit card fee + a $5 distribution fee + a $5 search & retrieval fee.
• Plan to arrive at the office prior to 4:30 p.m. to ensure ample time to complete your business.

5. How do I change a name, remove a name or add a name to my deed?

By recording a new document.  Anyone wishing to convey their interest in property would do so by creating/completing/recording an appropriate document. It is strongly recommended you consult with an attorney who will be able to assure interest is conveyed exactly as intended and assist in drafting the new document. Templates/forms for commonly used documents may be found online, at office supply stores or you may wish to self-draft a document. Once the document is complete and signature(s) are notarized, the original document with original signatures will be presented to our office for recording.

6. What are the requirements to record a document?

See basic recording requirements on the Recording Requirements Page.

7. Will you record an emailed or faxed copy of my document?

No.  Only an original document with original signatures can be recorded.

8. Where should I send the document to be recorded?

Once the signatures on the document are notarized, deliver the original document with original signatures in person, by courier, USPS, UPS or FedEx to:

Berrien County Register of Deeds, 701 Main Street, St. Joseph, MI  49085. Kindly include a self-addressed envelope.

9. Do you require a SASE (self addressed stamped envelope)?

For prompt and accurate return of documents, it is best practice to include a SASE to ensure documents are returned to the proper party. 

10. To whom should a check or money order be made payable to for recording fees?

Berrien County Register of Deeds

11. Can you send a bill to me for recording fees?

No. Full payment is due and payable at the time of recording. 

12. What is the cost to record a document?

Michigan has a flat recording fee of $30 per recordable event.  A deed may be subject to a tax certification fee (see the Fees Page)  or transfer fees (Michigan Real Estate Transfer Tax (PDF)).  Phone the ROD office if you have specific questions; 269.983.7111 ext. 8562.

13. Are there additional fees when recording a document?

Warranty deeds, deeds that contain a covenant of warranty, land contracts, assignment of land contracts, master deeds or amendments to a master deed adding property must have a tax certificate (See the Fees page).  Transfer fees shall be collected on the total value of the land being transferred.  Unless exempt from either or both Real Estate Transfer Tax acts, the exemption(s) must be stated on the instrument.  See also exemptions and/or transfer tax info:  MCL 207.505  and MCL 207.526 and Transfer Tax Rate Chart (PDF).

14. May I include a payment for taxes or other county department receipts with my payment to the Register of Deeds office?

No.  ROD staff are not able to receive or process invoices for any other Berrien County department.

15. Who can notarize my document?

The Berrien County Clerk’s office has notary publics.  Call 269.983.7111 ext. 8233 to schedule an appointment.  You will also find notary publics at your financial institution, local municipality, title insurance company, or other area businesses.  There may be fees for notary services.

16. Can I record a copy of a court document?

No.  Court documents must be certified with the Court’s seal to meet Michigan’s recording requirements.

17. Can I record a copy of a death certificate?

No.  A death certificate must be a certified copy with the Clerk’s seal to meet Michigan’s recording requirements.

18. How do I search the website for a copy of my deed?

Berrien County's land records are searchable via the website regofdeeds.berriencounty.org or or berrien.mi.publicsearch.us.  Login in as "Guest" to search public records.  Berrien County indexes via name, so utilizing the All Names search type will yield the best results.  Questions or concerns during your visit should be directed to the online support team via LiveChat (it will appear on the lower left corner of the screen).  

NOTE:  Chrome or Edge are the preferred browsers and be sure the PC has a stable internet connection.

19. Can I get a blank deed form / template from your office?

No.  You may find forms/templates online, in an office supply store or you may wish to consult with legal counsel or a title insurance company for assistance in preparing your own document.

20. Do you have a survey of my property?

Only if your property was surveyed and that certified survey was recorded.  Mortgage Survey Reports are not recorded or filed in this office.

21. Can you tell me when my house was built?

We cannot answer that.  This office records documents pertaining to land.  You may want to check with the local Assessor. 

22. Who can get a copy of my deed?

Anyone can purchase a copy of a recorded land record for $1/page.  Once your document is recorded, it is a public record.

23. I've paid off my mortgage. How do I get a copy of the new deed?

When a mortgage is paid off, the Mortgagee records a Discharge of Mortgage. The original deed should have been issued when the property was purchased. If you need a copy of your Deed or the Discharge of Mortgage, see How can I get a copy of a deed? above.

24. My spouse passed away and our property is in both our names. What do I do? Will I receive a new deed with just my name on it?

As per MCL 5653.48, bring a certified copy of the death certificate to record. The most current deed of record will not be altered, it remains the most current deed of record until a new deed is recorded.