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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.
No. Only an original document with original signatures can 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
Berrien County Register of Deeds
No. ROD staff are not able to receive or process invoices for any other Berrien County department.
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.
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.
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).
No. Court documents must be certified with the Court’s seal to meet Michigan’s recording requirements.
No. A death certificate must be a certified copy with the Clerk’s seal to meet Michigan’s recording requirements.
Berrien County's land records are searchable via the website regofdeeds.berriencounty.org. 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.
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.
See basic recording requirements on the Recording Requirements Page.
Only if your property was surveyed and that certified survey was recorded. Mortgage surveys are not recorded in this office.
Anyone can purchase a copy of a recorded land record for $1/page. Once your document is recorded, it is a public record.
When a mortgage is paid off, the mortgagee records a Discharge, Release or Satisfaction of Mortgage. You would have received a copy of the deed when you purchased the property. If you need a copy of your deed or the discharge, release or satisfaction, see How can I get a copy of a deed? above.
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.