Jefferson County

** As of July 1, 2009
all real estate transfer returns must be filed electronically

Jefferson County Register of Deeds Office is in the process of implementing an automated tract index. Previously documents were accepted for recording that were sufficient for indexing in a grantor/grantee system, but may not have permitted "ready entry" into a tract index system as per x.706.05. Each parcel must include one of the following:

Official name of plat as reflected on the original plat and lot, block, outlot or unit within the plat. If a parcel includes part of a lot or lots within a plat, a statement is needed to show the lots/blocks to which the description pertains.
Example: A parcel of land being part of Lot 6 in Air View Estates described as follows...
Certified Survey Map number and lot or outlot number
A statement indicating the section, town, range and quarter section in which the parcel is located. The statement could precede the "commencing at" description or follow it. This is needed even if the "commencing at" description references a starting point in a quarter section and section, town and range because the parcel could be located in a different quarter section and section, town and range than what is indicated as the starting point.
Example: A parcel of land located in the NE ¼ of Section 1, Town 5 North, Range 13 East, described as follows...

As required by ss 59.50-59.575, the Register of Deeds shall index, file and record real estate documents, plats and certified surveys and some court records that relate to real estate located in the county, as specified by state statutes. Fees for filing, recording and copies requested shall be collected as specified. These records are further defined in other statutes relating to the type of record and its placement in the Register of Deed's office. The Register of Deeds shall appoint deputies to assist in the performance of the duties of the office.

As required by Chapter 69 of state statutes, the Register of Deeds shall collect, review and register all deaths and marriages which occur in the county. The original records are forwarded to the State Registrar. Birth records are forwarded to the Register of Deeds office by the State Dept of Health & Family Services. The Register of Deeds shall issue certified copies of vital records at the fee established by state statute.

As required by Chapter 77, sub. II, the Register of Deeds shall collect Real Estate Transfer Returns and fees, as specified, at the time an instrument of conveyance of real estate is submitted for recording and is responsible for completeness and accuracy of information contained thereon.

As required by ss 101.122, the Register of Deeds is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Rental Weatherization requirement that an appropriate transfer authorization document is recorded with each document of transfer of real estate.

As required by ss 45.21, the Register of Deeds shall record service discharge records.

Unless otherwise specified by law, records kept in the Register of Deed's office are open to the public. All fees collected by the Register of Deeds are submitted to the County Treasurer. The Register of Deeds prepares and submits an annual report and an annual budget to the County Board.