Recorder -
Courthouse

Telephone: (507) 233-6653
Email:

Forms:

Marriage License Application

Death Certificate Application

Birth Certificate Application

Links:

On-Line State Birth Certificate request form:

The County Recorder has the responsibility for all legal records of all the real estate in the County. There is a great responsibility for accurate and current status of these records. This involves recording approximately 400 different types of real estate documents, with deeds and mortgages being the most common.

The County Recorder, by Statute is also the Registrar of Titles under the Torrens, or Registered Land System. The Registrar is an arm of the District Court. The Office of Registrar must examine documents presented, determine that they meet the legal requirements for transfer, and houses the Certificates of Title, which actually conveys the land to the purchaser.

The County Recorder must preserve in a methodical manner all instruments pertaining to personal property under the Uniform Commercial Code. This department maintains financing statement filed in regard to personal property. It provides lien searches and maintains a link with the State of Minnesota for statewide networking.

The County Recorder also administers a statistical record system by recording military discharges and vital records (birth, death and marriage).

Various other duties of the County Recorder include accepting and processing passport applications, recording Notary Public Commissions, ordination credentials, filing bond oaths and appointments of county officials.

This office is a valuable resource for attorneys, financial institutions, realtors, historians and genealogist.

Before sending in documents for recording view the RECORDING CHECKLIST to ensure correct procedures are being followed.