FAQs • Chisago County, MN • CivicEngage

How do I become a notary?: Contact the Minnesota Secretary of State website.

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Recorder

1. Can I access land records via the internet?

April 1, 2008: Chisago County will make Tract Index and Recorded Documents available to system subscribers. Escrow Accounts and Landshark Agreements are required.

March 2019: Occasional users can now access the Tract Index and Recorded Documents using a credit card or checking account as payment.

For More Information and/or to download subscription forms, see our LandShark Info page or visit LandShark Online Searching.

2. How do I obtain a copy of a birth certificate?: You may come into the recorder's office or apply by mail for a Minnesota birth certificate. If you were born in Minnesota you can obtain a copy of your birth certificate from any Minnesota Vital Statistics Office. Click here for more information Birth and Death Records

3. How do I apply for a marriage license?: Marriage

4. What needs to be on a document for recording purposes?

Among other things county staff reviews documents presented for recording against the requirements listed below. Failure to meet these, among other possible requirements, may cause your document to be rejected:

Date Of Execution
Name Of Grantor/grantee / Mortgagor/mortgagee
Complete Legal Description
Proper Acknowledgement (Notary Seal/stamp, Signatures, Marital Status When Applicable
"Drafted By" Statement

Other documents may require:

Reference Document Number
State And County of Venue
Mortgage- Secured Amount
Deeds/contract For Deed- electronic Certificate of Real Estate Value (eCRV) Required If Sale Involved
Total Consideration Statement
Deeds/contract For Deed- Well Statement /Disclosure
Deeds/contract For Deed -Grantee Statement (Name and Address of Grantee)

Please note: When drafting a legal document, it is advisable to seek legal advice from an attorney to ensure your document has the intended effect. County staff does not give out legal advice.

5. How do I find the size of my lot?: You may come into the recorder's office and look at the official plat, order a copy online by entering the name of the plat instead of the document number, search for the property on LandShark GIS, search/download the plat using LandShark online searching, or contact the Public Works Department at 651-213-8700.

6. How can I search a property?: You may contact a title company or a real estate attorney to do the search for you. You may also search the tract index online or come in to our office and a staff member will get you started.

7. Is this property Abstract or Torrens?: Check the platted property Abstract/Torrens list and if you need further information, call the recorder's office at 651-213-8580. You will need to provide us with the legal description of the property in question. Platted Abstract/Torrens List

8. Where can I get blank forms to transfer property?: The Minnesota Department of Commerce Website has links to Minnesota Uniform Conveyance Blanks for use in completing real estate transactions and transfers.

9. Will the Recorder's/Registrar's Office help me fill out my forms?: No! We are not attorneys and do not practice law; therefore, we will not help in anyway with the preparation of a document or give any advice regarding its preparation. Please contact an attorney or title company for assistance. This policy is strongly enforced.

10. How do I obtain a copy of my deed?: You may request a copy either in person or by searching online. You may also call and our staff will assist in locating a document number for you to order by mail or online with credit card. Fees apply for all options.

11. Is there a list of Judges that perform marriages?: Yes, below is a list of Judges that will perform marriages. You will need to contact the judge of your choice to make arrangements. Judges That Will Perform Marriages: (View Wedding Officiants)

12. How do I obtain/file my military discharge?: There is a short form to complete and identification must be presented before a military discharge can be issued. There is no fee. To file papers, bring or mail them to the recorder's office. There is no fee and the original document will be returned to you.

13. How do I record my ordination?: Bring your original credentials to the recorders' office along with valid identification. You will also be asked to read and sign a "Certificate of Filing" form and receive a copy for your records. The fee is $20. If you wish to do this by mail, please see our Ministerial Credential page for required form and instructions.