Register of Deeds - Submitting and Returning Paper Documents Update

Attention Customers:

Effective May 1st, 2026, pursuant to changes to Wisconsin State Statutes Chapter 59.43(1c)(g), paper documents submitted to the Waukesha County Register of Deeds in-person or through the mail are required to be presented with either a pre-addressed and pre-stamped envelope, or an email address for the original document to be recorded and returned.

Paper documents submitted without one of these return methods may be rejected.

We encourage the option of providing an email address as that comes with the benefit of documents being returned instantly after recording.

Documents that are returned via US Mail will be mailed out between 14-21 business days following recording.

If you have any questions, please contact the Recording Division by email at recording@waukeshacounty.gov or phone at 262-548-7585.


Thank you,
Waukesha County Register of Deeds

Property Fraud Info Resources and Assistance

Email: wclandrecords@waukeshacounty.gov
Phone: 262-548-7589
Hours: 8:00am-4:00pm, Monday-Friday (excluding holidays)

Property fraud—such as forged deeds, fraudulent document filings, or scams involving real estate transactions—is a growing concern nationwide. Waukesha County provides several tools to help residents protect themselves, stay informed, and know what steps to take if fraud is suspected.

Understanding Property Fraud

Property fraud occurs when someone illegally uses false or forged documents to transfer ownership of property, take out loans, or conduct real estate transactions without the true owner’s knowledge.

Common forms include:

  • Forged deeds or transfers of ownership
  • Fraudulent liens or mortgages
  • Identity theft used in real estate transactions
  • Scams involving rental or vacant property listings

Protect Yourself from Property Fraud

Residents can reduce risk by:

  • Enrolling in the Waukesha County Register of Deeds Recording Notification Service
  • Regularly reviewing property records
  • Monitoring credit reports for unusual activity
  • Using reputable attorneys, realtors, and title companies for real estate transactions
  • Reporting suspicious mail, phone calls, or property related solicitations
  • Reviewing and/or obtaining owner’s title insurance or property related coverage that may protect you against losses from property fraud or forged documents (the Register of Deeds does not have copies of title policies or title insurance documents - you would have to contact your title company or insurance provider)

Resources for the Public

1. Waukesha County Register of Deeds – Recording Notification Service (RNS)

A free monitoring service that notifies you if any documents are recorded against your property. While RNS does not prevent fraudulent activity from occurring, it can provide an early warning of fraud that may have otherwise gone undetected.
Website: https://www.waukeshacounty.gov/register-of-deeds/recording-notification-service-rns/

2. Review Your Title/Property Insurance Coverage

Check whether you have owner’s title insurance or property related coverage that may protect you against losses from property fraud or forged documents. If you do not have coverage, consider speaking with a title insurance provider to understand available options that can help safeguard you from potential financial impacts.

American Land Title Association (ATLA)
Website: https://www.alta.org/registry/

Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI)
Website: OCI Homeowners/Renters Insurance

3. Tracking Property Fraud Trends and Statistics

These national and state agencies publish data, trends, and research that help the public understand the scope of fraud across the U.S.:

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
Provides national fraud statistics and annual reports, including real estate related scams.
Website: https://www.ic3.gov

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – Consumer Protection Data
Publishes nationwide fraud statistics and scam trends accessible to the public.
Website: https://www.ftc.gov/data
Article: Home title lock insurance? Not a lock at all | Consumer Advice

HUD Office of Inspector General (HUD‑OIG)
Shares investigations and reports related to mortgage and housing related fraud.
Website: https://www.hudoig.gov

Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection (DATCP)
Offers consumer protection data, scam alerts, and statewide fraud trends.
Website: https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/ConsumerProtection.aspx

Local Assistance for Waukesha County Residents

What To Do If You Believe You Are the Victim of Property Fraud

If you suspect fraudulent activity involving your property—such as a forged deed, unauthorized transfer, or fraudulent lien—take the following steps as soon as possible:

1. Contact Law Enforcement
Report the suspected fraud to your local police department or the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office. Property fraud is a crime, and an official police report will be important for any legal actions.

Waukesha County Non‑Emergency Phone: 262-446-5070
Website: https://www.waukeshacounty.gov/sheriff

2. Notify the Waukesha County Register of Deeds
Inform the office of your concern. While the Register of Deeds cannot remove or alter recorded documents without a court order, staff can help you review recorded documents and understand next steps.

Email: wclandrecords@waukeshacounty.gov
Phone: 262-548-7589

3. Check Your Property Records
Review the documents recorded on your property to identify anything unfamiliar or unauthorized. You can search your records online or request assistance from the Register of Deeds office.

Public Access Website: https://www.waukeshacounty.gov/register-of-deeds/public-accessonline-document-search/
Register of Deeds Online Search Tools: https://www.waukeshacounty.gov/register-of-deeds/online-search-tools/

4. Contact an Attorney
Consult a private attorney, preferably one experienced in real estate or fraud, to understand your legal rights and options. An attorney can advise on civil actions, quiet title, or other remedies.

State Bar of Wisconsin – Lawyer Referral and Information Service
Helps residents connect with attorneys experienced in real estate or fraud cases.
https://www.wisbar.org/forPublic/INeedaLawyer/Pages/i-need-a-lawyer.aspx

Legal Action of Wisconsin
Offers free or reduced‑cost legal services based on eligibility.
https://www.legalaction.org

5. File a Fraud Alert or Identity Theft Report
Consider filing reports with appropriate agencies such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and FBI, and placing alerts or freezes on your credit. If the suspected fraud is related to identity theft, you can report that as well.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Report fraud: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov
Report identity theft: https://www.identitytheft.gov

FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
Submit property related digital fraud reports.
https://www.ic3.gov

6. Review Your Title/Property Insurance Coverage
Check whether you have owner’s title insurance or property related coverage that may protect you against losses from property fraud or forged documents. If you do not have coverage, consider speaking with a title insurance provider to understand available options that can help safeguard you from potential financial impacts.

American Land Title Association (ATLA): https://www.alta.org/registry/
Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI): OCI Homeowners/Renters Insurance

7. Monitor Your Property Continuously
If you haven’t already, sign up for the free Recording Notification Service (RNS) offered by the county. This system notifies you if a document is recorded against your property, allowing you to respond quickly to potential fraud in the future.

Recording Notification Service (RNS): https://www.waukeshacounty.gov/register-of-deeds/recording-notification-service-rns/

8. Keep Records of All Communications
Save copies of reports, letters, emails, and legal documents. Clear documentation can be crucial in resolving fraudulent claims and restoring your property rights.

Email: wclandrecords@waukeshacounty.gov
Phone: 262-548-7589
Hours: 8:00am-4:00pm, Monday-Friday (excluding holidays)