Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I record a document?
To record a document, please follow the instructions in this link, or use the "How to Record a Document" button above.
2. How much does it cost to record a document?
The document recording schedule is as follows:
$30.00 – Standard Documents (Deeds, Mortgages, etc.)
$50.00 – Subdivision, Condominium, and Cemetery Plats
$25.00 – Transportation Project Plats
If there is an additional transfer fee due when filling out the eRETR for conveyance documents, include this with your payment at the time of recording.
We accept check or money order only made payable to “Register of Deeds” for payment of recording fees.
3. How do a make a change to property ownership (add, remove, or change someone's name)?
To change ownership of real estate, a new conveyance document (deed) must be drafted and submitted for recording along with an Electronic Real Estate Transfer Return Receipt (e-RETR) We do not carry blank forms in our office. Documents must be completed before submitting them for recording. The owner may prepare these items or hire an attorney or title company. We can not attest to the legality of documents, nor can we assist you in preparing your documents, as we are not attorneys.
4. Where can I get a blank deed or other real estate forms?
We do not carry blank forms in our office. You can purchase blank documents at a Legal Blank Store and complete the documents yourself, or hire an attorney or title company to do this for you.
Another source for blank forms is the Wisconsin Register of Deeds Association website.
5. The names of two spouses are on a deed, but one is now deceased. How do I remove a deceased spouse's name from a deed?
A form that is commonly used in this scenario is a Termination of Decedent's Interest (HT-110/TD-110). We will provide the instructions for submitting that form below, however, it is your responsibility to determine if that is the form necessary for your situation. If you are unsure, you can contact a real estate attorney or title company. The Register of Deeds cannot provide legal advice.
- Complete Termination of Decedent’s Interest form (HT-110). This form and instructions are available at the Wisconsin Register of Deeds Association forms page.
- Electronic Real Estate Transfer Return Receipt(e-RETR), completed on WI DOR website.
- Copy of document showing deceased party's interest in property.
- $30.00 fee payable to Register of Deeds by check or money order only.
Waukesha County does not require a copy of the real estate tax bill or death certificate.
General Recording Instructions can be found here.
More detailed instructions for the Termination of Decedent's Interest form can be found here.
6. A transfer on death document was recorded and the property owner has died. How do remove the decedent's name from the deed?
A form that is commonly used in this scenario is a Termination of Decedent's Interest (HT-110/TD-110). We will provide the instructions for submitting that form below, however, it is your responsibility to determine if that is the form necessary for your situation. If you are unsure, you can contact a real estate attorney or title company. The Register of Deeds cannot provide legal advice.
- Complete Termination of Decedent’s Interest form (TOD-110). This form and instructions are available at the Wisconsin Register of Deeds Association forms page.
- Electronic Real Estate Transfer Return Receipt(e-RETR), completed on WI DOR website.
- Copy of document showing deceased party's interest in property.
- $30.00 fee payable to Register of Deeds by check or money order only.
Waukesha County does not require a copy of the real estate tax bill or death certificate.
General Recording Instructions can be found here.
More detailed instructions for the Termination of Decedent's Interest form can be found here.
7. How long does it take to get a document back once it's been recorded?
If the document is eRecorded, the recorded document will be returned immediately upon recording.
If a physical copy of the document was recorded, it will be returned in the mail to the name and address listed in the "Returnee" area on the document once it has finished going through our Land Records Division, which usually takes 1-2 weeks.
8. What if I still have questions regarding the preparation or interpretation of real estate documents?
The Register of Deeds office cannot provide legal advice. If you need assistance drafting or interpreting legal documents, you can contact a real estate attorney, title company, or the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Lawyer Referral Service (https://www.wisbar.org/forPublic/INeedaLawyer/Pages/i-need-a-lawyer.aspx or call 1-800-362-9082).
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