What is a standard document?

Minnesota Recording Document Standards
All Documents Dated August 1, 1997 or After

When creating forms always leave 3 inches of blank space at the top of the first page.

Minnesota Statutes 507.093 sets standards for documents to be recorded with the County Recorder or Registrar of Titles (other than by electronic means) as follows:

  2. The form of the document shall be printed, typewritten, or computer generated in black ink and the form (font) of the document shall not be smaller than 8-point type.
  3. The document shall be on white paper of not less than 20-pound weight with no background color, images, or writing and shall, except for the first page, have a clear border of approximately one-half inch on the top, bottom, and each side.
  4. The first page of the document shall contain a blank space at the top measuring three inches, as measured from the top of the page and a border of one-half inch side and bottom margins. The right half of the blank space shall be reserved for recording information and the left half shall be reserved for tax certification.  Any person may attach an administrative page before the first page of the document to accommodate this standard.  The administrative page may contain the document title, document date, and if applicable, the grantor and grantee, and shall be deemed part of the document when recorded. 
  5. The title of the document shall be prominently displayed at the top of the first page below the blank space referred to in clause (4) or on the administrative page. 
  7. A document presented for recording must be sufficiently legible to reproduce a readable copy using the County Recorder’s or Registrar of Title’s current method of reproduction.  

One sided documents are preferred to deter bleed through caused by a notary stamp, etc. which could interfere with the legibility of the document for recording purposes.  

When attaching legal descriptions to the document use full sheets of paper printed portrait style (no sideway submissions). 

The maximum time allowed for completion of the recording process for documents presented in recordable form is ten business days. MS 357.182

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1. Where are real estate property forms available?
2. Where do I find my property information?
3. How do I obtain a copy of recorded documents or my Certificate of Title?
4. How do I calculate State Deed and Mortgage Registration Tax?
5. What is a standard document?
6. What needs to be on a document for recording purposes?
7. What form(s) do I need to change my name (marriage/divorce)? How do I add a person to the ownership/title?
8. Where can I get a plat map?