Tuscola County Register Of Deeds

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Who can get a copy of my deed (mortgage, etc.)?

A. Anyone. Once your document is recorded, it is public record.

Q. How do I get a copy of my recorded document?

A. We need the liber & page where the document was recorded; or, the year, the parties names, and the legal description in order to find the document. All copies are $1 per page and must be paid for at time of purchase.

Q. Can the Register of Deeds office prepare my document or give me the forms to use?

A. No. We do not prepare (or change) any document, nor can we provide legal advice. Forms are available at office supply stores or from an attorney's office.

Q. Can I record a "true copy" of a court document or a death certificate?

A. No. Only certified copies of court records with the court seal and certified copies of death certificates with the County Clerk's seal are recordable.

Q. Can I record a fax or a copy of a document?

A. No. Only documents with original signatures can be recorded.

Q. Can I look up my document by the property address or parcel number?

A. No. The parcel number is used by the County Treasurer. Some addresses may be on the tax roll but not all property has a physical address.   

Q. How can I find out who owns certain property?

A. Check the land record search on this site. Indexes are available back to 1992 online and in the office. Prior to that date, you can check the books located in  our vault. All indexes are by grantor/grantee (names). You may need to check  with your township or city or even the County Treasurer to find the taxpayer's name. The Register of Deeds office cannot verify ownership because each document transaction is kept separately.

Q. Can you tell me when my house was built?

A. No. The records in the Register of Deeds office only pertain to real estate...not the dwelling.

Q. Do you have a survey of my property?

A. Only if it has been surveyed and recorded. The majority of property has not been.

Q. What is the purpose of recording a document and what do you do with it?

A. The purpose of recording is to make a public record of the transaction. It is indexed and scanned for permanent record. Microfilm copies are made from the scanned image, local government is  apprised of land transfers, and recording information is posted on our public  search stations and website. The original document is then returned.